
What we’re about
Culture, Cuisine, Cocktails, Coffee & Convos = Community!
CLICK HERE to see our main meetup events calendar[ http://www.socialfundation.com](http://www.socialfundation.com)
This group seeks to provide a social outlet to a variety of experiences, so that we can enjoy Austin to its fullest while interacting with new young people in the city.
So, if you are ready to get out, meet new people, and explore the unique social life and outdoor opportunities of Austin; if you are are ready to try out new locales in different parts of town; and if you are ready to experience�a fun and different way explore the vibrant arts scene, the active community, the quirky festivals, and the outdoor opportunities that Austin has to offer:�then this group is for you!
This group is a collective: we want to hear from you! If you have a suggestion, please feel free to add it to the Ideas section, and please vote for suggestions you like. We are more than willing to schedule events that the group wants. Also, we are looking to expand our membership and our outreach by co-hosting events with other social groups on Meetup and groups in the city.
We only have two rules.
1. Don?t be a Dick!
? This is simple and most of you know what this means. If you say or do anything that would make anyone feel uncomfortable�(especially the women or minority groups) you will be warned once. After that if we are approached again you will be asked to leave and are no longer welcomed in the group.
2. Take Candy from Strangers!
? We all love candy, some of us will have some to give out.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $$ Texas Colorado River: Columbus Loop | Guided Kayak & Canoe Geo - Eco - TourBeason's Crossing Park, Columbus, TX
$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 shuttleTHIS 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)= = =
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:
2019-2023 Texas Colorado River Columbus Loop
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CREDENTIALS: This tour is organized by Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid
NOLS Wilderness First Aid= = =
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832-686-3231]LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination?
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river and weekend long adventures at sea along the Gulf Coast; and advanced paddling skills courses.
Born to Paddle!
- Meetup on the Orient Express!! Paris, Venice, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, IstanbulThe Hilton Austin Airport Hotel "The Only Hotel on Austin Bergstrom International Airport Grounds", Austin, TX
*****The group for this event (May 2025) is filled. International travel takes a lot of planning and it is a little late to join this trip . . . but do not fret! We are doing it again in Sep 2026. CLICK HERE to go to the event*****
Speaking of planning . . .
Here are our other upcoming more elaborate/complex meetup events so you can plan to join us.Aug 10-20, 2025 EPIC MACHU PICCHU! vis Short Inca Trail or Train!!
Aug 10-20, 2025 The Salkantay Trek EPIC MACHU PICCHU!
Sep 15-24, 2025 Bali & Singapore Journey: From Monkey and Elephant Sanctuaries to Urban Elegance
Oct 12-23, 2025 Jordan: Dana to Petra Trek with bonus of Wadi Rum
Oct 19-31, 2025: Petra to the Pyramids. Dead Sea, Sphinx & Nile Cruise
Feb 08-18, 2026 Northern Lights. A Scandinavian Odyssey!
Feb 28-Mar 11, 2026 India's Golden Triangle with HOLI and Dubai Extension
Mar 29-Apr 09, 2026 Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Jun 18-27, 2026 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek! One of the 7 Summits
Jun 27-Jul 06, 2026 Serengeti Photo Safari! "Africa’s Best Wildlife Show"
Sep 09-20, 2026 France Culinary Explorer! Food, Wine, Cheese. Cooking Lessons, Tastings AND MORE
Sep 20-Oct 03, 2026 Meetup on the Orient Express
Mar 06-16, 2027 Galapagos Islands ExpeditionFor detailed day-by-day itinerary and more info on any of these trips, fill out our form. You can check-box several events that way.
https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8OR
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom on all our overseas events.
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.OR
Click Here to Message Direct to Anna with any questions.
We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective of total attendees. In this case the trip is full.
We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events.
Click Here to see and join in on all our other fun events
SOT 200318-10
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
- $$ Whitewater School | Essentials of River Kayaking, San Marcos, TXCity Park, San Marcos, TX
SWIFT OR SMOOTH, MOVING WATER IS FASCINATING!
TWO-FUN FILLED RIVER DAYS WITH CAMPING/MOTEL OPTION
$399 per person tuition includes instruction and all kayaking gear.
$299 for kids ages 12 or under; (minimum age 8 y old).
Family and teenagers friendly.Whether by yourself or with the whole family, white water river kayaking is a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the water! Open the door to explore the awesome Texas's rivers including San Marcos, Guadalupe River, Texas Colorado River, Brazos River, Buffalo Bayou and other bonnier, rain dependent rivers and creeks!
Gain the skills and confidence to safely enjoy River Kayaking!
Catch the Eddy - Enroll Now!!
Essentials of River Kayaking Skills Development Course for creek boats, playboats, and whitewater kayaks with skirts. Involves - optional - practicing wet exits and attempting to perform combat rolling.
This course is designed as a 2-day program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill acquisition for controlling and maneuvering a whitewater kayak in river conditions up to Class II-rapids.
This class is for beginners who have never paddled before a whitewater kayak in moving water/whitewater conditions, or for intermediate skills kayakers who need a paddling refresher skills class because they last paddled a long time ago, fewer than 10 times, or have experience paddling only in calm water conditions.
In this river/whitewater kayaking class paddlers can master kayaking on the moving waters. There will be dry-land discussions followed by river paddling each day. We are teaching proper techniques for launching, landing, paddle strokes, and kayak maneuvers on the go.
No previous experience required! No equipment necessary! We bring all the gear needed for the successful completion of this course.
CLASS OUTCOME:
This is a super fun hand-on class. By the end of this class, you will be more skillful, confident, and safer paddler and have increased specific knowledge and appreciation for whitewater/river kayaking. We help plant the seeds for a lifelong hobby, environmental consciousness, and an active lifestyle.
CURRICULUM:
Unseen danger/reading the river and your concerns | Introduction to basic equipment | Launching and landing from a bank | Introduction to how body, boat and blade work together | Basic body mechanics and efficiency of stroke | Forward and reverse paddling | Sweep strokes | Draw strokes | Turning on the move | Communication & Leadership |
CLASS TEACHING STYLE: all hands-on deck, "challenged by choice" philosophy.
Duration: 2 days (9am to 5pm first day, 9am to 1pm second day).
Paddling Time: 3 - 5 hours each day.
Paddling Distance: 4 – 5 miles.Tent camping & meals sharing, or motel option exists.
San Marcos River near San Marcos, TXREGISTRATION: Minimum 4 students are needed to run this class, and capacity is limited to 5:1 student to instructor ratio. This is a rain or shine event. A waiver must be signed. This class requires a moderate fitness level and the capacity to bend (body flexibility/touch your toes test). Our whitewater kayaks can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 40-inch hip/pants size.
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NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT CLASS FOR YOU?
Check our photos to get an idea...Essentials of River Kayaking, San Marcos, TX
CREDENTIALS: This course is taught Constantin Platon, an experienced outdoor educator, geology professor, and happy camper with 25+ years of experience, and the following current certifications:
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Lake Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
NOLS and Sierra International Wilderness First AidAdditional information (class syllabus) will be emailed once you enroll.
TO REGISSTER, PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
We must have a phone call before the actual class to go over logistics, payment, your goals and expectations, and to answer all your questions.
I am excited to share with you from my expertise, and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
Call/Text: 832-686-3231Do you have in mind a different drill, date, or destination?
Want to hire us for a corporate team building, birthday party or family engagement, or a Scouting event? Let’s get in touch!
Born to Paddle!