Your point is a very good one, Et. While travelling along highways crosswinds can knock a car around quite a lot, especially if the car is a sub-compact. I remember a day when I was driving toward the mountains with the VJ on the roof. As I drove through a powerful crosswind the car veered sharply to the left, shoving me onto the other side of the road. Lucky for me there was no oncoming traffic. The kayak also shifted on the roofrack. I was not using a bow line at the time. I generally use a bow line any time I am driving long distances on the highway with a kayak on the roof now. If weather conditions are windy, then I use both bow and stern lines. Historically, I have always used bungie cords, which I inspect with each use. Ideally, webbing tie downs are the best to use, assuming the webbing is not worn. The kayak can be racheted to the roof rack very securely. If you know how to tie secure knots, rope works just as well - I have used both methods at different times. Remember that your kayak is only as secure as your roof rack so make certain that the roof rack is properly secured to the roof of the vehicle. I have used a Thule roof rack for years now: it has never failed me.

One last note: adjust your driving speed and level of alertness during challenging weather conditions. The faster you move through a crosswind, the more force the winds will hit your vehicle and the more time and distance you will require to take corrective action. It is better to take more time to get to your destination than to rush matters and risk an injury or fatality. Remember that even if you regain control of a vehicle that is affected by weather conditions, you could easily cause someone else to react in a dangerous manner (ie. they veer off the road to avoid your vehicle that has been blown into their lane).

Robert N Pruden