Anyone got any ideas/suggestions for ways that people with limited physical strength can lift their SUPs on to a vehicle roof rack?
Asking a passer by or a neighbour is always a viable option but always nice to be independent I guess
Mine SUP is in a cover but approach from the rear of the vehicle. Put the nose on the rear rack and the tail on the ground behind the car. Move to the back of the the board, grap the tail and push the board up into position. I used this with my first heavy 12 fter with dicky shoulders. Worked well.
Cheers
I think if you have a padded cover, it makes it a lot easier.
Not only to the the padded covers often have handles that make it easier to hold the board, but it allows you to lift the board and sort of lean it on the car (or corner of the roof racks), switch hand positions etc, and complete the lift etc without risking damage to the board or the car.
Of course, having a non-SUV style vehicle makes it easier too, as the roof is much lower.
I got asked this the other day and this is what I said.
Rest one end on the grass or sand and walk toward it with it resting on your head till it sea-saws at its balance point and once you have it balancing on your head walk to the car roof racks (with your hands holding it on each side) and slide it from head to racks.. Once you get used to it it's pretty easy and not so hard on your back and arms.
DJ
as my great mentor "maxwell smart" said " I hope I am not out of line" but I reckon Doggie and Legion are pretty funny blokes,[ well sometimes
] always offering advice and stating an opinion or even posting photos no matter what the topic of discussion is, it really is a credit to you boys, and sometimes you blokes even become the topic
, mind you I don't always agree with you two 
but I like people that have opinion,
what I also think is that Sup is going through growing pains and maybe we are too paranoid about contrary opinions, but after surfing all my life I have no problem about the fact that shortboarders do not own the surf and am very happy to surf a Sup in whatever conditions whilst being respectful of other surfers so boys a little fatherly advice or as my beloved children say " build a bridge" get over it, sups aint going away, but above all remain humerous having said that after reading your posts for many months I do find that you boys are softening your opinions and sooner than later your going to get that warm fuzzy Sup Feeling coming on
should I post this? yeh bugger it!
The Kayaking and 'Yak Fishing mob have it sorted. There are a few roller systems from that world that do a nice job of getting heavy/unwieldy items onto cars - IIRC Yakima and Thule have these things.
(or you could eat some weeties )
Yep, hate to say it, but this forum would not be the same without legion and doggie.
www.boathoist.com.au/strongarm-kayak-loader/
there's also a side lift (for small tinnies) but prob too $$$
Funny thing is this time last month Iwas riding the board on the bottom
From the Thule web site (www.thule.com.au) -
Hullavator Kayak Loader.
Side Loading' gas assisted Kayak loader.
No effort required to lift the kayak with gas assisted struts that help raise the kayak onto the vehicle roof.
Reduces lift height to load and unload by 100cm.
Comes complete with tiedown straps, bow and stern ratchet tie downs and kayak cradles.
(Roof Racks sold seperately)
Will fit THULE square and aero bars.
Steve
just ask another SUPer to give you a lift. Were all pretty strong, alternatively you can ask 10 shortboarders to lift in on with there bony little girl arms, tell them youll even hold there handbags while they do it for ya
