Membership to the Southeast Texas Kayak and Canoe Group is open to anyone interested in the sport of paddling. The Group feels that experiences on the water need to be as safe as possible, but all members of the mailing list must acknowledge that the risk of personal injury, death, or property damage always exists with water activities. A condition of membership or participation in any activity related to the Group is that you must hold the Southeast Texas Kayak and Canoe Group and any related persons harmless for any loss or injury that may occur and waive any remedy that may be available in law or equity. This Liability Waiver is in effect with any activities and related transport.
Membership to the list is free. You become a member of the group by participating in Group activities and requesting to be placed on the group email list. The membership may decide to ask members to donate money to support special activities in which a member may decide to participate. Participation in all trips is optional. Members determine their own level of activity. No leadership or assumption of accountability is provided by any group member at scheduled events.
We would like to have you as a member!
General Trip Guidelines
1. A calendar of trip dates is posted on the Group Web site periodically throughout the year; however, all dates and trips are subject to change. If you provide us with your email address, trip details will be emailed to you at least one week before the trip.
2. Most trips will be on sheltered water - rivers, bayous, lakes, or protected bays - with calm water or slight waves less than one foot. Prior experience is not necessary; many of our trips of five miles or less are designed for first time paddlers. However, for some trips of five to ten miles or more challenging conditions, we may recommend prior experience and knowledge of basic paddling strokes. This will be noted in the trip details. While we can put you in contact with an area outfitter to rent a kayak or canoe, all arrangements and transportation will be your responsibility.
3. Please arrive at the designated gathering point early enough for the trip leaders to go over the trip route, put-in and take-out points, water conditions, and expected weather. If you plan to leave the water earlier or later than the group, you must let the trip leaders know. If you feel uncomfortable about the conditions or your level of experience, please let the leaders know. You may wish to not participate in the trip.
4. On the water, stay in a group to be able to communicate by sight or sound, depending upon the conditions. We recommend that everyone carry a whistle or audible signal and be familiar with basic signals - one blast to get attention, two blasts for potential danger, and three blasts for emergency.
5. You must wear a PFD on trips. Other than a PFD, we do not have a mandatory gear list. However, we highly recommend that you bring water, snack food, appropriate clothing, sun protection, a pump or bailing sponge, signal whistle, and first aid kit. To enjoy the trip, you may also wish to bring maps, compass, GPS receiver, cell phone, camera, binoculars, fishing gear, and extra dry clothes.
6. Respect property rights along the water and leave the environment cleaner than you found it.
7. Safety is your responsibility. Trip coordinators are just organizing the
trip; they are not responsible for the individual safety and well-being of trip
participants. While every effort will be made to plan a safe trip, you are solely
responsible for determining whether your level of experience, rescue skills,
and equipment are sufficient.
Please email us providing your name and email address.
We will include you in our mailing list.