Other Racks for Paddlers Walden Paddlers Concord, Mass.'s Walden Paddlers is the exclusive distributor of the Multisport Roof Rack, boasting simplicity and affordability with a universal fit and no confusing component systems. The Multisport Roof Rack ($179) fits almost any vehicle but a T-Top, is easily removable, and like other Walden Products, is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastics. With the proprietary "sling" shape of the plastic pods, paddlers can carry either two kayaks, a canoe, a kayak and a bike or a kayak and a surfboard; however, Walden recommends loads only up to 100 pounds. If you need accessories, Walden offers additional bike attachments ($29) and cam straps ($20). The Multisport Roof Rack includes the front and rear pod assemblies with attachment hardware at both ends, tie-down straps and other necessary hardware. Info.: (978) 371-9000 or e-mail: waldenms@aol.com North Shore Inc. Specialty foam manufacturer North Shore, Inc. of Hood River, Ore., produces several options for toting boats on your vehicle, and all of them are easily removable and lightweight. New is the Aero Rack System ($41.95) for paddlers who don't want a permanent rack on their shuttle rig. Used with or without rain gutters, vinyl-coated metal hooks connect to the gutter or inside molding, and ladder lock buckles tighten and center the rack. Side release buckles on a bungie tie-down system keep boats put (package includes Front and Rear Security straps). No-Skid Kayak and Canoe Transport Kits are also available through NSI ($29.95 to $58.95). No-Skid blocks are laminated to prevent slipping, wet or dry. The kit includes bow/stern straps, over-the-hull straps and No-Skid foam blocks (available in three canoe sizes and one kayak size), packaged in a reusable mesh bag. Also new for '98 is the NSI Paddle Holster ($17.95), for holding one to three paddles; the Paddle Holster uses Velcro closure and pipe insulation for padding (available for round or square crossbars). In paddling accessories, NSI offers the Garb Tie-Downs ($24.95), Rack Padz ($15.95), Bow/Stern Tie-Down Kit ($25.95; 8 ft.) and the Over-the- Hull Tie-Down Kit ($19.50; 13 ft.). Info.: (800) 800-7237 or www.nsipadz.com Prijon/Wildwasser Sport USA Similar to other removable racks, the WildRack! Car Rack is perfect for the traveling paddler to equip rental cars in foreign lands. From Boulder, Colo.-based Wildwasser, the WildRack! ($77) is soft and folds neatly into a mesh bag with minimal hardware, making it ideal for travel. Of course, it's also great for the weekend paddler or those who don't want to deface their BMW or Range Rover with permanent racks. Seven different gutter-clip sets fit most cars, and are available in a variety of colors. The WildRack! consists of four neoprene-covered minicell pads, threaded with one-inch webbing for securing them to the vehicle with cam buckles and gutter clips. The manufacturer also recommends bow and stern tie-downs which are not included. WildSpray! Cargo Straps ($3.45-$8.50 each) are heavy-duty cam-straps with one- inch polypro webbing, available with neoprene buckle pads (Padet Strap), in six- to 20-foot lengths. Wildwasser also distributes steel J- and T-bar uprights for use with square crossbars. Info.: (303) 444-2336 Voyageur/Mad River Waitsfield, Vt.'s Voyageur distributes Thule rack systems and also offers a handful of other boat carrying systems and accessories. Voyageur distributes the Deluxe Canoe Carrier ($34.95; additional foam blocks $3.50) featuring four no-slip foam blocks, bow and stern tie-downs, a 15-foot center cam-strap, and four steel bumper hooks. The Deluxe Kayak Carrier ($37.95; additional foam blocks $6.95) includes two no-skid marble blocks, two bow/stern adjustable tie-down straps, a 15-foot center cam-strap, two six-foot hull/block straps and four steel bumper hooks. The Bow/Stern Tie-Down Kit is $14.95; and Voyageur's 15-foot cam-straps are $10 per pair (buckle pads 60-cents each). For loading large boats, Voyageur offers the Overloader ($49.95), which acts as an extension for your cross-bars to let you put one end of your canoe up on the racks, lift the other end into place, and then slide that end over and remove the Overloader. For security, the company offers the Locking Lasso Security Cable ($48.95) with a built-in key lock. This 1/4-inch, vinyl-coated steel cable will lock any paddlecraft to your roof rack, and is available in three sizes. Voyageur also distributes Quick-N-Easy Brackets ($45.95) and Ash Bars for use with these aluminum, removable brackets ($24.95/60"; $29.95/78"; hardware set $5.50). Info.: (800) 843-8985 or www.madrivercanoe.com Primex of California Benicia, Calif.'s Primex offers a line of rack accessories for all types of paddlers. The Kayak Holder for Roof Racks ($59) is constructed from heavy-duty aluminum with vinyl covers and includes two six-foot cam-straps; these J-bars are ideal for securing fiberglass boats and work best with square crossbars. The Paddle Holder for Roof Racks ($39) is made of the same aluminum, also fits most crossbars, and holds up to six paddles. Primex also offers the Deluge Roof Rack Pads ($19/pair) for protecting boats on crossbars, and Foam Transport Blocks ($13/4 pack) to give extra clearance and protect gunwales and cockpit combings. Deluge Tie-Down Straps ($6-15) are standard one-inch-webbing cam-straps with a nylon buckle pad, and are available in six- to 20-foot lengths. Primex distributes Lasso Security Cables ($49/canoe, touring and whitewater) and manufactures the Steel Security Cable, a 3/8-inch, vinyl- coated steel cable available in eight- to 50-foot lengths ($13-50). Info.: (800) 422-2482 or www.deluge.com

Car-topping with Comfort

Whether they favor a canoe, kayak or inflatable, all paddlers have one chore in common: they have to tote their boat to the water and back home again. For those driving 18-wheelers, it's no big deal--just throw open the back door, slide the boat in and slide it out again. Those driving less-roomy rigs, however, have to resort to other devices (just ask anyone who has tried to stuff a sea kayak inside a Yugo). And this means finding a way to attach boats to a roof.

No piece of paddlesports equipment is better suited for this task than roof racks--those seemingly simple devices that can quintuple the cargo-capacity of a car. Manufacturers recognize this, and have churned out as many rack possibilities as there are rivers to paddle. There are racks for canoes, racks for kayaks, racks for paddles, and probably even racks for racks. Resourceful types, of course, don't care; they'll use ropes, rugs, inner-tubes, bubble- gum, two-by-fours, welders and whatever else it takes to haul their hulls to the water. Those feeling mechanically inadequate (and having less time on their hands) are better off going with the tried and true. Luckily, roof racks exist for almost every make of shuttle rig out there, whether it's a sticker- covered Volkswagen or a Yuppie-hauling sport utility vehicle. Following are the pick of the car-topping litter.

Yakima

Thule Sweden

Barrecrafters

Truck Racks Mirage Truck Racks (Jemb Rack Systems) The Mirage is a removable sport rack for trucks. From Williston, Vt., it is referred to as "disappearing" as it folds away into its padded carrying case that fits behind the seats of your truck. The weight-to-strength ratio isn't bad either: at under 30 lbs. it can still carry 300 lbs. of gear. The Mirage (base price $299) is made from round, rustproof anodized aluminum tubes; fasteners are stainless steel-no tools required. It is a freestanding rack and is micro-adjustable in length to carry everything from playboats to racing shells. Mirage paddlesport accessories include Kayak Cushions ($22.95) and 12-foot cam straps ($14.95). Info.: (800) 272-5362 or www.rackwarehouse.com Canyon Sports Racks The Bedrack and new Backrack are manufactured by San Diego-based Canyon Sports Racks, and are billed as the "Simple sports rack for pickup owners." These racks are made specifically for boats, taking the guess work out for pickup-owning paddlers. The Bedrack (base price $219; includes 38" or 58" load bar and straps) sets up without tools or modifications, and breaks down to fit behind your seat when not in use. It features a black-epoxy and chrome finish that won't chip, peel or rust. The structural-steel tube frame won't flex or warp and secures to the truck bed with a four-point ratchet tie-down system. The Bedrack's round crossbars accept most Yakima accessories including Hully Rollers and Kayak Saddles. On the cab you will need a half-rack or foam blocks to secure the front of the boats; these are available through Canyon as well as other manufacturers. The Backrack Hitch-Mount Sports Rack is the trailer- hitch-mounted version of the Bedrack. With the Backrack ($219), SUV's, jeeps, station wagons, sedans and sports cars can use Canyon Sports Racks. It sets up using two self-locking steel pins and a small hitch clamp. The Backrack combines a rigid hitch mount with a two-point ratchet-action stabilizing system. Straps are included with both products. Other Canyon accessories include Bedrack Crossbar Pads ($23); Load Tie-Down Straps ($16; 12 ft.); Bow/Stern Straps ($14; 8 ft.); Foam Canoe Blocks ($14) and Kayak Saddles ($15); Foam Kayak Roof Rack ($18); Ratchet ($25, 6 ft.) and Cam ($23, 6 ft.) Tie-Down Straps (included with rack system); Bed Hooks ($19); and Velcro Grippers for tying up loose ends ($6). Info.: (800) 414-9019 or www.bedrack.com Seaport Machine Rail-N-Rack Clarkston, Wash.'s Seaport Machine produces the only truck rack that folds down into bedrails. The Rail-N-Rack ($279-299) patented hinge allows conversion from steel bed rack to bed rail in one minute flat--and it can carry up to 500 pounds. A 1/8-inch steel base attaches to the sides of your pick-up truck bed, and four one-inch bars fold up to create the frame and crossbars. Siderails also provide tie-down points the length of the bed. Rail-N-Rack paddlesport accessories include Kayak Karriers ($34.95), one-inch square steel uprights; and Rail Pads ($25), nylon-covered, closed-cell foam pads. Info: (800) 825-4870.