Whitewater Kayak & Canoe: Rack Tie-down Instructions

ArticleJune 07, 2011

A tie-down strap is the one item that unites all boaters: kayakers, canoeists, and rafters, in salt water, flat water, or whitewater, all rely on NRS straps to hold their excursions together. Here is the most common strap setup, with step-by-step procedures and pictures to help you visualize what’s going on. For standard Heavy Duty straps, the end of the strap with the buckle attached will be referred to as the “buckle end.” The pointed end of the strap, without the buckle, will be referred to as the “running end.”

Kayak/Canoe Tie-Down Instructions

Using two 9' or 12' NRS straps:

Pass the buckle-end of the strap under the crossbar.
1. Pass the buckle-end of the strap under the crossbar.
Bring both ends up and over the boat.
2. Bring both ends up and over the boat.
Leave the buckle on top of the boat.
3. Leave the buckle on top of the boat. Bring the running end down and pass it under the crossbar.
Bring running end up to meet the buckle end
4. Bring running end up to meet the buckle end. Tighten.