Environmentally

Join us for this easy & beautiful fluvial geomorphology filed trip, paddling on the West Fork of San Jacinto River near Stubblefield Lake.

$199 + tax per person

LOCATAION SIGNIFICANCE

Lake Stubblefield is the northern part of Conroe Lake and is the transition stage between the West Fork of San Jacinto River and the Lake of Conroe. This is an easy paddling ecotour about 4-5 miles long to explore the calm waters of this quiet, green, and beautiful environment, part of the Sam Houston National Forest.

As we paddle along, we will observe natural features specific to deltas. We will discuss about sedimentary processes associated with streams, lakes, floods, wetlands, and the anthropologic impact on the environment, while enjoying many kinds of flowers and wildlife, including birds such as egrets, herons, owls, hawks, and water lilies.

In 1966, the upstream part of West Fork of San Jacinto River (WFSJR) was blocked by an earth dam to form Lake Conroe, as an alternate drinking water reserve for Metropolitan Houston. Conroe Dam is 2 miles long and has 5 gates of 40 ft. wide each. The dam was completed in 3 years and cost $84 million to build.

WFSJR is the main water-sediment supply that feeds into Lake Conroe. Lake Conroe was filled with water in 10 months. Lake Conroe facts: 26 miles long; 6 miles wide at its widest point; 20 ft. average depth; 75 ft. deep in the river channel; 160 miles of shoreline, with normal pool at 201 ft. above main sea level. Lake Conroe water quality is good, water from dam flows across Montgomery County into Lake Houston.

Despite being relatively close to a major metropolitan area, exploring WFSJR by kayak is a unique experience for most people: you will be amazed by its natural beauty and it's a cool learning experience!

LOGISTICS & COSTS

$199 per person (includes premium paddling equipment rental and guiding services).

There are no kayak rentals available at Lake Stubblefield. Kayaks will be delivered by order from Houston, TX.

Registration includes professional guiding services and delivery and rental of a premium quality kayak and canoe equipment, including touring kayak and canoe, lightweight paddle, adjustable lifejacket, bilge pump, paddle float, dry bag, and use of group gear (tow rope, VHS radio, first aid kit).

Family & Friends are welcome to attend.
Minimum 5 participants for trip to go.

= = =
CALL 832-686-3231 TO REGSITER!
= = =

Undecided? Would like to learn more? Check out our photo album:

This hands-on class will introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You will learn about proper kayaking strokes and paddling technique and get the chance to practice these new skills on a beautiful, local, urban waterway.

ACA-certified kayak instructor will also teach the 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. Bring your own kayak to practice in the comfort and familiarity of your own gear or rent premium quality kayaking gear from us.

Class Tuition: $150 per person ages 8 and up with your own gear.
Equipment Rental: $50 includes premium quality single seat touring kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag and safety equipment.

Class Duration: 3-4 hours
Paddling Time: 2-3 hours
Paddling Distance: 3-4 miles

Bring your own kayaking equipment: $150 per person.
Rent our premium quality touring kayaks: $50 (solo sit-in-kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bags and all necessary safety equipment).

A really fun trip that's going to get you wet!

= = =

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.

= = =

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.

= = =

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.

= = =

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]

$399 per adult | $199 per child <12 y old | Max 6 participants | Family discounts for 3+ | Flexible dates available

Includes: instruction and premium paddling and camping equipment for each participant and all meals

CLASS INTRO: Do you hate bugs, dirt, sleeping on the hard ground and eating gruel?

It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right planning and gear, kayak-canoe camping can be enjoyed in real comfort, if not luxury. More importantly, kayak-canoe camping offers a unique sensory experience.

At remote campsites there is peace, solitude, and the sights, sounds and smells of nature. This experience allows for a connection to nature that is second to none. In this environment all food tastes like a gourmet meal. Inexpensive wine seems like the finest vintage. Sunrises and sunsets are longer and more profound and intense.

CLASS OVERVIEW: This "Kayak-Canoe Camping Skills Class" is designed for participants to learn the basic skills required to plan and prepare short overnight trips in coastal environments, rivers and near shore lakes. The participants will learn about proper equipment and how it is used, how to select a camp location, food transportation and preparation, and to follow Leave No Trace principals throughout the trip. A meal plan will be developed, and we will cook fresh meals.

CLASS GOALS: By the end of this class, you will become a more confident and skillful paddler and camper. Principles and skills learned in this class are transferable to backpacking, mountaineering, bike touring, and other outdoor travel/primitive adventure circumstances.

Duration: Morning to next day early afternoon.
Paddling Distance: 5 – 10 miles roundtrip.
Paddling Time: 3 - 4 hours each day.
Land based training: 3 - 4 hours each day.

CAMPING: Primitive camping is recommended for a deeper learning experience, but multiple camping options exist including car-camping with shower, restroom, drinking water, etc.

EQUIPMENT: Premium quality kayaking and canoeing, backpacking and camping equipment is included with instruction. A list of what's provided and what you need to bring, itinerary and a course syllabus will be provided once you register.

CLASS TEACHING STYLE: all hands-on deck, "challenged by choice" philosophy. This is a super fun course!

BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction, expectations, and logistics | Personal preparation | Kayak-Canoe camping and touring | The paddling environment | Trip planning and leadership | Equipment | Wilderness repairs and maintenance | Loading and trimming | Getting started | Paddling on large bodies of water | Safety and rescue | Dealing with hazards | Navigation | Making camp | Environmental concerns and practices | Conclusion and wrap up.

REGISTRATION: Minimum 3 students are needed to run the course, and capacity is limited to 6 participants. This is a rain or shine event. This class requires a moderate fitness level and the capacity to bend (body flexibility/touch your toes test). Our sea touring kayaks can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 40-inch hip/pants size, but the canoes are roomier.

NOT SURE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Take a look at our pictures: