
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.
10/04/2026

TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist Review
TOOENJOY Elevate Universal Lift Assist review covering features, pros, cons, and kayak loading assistance.
10/04/2026

Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller Review
Seattle Sports Sherpak Boat Roller review covering features, pros, cons, and loading assistance for kayak transport.
10/04/2026

Malone SeaWing/Stinger Load Assist Review
Malone SeaWing/Stinger Load Assist review covering features, pros, cons, and kayak loading assistance.
10/04/2026

Thule Hullavator Pro Review
Thule Hullavator Pro review covering gas-assist loading, features, pros, cons, and vehicle compatibility.
10/04/2026

INNO INA453 Kayak Lifter Review
INNO INA453 Kayak Lifter review covering features, pros, cons, and compatibility for kayak transport.
10/04/2026
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.
16/02/2026

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!
13/01/2026

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.
2/02/2026

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.
12/02/2026

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.
22/01/2026

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.
7/01/2026

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.
9/01/2026

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.
20/01/2026

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.
30/01/2026
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