Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Sports
Kayaking & Canoeing
Texas' estuaries, streams and rivers are ripe for exploration by canoe or kayak, and numer-
ous parks make good bases from which to set off. The lagoons and canals of the long In-
tracoastal Waterway system are ideal for sea kayaking.
If a place has good kayaking and canoeing conditions, there is usually some savvy entre-
preneur around to rent you the gear. Prices tend to run from $25 to $60 a day. For more on
paddling activities in state parks, check out Texas Parks & Wildlife (
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
).
Best Places to Kayak & Canoe
Caddo Lake
(
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) Mist-shrouded waters, Spanish moss draped from every cypress tree: Caddo Lake is a moody
and beautiful place to weave in and out of narrow bayous, around islands and through swamps.
Rockport & Fulton
(
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) The coastal estuaries are prime paddling territory. Several local companies also offer
kayak ecotours.
South Padre Island
(
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) Sea-kayaking action off the coast of the state's prettiest beaches.
New Braunfels
(
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) Inner-tubing down the Guadalupe River (with cooler in tow) may be the most popular way to
go, but kayak and canoe rentals are also available.
Goose Island State Park
(
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) Kayaking along the calm inlets of this marshy island allows access to Aransas Pass
National Wildlife Refuge.
Bastrop State Park
(
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) Paddle a calm section of the Colorado River.
Surfing
For many, 'Texas surfing' is an oxymoron. But local aficionados will argue that it is not as
bad as surfers from elsewhere have heard. Long-board surfers, in fact, will have a fun time
here on most days; the longer the board, the more rideable the Gulf's mush (3ft or lower).
The key to riding little waves is timing, luck and patience. When a hurricane warning
sounds, local surfers run towards the water instead of away from it.
The coastline south from Port Aransas is all somewhat surfable. The best surf is found
furthest south, at South Padre Island, where there's a chance of catching some waves with
good ground swell. Board rentals are readily available in Port A, Corpus Christi and South
Padre. Mustang Island State Park, on Padre Island near Corpus Christi, is an especially
popular surfing spot.
