Portaging like a pro: Our 10 top tips

Portaging can be extremely useful on canoeing and kayaking trips, helping you to carry your craft on land between bodies of water. Whether you’re navigating around rapids, avoiding a dam or moving between two stretches of water, understanding how to carry your watercraft and gear safely and efficiently is an essential skill. 

In this guide, we share our top 10 tips for portaging like a pro. We’ll cover practical techniques, safety advice, and simple ways to make every portage easier and less tiring.

What is portaging?

Portaging refers to carrying a watercraft, typically a canoe or kayak, and other equipment across land. This may be to move between two bodies of water or to get around rapids, waterfalls, dams, or shallow waterways. Portaging may also be required in conservation areas where paddling is restricted in certain places.

Using proper portaging techniques is important to prevent injuries, reduce fatigue, protect your watercraft and equipment, and improve efficiency during trips.

Different ways to carry your canoe or kayak

There are a few different ways you can carry your craft. 

Solo canoe carry

For this overhead carry, you’ll need to be able to safely lift your watercraft onto your shoulders and lower it back down again. This portaging technique is essential if you go out on solo trips. It’s also handy when moving across uneven ground.

Partner carry

In a partner carry, you’ll take one end of the watercraft each and portage it together. Good communication is vital here, as it can be difficult to see when carrying a canoe or kayak in this way, especially for the person at the back.

Suitcase carry

Carrying a lightweight boat by a side handle is ideal for many situations across suitable distances and conditions. This carry can be done solo or as a pair, and you can conveniently leave your equipment in your watercraft.

Shoulder carry

A shoulder carry involves resting one side of the boat on your shoulder. This is an ideal carry for portaging over short distances, but can get uncomfortable and put excessive strain on the neck and shoulder over longer distances.

Portaging safely

Before you portage your watercraft, check the distance you need to travel, the terrain, and any obstacles that may get in your way. Steep sections, mud, roots and slippery surfaces should be identified and treated with caution when moving across them. Keep an eye out for potential rest stops too, especially for longer portages.

Secure loose items and empty any water from the boat before lifting it. If there are two of you, ensure the load is balanced. Do some simple mobility exercises with a focus on your shoulders and decide who will carry what before you lift the watercraft.

10 top tips for portaging like a pro

To help you portage like a professional the next time you’re out with your canoe or kayak, follow our 10 top tips: 

1.Keep everything as light as possible  

Before you set off, review your gear and remove anything non-essential. Every extra item adds weight and bulk, which quickly becomes tiring on longer portages. Packing in this way makes carrying a canoe or kayak easier and helps to improve balance and stability in the water.

2.Lift with proper form 

Bend at the knees and engage your leg muscles when lifting your boat or packs. Avoid bending from the waist, as this puts strain on your lower back. Using correct lifting technique is the most effective way to prevent injury during portaging.

3.Spread the weight evenly 

If you’re portaging as a team, ensure the weight is shared equally and that you both feel stable before setting off. Adjust straps, reposition packs, and shift gear within the canoe if needed. A well-balanced load reduces fatigue and helps you move more confidently over uneven ground.

4.Use portage packs 

Portage packs are designed for paddling trips, with a wide shape that fits neatly inside a canoe and padded straps for comfort when carrying heavy loads. They allow you to carry gear in fewer trips and make transporting equipment over land much easier.

5.Move slow and steady 

Portage trails are often rough, muddy, or uneven. Small, controlled steps help you to keep your balance. Moving slowly and steadily reduces the risk of slipping, especially when carrying a heavy load, and gives you better control of the watercraft.

6.Keep your eyes on the path 

Make sure your load isn’t blocking your view of the path ahead. Being able to see where you’re going means you’ll be able to quickly spot obstacles such as roots, rocks, low branches, or sudden changes in terrain, all of which are common when portaging.

7.Plan your route 

Don’t rush when setting down or picking up your gear, and plan rest stops along the route where you can lower the load safely. Regular breaks help reduce fatigue and give you a chance to reset your grip and posture.

8.Keep talking  

Good communication is essential when carrying a canoe with a partner. Agree on simple commands before you start, such as “ready”, “lift”, or “down”, so you can coordinate movements with ease. This helps prevent issues and reduces the risk of injury.

9.Use a canoe cart or trolley 

You can use a canoe cart or trolley to reduce physical strain on long, flat portages. They’re ideal for well-defined trails or firm ground, but they’re less useful on very rough or steep terrain.

10.Stay within your physical limits 

Pushing beyond your physical limits increases the risk of accidents and injuries, especially on uneven ground. If a load feels too heavy, break your portage into smaller trips or share the weight in a different way. Moving safely and steadily will always be more efficient in the long run. 

Recommended gear for easier portaging

The following gear can help make things easier: 

• Supportive, grippy shoes or boots
• Portage yokes
• Padded shoulder supports
• Portage packs
• Gloves
• Water
• First aid kit

Portaging FAQs

What is portaging in canoeing and kayaking?

Portaging is when you carry a canoe or kayak and your gear over land between two bodies of water or around obstacles, like rapids, waterfalls, dams, or sections of river that are too shallow or unsafe to paddle through.

When do you need to portage on a paddling trip?

You typically need to portage when water becomes impassable or unsafe. This includes situations such as fast-moving whitewater, man-made barriers like dams, low water levels, or when moving between separate lakes or river systems that aren’t linked by water.

What is a portage yoke and why is it important?

A portage yoke is a shaped crossbar fitted to the centre of a canoe which allows it to be carried on the shoulders during a portage. It helps distribute the boat’s weight evenly, improves balance, and makes longer carries more comfortable and safer.

What are portage packs used for?

Portage packs are large, durable backpacks designed for canoe and kayak adventures. They allow paddlers to carry camping gear efficiently during portages and often feature padded straps for comfort over long distances.

What’s the safest way to carry a canoe during a portage?

The safest way to carry a canoe during a portage depends on the distance and conditions. An overhead carry using a portage yoke is generally best for longer distances because it distributes weight evenly. For shorter carries, a shoulder or two-person carry may be suitable. In all cases, lifting with your legs, securing loose gear, and communicating clearly with your partner are important.

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