Trip Description:
A Mardi Gras circumnavigation of Pelican Island. We will circle Pelican Island which will include passing through the ship channel between Pelican and Galveston Islands. Sites we will see along the way include the Elissa Tall Ship, possibly a cruise ship, Sea Wolf Park and the partially sunk concrete ship in the bay. The remainder (most) of the trip will be along natural shoreline. We often see dolphins on this trip along with a variety of birds. This a 10-11 mile level 3 kayak trip. Please arrive by 9 AM so we can launch at 9:30 AM. Required gear includes dry suits/full immersion neoprene/equivalent, extra dry set of dry cloths, along with the usual. Skills required: Abilitly to paddle at a fast clip for the duration, familiarity with rescues and rough water. Participants will be vetted to insure safety for the individual/group.
Directions to the Put-in: From Houston take 45 South to Galveston. Turn left on 51st Street. Continue across the bridge and at the first opportunity turn right into the campus. Turn right at the next intersection and head down toward the beach. The beach is just to the east of the channel bridge you just crossed over.
Hazards: There will be ship and small boat traffic in the channel between Pelican and Galveston. We will be crossing this channel to visit the Elissa Tall Ship. Watch out for ships that are docking or leaving port. Homeland Security requires that we stay at least 100 yards away from military and cruise line vessels. We may encounter 1-3 foot waves from ships on the east side of the island. Bay conditions may be choppy depending on wind. Do the Texas shuffle when landing on beaches to avoid stingrays. There are snakes on the undeveloped part of the island. We hope to encounter wild dolphins.
* 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 and sign a HASK/ACA Waiver. Click on link below to print out the waiver. Please complete prior to the trip so we can all get on the water a little quicker. HASK members who have provided a waiver to the HASK Membership Director within the last year do not need to complete a waiver.
o ACA Waiver - Adult
o ACA Waiver - Minor
Non-ACA Participants: You must purchase an ACA membership. Select the ACA menu item to join the ACA in advance or pay $5 for a single event membership at the put-in. Checks made out to the ACA are preferred to cash.
Non-HASK ACA Participants: You must provide your ACA number.