Environmentally

$399 per adult | $199 per child <12 y old | Max 6 participants | Family discounts for 3+ | Flexible dates available

Includes: instruction and premium paddling and camping equipment for each participant and all meals

CLASS INTRO: Do you hate bugs, dirt, sleeping on the hard ground and eating gruel?

It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right planning and gear, kayak-canoe camping can be enjoyed in real comfort, if not luxury. More importantly, kayak-canoe camping offers a unique sensory experience.

At remote campsites there is peace, solitude, and the sights, sounds and smells of nature. This experience allows for a connection to nature that is second to none. In this environment all food tastes like a gourmet meal. Inexpensive wine seems like the finest vintage. Sunrises and sunsets are longer and more profound and intense.

CLASS OVERVIEW: This "Kayak-Canoe Camping Skills Class" is designed for participants to learn the basic skills required to plan and prepare short overnight trips in coastal environments, rivers and near shore lakes. The participants will learn about proper equipment and how it is used, how to select a camp location, food transportation and preparation, and to follow Leave No Trace principals throughout the trip. A meal plan will be developed, and we will cook fresh meals.

CLASS GOALS: By the end of this class, you will become a more confident and skillful paddler and camper. Principles and skills learned in this class are transferable to backpacking, mountaineering, bike touring, and other outdoor travel/primitive adventure circumstances.

Duration: Morning to next day early afternoon.
Paddling Distance: 5 – 10 miles roundtrip.
Paddling Time: 3 - 4 hours each day.
Land based training: 3 - 4 hours each day.

CAMPING: Primitive camping is recommended for a deeper learning experience, but multiple camping options exist including car-camping with shower, restroom, drinking water, etc.

EQUIPMENT: Premium quality kayaking and canoeing, backpacking and camping equipment is included with instruction. A list of what's provided and what you need to bring, itinerary and a course syllabus will be provided once you register.

CLASS TEACHING STYLE: all hands-on deck, "challenged by choice" philosophy. This is a super fun course!

BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction, expectations, and logistics | Personal preparation | Kayak-Canoe camping and touring | The paddling environment | Trip planning and leadership | Equipment | Wilderness repairs and maintenance | Loading and trimming | Getting started | Paddling on large bodies of water | Safety and rescue | Dealing with hazards | Navigation | Making camp | Environmental concerns and practices | Conclusion and wrap up.

REGISTRATION: Minimum 3 students are needed to run the course, and capacity is limited to 6 participants. This is a rain or shine event. This class requires a moderate fitness level and the capacity to bend (body flexibility/touch your toes test). Our sea touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 40-inch hip/pants size, but the canoes are roomier.

NOT SURE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Take a look at our pictures:

$199 per adult | 5 hours stream geomorphology guided kayak field trip on Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip lecture with geology professor, sharing historical facts, use of high-end touring kayaking equipment, certified instruction and pictures.

Duration: 5-7 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttle

THIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.

TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbanks morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.

More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.

In addition to kayaking and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.

This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.

Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.

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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.

Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.

Requirements: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 250 lbs. or less. Best for outdoor enthusiasts without motion or sea sickness, comfortable with vigorous exercise. No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!

Itinerary tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc.

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Sign up early!!
A RSVP “Yes” on Meetup merely states your interest.
Seats fill up quickly - the tour is cross posted on several platforms.

***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***

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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak
Lightweight paddle
Adjustable life jacket
Small size dry bag for car keys, wallet, phone
Group first aid kit, safety and recue kit (bilge pump, paddle float, tow rope, lights, VHF radio, etc)

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WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:

Bring 2 water bottles and pack a snack to take with you in the kayak. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing to change at the end for a comfortable ride home.

Dress only with synthetic clothing. Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing like hiking pants and shirts. Long sleeve shirts and long pants prevent sunburn and insect bites.

Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great. No crocs, no flip-flops, no rain boots. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.

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UNDECIDED? Check out our photo album: