What we’re about
We are a group of people who enjoy celebrating the natural environment of the Earth.
Meetings: We would like to start by having meet-ups at meetings and events of various local environmental organizations. Many of us have taken Master Naturalist training and we actively support organizations such as Houston Audubon, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, the Katy Prairie Conservancy, Armand Bayou Nature Center, etc.
You may like this group, if you would like to learn more about our natural environment, sustainability and healthy, green living.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $$ Visit Selma Concrete-Made Shipwreck, Galveston, TX | Guided Sea Kayak TourSeawolf Park, Galveston, TX
$199 per adult | 3-hour sea kayaking guided tour to historical SS Selma Shipwreck | Small group size: minimum 4, maximum 6 | Includes historical lecture and specialized sea kayaking equipment and certified instruction.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Paddling Distance: 2-3 milesTHIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.= = =
TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: Resting for 100+ years, SS Selma is a ship made of concrete reinforced with rebar and is the only permanent and prominent shipwreck along the Houston Ship Channel.
SS Selma was declared a Texas archaeological landmark in 1993 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the largest of 12 World War I experimental ships made from concrete rather than steel because of a metal shortage. The ship was never used during the war. The day it launched was the same day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, which formally concluded the war. It was instead retrofitted and used as an oil tanker.
Just a couple of years into service, during a storm, a collision made a 60-foot unrepairable hole in its hull. The wreck of the SS Selma has since been the object of failed plans to convert it for use as a fishing pier, pleasure resort, and an oyster farm. Long a source of curiosity and local legend, it remains important to scientists who continue to study aspects of its concrete construction.
SS Selma was laid to rest approximately one mile north of Galveston Island. Partially submerged, is visible from both the Houston Ship Channel and Seawolf Park.
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Join us! Relaxed pace. Outstanding history learning opportunity. Small group size. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring the sea. 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 ***
Call Constantin to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.= = =
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 SS Selma photo album:
SS Selma Shipwreck Sea Kayak Tour
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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 current certifications:
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
ACA Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-2 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!
- Kayak Demo DaySugar Land, Sugar Land, TX
You don't have a kayak and wish to get started?
Are you looking to buy your first kayak, or maybe to upgrade to a nicer, better suited boat? I would love to help you out!!
You will learn in a couple of hours more than what you can in months of surfing the web, getting lousy opinions on social media from total strangers, and finding half-trues on YouTube videos. You are paying us for our unbiased professional expertise. You will receive specific information tailored to your needs and circumstances, faster than it can be dugout from reading paddling books and magazines. Let our 25+ years of expertise be your guidance!
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Class Fee: $200
THIS EVENT IS A PLACEHOLDER!
Contact Constantin at 832-686-3231 to discuss your kayaking & canoeing goals and fantasies, to receive a tailored recommendation from a paddle sport professional, and to set up a meeting by the water's edge for your demo day.
Private event, by appointment only!
Reply with your phone number, so I can give you a call to get a ball-park idea of what gear would best fit your needs.
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Based on your request, we can bring out 10+ kayaks and canoes for you to sit-in, compare and contrast features, and take out on water for a spin and drive test.
We have newly restored kayaks and canoes, including recreational, sea touring and whitewater kayaks in rotomolded plastic, blow molded HTP, and fiberglass and composite materials from Prijon and Eskimo (made in Germany), Pyranha, Valley, NDK, and P & H (made in England), Dagger, Old Town, Perception, and Wilderness Systems (made in USA), Current Designs, Riot, and Boreal Designs (made in Canada), and Mohawk canoes.
The cost for this class is $200. If you find a boat that's a good fit and you like, the cost of the class is applied towards the cost of the boat.
This is a family friendly event, kids are welcome to attend, and we guarantee that besides having fun, everyone will learn something new.
You can take several short paddling trips to get a feel for several different kayak models and their comfort level and handling abilities. We will discuss, analyze, compare and contrast features, designs in building, material quality, etc.
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Bring with you a half-gallon drinking water and a snack. Dress in synthetic clothing that dry quickly. Large brim hat and longs sleeves can protect you from sunburns. Your shoes will get wet. Bring with you and leave in the car a towel and a complete set of clothing to change if needed for a comfortable ride home.
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Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Constantin
Call/Text: 832-686-3231PS: Constantin is a certified ACA Level-3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor, ACA Level-3 River Kayaking Instructor, and ACA Level-2 River and Lake Canoe Instructor for solo and tandem canoes, and ACA Trip Leader and certified NOLS & Sierra International Wilderness First Aid among other certifications.
Learn more at www.oakgeosceinces.com
Born to Paddle!