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!
- $$ Ultimate Sea Kayak Adventure | 3-Day Matagorda Bay Guided ExpeditionPort O'Connor, Port O'Connor, TX
$859 per adult | $659 per child <12 y old | Max 6 participants
Outstanding skills developing opportunity in sea kayaking, camping, geology, wildlife, survival skills, history and much more!
Luxury gear is included, along with delicious meals and professional instruction. Don´t risk getting lost in this foreign landscape! Let us worry about all gear and all the logistics!
TOUR CAN BE RESCHEDULED AT A TIME CONVENIENT TO YOU AND YOUR PARTY OF 4 INCLUDING DURING WEEKDAYS.
PRIVATE EVENT: PREPAID REGISTRATION REQUIRED
***TO SIGN UP & CONFIRM LOGISTICS CALL 832-686-3231 ***Do you want to wander off the beaten path and fully experience the remote sea kayaking backcountry? Do you want to run away from other people and the civilization? Then this guided sea kayak-camping expedition is just right for you!
GOAL: During this 3-days and 2-nights at sea kayaking adventure we will explore Matagorda Bay and visit the Historical Matagorda Lighthouse on Matagorda Island. We will comb uninhabited beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast.
This guided tour requires a moderate fitness level as we will paddle some combined 20-25 miles over 3 days. Active teenagers are welcome, preferably with parent supervision. Although, in the larger scheme of things, our camping is luxurious, this is still primitive camping with pit latrine/no plumbing. We teach and follow Leave No Trace Principles.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Duration: 3 days/2 nights.
Paddling Time: 10-15 hours round trip.
Paddling Distance: 20-25 miles round trip.Day 1: paddle 5-6 hours, with breaks, or 10-12 miles, from Port O’Connor to Matagorda Island. We will navigate through a maze of bayous and marshes and into the open waters of the Matagorda Bay. We will spot lots of waterfowl and have high chances to seeing surfacing dolphins just yards away. Set camp, cook dinner, watch the stars, go to sleep.
Day 2: Watch the sun rise. Stretch/Morning Yoga. Breakfast and coffee. Enjoy the breeze. Take an optional 7–9-mile hike to comb beaches and visit the 1852 Historical Matagorda Lighthouse. We will take this day to cook delicious meals, fly kites, explore the island and to rest. We can also practice paddling skills, do a safety and rescue clinic, etc.
Day 3: Morning routine (sunrise yoga, coffee, breakfast), then take camp down, load the kayaks, and paddle back to the mainland to our vehicles.
A NOTE ON PHYSICAL FITNESS: This sea kayak tour is an active outdoor adventure trip in remote backcountry. We use sit-inside sea kayaks that have narrow and confining seats with a maximum 44-inch hip/250-pound person capacity. Each paddler must have the strength and flexibility to climb in and out of the kayak seat at ground level without assistance. Additionally, high winds, large waves and strong currents can sometimes make paddling difficult. Each participant must have the physical strength necessary to control their kayak in any difficult conditions. Each adult guardian on the family tour must also have the strength to paddle a double kayak by themselves with little assistance from their minor child in the front seat.
Minimum 4 participants for tour to go. Small group size (max 10).
Call early to sign up! Limited seats fill up quickly!!
Event cross posted on several platforms.NOT SURE IF THIS ADVENTURE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Take a look at our pictures:2018 Summer Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2020 Easter Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2021 Winter Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2021 Spring Break Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
2021 Fall Kayak Camping Matagorda, TX
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 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, kayak-canoe class or guided tour, a birthday party or family engagement, or a Scouting event? Let’s get in touch!
Let's get social - join our OAK T&T Facebook Group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1022107514968636Born to Paddle!
- $$ FRIDAY NIGHT FEAR OF THE DARK? EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON LIKE NEVER BEFORE!Eternal Rock Church, Houston, TX
$$ FEAR OF THE DARK?
How is your night vision? Are you easy to get spooked in the dark?
This is the challenge we propose you: try a guided, night, kayak tour of downtown Houston. This is kayaking therapy!
$159 per person, all included (gear, instruction and guiding services).
Quality equipment. Certified guide. Rich historic tour. Fluid itinerary.
Small, private tour, advance prepaid registration is required.
Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to sign up.These are 5 reasons why you should sign up:
- Allow yourself the thrill of a midweek adventure!!
- Gift yourself with a unique experience! Spend quality ME TIME!
- Get out of your comfort zone, so you will grow more courageous!
- Explore and discover downtown Houston in a very unique way: glide quietly in the dark to view the city from the water level up!
- Be different! Lifelong Houstonians don't know what the city feels like at night; what it smells like, what it sounds like, and what wildlife is moving in the dark...
"I am a man who walks alone | And when I'm walking a dark road
At night or strolling through the park | When the light begins to change
I sometimes feel a little strange | A little anxious when it's dark
Fear of the dark, fear of the dark | I have a constant fear that something's always near
Fear of the dark, fear of the dark | I have a phobia that someone's always there" by Iron MaidenUrban streetlights, glassy skyscrapers, bridges and traffic shine lights that reflect off the water creating a magic display of colors and shapes and sounds. The whole event is going to be really fun!
Constantin will share historical, environmental, engineering, and politico-social-economic knowledge about Houston during this 2-3 hour guided kayak tour. All gear and instruction are provided, but please bring a headlamp if you've got one. We will provide instruction. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.
Night paddling can be very intriguing and also very relaxing! This is such a stunning time of day to be on the water - hope you'll join us!
Sign up early! Limited seats. Event cross posted on several platforms.
We take appointments! This event can be rescheduled for an evening during the week that's convenient for your party of 4.
Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to confirm logistics, gear size, to answer your questions, and to process payment.
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WHAT TO BRING:
Bring a 33 oz. water bottle and snack to take with you in the boat. Your bottom will get wet: bring with you a towel to cover your car seats for a comfortable ride home.
We do not want and do not expect anyone to capsize and will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes. Dress for immersion by dressing only with synthetic clothing that dry up quickly.
Bring a headlamp if you have one, and water shoes (closed toed sandals, or old sneakers; no crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots or rain boots).
Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing. Wear paddling (cycling, workout) gloves to prevent blisters.
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UNDECIDED? Questioning if it's worthing? Check out our photos here:
2022 Downtown Houston Night Kayak Tour
2023 Downtown Houston Private Tour / Michelle
2023 Halloween Fear of the Dark
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I am happy to answer your questions - please call me at 832-686-3231.
I look forward to going kayaking together!Constantin
[Call/Text: 832 686 3231]PS: Constantin is a certified ACA L-3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor, ACA L-3 River Kayak Instructor and ACA L-3 River Canoe Instructor, and ACA L-3 Trip Leader, Sierra International and NOLS Wilderness First Aid, among other certifications.
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, 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, whitewater kayaking and flatwater and river canoeing solo and tandem. Let's chat!!