This event is for HASK Members only. If you are not a HASK Member and are interested in participating, please join HASK (you will need to be a member of the American Canoeing Association also) or contact Phil Salvador (phil.salvador@gmail.com)
I will give my thoughts on essential gear to bring for a multi-day camping trip on the Texas Gulf Coast. I will bring my own gear to show, and also demonstrate how I get it all into my kayak. Discussion and Q&A good.
If time permits, I will give a basic course on proper VHF radio use.
As this is an on-land event, the headcount does not matter until it gets pretty high. I will specify 12, but if more want to come room can probably be made for them.
I would like to get started around 1 PM.
Note that I am offering rescue training and practice the next day, catering to folk who want to try this in loaded boats. You might want to try out your roll as well - it will feel different. You can stay over and join us. You don't need to have your camping gear situation sorted - just bring a mix of light and heavy stuff to fill up your kayak with so you can have the right experience.
Let's meet at Site: 039, Post Oak Loop of the Birch Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway. There is a $5 fee to enter for the day. There are restrooms near the camp site. Parking may get tight at the campsite, but there is a restroom nearby which I believe has parking.
You may want to camp at the park before and/or after the training. I have reserved Site: 039, Loop:POST OAK for myself and one already registered student for the night of March 9. It takes 8 people, but only 2 cars. At the moment (Jan 16 2026) there are lots of campsites available.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-somerville
There shouldn't be any hazards involved here, other than what the weather may deliver - cold air and wind, strong sun.
| Trip Leader |
Phil Salvador |
| Trip Assistants |
None at this time. |
| Trip Rating* |
1 - 2 |
| Launch at |
9:00 a.m.
|
| Duration (hours) |
2 - 3 |
| Paddling Miles |
Less than 5 |
| Emergency Initiator |
TBD |
| Emergency Phone #s |
911, Burleson County Sheriff (979) 567-4343, Birch Creek Unit, Lake Somerville State Park (979) 535-7763 |
| Latest Expected Return |
12 p.m.
|
| Auto Description/Lic # |
Silver Honda CR-V registration plates JLX-7922 |
| Distance from Houston |
106 miles NW from downtown Houston |
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
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Note: The following is "boiler plate" and does not apply to this trip This is a members only trip
Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.