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$$ Visit Selma Concrete-Made Shipwreck, Galveston, TX | Guided Sea Kayak Tour

Photo of Constantin Platon
Hosted By
Constantin P.
$$ Visit Selma Concrete-Made Shipwreck, Galveston, TX | Guided Sea Kayak Tour

Details

$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 miles

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

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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.

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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 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

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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]

www.oakgeosciences.com

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

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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!

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Nature Nerds of Austin
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Every 1st Sunday of the month until March 19, 2025

Seawolf Park
100 Seawolf Park Blvd · Galveston, TX
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FREE
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