- 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!
- $$ Geologic Field Trip By Kayak: Upper Buffalo Bayou During Hurricane HarveyBuffalo Bayou Kayak Launch, Houston, TX
$259 per person full-day geologic field trip by kayak and on foot on the upper stretches of the Buffalo Bayou to look at the aftermath of 2017 Hurricane Harvey | Small group size: minimum 4 | Includes geologic field trip led by geology professor, premium quality touring kayaking equipment, certified kayaking instruction, and field pictures | Requires 30 minutes shuttle.
Activity Duration: 10 hours.
Paddling Time: 5 – 7 hours.
Paddling Distance: 16 miles.THIS FIELD TRIP CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU. PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.= = =
GEOLOGIC FIELD TRIP SIGNIFICANCE: Hurricane Harvey (August 25, 2017) ravaged Greater Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast. Hurricane Harvey hit as a wet storm, dumping as much as 60 inches of rain over four days, producing $125 billion in damages, and killing 36 people in Harris County alone (107 people killed in total and ~32,000 displaced in shelters). An estimated 25–30 percent of Harris County or ~444 square miles of land was submerged. Hurricane Harvey was the costliest, wettest tropical cyclone on record in the USA, second to Hurricane Katrina (August 23, 2005).
TAKE AWAY CONCEPTS: Urban development, subsidence, sea level rise, meandering channels, wetland and prairie, storm water, drainage capacity, erosion, flood plain, bank consolidation, stream management.
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Join us! Outstanding geologic and kayaking learning opportunity. Small group size. Experienced trip leader and geology professor. Awesome urban destination.
EQUIPMENT: We use premium quality kayaking equipment designed for comfort and covering distances with ease. Kayaks have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull. We do not use sit-on-top kayaks.
REQUIRMENTS: Good balance skills and reasonable fitness level is advisable. Our sit-inside cockpit touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers only up to 280 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!
LOGISTICS: We will paddle roughly from Highway 6 to I-610-W, approximately 16 river miles, a long distance for most occasional paddlers. Good fitness level and commitment to complete the distance is expected from each participant. The itinerary is 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 Platon to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.= = =
WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS: Bring two 33 oz. water bottles and pack a snack and lunch 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. Wear a large brim hat with under chin strap, sunglasses, and bring lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
Bring water shoes/closed toed sandals; old sneakers work great - your feet will get wet. 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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NOT SURE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU? CHECK OUR PHOTOS:
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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!
Click HERE to join our Facebook Group
DO YOU HAVE IN MIND A DIFFERENT DATE, DRILL, OR DESTINATION?
We also run corporate team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and geological field trips and eco tours; overnight camping excursions down the river by canoes and weekend long adventures sea kayaking along the Gulf Coast; and we teach advanced paddling skills courses.
BORN TO PADDLE!
- $$ Kayak Camping Skills Class | Includes One Overnight CampSam Houston National Forest, New Waverly, TX
$399 per adult | $209 per child <12 y old | Max 6 participants
Includes: instruction and premium kayaking and camping equipmentCLASS 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 camping can be enjoyed in real comfort, if not luxury. More importantly, kayak 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 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.
CLASS GOALS: By the end of this class, you will become a more confident and skillful kayaker 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 afternoon.
Paddling Distance: 5 – 10 miles roundtrip.
Paddling Time: 2 - 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, 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.
BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction, expectations, and logistics | Personal preparation | Kayak 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. A waiver must be signed. 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.
NOT SURE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Take a look at our pictures:
2019 Winter Kayak Camping Buffalo River, AR
2020 Easter Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2020 Summer Green River Expedition, UT
2021 Winter Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2021 Spring Break Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2021 Fall Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2022 Kayak Camping Everglades, FL
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-2 River Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
ACA Trip Leader & Eskimo Roll Endorsements
Sierra International Wilderness First Aid
NOLS Wilderness First AidPLEASE 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: 832-686-3231Do 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!
- Mother's Day Celebration Swamp Eco Tour & Kayak AdventureLake Charlotte, Texas, TX
It's a special day to honor and appreciate all the wonderful Mothers out there! Let's celebrate and create new memories! Take a guided kayak tour to one of the largest and most beautiful cypress trees swamps in Texas, enjoying the comfort of premium quality paddling equipment and the peace of mind provided by your experienced guide.
$199 per person includes premium guiding service and outfitting | 3-4 hour guided wilderness eco tour to explore a world-class quality bottomland hardwood forest and spectacular rookery wetland: Trinity River Delta | Lake Charlotte is a natural wonderland abundant in wildlife.
Small group size: minimum 4 - maxim 10 | Includes lecture on history, geology, geography, biology, specialized touring equipment to efficiently and stealthy cover distances, certified instruction and pictures.
Activity Duration: 4-5 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 4-8 milesJoin us! Relaxed pace. Outstanding Earth Sciences field learning opportunity. Awesome destination.
EQUIPMENT: We use premium-quality, professional-grade, field tested, 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 approximately 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 Platon to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.You can also book directly via our website at:
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WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS:
Bring two 33 oz. water bottles and pack a snack/lunch 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 a large brim hat with under chin strap and sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm. Wear paddling gloves or cycling/ workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn on hands.
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TOUR OUTCOME:
Despite being relatively close to a major metropolitan area, exploring Lake Charlotte by kayak is a unique experience for most people: you will be amazed by its natural beauty! It's a really cool experience!
By the end of this trip, you will be a more confident kayaker and have increased knowledge and appreciation for the value of wetland coastal ecosystems.
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UNDECIDED? Check out our recent photo album:
Kayaking Joy | Autumn on Lake Charlotte
Lake Charlotte Spring Wonderland
Lake Charlotte Autumn Wonderland
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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 Level-3 Coastal/Sea Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River/Whitewater Kayak Instructor
ACA Level-3 River & Flatwater, Solo & Tandem Canoe Instructor
NOLS and Sierra International 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]= = =
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!
- $$ Texas Gulf Coast Wetlands | Full Day Kayak Eco-Tour | Historical Double BayouJob Beason Park, Anahuac, TX
$299 per adult full day guided eco tour
Small group size: minimum 4, maximum 6
Includes premium guiding services and touring kayaking gearDuration: Full Day (9am to 5pm) | Paddling Time: 5-7 hours | Paddling Distance: 10-12 miles | Itinerary is tailored to guests' desire, fitness level, group dynamics, weather conditions, etc. | Best for outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with vigorous exercise | No previous paddling or swimming experience required - instruction provided!
THIS TOUR CAN BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A DATE CONVINIENT TO YOU.
PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
WE TAKE APPOINTMENTS.TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: Take the off-beaten path to learn about the human history and development along Texas Gulf Coast. Explore low-lying marshland and the historical Double Bayou, located near the old Fort Anahuac in East Texas, a scenic and historical bayou ending in the Trinity Bay (east of Galveston Bay).
Double Bayou is a two-pronged clean and meandering bayou with East Fork and West Fork converging at Job Beason Park.
Job Beason, for whom the park is named, was the keeper for Double Bayou Lighthouse in the early 1900. He was found floating face down in the water in December 1909. The hurricane of 1915 destroyed the lighthouse, and it was not rebuilt.
The lower 3 miles of West Fork has been dredged to allow traffic for shallow-draft commercial barges. Shrimp boats often moored in this section.
Cattle ranching is the most obvious use of the coastal grassland along the bayou now, although historically there was rice farming, often wiped out by saltwater flooding during tropical storms.
The stream banks are forested with aged oaks, elms, gums, cypress, and pine trees providing wind and wave sheltered waters and shade to paddlers.
Usually, there are lots of birds to be seen. When we paddled it last, we greatly enjoyed the natural scenery and relaxed on the quiet waters. It was peaceful and lovely tour!
= = =
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.
= = =
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring drinking water and a pack a lunch and snack. 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 recent Double Bayou photos here:
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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]Born to Paddle!
LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination? Let's chat!!
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and eco tours, overnight camping excursions down the river, across the lake and weekend long adventures at sea along the Texas Gulf Coast, and more advanced skills classes focused on sea kayaking, SUP and canoeing.
Let's get in touch!
- $$ Scenic & Historical Double Bayou Texas Gulf Coast Wetlands Eco TourJob Beason Park, Anahuac, TX
Double Bayou, located near the old Fort Anahuac in East Texas, is a scenic and historical bayou ending in the Trinity Bay (east of Galveston Bay). Double Bayou is a two-pronged clean and meandering bayou with East Fork and West Fork converging at Job Beason Park.
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PRIVATE EVENT, PREPAID REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
COST: $195+ tax per person includes top-of-the-line gear and instructionWe take Venmo, PayPal, card over the phone.
Minimum 4 participants for tour to go.
Small group size (max 10).Sign up early! Seats fill up quickly!
Event is cross-posted on several platformsCall Constantin at 832-686-3231 to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations and to process payment.
We take appointments! This event can be rescheduled for another day and time that's convenient for your party of 4.
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LOCATION SIGNIFICANCE:
Job Beason, for whom the park is named, was the keeper for Double Bayou Lighthouse in the early 1900. He was found floating face down in the water in December 1909. The hurricane of 1915 destroyed the lighthouse, and it was not rebuilt.
The lower 3 miles of West Fork has been dredged to allow traffic for shallow-draft commercial barges. Shrimp boats often moored in this section.
Cattle ranching is the most obvious use of the coastal grassland along the bayou now, although historically there was rice farming, often wiped out by saltwater flooding during tropical storms.
The stream banks are forested with aged oaks, elms, gums, cypress, and pine trees providing wind and wave sheltered waters and shade to paddlers.
Usually, there are lots of birds to be seen. When we paddled it last, we greatly enjoyed the natural scenery and relaxed on the quiet waters. It was peaceful and lovely tour!
= = =
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring drinking water and a pack a lunch and snack. 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.
= = =
UNDECIDED? Check out our Double Bayou photos here:
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I am happy to answer your questions - please let me know if you have any. I look forward to be paddling together!
Constantin
[Call/Text: 832 686 3231]PS: Constantin is a certified ACA L-3 Coastal & River Kayak & Canoe Instructor and ACA L-3 Trip Leader and NOLS Wilderness First Aid.
Born to Paddle!
LET'S GET SOCIAL!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636
Do you have in mind a Different Drill, Date or Destination? Let's chat!!
We also run team building events, birthday parties, church functions, historical and eco tours, overnight camping excursions down the river, across the lake and weekend long adventures at sea along the Texas Gulf Coast, and more advanced skills classes focused on sea kayaking, SUP and canoeing.
Let's get in touch!