South Texas Kayak

High Water Levels on the Upper Guadalupe

2010-04-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

After the heavy rains subsided yesterday, my wife and I decided to go take a look at the river conditions at our usual put-in spot; Edge Falls Road low water crossing. As soon as we arrived, it was obvious that the water had previously covered the crossing, as it was littered with debris. When we arrived the water was right to the bottom of the bridge, Impossible to navigate under as is customary at this location. The water was flowing at 3,890CFS and the gauge height was 8.27. This was at 15:10CST. To put this in perspective, many of you have launched from this location, where the water flows for the last year have been somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-50CFS and a gauge height of 2.00 - 2.50!

We also scoped out the 3351 bridge access. As you can see, the access road to the river has been repaired and access to the river excellent.

Kayak Camping in Texas - Are you an Ultra-Light Camper?

2009-12-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

Ever consider how much your camping gear weighs when you are kayak camping? Much like kayak fishing, I'm finding the "less is more" rule to hold true with kayak camping as well. The trick is to take just enough gear to be comfortable during an overnight paddle trip without skimping on comfort and function, AND to be able to paddle with it safely and easily. This is my core packing list; including two complete meals, it only weights 16.5 lbs and all (minus the tent) fits in two 20 liter dry bags!

SHELTER: (total weight: 7.61 lbs)
Coleman Exponent Tent (TYL-X2) 5.03 lbs
Academy Sleeping Bag (30 degree) 2.38 lbs
Coleman Lantern (F1 lite lantern) .20 lbs

FOOD: (total weight: 5.65 lbs)
Coleman Stove F1 Ultralight 0.17 lbs
Jetboil PCS 0.94 lbs
Jetboil Fuel (2 each) 0.85 lbs
Katadyn (Hiker Pro) Water purification 0.69 lbs
Klean Canteen 0.03 lbs
Mini Kitchen Kit 0.21 lbs
GSI Rehydrate Long Handled Spoon 0.03 lbs
MRE (2 each) 2.75 lbs

TOOLS: (total weight 2.79 lbs)
Streamlight PolyTac Tactical Flashlight 0.26 lbs
Coleman Folding Shovel/Pic 1.13 lbs
First Aid Kit (custom) 1.38 lbs
Coghlans Sierra Saw 0.03 lbs
Light My Fire Army Fire Starter 0.01 lbs

How much does your basic kayak camping kit weigh?

Jeff York
http://www.southtexaskayak.com

Upper Guadalupe River

2009-12-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

South Texas Kayak offers "guided kayak trips" on the Upper Guadalupe River between the Edgefalls Road crossing and the Rebecca Creek crossing. It appears the 2009 drought is behind us; the water levels on the Upper Guadalupe River continue to increase. As of the time of this post, the flow is at 190CFS and the level is at 2.79. This type of flow is good for paddling AND fishing!