
Bill Nikolaou
Water Sports Editor
A decade instructing whitewater in the Southeast; 7 years guiding kayak tours on Lake Superior
I spent a decade teaching whitewater in the Southeast — the Nantahala, the Chattooga, the French Broad, the Green — before I moved north to guide kayak tours on Lake Superior, where I've spent the last seven seasons. A bad rack can ruin a great trip. I've loaded and unloaded hundreds of boats in every weather the Great Lakes can throw at a dawn departure, and I learned the hard way which carriers you can trust at highway speed and which ones you cannot.
Reviews by Bill Nikolaou
6 reviews

Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist Review
Explore an easy loading experience of Yakima ShowDown Load-Assist. A thorough review covering benefits, drawbacks, and comparisons to aid your purchase decision.
10 Apr 2026

TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist Review
TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist review covering features, pros, cons, and kayak loading assistance.
10 Apr 2026

Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller Review
Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller review covering features, pros, cons, and loading assistance for kayak transport.
10 Apr 2026

Malone SeaWing/Stinger Load Assist Review
Malone SeaWing/Stinger Load Assist review covering features, pros, cons, and kayak loading assistance.
10 Apr 2026

Thule Hullavator Pro Review
Thule Hullavator Pro review covering gas-assist loading, features, pros, cons, and vehicle compatibility.
10 Apr 2026

INNO INA453 Kayak Lifter Review
INNO INA453 Kayak Lifter review covering features, pros, cons, and compatibility for kayak transport.
10 Apr 2026
Articles by Bill Nikolaou
9 articles

2026 Guide: Best Hitch Canoe Racks You'll Want to Have!
If you're looking for a hitch canoe rack for your boating adventure, look no further. This buyer's guide will help you get the best.
16 Feb 2026

No Rack? Here's How to Tie a Canoe to Your Car
Learn how to securely tie a canoe to your car or SUV without a rack for safe and smooth travels. Essential tips and tricks inside!
13 Jan 2026

Store 4 Kayaks Easily: The High-Capacity Racks Guide
Vertical kayak racks, more commonly called "stackers," are one of the 4 main types of kayak racks. This article provides all the info you'll want to know.
2 Feb 2026

Kayak Racks for Jeeps in 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Explore the top kayak racks for Jeep Wrangler in our 2026 Buyer's Guide. Find the perfect rack for your kayaking adventures.
12 Feb 2026

How Much Do Kayak Racks Cost? 2026 Price Guide
Before shopping for a kayak rack, you'll want to know how much it might end up costing you. It's important to buy a kayak rack at the appropriate price.
22 Jan 2026

Lift-Assist Kayak Racks: The 2026 Guide to Hassle-Free Loading
Lift-assist kayak racks are one of the four main types of kayak racks. Lift-assist racks help those who have difficulty lifting kayaks onto their roof.
7 Jan 2026

Top Horizontal (Saddle) Kayak Racks Explained in this 2026 Guide
Horizontal kayak racks, also referred to as "saddle" racks, are one of the 4 main types of kayak racks. They're known for their stability and ease-of-use.
9 Jan 2026

Best Kayak J-Racks in 2026: Why People Love Them
J-Style kayak carriers, also known as j-racks or j-cradles, are the most popular type of kayak carrier. They make it easy and efficient to transport kayaks.
20 Jan 2026

4 Types of Kayak Racks & Carriers (Ultimate Guide)
Every type of kayak rack has advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to know about the different styles before purchasing one.
30 Jan 2026
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