How to Hang a Hammock Over Water

Select two living trees at least 6 inches in diameter, located 10 to 15 feet apart. The actual distance depends on your equipment and the length of the ropes and ties included. Choose trees shorter than those in the surrounding landscape if lightning is a possibility. This will lower the chances of lightning striking the trees you use, and being in the hammock should place you out of danger in the event of a ground lightning strike, according to the Trek Light Gear website. If trees are unavailable, you can anchor the hammock to the posts of fishing piers or docks and nearby boulders or rocks.

Adjust the height of your hammock. Start by securing its ties at a point 4 to 5 feet off the surface of the water or the bottom of your boat, and make adjustments as needed. The actual height depends on the weight your hammock needs to support, the amount of stretch in the material of the hammock and its ties, the tension needed for your model’s ties and the distance between the hammock and its anchor points. You may need to hang your hammock slightly higher than normal in some areas to account for fluctuations in water levels.

Anchor your rain fly to the same trees you use to hang your hammock. Run your canoe or kayak perpendicular to and directly beneath your hammock. Attach the sides of your rain fly to the bow and stern of your watercraft. This will not only keep the interior of your boat and hammock dry and shaded, but will also keep your boat in place and immediately accessible so you can just step out of bed and into your watercraft.