Loading/Unloading with a bad back?

[carbonbass]

Originally Posted by lowprofile

Best advice I can give is to workout and lift heavy.

I have a herniated L3 and L4 along with LCL, ACL and ITB issues and lifting, stretching and practicing proper form and posture goes a long way. I can still put 225lbs over my head and deadlift 600+ lbs. when I stop lifting for a long period of time, like last summer due to other obligations, is when I feel the pain and have even got stuck on my back in bed.

Easiest way to load the yak is put the nose up on the roof then pick up the back and push it up. Just practice doing it and build the strength.

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by carbonbass

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

Condolences for your back issues, just recently had some bad back pains. I found that swimming helps keep my core strong, and yoga stretches helped with alignment. Keeping good posture is key. When lifting always bend the knees, lift with your legs and keep the load close to your body, while maintaining a straight back. I throw a towel on the car to avoid scratches when pushing a kayak up the side onto the roof racks. When you don't use it, you can lose it. Stay strong.

[lowprofile]

Originally Posted by carbonbass

I'm a bit afraid to lift heavy anymore, I believe ego lifting when I was younger + poor posture + poor posture lifting things (like kayaks) is what caused my back issues in the first place :P. doesn't sliding the yak along the roof just scratch it to hell though (the roof)?

I’ve always done this on a roof rack or ladder rack on a truck, never a bare roof so you’d have to use a blanket or foam or something to protect the roof.

[Stuck20]

I was loading my Radar 115 onto my Subaru Outback with the help of a Rhino Rack T-Loader, which helped a ton. You need a tow hitch though. Just picked up a Hobie Lynx which is a super light peddle yak (maybe paddle board hybrid type of boat?) that is really easy to lift up even on the higher Outback roof rack without any assistance. Like Jim said, there's also the inflatable hobie yaks but I can't speak about their weight as I've never owned one nor been on one.



Whatever you end up with- I hope it works out well for you. Back problems are the worst!