Trip Leaders and Trainers 

John Grisaffi developed an interest in kayaking in 1999, which increased upon joining HASK, where he says he was very warmly welcomed.  John is an ACA level 3 Coastal Kayaking instructor and a level 3 trip leader. He enjoys the fact that kayaking can be both a group and solo experience at the same event—that being the nature and flexibility of the sport.  He feels that the social element of HASK is very rewarding, and has allowed him to build solid friendships.  John's favorite trips to lead include a lunch stop at a restaurant either during or after the event, and overnight camping trips.  John is also active in the HASK training programs.

Karen Newcomb, on the day they closed the nunnery at Holy Mercy-Me Convent of Shrinking Violets, Karen (Sister You-Go Girl) was placed on the curb with a battered suitcase and a hope and prayer to seek out wayward souls to guide along the way to infinite happiness. It was then she stumbled across a battered flyer calling for HASK Trip Leaders stapled to a utility pole. Her prior experience in abstinence and discipline paved the way to become that special person. She was welcomed into the flock with warm but cautious praise. So watch your back.

Paul Penning is an ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Instructor and is a HASK Level 3 trip leader.  Paul enjoys introducing new people to the life sport of kayaking, and says "See you on the water!"

Robert Rollen began his paddling experiences as a child.  His first canoe was a canvas covered frame canoe, which he painted every year to ensure its seaworthiness.  Robert has been river camping and lake camping carrying everything from heavy canvas wall tents and poles to cast iron Dutch ovens.  He was introduced to white water canoeing on the Ouachita River in Arkansas while a member of the Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society in Shreveport, LA.  He moved to Houston in 97 and paddled and fished Lake Houston.  He was introduced to competitive paddling in 2003 with the advent of the Colorado 100 ultra-marathon from Bastrop to Columbus.  He's successfully completed 8 marathons, one tandem and the other solo.  The marathon is where he paddled his first kayak, and he's been kayaking ever since.  Robert has the pleasure of being a trip leader and enjoys leading and assisting on the local lakes, rivers, bayous and of course the bays.

Robert Stark - In 1994 Robert thought it might be fun to take David Trail up on his $35 demo day.  That evening Robert drove home with a brand new kayak, all the gear and a significant dent in the bank account.  In 2000 Robert, along with 14 others, founded the club and through 2014 acted as Commodore.  Robert was certified as an ACA Level 4 Coastal Kayak instructor in 2002 and received a BCU 4 Star paddler award in 2006.  He has had sea kayak adventures in Belize, Alaska, Chile and Mexico.  "I enjoy all aspects of kayaking from the beauty of Armand Bayou to more challenging conditions in bays, fiords and the ocean. "

Robin Hartman - Robin likes to camp, cycle and sail. He and his wife began paddling canoes several years ago and then entered several long distance canoe races. About a year and a half ago they began kayaking and have not looked back. Robin enjoys longer paddles and races and prefers point A to point B paddles. He started on flat water and rivers and has progressed to bumpy water and bays. Robin has paddled the entire Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico. It is half paddling and half logistics. Robin is certified as a HASK level 2 trip leader.  He is also currently serving as the club's Fleet Captain.