Highland Bayou drains into Jones Bay, but we will paddle upstream for 3-4 miles and back. There is a side bayou difficult to see if you do not know where to look that goes for a short distance and we will explore that one too. This trip is suitable for all paddlers and kayak types, as long as they float when full of water (have some bouyancy). Long sea kayaks may struggle in some tight bends. Paddling effort level will be easy going.
Directions: Exit the Gulf Freeway at Exit 10/Highway 519. From the southbound feeder, go right (West) at 519, but don't take the second curve to the right on 519 - proceed straight ahead to the T-intersection, where a brown park sign, to Highland Bayou and Mahan Park, directs you to turn left. This is Lake Road. You will go through a cut in the flood control levee, and then make the next right turn on to Woodland Road (there's a brown sign here to Mahan Park). A quarter mile or so down Woodland Road, you will see Mahan Park on your left. Go past the ball fields, less than a quarter mile total distance to the gravel turnaround parking lot that you can see when you clear the ball fields. There is a bathroom not too far after you enter the park near the ball fields. The boat ramp is at the end of the gravel turnaround. Unload, and move your vehicle so boat trailers have plenty of turnaround space from the lot.
Hazards -- Sunburn, dehydration, thunderstorms, Most importantly, bring plenty of water, sun protection and snacks.
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. All participants in ACA-insured activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver. See all rules at the bottom of this page. COVID 19 - If you are fully vaccinated, and it has been more than 2 weeks since your last vaccination, no need for masks at the launch area. If you have not reached this vaccination status, please wear a mask around your HASK comrades at the launch, and maintain separation during the on-water training. If you feel COVID-19 symptoms before coming, please cancel your participation. Please make sure you have an up-to-date HASK COVID 19 liability waiver in force (see below). COVID-19 Waivers.
Use the link HASK COVID-19 Waiver to open the waiver in PDF form. Print off the form, sign it and either bring it to the event or scan and email to me at bill@ohsiesworld.net as an attachment. Other options are to take a photo of your waiver on your phone or scan using the Adobe Scan app and emailing or Text to Bill Ohsie. -------------------------------------
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
ACA-HASK Adult Waiver ACA-HASK Minor Waiver
Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.