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)
We will have a group practice session focussing on rescues and (if desired) rolling with fully loaded kayaks, as if in a multi-day kayak camping trip..
Tips and tricks will be generously on offer, but this is not the place to learn rescues.
I would like for us to be ready to launch at 9 AM. The park opens at 6 AM.
Let's meet at the boat ramp of the Birch Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway. There is a $5 fee to enter for the day. There are restrooms at the boat launch.
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
Hazards are chiefly whatever the weather may deliver - cold air and water, wind and sun. There may be motorboats around. You will be exerting yourself physically, but it will all be fun.
| 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.
- Add Smartwaiver with email address “noreply@smartwaiver.com” to your address book to ensure emails do not go to junk/spam.
- Select a link below to complete the online waiver.
ACA-HASK Adult Waiver ACA-HASK Minor Waiver
- Respond to the “Confirm your E-Signature” email from ACA / HASK to confirm your email address. Wavier is now complete and valid.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Please download and print a copy of the waiver and bring it to the trip put-in.
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.