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I’m planning on Kayaking the entire Texas coast - Update 2.0 bot. Pg. 6 - Hoist the sail!

Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:22 pm
Posted by AustinAggie
Behind Enemy Lines
Member since Jul 2021
1466 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:22 pm
Am I an idiot? Rio Grande to at least Galveston, maybe Sabine, with a salt water specific touring kayak.

It’s hard to estimate distance precisely but Rio Grande to Galveston is roughly 265 nautical miles.

I think this can easily be done. Especially with a little kayak sail, proper equipment, and planning. Lots of public beaches to camp on, and plenty of cities to stop at regular intervals for water and such.

My plan is to stay in the ICW. I’m mid 20’s and in the gym 5 days a week but don’t really do endurance fitness, mostly weights.

If this is a bad idea let me know, if there’s something I’m missing please tell me.
This post was edited on 9/16/21 at 8:35 pm
Posted by Tridentds
Sugar Land
Member since Aug 2011
20340 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:25 pm to
Sounds like a cool adventure. Going to cross some open areas in a few bays so be prepared for a delay or two.
Posted by AustinAggie
Behind Enemy Lines
Member since Jul 2021
1466 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:29 pm to
My main concerns right now are Corpus Christi Bay, San Luis Pass area by Galveston, and the narrow channel between Matagorda and Freeport.

My thinking is that I’ll be reasonably close to shore, in relatively shallow water, and near enough to society to be fine.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
38646 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:47 pm to
you’ll be fine just watch the weather
Matty Bay in particular can get really snotty in a good wind
Posted by not Jack
Texas
Member since Jan 2018
391 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 6:54 pm to
I assume that you have looked at a map that depicts what this would entail.

Port O'Connor to Matagorda, for instance?

What about food water and shelter on the stretches that will take 3 days?

There are many more "hell no" examples for me, and that is without even considering weather.
Posted by MEANGREEN65
Funkytown, TX
Member since Oct 2014
777 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 7:16 pm to
How soon are you thinking about doing it? Those are going to be long days in the hot sun and it won’t cool off much at night.

Sounds like an amazing adventure. Just be smart to do it when the weather is tolerable and wear a life jacket.
Posted by AustinAggie
Behind Enemy Lines
Member since Jul 2021
1466 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 7:53 pm to
I am thinking late October / early November or late February / early March. My main concern with regard to timing is wind making the bays rough and rain making the shelter situation shittier than usual.
Posted by AustinAggie
Behind Enemy Lines
Member since Jul 2021
1466 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:00 pm to
I have looked at a map and cross referencing it with public beaches / camp grounds makes it look doable in 15-20 mile stretches at a time. Maybe more maybe less depending on the day.

Food water and shelter situation doesn’t seem all too different from regular camping. Tent, little camp burner, etc. Have no problem eating MRE type / out of the bag camp food majority of the time and buying some food to cook the same day when I stop in a town. Problem is making sure I can fit it all in the front and back bulkheads. Also need a solid dry bag.

Biggest issue is water requirements and the weight consequences but I think I can bring enough at time to make it to civilization again before I run out, comfortably. Maybe I’m wrong. Might be rough but I certainly won’t die.
This post was edited on 8/5/21 at 8:01 pm
Posted by G2160
houston
Member since May 2013
1749 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:13 pm to
I would not be unconcerned about barge traffic in the icw.

Those things don’t stop or turn quickly. They damn sure can’t steer around you.

Also, make sure the brazos and Colorado locks aren’t closed for maintenance or other reasons.
This post was edited on 8/5/21 at 8:15 pm
Posted by G2160
houston
Member since May 2013
1749 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:17 pm to
quote:

am thinking late October / early November or late February / early March.


Plan on the wind making a South to north trip difficult for stretches.
Posted by tenfoe
Member since Jun 2011
6839 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:22 pm to
Sounds good. I’ve done hackberry to barataria pass in ICW then down around empire crossed the river through the Ostrica locks and into the mrgo and up through Borge and lake p to manchac and it was a blast.



But we were on a big boat with beer, water, and plenty of food.
Posted by Tiger Prawn
Member since Dec 2016
21855 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:24 pm to
quote:

I am thinking late October / early November or late February / early March
Water temps should still be somewhat warm in late October. Not so much in February. Would make a big difference if you take an unplanned swim
Posted by AustinAggie
Behind Enemy Lines
Member since Jul 2021
1466 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:26 pm to
That’s a good point. I also just read the wind is most calm during September and October and usually from the East during that timeframe. That was using Corpus historical data though.

So very end of September, start of October looks prime so far. It’s been a mild summer in Texas so far so I can’t imagine it’ll be super hot still either.
This post was edited on 8/5/21 at 8:29 pm
Posted by C
Houston
Member since Dec 2007
27816 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:48 pm to
Sounds awesome. Wish I could get away for something like that.
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
11212 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 8:59 pm to
I'm all about adventure. Make sure you have a way to contact if you get in a bind and do it. Don't know if you can do it until you try it.
Posted by tigers win2
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2009
3837 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 9:00 pm to
If you’re in good shape and learn decent paddling techniqueYou’ll be fine. You’ll have to manage your fluid intake and balance your electrolytes. What time of year? Heat complicates things a bit.

I’ve done kayak races of 110 and 340 miles. Finished in 50 and 63 hours. Your legs will be the most sore.

Main thing you need to train is your mind. You need to pace yourself and be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I’ve also done 150+ mile Marathons through deserts on 3 different continents. Good times……..

Edit: I’ve got a spot satellite tracker that I’ll mail you if you want a way to communicate in case of emergency and for people to track your progress. It’s not currently hooked up, but I’d think you could just get a 1 month subscription on it. You could mail it back once done.
This post was edited on 8/5/21 at 9:11 pm
Posted by TxWadingFool
Middle Coast
Member since Sep 2014
4365 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 9:42 pm to
Have you taken a good look between Port Mansfield and Corpus Christi? That is about 70 to 75 miles with absolutely nothing in between. Between Mansfield and the land cut if you hug the east shoreline it will be more protected as the water is only about 2' deep a mile or more from the beach the west shoreline will be deeper and you'll be going along the King Ranch. You will see a bunch of Nilgi and some huge bucks going along that side. You'll also be paddling through a bunch of folks fishing on that side. You will be forced to use the ICW when you go through the landcut in that stretch. If we get a early northern and your on that stretch you'll be screwed for a couple days in the middle of nowhere. No other stretch except for maybe POC to Matty would worry me. Crossing CC Bay won't be bad, there is some protection down along the south shoreline. Enjoy the views and clear water down south, the further north you go the uglier it gets.
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
5736 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 9:46 pm to
I think it sounds fun u doing the canal or open water in beach? First I would have a boat plan sent to a relative or friend every day as u launch and a PLB & if it was me a little icom/hand held marine radio can get you out of a pinch of you need help.

this stuff may put it out of your price range but I would get the following you will use them forever so it would be an investment.
My list would look like this
-PLB
-icom marine handheld
-anchor lights (360 view)
-green headlamp.
-red headlamp.
-dry bag
-hammock
-small stuff type tarp (and needed bunnies)
-gortex/waterproof bivy sack
-no need for a sleeping bag (to hot) so a small nylon or some type of easily drying blanket will keep bugs off you and inside bivy bag will be plenty warm and keep bugs and rain off.
-hydro flask
-small ice chest
-plenty of 5' and 6' straps and extra cordage
-fishing pole
-small fanny style tackle box
-Multi tool
-instant coffee and jetboil
-screw top 1gal water bottle from Walmart or what ever the sweet tea bottles are good and rugged

Pack light but I would make room for all the above.
Posted by Lsutigerturner
Member since Dec 2016
5736 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 9:50 pm to
You can catch a fish or two a day and eat that for dinner so salt and pepper is huge maybe only bring veggies and count on the fish
/Crab protein and supplement with power bars/power food
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
38646 posts
Posted on 8/5/21 at 9:54 pm to
yes the fall is the time to do it
in the winter a strong north wind will blow all the water out the bay and you could get hemmed in

again, plan well and you’ll be fine
bring a VHF and you’ll be able to call for help if you need it
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