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re: I’m planning on Kayaking the entire Texas coast - Update 2.0 bot. Pg. 6 - Hoist the sail!
Posted on 8/20/21 at 8:01 pm to AustinAggie
Posted on 8/20/21 at 8:01 pm to AustinAggie
check out Texas 200
It's an annual sailboat event but it follows a lot of that route.
You may learn a lot of tips, stops, and navigation advice from their diaries and logs.
0
Posted on 8/20/21 at 9:14 pm to Meauxjeaux
There’s a lot of people to respond to but I’m gonna try and keep it to one bump.
Recently got a couple, planning to bring one just in case.
Yeah, I really am. I love Texas in a lot of ways and want to see its coast in totality for myself. Growing up in Central Texas I never had much opportunity to see the coast beyond living in Corpus (for a brief but busy year) and a handful of saltwater fishing trips. I also want to experience something few people have before.
I have a house on LBJ I will be staying at the entire month of September. Plan to use the Llano / Colorado to get in some time on the water before the coast.
I agree the salt and the weather at the coast is a different animal that I need to be prepared for. My 14 day timeline isn’t super strict and I have a place to stay in Corpus (potentially other cities along the way too, bc of this board’s graciousness) to get out of the elements and reassess my situation if need be.
I agree. Like I responded above I have easy access to a body of water and will be getting significant time and distance in here shortly. I also don’t HAVE to keep it down to 14 days if necessary / have legit places to stop if need be.
That’s part of the appeal I suppose, I’m not sure I’d follow through on this without a very specific goal in mind, and for various life reasons I probably won’t have an opportunity window like this again for awhile. If I fail bigly or have a difficult time at least the OB will get some entertainment out of it.
Thank you for those. Condensed info like that is very helpful. There are some good options locally for paddles / oars locally on CL / FB market. It’s something I’m also willing to spend a fair bit of money on from a legit outdoors retailer if necessary.
I’m pro-outrigger now, even though I plan to hug the backside of the island shores as much as possible this whole trip anyway. I’m just not seeing any touring kayaks with DIY outriggers in my research and I’m kind of worried about putting some on given the kayak setups and widths I’m seeing.
Not only is that extremely helpful information that’s an incredible offer. Thank you. BR is a little over a 7 hour drive from me, so I think I’m going to see how my first few CL inquiries go before I elect to drive 14 hours round trip to bother you. But if I’m having issues acquiring one in the coming week or so, I’ll strongly consider it.
You’re incredible man, I really appreciate your generosity. Might just have to make the trip to BR regardless of my kayak situation. I’ll keep this thread posted on my supply / gear situation … everything you listed would be … extremely helpful.
that’s more than fair and I’d happily do it. The company with kayak sails I’ve been looking at doesn’t have a maroon color option for some damn reason - so I’ve considered paying this board back for all yalls help by sailing with this lol:
I will do exactly this. Thank you!
Holy shite that is absurdly helpful. Thank you so much … looks like exactly what I want to do … just with a smaller boat
quote:
Probably a good idea to get you a lifestraw
Recently got a couple, planning to bring one just in case.
quote:
Are you dead set on doing the coast?
Yeah, I really am. I love Texas in a lot of ways and want to see its coast in totality for myself. Growing up in Central Texas I never had much opportunity to see the coast beyond living in Corpus (for a brief but busy year) and a handful of saltwater fishing trips. I also want to experience something few people have before.
quote:
I would highly recommend starting with a freshwater river like the Tennessee
I have a house on LBJ I will be staying at the entire month of September. Plan to use the Llano / Colorado to get in some time on the water before the coast.
quote:
The distance is definitely doable but I think two weeks in the salt is really going to take a toll. Any given day you could start having some elbow or shoulder issues
I agree the salt and the weather at the coast is a different animal that I need to be prepared for. My 14 day timeline isn’t super strict and I have a place to stay in Corpus (potentially other cities along the way too, bc of this board’s graciousness) to get out of the elements and reassess my situation if need be.
quote:
WAY too much for a first timer. Can it be done? Absolutely. But you need to plan for things like weather, rest days
I agree. Like I responded above I have easy access to a body of water and will be getting significant time and distance in here shortly. I also don’t HAVE to keep it down to 14 days if necessary / have legit places to stop if need be.
quote:
This is insanity to plan any of this before you even have a kayak, know it a little, and travel with it weighted with gear
That’s part of the appeal I suppose, I’m not sure I’d follow through on this without a very specific goal in mind, and for various life reasons I probably won’t have an opportunity window like this again for awhile. If I fail bigly or have a difficult time at least the OB will get some entertainment out of it.
quote:
I'd highly suggest giving both of these a good look...
Thank you for those. Condensed info like that is very helpful. There are some good options locally for paddles / oars locally on CL / FB market. It’s something I’m also willing to spend a fair bit of money on from a legit outdoors retailer if necessary.
quote:
IMO, he really needs a set but that's just me.
I’m pro-outrigger now, even though I plan to hug the backside of the island shores as much as possible this whole trip anyway. I’m just not seeing any touring kayaks with DIY outriggers in my research and I’m kind of worried about putting some on given the kayak setups and widths I’m seeing.
quote:
I have a Perception Carolina 14 foot with a rudder that I did the 120 mile race in. I’m 5’11 about 200. The cockpit and rudder foot controls fit me well. If you have a way to come get it in BR
Not only is that extremely helpful information that’s an incredible offer. Thank you. BR is a little over a 7 hour drive from me, so I think I’m going to see how my first few CL inquiries go before I elect to drive 14 hours round trip to bother you. But if I’m having issues acquiring one in the coming week or so, I’ll strongly consider it.
quote:
I Should be able to get you a lot of the equipment you might need. I’m not looking for any money if you want to borrow any/ all of it. Just treat it like it’s yours.
You’re incredible man, I really appreciate your generosity. Might just have to make the trip to BR regardless of my kayak situation. I’ll keep this thread posted on my supply / gear situation … everything you listed would be … extremely helpful.
quote:
you’ll just have to take a picture in an LSU visor as you pull into the bank for the final time. I think that’s fair.
that’s more than fair and I’d happily do it. The company with kayak sails I’ve been looking at doesn’t have a maroon color option for some damn reason - so I’ve considered paying this board back for all yalls help by sailing with this lol: quote:
Do a paddle of around 15 miles and do a recovery day. Then repeat. Then start increasing v your miles. Also I’d highly recommend buying a quality paddle.
I will do exactly this. Thank you!
quote:
check out Texas 200
Holy shite that is absurdly helpful. Thank you so much … looks like exactly what I want to do … just with a smaller boat
This post was edited on 8/20/21 at 9:20 pm
Posted on 8/21/21 at 2:03 am to AustinAggie
quote:Of everything that's been suggested this is possibly the worst idea including the guy wanting you to fish on a 14 day trip
I’m pro-outrigger now, even though I plan to hug the backside of the island shores as much as possible this whole trip anyway.
quote:yep
I’m just not seeing any touring kayaks with DIY outriggers in my research and I’m kind of worried about putting some on given the kayak setups and widths I’m seeing.
For starters learn your roll it's way more important than even an EPIRB, a radio, or navigational aids, and on par with having your phone. And secondly you'll never roll with an outrigger (or two ... double f'that). Thirdly consider the extra surface, with it's coefficient of frictional resistance (look that up for boat buying), and then you'll consider them much akin to dragging along a set of training wheels every where you go. Which fourthly mean they'll also make getting in and out a real chore... because you'll always be that extra width away from the shore, a pier, or anything to your side.
eta: Hint: even on outrigger canoes they place a real premium on being able to fly the ama. (getting the outrigger up out of water)
This post was edited on 8/21/21 at 2:10 am
Posted on 8/21/21 at 6:50 am to awestruck
Definitely agree on no outriggers. If you feel like you need outriggers you aren’t experienced enough to kayak 200 Miles imo. Like I said most of the water will probably be in depths of under 6 ft. It’s not like you are crossing between Hawaiian islands here.
Op you gotta buy a kayak ASAP and just hit the water. There’s so much you’ll learn with just a day or 2 of 10+ Mile trips. Like how much it sucks to paddle into the wind compared to with it lol.
Op you gotta buy a kayak ASAP and just hit the water. There’s so much you’ll learn with just a day or 2 of 10+ Mile trips. Like how much it sucks to paddle into the wind compared to with it lol.
Posted on 8/21/21 at 9:54 am to AustinAggie
I’d think you’ve heard about it since you live in Texas, but if not check out some Texas Water safari videos. Different from what you’re planning, but an interesting event for sure. Here’s one video. Plenty more on YT. LINK to taxes water safari video they talk about crossing a bay and conditions.
Here’s also a link to the MR340 (Missouri River 340 mile) race. They have some zoom training videos on YT. You can gain some info here too. General video. LINK
Note: I haven’t watched the zoom training video on YT so I can’t say how much applies to what you’re thinking of doing, but it sounds like you don’t have much experience so I’d bet it’s helpful. Talk of hand blister prevention etc.
I also think it might be a good idea for you to do a few organized distance events first. Having safety boats and other paddlers in the area when something goes wrong can be most helpful.
I once spent 5 hours getting another paddler off a sandbar and down to the next safety checkpoint. It was 107 degrees out and they were having heat / disorientation issues and wanted to lay down in the sun and rest. All ended OK
Here’s also a link to the MR340 (Missouri River 340 mile) race. They have some zoom training videos on YT. You can gain some info here too. General video. LINK
Note: I haven’t watched the zoom training video on YT so I can’t say how much applies to what you’re thinking of doing, but it sounds like you don’t have much experience so I’d bet it’s helpful. Talk of hand blister prevention etc.
I also think it might be a good idea for you to do a few organized distance events first. Having safety boats and other paddlers in the area when something goes wrong can be most helpful.
I once spent 5 hours getting another paddler off a sandbar and down to the next safety checkpoint. It was 107 degrees out and they were having heat / disorientation issues and wanted to lay down in the sun and rest. All ended OK
This post was edited on 8/21/21 at 10:24 am
Posted on 8/21/21 at 4:07 pm to awestruck
Got it no outriggers.
I can get this specific Necky 17 for $500. 10 mins away. Anyone have thoughts on this? Cheapest touring kayak I’ve been able to find.
Here’s an album with more pictures of this kayak.
IMGUR Album of Kayak
I can get this specific Necky 17 for $500. 10 mins away. Anyone have thoughts on this? Cheapest touring kayak I’ve been able to find.
Here’s an album with more pictures of this kayak.
IMGUR Album of Kayak
Posted on 8/21/21 at 4:25 pm to AustinAggie
That’ll work well for what you want to do.
Posted on 8/21/21 at 9:15 pm to AustinAggie
I really like it being a composite, wasn't going to rant against HDPE, but from a pure performance criteria it should be pretty light (which is real good), stiff (a major plus), and a lower friction resistance (two thumps up).
And on a negative, it looks like you could always re-sell it for that price, if you two didn't gel for some reason.
So now the big questions how does it fit (personal preference), is it stable enough (for you), and do you have a way to carry it home?
And on a negative, it looks like you could always re-sell it for that price, if you two didn't gel for some reason.
So now the big questions how does it fit (personal preference), is it stable enough (for you), and do you have a way to carry it home?
This post was edited on 8/21/21 at 9:16 pm
Posted on 8/22/21 at 7:01 am to AustinAggie
quote:
Biggest issue is water requirements and the weight consequences
Whatever you think you need in drinking water, double it. Especially if you’ve never done endurance sports. I used to cycle, I’ve done a 100 mile ride and several 60 mile rides. I’m shocked at how much water I drink on the bike.
Posted on 8/22/21 at 10:15 am to AustinAggie
Find a guy named Laurens Willard from Charlotte NC.
He’s paddles these routs and wins most of the tournaments.
Sleeps on a hammock in thw swamps for 4 hours, takes off and goes again. Pretty sure he won the Destin to Key West challenge like that. If not, he placed.
Wins the Pamlico sound tournament every time.
Hed be able to tell you how to do it, what kayock to get. Etc.
He’s paddles these routs and wins most of the tournaments.
Sleeps on a hammock in thw swamps for 4 hours, takes off and goes again. Pretty sure he won the Destin to Key West challenge like that. If not, he placed.
Wins the Pamlico sound tournament every time.
Hed be able to tell you how to do it, what kayock to get. Etc.
This post was edited on 8/22/21 at 10:18 am
Posted on 8/22/21 at 10:35 am to AustinAggie
Have enough water to stay hydrated.
Posted on 8/22/21 at 9:50 pm to awestruck
quote:
I really like it being a composite, wasn't going to rant against HDPE, but from a pure performance criteria it should be pretty light (which is real good), stiff (a major plus), and a lower friction resistance (two thumps up).
I initially wasn’t super interested in this kayak but after considering the price point, material, and distance from me it’s grown on me.
quote:
So now the big questions how does it fit (personal preference), is it stable enough (for you), and do you have a way to carry it home?
Sent the seller an email yesterday, still waiting for a reply so I can schedule a time to drop by and see it for myself. Have a family SUV with a rack, some foam blocks, and plenty of ratchet straps / bungees / rope.
Posted on 8/22/21 at 9:54 pm to elprez00
I was thinking I’d take 4-5 gallons at a time and a full camelbak.
I don’t think I can double that just because of weight considerations.
I don’t think I can double that just because of weight considerations.
Posted on 8/23/21 at 11:27 am to AustinAggie
Thru mid-September you are virtually guaranteed an onshore wind. I'm not as familiar with the lower coast but the upper coast from Freeport to downtown Galveston sets up great for this as you can paddle the south shoreline of Christmas and West Galveston Bay in relatively flat calm water. This allows you to avoid the ICW which, between Houston and Freeport, has heavy barge traffic wake to deal with.
If you are doing this in the fall/winter/spring, the wind dynamic will vary greatly with the risk of cold fronts pushing 15 kt potential north winds across the bay systems for 1-2 day stretches. It would still be doable as you could hug the north shoreline if need be, but the south shoreline would be ideal as it isn't void of civilization like the north shoreline.
San Luis Pass is nothing to worry about. You exit Cold Pass and only have a half mile or so of semi-open water, but even if there is a heavy onshore wind, you can duck behind Bird Island to make it across the Pass before getting in calm water behind Galveston Island. There is also a nice little KOA campground on the west side of San Luis with a convenience store.
I've got a bay house on the south shoreline of Galveston Island a few miles east of SLP. Hit me up coming thru and you are welcome to jump in the pool, have a few beers and crash in my hammock room. I might even jump in the Hobie Angler and pedal with you over to Jamaica Beach or Sea Isle.
FYI, Sea Isle marina will be a much better option than Jamaica Beach. It has a convenience store, restaurant, and bar. It's also a few hundred yards inside the shoreline while Jamaica Beach has no public boat ramp or marina and would leave you a long walk to the highway for services.
If you are doing this in the fall/winter/spring, the wind dynamic will vary greatly with the risk of cold fronts pushing 15 kt potential north winds across the bay systems for 1-2 day stretches. It would still be doable as you could hug the north shoreline if need be, but the south shoreline would be ideal as it isn't void of civilization like the north shoreline.
San Luis Pass is nothing to worry about. You exit Cold Pass and only have a half mile or so of semi-open water, but even if there is a heavy onshore wind, you can duck behind Bird Island to make it across the Pass before getting in calm water behind Galveston Island. There is also a nice little KOA campground on the west side of San Luis with a convenience store.
I've got a bay house on the south shoreline of Galveston Island a few miles east of SLP. Hit me up coming thru and you are welcome to jump in the pool, have a few beers and crash in my hammock room. I might even jump in the Hobie Angler and pedal with you over to Jamaica Beach or Sea Isle.
FYI, Sea Isle marina will be a much better option than Jamaica Beach. It has a convenience store, restaurant, and bar. It's also a few hundred yards inside the shoreline while Jamaica Beach has no public boat ramp or marina and would leave you a long walk to the highway for services.
Posted on 8/23/21 at 12:06 pm to AustinAggie
This would be an invaluable resource for you as it relates to campgrounds/services etc. Always great to have a paper map.
Texas Lakes and Bays Guide
I would also download Motion X GPS if you have an iphone as well as the Navionics app.
Also, it might be too expensive/late in the game, but have you considered a pedal system kayak? They are a game changer. Hobie is the benchmark but they are really expensive (Minimum $1000-$1500 used if you can find one). They are also heavy as hell at 145 lb dry weight.
Texas Lakes and Bays Guide
I would also download Motion X GPS if you have an iphone as well as the Navionics app.
Also, it might be too expensive/late in the game, but have you considered a pedal system kayak? They are a game changer. Hobie is the benchmark but they are really expensive (Minimum $1000-$1500 used if you can find one). They are also heavy as hell at 145 lb dry weight.
Posted on 8/23/21 at 1:11 pm to Basura Blanco
Thank you for your two posts. Incredibly helpful. I’d love to take you up on your offer. I’ll keep updating this thread over the coming days and weeks, I dropped a temporary contact email on this thread … I just have to find the password I wrote down , would be cool to be able to follow up with everyone so graciously offering their time / space / beer in the thread.
, would be cool to be able to follow up with everyone so graciously offering their time / space / beer in the thread. Posted on 8/23/21 at 1:13 pm to AustinAggie
Made contact with the seller of the Necky 17 … gonna drop by today and check the kayak out.
What questions should I ask him? I don’t know shite about kayaks. I was just gonna check for obvious damage, ask if the bulkheads have ever leaked, and what all he’s used it for … then hop in and check the fit … anything else I should ask?
I’m confident I could flip for small profit if it doesn’t pan out
What questions should I ask him? I don’t know shite about kayaks. I was just gonna check for obvious damage, ask if the bulkheads have ever leaked, and what all he’s used it for … then hop in and check the fit … anything else I should ask?
I’m confident I could flip for small profit if it doesn’t pan out
This post was edited on 8/23/21 at 1:14 pm
Posted on 8/23/21 at 1:40 pm to AustinAggie
quote:
How far have you ever been?
Like, 8 miles in a regular recreational kayak.
quote:
Ever done any extended self support of any type?
I’ve been camping with my dad and buddies before but I’m not sure if that is what you actually mean. But that’s 4 day weekend type stuff not 14 days.
quote:
What paddle? what angle? what length? what material?quote:
Can you combat roll?
I’ve never had to or practiced before but I’m confident I could. I’m reasonably fit and grew up on the water my whole life so I’m not too worried / scared. My big issue is I’ve never been in a touring specific kayak before so I’m sure it’s different / more difficult, especially in a bay. I figure once I get the kayak I just need to practice practice practice and get the confidence.
So yeah in summary, I don’t really know shite about anything.
No idea, I really don’t know all too much about paddles
YIKES, DUDE!
That sounds like a fun adventure/trip but I think you need to do a lot to make yourself ready for this trip or you will end up quitting (or having something bad happen to you). Maybe warm up with a few shorter, less strenuous trips.
Posted on 8/23/21 at 3:54 pm to Wolfmanjack
quote:
There was an ER doc at Earl k long years ago that did a kayak trip from Mexico to Venice
The doctor's name is Larry Koenig and the other guy that went is named Arthur Hebert. They went out of Grand Isle and I am not sure if they completed the whole gulf.
I provided them nautical charts for the entire trip. I will see if I can locate them and give them your contact information. This was back in 2003. I hope that they are still with us. I am sure that they would be a wealth of information also.
This post was edited on 8/23/21 at 3:56 pm
Posted on 8/23/21 at 5:01 pm to AustinAggie
I have acquired a rather large flotation device.
May I introduce to the OB …
the SV Bawbary Corsair.
May I introduce to the OB …
the SV Bawbary Corsair.
This post was edited on 8/23/21 at 5:02 pm
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