The Knot Every Paddler Should Know

The most important knot for all paddlers to know is the Trucker’s Hitch knot. It is a simple knot that is used to apply tension, which makes it great for tying boats on vehicles. Anytime you need to pull something taut, the Trucker’s Hitch is probably the answer. In this video, Ken Whiting of PaddleTV breaks down how to tie the Trucker’s Hitch.

Basic Trucker's Hitch Knot

Pass your rope through the bow loop and then the bow grab handle, keeping the rope nice and loose. Somewhere along the rope within reach of the rope that has looped back towards it, you can create the Trucker’s Hitch. Create a simple loop, and then pass the rope through that loop. Next, take the other end of the rope and pass it through the loop you just created. Lock it off with a simple half hitch.

Trucker's Hitch Knot Variation

This variation of the Trucker’s Hitch is great for alleviating some of the jamming and tension that can happen with the basic Trucker’s Hitch knot. Instead of just doing a simple loop and then feeding the rope through, create a simple loop and then twist it again (and even for a third time), then feed the rope through the twisted loop. This creates less pressure on that one point. Next, take the other end of the rope and pull it through the loop. Lock it off with a slip knot.