Outdoor Adventures Kayaking - Training & Tours (OAK T&T)

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, TX

REGISTRATION: 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...

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 included

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Paddling Distance: 3-6 miles
Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
Participants: Ages 7 and up

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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

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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]

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:

1. Perception Carolina
2. Dagger Savannah
3. Dagger Prospect
4. Current Designs Sirocco
5. Current Designs Whistler
6. Wilderness Systems Manteo
7. Wilderness Systems Zephyr
8. Wilderness Systems Alto
9. Prijon Calabria
10. Prijon Seayak
11. Prijon Kodiak
12. Prijon Combi 359
13. Prijon Touryak
14. Prijon Catalina
15. Valley Skerray RTM
16. Valley Nordkapp
17. P&H Capella
18. P&H Scorpio

Polyethylene, Tandem, Sit-Inside, Recreational & Touring Kayaks ($1,100+USD):

1. Prijon Capri
2. Prijon Odyssee
3. Perception Sunibel
4. Old Town Loon
5. Old Town Otter
6. Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135
7. Wilderness System NorthStar

Kevlar & Fiberglass Expedition Sea Kayas ($2,500+USDS):

1. Current Designs Solstice
2. P&H Outlander
3. P&H Capella
4. P&H Nordkapp
5. P&H Sirius
6. Boreal Designs Ellesmerre

Polyethylene, Whitewater & Surf: Freestyle, Playboats & Creek Boats ($500+USD):

1. Prijon T-Canyon
2. Eskimo Diablo
3. Dagger RPM
4. Dagger Crossfire
5. Dagger Ego
6. Dagger Vortex
7. Riot Disco
8. 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.

$299 per adult full day guided eco tour
Small group size: minimum 4, maximum 6
Includes premium guiding services and touring kayaking gear

Duration: 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!

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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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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:

Forward paddling is the most important technique we have and it's always worth focusing and developing further...

Let's have a brief look at the fundamentals of an efficient forward stroke paddling technique in Sea Kayaking.

After 25+ years of paddling, I'm still tweaking, developing and changing things in my own forward stroke paddling technique. The learning definitely never stops and this short video highlights just a few of the basics.

Forward paddling technique is the motion we do the most and developing it can really make a difference in being able to paddle further, more powerfully and to build that extra reserve when the wind picks up, when we want to make an open crossing, or spend the extra time playing in a tide race of in the surf.

A correct stroke motion on your forward paddling technique engages all your large group muscles in your body, such as legs, abs, and the back muscles, for a total workout.

Paddling forward is never about moving your hands and pulling towards you, in contrary, one must push forward like a boxer.

Because the forward stroke appears to be somewhat intuitive to most people, it's often a stroke we overlook the most.

Forward paddling stroke is a complex strokes, that is composed of 3 phases:

1. Preparation/Rotation phase
2. Power/Pushing phase
3. Recovery phase

Other coaches refer to these 3 phases as CPR:

1. Catch
2. Push
3. Release

Practicing a correct forward stroke will minimize the toll on your body and prevent carpal tunnel injuries in wrist and other sensitive body joints from repetitive movement.

Constantin has been an American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Instructor and Trip Leader at Level 3 for many years and has decades of experience teaching kayaking and racing kayaks and canoes. An outdoor adventurer specialized in human-powered sports, Constantin has travel the world and has been a happy camper for 25+ years.

Here's an excellent video from kayak instructor Dave with Hightide Switzerland that covers the Forward Stroke Paddling Technique.

Click this link below to see the video free of charge on YouTube.

Kayaking is a wonderful, lifelong, low-impact, human-powered sport.
It's a form of soul therapy, an awesome mode of transportation to remote destinations, and a stealthy way to intimately experience wildlife and nature.

This 4-hour truly stress-free class is designed for water-centric women to practice new skills at a relaxed pace, with top-of-the-line kayaking gear, in the convenience of a local waterway and in the comfort of like-minded Super Ladies. Great class for adventurous Girl Scouts and Women Fellowships Groups to master new skills or to improve upon what you already know about kayaking.

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?

If you find yourself wishing to paddle in open lakes, bayous and bays along the gulf coast, or in large rivers, or if you have never taken a kayaking class, then this “Super Ladies Learn Kayaking! Women's Only Kayaking Class” is for you!

You will learn about proper strokes and correct paddling technique, basics of water safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on the water. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about kayaking.

Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to confirm logistics, gear size, to answer your questions and process payment.

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REGISTRATION:

$199 + tax per person
All premium gear & qualified instruction included.

In advance registration required
We take Venmo, PayPal, card over the phone.

Minimum 4 Super Ladies
Small group size (max 6)

Sign up early!! This class is cross posted on several platforms.

Call Constantin at 832-686-3231 to confirm logistics, gear size, to answer your questions and process payment.

We take appointments. This class can be rescheduled for a time and location that's convenient for you and your party of 4. Let's talk!

Safe adventure. Relaxed pace. Local expertise. Convenient venue. Small group size. Awesome sea kayaks and premium quality kayaking gear.

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GEAR PROVIDED:

Registration includes instruction from ACA certified instructor and rental of a completely equipped kayak (sit-inside sea touring kayak, lightweight paddle, adjustable lifejacket, bilge pump, paddle float, dry bag) and use of group gear (tow rope, rescue sling, VHS radio, first aid kit, flares, and signalizing devices).

We carry insurance. A waiver must be filled.

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WHAT TO BRING:

Bring drinking water and a snack. Bring with you a towel and a set of dry clothing for a comfortable ride home. We might be getting wet. Dress for immersion by dressing only with synthetic clothing and by avoiding any cotton clothing while on water. Bring water shoes (closed toed sandals, or old snickers; no crocs, flip-flops or rain boots). Wear outdoor, fast drying, non-cotton/synthetic clothing. Wear paddling / cycling / workout gloves to avoid hand blisters. A large brim hat and sunglasses, along with plenty of sunscreen are helpful, or wear long sleeve shirts and long pants to avoid sunburns and insects.

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NOT SURE IF KAYAKING IS FOR YOU? Check out this photo album:

$199 per adult | 3-4 hours guided canoe tour down Texas Colorado River around historical town of Columbus, TX | Small group size: minimum 4 |

Activity Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 3-4 hours
Paddling Distance: 7 miles
Requires 30 minutes shuttle

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

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COLUMBUBSS LOOP TOUR SIGNIFICANCE: On this stretch of the Texas Colorado River, we will see a mix of gently-sloping to steep sandy banks, flat flood plains, and tree-lined ridges with mature trees. We will take a couple of stops on gravel bars to look at riverbank's morphology, channel shape and dimensions, analyze bedrock and geomorphologic features associated with stream and floods.

More than 850 miles long, the Texas Colorado River is the longest river to start and end in the same state and is the lifeblood of our state’s economy, our environment, our industry, our agriculture, and especially our lives as Texans.

In addition to paddling instruction and geology, we will discuss Texas history. Our river float will end at a place where the Texas Army under the leadership of General Sam Houston and the Mexican Army under the leadership of General Santa Ana crossed the Colorado River before their clash at San Jacinto.

This eco-tour is ideal for families with kids and for beginner paddlers that want to take their skills up a notch and experience a grander setting.

Awesome trip for those that enjoy history, geology, nature, serenity and adventures.

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Outstanding geology & history learning opportunity. Experienced trip leader. Awesome destination.

Equipment: We use professional grade canoes designed for touring. They are stable, comfortable and track well.

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. Our tandem canoes have a cargo capacity of about 1,000 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 ***

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GEAR PROVIDED WITH REGISTRATION:
Single seat OR tandem touring kayak OR tandem canoe
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 photo album:

Contrary to the the hype that manufacturers generate about kayak "stability", these small craft are relatively easy to capsize. That's especially true of narrow designs but is also the case with wide kayaks that are so stable you can stand up in them.

The reality of kayaking is that it's a water sport. For most paddlers, it's not a question of whether they'll ever capsize, it's a matter of when.

For many paddlers, that moment comes sooner rather than later - and it always comes as a big, unwelcome surprise. One second you're a kayaker, the next second, you're swimming. This is also the point at which most kayaking fatalities happen.

Being able to get back into your kayak after capsizing is an important skill, because if you can't, you only have two bad options: swimming for shore or waiting for someone to come and rescue you.

That's why being able to smoothly perform a tandem or self-rescue is so important. If you've practiced having a fellow kayaker assist you in the rescue (tandem), you can easily get it done. Solo is not nearly so easy, particularly if the water is rough.

Constantin has been an American Canoe Association Coastal Kayak Instructor and Trip Leader for many years and has decades of experience teaching kayaking and racing kayaks and canoes. An outdoor adventurer specialized in human-powered sports, Constantin has travel the world and has been a happy camper for 20+ years.

My advice to you is take a formal, in person, kayaking class with Constantin, to learn more, and to receive personalized feedback, even if you have been paddling for many years.

Expert advice cost less than the doctor bill... :)

Here's an excellent video by Jeremy Vore that covers the Sea Kayaking Heel Hook Paddle Float Self-Rescue.

This tutorial is a great contribution to paddle sports safety, and I particularly liked the many key points covered - a lot of which are omitted from the usual self-rescue videos. As this video notes, the rescue isn't complete until the cockpit is pumped out, the skirt attached, the float stowed, and the paddler is ready to go.

A common refrain in incidents where rescues failed is "every wave washed into the cockpit - pumping was useless". That's why you practice with the sprayskirt on - as demonstrated in the video.

Another thing I appreciated was the way in which the paddle was placed on the deck - loosely held by the deckline. Removing the paddle from behind you with one hand is a frequent cause of secondary capsizes. This method slips it out smoothly and quickly, and with deflation conducted with the float still attached, support is maintained during the final phase of the rescue.

Good points, well stated, and five stars, well-earned. Click this link below to see the video on YouTube.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular water sport that combines elements of surfing, canoeing and kayaking. This "Learn to SUP" class covers the basics and provides essential skills to get you started.

Class Tuition: $199 per person includes 3h personalized instruction and all paddleboards, paddles, and safety equipment. Small class size, minimum 3 students to 1 instructor ratio. Class is taught by ACA certified instructor. Sign up by calling 832-686-3231