This is intended to be an simple paddle down to the mouth of the river to play in the shallows and on the beach. I may tweak the details a litle, so go ahead and register but keep your eye on this page for possible changes, The biggest challenge is usually a southerly head wind on the river. There are always lots of birds of the feathery fishery kind around and it's just a pretty place to paddle in general. I will bring a kite and other beach toys are welcome.
Plan for the day:
- Put in at the boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway at FM 2918 at 10 am, paddle about 100 meters in the ICW, then downstream in the San Bernard River.
- We will paddle to the mouth of the river to see what we can see. I don't know whether it is open to the Gulf now.
- We will next paddle around the corner and follow the protected lagoon that was formerly the river channel for a look around.
- Land on the backside of the beach and walk over to the Gulf to relax, beach comb, and have lunch if possible.
- Paddle back to the landing
Total paddling distance will be about 6 miles.
Directions to the Put-in: For Google Maps driving directions, enter FM 2918 Boat Ramp, FM 2918, Brazoria, TX
Take 288 South from Houston toward Lake Jackson, turn right on Hwy 2004 (2004 turns into 2611 as you go past hwy 36); travel SW for about 11 miles; where 2611 turns NW, turn left onto 2918 (you will still be headed SW, 2918 turns SE in about 0.5 miles). Stay on 2918 till you arrive at the boat launch. It’s about 10 miles from 2611. The put-in is about 70 miles from downtown Houston. Parking is good at the put-in but note that there are no "facilities" at the put-in. There is a three-star Texaco on FM 2004 just west of Hwy 288 and a couple of unrated (shabby) establishments a few miles farther down the road. It's a good 1 1/2 - 2 hours from Houston so leave yourself plenty of time.
Lat - Lon of the put-in is 28°52'8.0364"N, 95° 26'56.5728"W
Hazards: Boat traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway, some of which is enormous. We will give it lots of room. Current and small boat traffic in the main river channel, then none in the lagoon. Otherwise, dehydration, fire ants, tarantulas, mosquitos, rattlesnakes, bears, stingrays (shuffle your feet in the lagoon). Boat ramp can be slippery. Bring lunch, adequate water, sun protection, and a change of clothes in case you fall in.
| Trip Leader |
Cal Kuhnen |
| Trip Assistants |
David Lehman |
| Trip Rating* |
1 |
| Ready to Launch at |
10:00 a.m. |
| Duration (hours) |
4 |
| Paddling Miles |
6 |
| Emergency Initiator |
Paul Penning 713-703-7004 |
| Emergency Phone #s |
911 |
| Latest Expected Return |
4 p.m. |
| Auto Description/Lic # |
Red Subuaru Outback TSR 7650 |
| Distance from Houston |
90 miles |
* 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.
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Guests – Non-ACA participants will need to pay a fee. See below for details. You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. As per our insurer, we will collect $11* from each non-American Canoe Association (ACA) participant through the Guest Registration or via this PayPal Link: Click PayPal link Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us. *$10 for ACA Insurance; $1 processing fee