What we’re about
Outdoor Adventures Kayaking Training & Tours [OAK T&T] is a Meetup Group dedicated to building a community of people interested in improving their coastal kayaking skills via formal training, and are interested in growing their kayaking expertise via day-touring experiences and kayak-camping expeditions.
Kayaking is great fun - just ask any paddler you find on the water. Kayaking offers so much to so many! Quiet leisure, intense adrenaline, or a path to exploration and adventure. Kayaking is a great way to access spectacular nature, experience reflective moments and to enjoy family and friends away from the distractions of life. Coastal kayaking helps paddlers build character, teach confidence and independence in a supportive environment filled with natural challenges, and provides a space to make your own decisions and to experience the consequences and the rewards, and encourages teamwork in stunning natural places.
OAK T&T is an inclusive group and is open to anyone interested in human-powered outdoor adventures (kayaking, hiking, camping, climbing, biking, backpacking, mountaineering). We enjoy paddling in day-touring kayaks and sea kayaks, both, plastic and composite hulls, but some of our friends paddle in sit-on-top kayaks.
OAK T&T offer safe and fun coastal kayak training and awesome touring experiences under the leadership of Constantin Platon [happy camper for 20+ years, ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor and ACA Level 3 Trip Leader, and certified NOLS Wilderness First Aid, among other certifications].
Outdoor Adventures Kayaking Training & Tours [OAK T&T] is the Meetup branch of OAK GeoSciences.
OAK T&T Enthusiasts are welcome to bring their own kayaking gear or rent kayaking gear from our fleet of high-end European brands of single seat touring kayaks and sea kayaks, including Prijon kayaks (Made in Germany) and Valley and P&H kayaks (Made in England). We also have half-a-dozen of great-looking sit-inside tandem kayaks proudly made in USA by Wilderness Systems and Dagger. We paddle with high-quality paddles made by Werner and Aqua Bound.
OAK T&T Enthusiasts are encouraged to post ideas for future trainings and trips.
OAK T&T events follow the code of ethics and guidelines established by American Canoe Association. All participants must wear a properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket at all times during on-water activities.
For your membership to be considered, please answer our introductory questionnaire and upload your avatar/profile picture. Kayaking can be dangerous and your wellbeing or your property can be at risk. By attending our events you are taking personal responsibility for your wellbeing and property and are attending at your own risk.
Thank you for checking out OAK T&T and we are looking forward to be paddling together soon!
Please reach out to us if you have any questions kayaking related - we would love to help you out!
On behalf of the OAK T&T community of coastal kayakers: Warmest Greetings!
Constantin
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $$ 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!
- $$ San Bernard River Kayak or Canoe TourBates Allen Park, East Bernard, TX
San Bernard River flows some 120 miles from near Ulm, TX into the Gulf of Mexico being flanked by two major river systems: Brazos River to the east and Colorado River to the west.
MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU!
Gain a fresh perspective on one of the most beautiful and serene stretches of San Bernard River during our 6 miles paddling tour.
Our itinerary displays dense and aged Cypress tree canopies great for providing shade in the hot months, and plenty of wildlife viewing along the banks and sky above.
Ideal for paddlers of all levels including families with kids, you can hone your kayaking skills and learn about the surrounding ecosystem in this river basin.
We do all the planning and packing - you just have to show up with plenty of cold drinks and lunch. We can't wait to paddle with you!
Tour Tuition: $199 per person ages 7 and up
10% discount offered to families
Gear and guiding includedActivity Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Paddling Distance: 3-6 miles
Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
Participants: Ages 7 and up= = =
Equipment: We use professional grade kayaks designed for touring the sea. They have sit-inside cockpit seat, with long and narrow hull that makes paddling efficient at covering long distances with lesser effort. 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 up to about 250 lbs. 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 ***
***THIS TOUR CAN BE RESCHEDULED: BOOK US AT YOUR CONVINIENT TIME FOR YOUR GROUP AT 4+***
Call Constantin to confirm logistics, gear size, set up expectations, fill out waiver and to process payment.
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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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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-3 River/Lake Canoe Instructor (Solo & Tandem)
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]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!
- Free* Kayak Tryout Class (Free with kayak purchase)Sugar Land Memorial Park at the Brazos River Corridor, Sugar Land, TX
You don't have a kayak and wish to get started? Are you lost in the myriad of kayak types, designs, materials, brands, and not sure which one would best work for you?
Puzzled by the difference between a $300 kayak and a $6,000 kayak?
Are you looking to buy your first kayak, or maybe to upgrade to a nicer, better suited boat?
We know kayaks, any would love to advise you and help you out!!
Join this hands-on 3-hour class, tailored specifically for your needs. Dry land discussion are followed up with on-water tryout of a wide variety of kayaks.
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Private event, by appointment only!
Reach out if you would like us to schedule this event at a different date, time or location. We are on the road often and run events monthly in Houston, Austin, Dallas and in between and know of many places where to kayak.
Reply with your phone number so I can give you a call to discuss about your kayaking experience and kayaking fantasies. And to make a list of kayaks that will best fit your body stature, to bring out for you to tryout.
The tuition is $100 for this class. If you end up buying one of our kayaks, then the $100 tuition goes towards the price of your kayak.
This class is a super interesting, interactive and a great investment! It will save you valuable time and money.
This class will save you many hours of researching the internet, reading reviews, buying books and watching YouTube videos. You get 25+ years of someone's experience and knowledge compressed in just a couple of hours and tailored for your needs, for $100. Or for Free if you find the right boat in our kayaking fleet.
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Based on your request, we can bring out 10+ kayaks for you to sit-in, compare and contrast features, and take out on water for a drive test.
Kayaks will also be available for sale.
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.
We can bring out for you to test on water over a dozen of touring kayaks single seat and tandems, and whitewater kayaks, including the following brands and models:
Polyethylene, Single Seat, Sit-Inside, Touring & Sea Kayaks, ranging in price $950-$1,500USD:
- Perception Carolina
- Dagger Savannah
- Dagger Prospect
- Current Designs Sirocco
- Current Designs Whistler
- Wilderness Systems Manteo
- Wilderness Systems Zephyr
- Wilderness Systems Alto
- Prijon Calabria
- Prijon Seayak
- Prijon Kodiak
- Prijon Combi 359
- Prijon Touryak
- Prijon Catalina
- Valley Skerray RTM
- Valley Nordkapp
- P&H Capella
- P&H Scorpio
Polyethylene, Tandem, Sit-Inside, Recreational & Touring Kayaks ($1,100+USD):
- Prijon Capri
- Prijon Odyssee
- Perception Sunibel
- Old Town Loon
- Old Town Otter
- Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135
- Wilderness System NorthStar
Kevlar & Fiberglass Expedition Sea Kayas ($2,500+USDS):
- Current Designs Solstice
- P&H Outlander
- P&H Capella
- P&H Nordkapp
- P&H Sirius
- Boreal Designs Ellesmerre
Polyethylene, Whitewater & Surf: Freestyle, Playboats & Creek Boats ($500+USD):
- Prijon T-Canyon
- Eskimo Diablo
- Dagger RPM
- Dagger Crossfire
- Dagger Ego
- Dagger Vortex
- Riot Disco
- Pyranha
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Do your homework! Many of these kayaks are described/pictured on cross-posted ads on Craigslist in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
We are limited by the trailer capacity and can't bring out all at once all the kayaks in this list. This is why we must have a phone conversation first, to better understand your needs and narrow the list.
If there is a kayak model that you have in mind that is not on this list, please let me know, I might have it!
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Should you choose to leave with one of our kayaks, think ahead how you would transport the kayak to your home.
We accept Venmo, PayPal, check and cash payment.
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Bring with you half-gallon drinking water and a snack. Dress in synthetic clothing that can dry easily. 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 into, should be needed, at the end of the event.
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IMPORTANT!
PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER!
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Thanks for your RSVP and I look forward to paddling together!
Constantin
PS: Constantin is a certified ACA Level-3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and ACA Trip Leader and certified NOLS Wilderness First Aid among other certifications.
Born to Paddle.
Learn more at www.oakgeosceinces.com
