Sunday's paddle to the inland lakes on Matagorda Island may be a long one pushing as much as 12 - 16 miles, depending on conditions and group interest. Pack a lunch and we'll enjoy what the area has to offer
Check Google Earth for areas to explore. Insect repellent may be necessary. I can expand this trip beyond 7 if I get another Level 2 Trip Leader.
Our Sunday paddle may look something like this if it is not too windy Directions to the Put-in: +/- 150 miles From Houston: Drive 90 miles SW to Ganado on US-59 (SW Freeway). Turn South on 3rd St. - Hwy 172 to Port LaVaca. 14 miles to LaWard, another 8.3 miles to Hwy 35. Turn right (West) for 11.2 miles to Port LaVaca. Stay on Hwy 35 for another 5.2 miles, turning left (South) on FM 2433. Drive 1.5 miles to Hwy 238, turn right. Stay on 238, the road will veer to the right at 1.6 miles near Tanner Airfield. Continue another 3.2 miles to FM 1289. Take Left. Drive 11.2 miles to Hwy 185. Take right (West). Drive 4.8 miles, take a left on Lane Road. Drive the last 4 miles to "Charlies Bait Camp" http://www.mapquest.com/mq/7-eju3w7q7 / http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Ganado,+TX&daddr=Farm+to+Market+Rd+1289+to:28.365574,-96.579094&hl=en&geocode=FZgfuwEd0VE_-inNPHhjtSVChjHiHZbcR4_xcg%3BFQR6sgEdxqs--g%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=13&via=1&sll=28.399404,-96.572742&sspn=0.105702,0.15398&ie=UTF8&ll=28.406199,-96.567078&spn=0.105695,0.15398&z=13 $8 per kayak launch fee at Charlie's, which includes parking for the duration of the trip.
Hazards: We will paddle a few minutes in the ICW, so there could be barge traffic to negotiate. Mosquitoes and dehydration are the major concerns but there is also a slight chance of bears, tarantulas, and rattlesnakes. We will watch the wind forecast closely before committing to the trip. Bring food for meals and ample water for 2+ days, recommended 1 gallon per day per person. Closed toe shoes for wading, good rain gear, sun protection and a hat. Always have a spare set of dry clothing in your boat. Camping area is sand, so bring sand stakes for your tent or plastic bags to fill with sand and bury. Some firewood if you have room.
* 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 life jackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver.
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. ACA charges the club a $10 insurance fee for each non-ACA member on the trip and we ask you to pay that to the trip leader at the event. Hopefully you will decide to join HASK and continue paddling with us. Our members pay only their annual dues and no additional insurance fee.