Kayak Shuttle Hack - Get Back to Your Car Solo
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2023
- How do you get back to your car? By far the most asked question and biggest problem I've faced when going for a paddle. Today we explore an innovative solution!
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I do self shuttling with a bicycle as well! I drive to the launch and lock up the kayak, then drive to the takeout point, park the car and unload the bike to ride back to the launch. Even 10+ miles of biking only takes an hour or two. Then I swap the bike for the kayak, leaving the bike at the launch. Paddle the river, load up the boat at the bottom and drive back for the bike! It's a lot of moving parts but you rely on no one but yourself.
The bike is a great idea! Especially for those more remote trips where sourcing a ride is impossible. I’ll have to try that sometime!
I've used a bicycle a lot for shuttling, even on multi-day trips. I lock it up, but my old bike is a low theft risk anyway. I've thought about a gas powered scooter for longer distances; seems like a higher theft risk though.
Sometimes the hometown spots are completely overlooked but can be a real treat to explore. That was awesome that you had some viewers pass by on the creek too
Totally agree! Those hometown spots are so accessible for quick trips. Really special moment to run into that family!
When I did the Mexia float a few years ago with my friend, we did something similar, but backwards. We dropped off the gear at the launch point, then I stayed with the kayaks while he went and dropped off the truck at the take out spot and hitched a ride back to the launch (no Ubers out there).
The nice thing about that approach is that the car is there waiting on you when you're done.
I like that version better. Guarantees you'll have a ride. I'll try that next time! Mexia is definitely a bit less populated than houston!
that sounds like a good plan too . Public transport can work to if there are busses or trains around
What an awesome couple!
The best! Haha
Springtime flow rates have streams pumping! And the new Remote Designs Submersible Duffel is live! remotedesignsllc.com/
Houston resident here. I’ve been looking for an answer to this question. Because solving this problem is easier than coordinating 2 cars when you don’t have a lot of kayaking buddies.
I’m sure you get propositioned way too often, but I’d join you on a trip in a heartbeat
This is a great way to circumvent the logistics if you’re close to town. I’ve done it twice and a friend has done it a dozen times with success. Out in the sticks it may be tough though!
Great option. Glad it worked out so well. I will be kayaking the Galveston west bay or Lake Como on June 26.27.28th. My first time in the salt waters. NERVOUS. ha ha. Great video as always XO
It worked just as hoped! In the future I may try the reverse and ditch the boat at the top for a quicker take out. Fortunately the bay is shallow so capsizing won’t be a huge issue!
There are very few channels on YT I look forward to but yours is one of them!!
This year WILL be when I purchase my own kayak
That’s the ultimate compliment! The time is now to snag a kayak! We’ve got all summer!
I did this just this weekend. Picked a really small stream and I paddled/ waded upstream 2 miles and paddled back to my car. Although this doesnt seem ideal I used the slower upstream trip as an opportunity to casually fish.
That’s so rad! If you’re fishing then going upstream slowly can be peaceful
Just did 17 miles on the guadalupe. It was an experience of a lifetime. Going through a state park and a rain storm the night i camped out was a treat! Plus the catch and cook was amazing! Your videos helped me do this trip thank you so much!!!
Heck yeah! You even did it at low water and still had a blast. Love that! So stoked the videos helped just a little with your trip. Hopefully the first of many on the guad and other spots!
Good video! As well as the epic trips you take, I love seeing you on the backyard runs. I have been fighting this self shuttle battle for far too long. I have decided you and I just really need a packraft!!
Haha a packraft would simplify much of these logistical issues. We need packrafts on wilson again...a reunion needs to be in order for 2024.
Great videography and stories Gatewood! We watch often in our home at Guadalupe River in Hunt! Thank you for the entertainment and education.
Now that is a section of river I want to paddle! Hunt is so beautiful, can't believe it hasn't been featured on the channel yet. Hope y'all are enjoying this nice rain!
I like that you are checking out nearby streams for us locals to try.
I hiked a section of the Lone Star trail thinking I would Uber back to the trailhead. It turned out to be a much longer hike that I planned.
Yes! The east Texas region is definitely a place I’d like to spend some time this year. The LST looks pretty cool, bummer to hear the ride didn’t come to fruition! I likely got lucky since it was pretty late on a Sunday
Its a very long and sandy trail in spots. Def not fun to mountain bike at times also!
@@adventure_48 Bicycles are not allowed on the LST. Just saying.
@@TxHornyToad Yes I am aware, excuse me for not clarifying about the number of other trails along Peach Creek @ Lake Houston Wilderness Park....
New Gatewood video means watching first thing! Great video as always, Gatewood.
Another great video, Gatewood. Peach Creek is one of the nicest in the Houston area, and it's right in my back yard! BTW, my offer still stands to let you try out my CK1. Peach Creek would be a great place for that!
Thank you! I’m still shocked by how pretty it is despite being so close to Houston (relatively speaking!). I’m hoping to paddle some of the other creeks in that area to see if they compare. Thank you! I do need to try that ck1 eventually. Seems like a great throw and go AND long trip hauler
There's also another method.
About a month back my father and I paddled a canalized creek. It's super close to the origin near my parents place, so my dad picked me up, then we picked up my kayak, then we picked up his, and went to the start with my mother. We unloaded and paddled away while my mother took the car (she'd have her own day). Though since the creek was canalized (basically made super straight to quickly drain water away) they later added a bunch of weirs to keep the water level high when they wanted. So across barely 20 kms (12.5 miles) we had to portage 12 weirs,1 bridge that was too low, and 1 time where the river went underneath another river.
Then nearing the end of the day we told my mother where we'd be and she came and picked us up again. Was quite fun as this little creek isn't used (for obvious reasons), but this many portages with a full sized sea kayak (17'10") and a slightly smaller one did take a lot out of us :P
Going to Germany this week to paddle back into the Netherlands over a few days. See how that goes :D
Definitely a good way to go about that! This was an attempt for a solo effort to test if it was possible without using anyone else on the shuttle. However, your method is much easier and definitely preferred. Love that!
This is some very helpful information! Thinking outside of the box! I always get ideas from you! Right now I am 2 minutes from the Rio Grande river in White Rock, NM. (About 30 minutes north of Santa Fe). The river is up and really hauling! (This is one you should check out-crazy beauty) Going to see if I can catch an Uber downstream! But first-bacon and eggs.
Thanks for another great video, Mr. Brown.
Whenever they pop it’s always the highlight of my day. All the best to you
We just moved to the upstate SC area. Hoping to get out soon and do some adventuring. Always love the storytelling and cinematography.
Upstate SC is stunning! Lake Jocasse has been on my shortlist for years now
Nice, I’m a recent transplant to Houston and been thinking about checking out the backyard paddles as well. I can’t say I’m willing to risk leaving the kayak locked up out in the open though. Glad it worked out for you.
Haha Houston definitely makes you second guess locking a kayak up! I will say, hiding in plain site seems to work pretty well. Got lucky the cop showed up too lol
Wonderful video as usual bro. We always uber and leave someone with the yaks and gear. I ordered my bag cant wait, gonna tell the crew to put in their orders.
Thanks, BE! Stoked to hear y'all uber too, really liking that method for shuttling. THank you as always for the order!
Would love to see a video where you walk through how you go about filming a river trip.The thought process around when to film, how to set up your angles, what mounting gear you use, etc.
I’d love to make a video about that one day. Unfortunately I don’t think it would perform well but I’d like to make it eventually
@@GatewoodBrown Funnily enough I just watched the interview style video you did with River Kings while I was messing with some video from my last trip and it talks about this somewhat. I'd love to see your take on it though if you were to script it out and step by step your audience through your process.
Who would of thought you'd hit white water in Houston . My brother in law drives for Uber make pretty good side money .
Works at the Children's Hospital in the daytime . Great video . Nice to have something close , but that Hill Country clear water
sure has it's draw . You have a blessed one my friend .
I’m so stoked your figuring out your local waters!! Life’s about the adventure but those adventures CAN take place close to home! Also fly fishing is the best. Awesome!!
Dude it's all because of people like you and Wild Fly! Showing me what it's all about and then deciding to pick up some gear to figure it all out.
Nice video, a lot of peace in those rivers!
Tons of peace. Especially when there 8 million people in close proximity here in Houston
Haha. Peach Creek is as local as it gets!! That’s a good one.
Thoroughly enjoyed it man! Time to try out a few others in that area
Looked like a sweet little trip and definitely a great hack for shuttling!
I loved the fact it was so close to home! Really opened my eyes to the possibilities around Houston
Hwy 6 to Bltwy 8 to 610 Woodway = great paddle!! have done the Uber multiple times here in H-town!
For the self shuttle option, you could also lock the kayak upstream at the beginning of the trip, drive yourself to the take out to park and then uber/lyft back to the drop in spot where you left the kayak for a quicker "get home" result at the end of the day.
That’s a good idea too!
I've been doing this in Dallas for the last year - it's a great move... assuming you don't get completely gross on the river, which for me is a toss up. Always pack a towel!
Good call on that! I also want to try stashing the kayak in the beginning so that when I’m done with the paddle my car is already there
lived in Houston my whole life as well. Check out the North end of Lake Woodlands, a pretty cool creek, and swamp area to kayak in.
My man thank you for the tip! I will absolutely do that. Funny enough I’ve swam in lake woodlands for a triathlon and everyone says it’s nasty lol. I’ll be happy to kayak it instead! Do you have a preferred access spot for it?
@@GatewoodBrown You swam in that water and didn't grow an extra eye?? Lucky man haha!
You can park at Snooze along research forest and then I usually wheel my kayak to the water.
I’ll have to try that here in Fayetteville! The best rivers around here have terrible cell reception because of the big bluffs.
That could work up there! I wonder if scheduling the Uber would work so that you drop off your boat and drive to the take out. Works both ways!
Dang good idea. I’m here new Braunfels and I was just gonna make a small hitch for my customized razor scooter with lithium batteries and haul my kayak upstream to the spot I wanna launch at and float back down to my truck. I fish by myself and seems to be the best way and just do it every trip on the Guadalupe and Medina.
Just recently discovered your channel and I can't get enough..I love your content, the editing...everything! You have me inspired to grab my kayak and go exploring
That’s seriously the ultimate compliment! We love to kayak and firmly believe it’s the best way to explore our vast landscapes. Best wishes to your kayaking as well!
Very nice, relaxing!
I live in Indiana and definitely going to do some kayaking this summer.
Heck yeah Simona! Indiana has some wonderful streams in the forested areas. And those beautiful clear lakes up by Michigan!
How about carrying a foldable electric scooter? You can get some pretty rugged off road ones that have a decent range. All you would need is a water proof bag to put it in.
So I've contemplated that and wanted to make it work. BUT, you'd need it to be waterproof and not many bags can fit a folding electric scooter. Even looked into manual scooters and there aren't many that would work suprisingly
I paddle that same canoe in SC! Love your videos! Have fun!
Great canoe for sure! I’ve really enjoyed how easy it is to transport. And it’s fast!
I've had the Uber Option in my mind when planning several trips. So far it always worked out where I didn't have to use it though. Give me a ring next time, I'm right here in Tomball and itching to go on more adventures.
I was hoping it would work as planned and definitely going to implement it other places. I’d bet it would work in the hill country during summer since there’s so much tourism
I’ll be sure to give you a shout!
I actually never considered Uber as an option, although granted it wouldn’t really work when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. If I ever get myself out to kayak around Austin I need to keep that in mind. Great vid as always!
Yeah it’s a great method for city kayaking! And really the hill country during summer has lots of tourism so it would probably work other places too
About time you did a solo trip😃 I pull my kayak into some brush then Uber . Works perfect.
I agree! The whole boomerang effort made me not want to do solo trips with current. But rivers and creeks are where I'm happiest so definitely glad I figured out how to make that work. Looks like I'm late to the game haha.
@@GatewoodBrown lol.. Better late than never. I’m heading out to run from Crawford to lake Waco today on the middle bosque.. You can only make it when the water is running fast. Beautiful ride.
@@thomasmervyn9176 have fun! I’ve seen a few clips of the bosque right there in Senderos marketing videos. Looks rad!
How is the old town 119 Solo? Has it been a good river camping craft for you? I’m really heavily considering this as my next boat or a 12-14ft touring kayak with sealed bulkheads. That being said I also could easily putfloat bags in the 119. Please do an extended use overview of the 119 solo as a river camping canoe/kayak option. There are hundreds of reviews of it as a fishing/hunting boat but that’s not really what I want to do with mine. I want to take it down rivers with intermediate rapids with camping gear.
Other option is inflatable kayak. There are more portable. My seaeagle is very sturdy too and they making kayaks for rapids too.
I'll be testing out an inflatable this summer! as long as the uber is cool with a wet inflatable you'd be good. However, you could do the reverse and stash a car at the takeout instead. Problem solved!
Nice one Gatewood 🤘
Thanks Jeff! Stoked to have you along for another
Definitely recommend the Armand bayou in Pasadena TX!
I’ll have to check that out for some good ole gator watchin!
@@GatewoodBrown love your videos! I binge watch all of them definitely motivating me to get back to doing more kayaking!
Bro! I just started watching a lot of your videos…. Epic!!!! I’m planning a two day kayaking trip on the frio and was wondering if you could give some pointers on where to launch from, where to camp etc. I’d be happy send you some pics and vids of the adventure. Thanks bro! Again…. Awesome content. Very inspiring!
I'm in Victoria 2hr from Houston.
The Guadalupe River is up. 🌊
😊awesome video sir.
Thank you!
Loved it and great idea about Uber. Rewatched your Lake Ouachita video and now I’m planning a trip there next year. You made it look too awesome man LOL. Probably buy a sportsman 120 as well. Thanks for making these videos. Also I will be getting a duffel and/or backpack very soon. Love those new products 😊
Yes then Uber is definitely going to allow for more solo trips in the future. Like Ouachita is fantastic especially during the off season. Such a wide open space with no one around. Crazy. I appreciate you considering the gear!! Means a lot
Bro that was close. I got your last duffel LOL
@@thathikingguy just saw it come through! Stoked you were able to snag one. Next round won’t be in for awhile
I have ubered on the San Marcos before. It was funny but I had someone else with me who stayed with the kayaks while I went back and got vehicle.
That's a great way to do it! Someone with the stuff so you don't have to lug wet gear in the uber lol. I'm actually really stoked so many people are using uber's for shuttling. Opens up a lot of water where outfitters don't service.
😊 Great idea. Thanks!
we tried that in Reliance TN a few years ago. NO NO No. lol but a local helped us out.
Hey buddy how is it going for you? That was an nice day trip. I know it is awesome to meet people that watches your video on the water man. I know it makes you feel good man. It's been a year since I been on the water & this weekend my family is trying to take me out on a kayaking camping trip for the holidays. My son's pulled out my kayak yesterday & I cleaned it up from sitting all winter long. I just hope that my feet 🦶 won't hurt me so I can go out on the trip. My wife Wants to get me some sandals to wear for the river but I don't think she will be able to find a pair that is wide enough for my foot. I am just going to have to do it barefooted 👣 like Usual. It was cool to see you wearing your Choco sandals again man. It been a while since I seen you wear them. You take it easy buddy.
Cheers Mack! Always great to see you swing by for each video. You better get out there on that trip amigo! Be good my man!
Yeah I finally grabbed some more chacos. My old ones were completely torn up from use
@Gatewood Brown Oh OK that's nice man. Do you have any problems with your toes loops on them? I have heard that the toes loops was Tightening down on people's big toe when they are wearing them? I am glad you got a other pair man.
@Gatewood Brown yes indeed. I am trying my best to get out there man.
I prefer to leave the gear at the start of the paddle then take my car down to the takeout and Uber back to the top. That way, if you can’t find an uber you’re not down the creek with no ride back. Though if you’re inside 610 on buffalo bayou, it probably doesn’t matter, I’m sure you’ll find a ride in downtown Houston. We just paddled the San Marcos river in one car and getting an Uber from Martindale back to San Marcos is not a sure thing and there were no Ubers in Lulling.
I also live in Houston and like exploring new places to paddle. Maybe we could just carpool instead. :)
I agree with that, especially since there is so much less uncertainty. Plus after a bayou run you'd be all muddy and smelly haha. Using the buddy system is always preferred!
Have you ever thought about kayak camping San jacinto river? I have been wanting to try it maybe drop in at 45 and go all the way to 99 maybe even 59 I live right in-between 242 & 99 on San jac so I know it has areas of good flow and a lot of large sand bars for camping
I fished that section of the San jac this spring and said I’d be back with my kayak. Definitely some good islands to camp on! And good fishing too. You’d want a nice dry sand bar, a lot of them are pretty saturated but no doubt there’s some good ones out there
What a cool idea!
Worked well the first time! Need to try it again
I'm trying to conquer the self-shuttle dilemma. Nothing like being able to take a quick paddle without having to coordinate with anyone else.
I agree completely! I’ll often do a boomerang paddle to keep things simple
Ebike or regular bike works great too, just leave it at the location you want to take the boat out and bike to your truck to drive back and pick up the kayak.
BUT you have to be able to haul both of them to the location. I’m going to try kick scootering sometime since it folds up small, is waterproof and only 5lbs
Canoes are criminally underrated
I love canoeing on calm water!
I wonder how them skeeters are.. they tore me up the other night when I went for a walk!
Not bad! Didn’t really think too much about them. However that could worsen as summer persists haha
Waiting for the next vid
Trying to get it done for release next Sunday!
I use bicycle for shuttling a lot, but I've also done an 8 day trip where I caught an Amtrak train. I dropped my boat off first, dropped my van, and then took the train back to the boat. I didn't get much paddling done that first day. I'm curious if any buses have cargo compartments that would accommodate a kayak...
Bike is a great way to have a guaranteed shuttle. Sometimes it’s tough for me to take both a kayak and a bike. A train is next level though!
First here !!! Love your videos man
Hey, Joel! Man you're quick on these haha. Stoked to see you here for another!
Cool idea
Thank you! Definitely going to use this again
@@GatewoodBrown I thought of doing the Mission Reach in San Antonio and this would be the way to do it. Thanks again.
How do you control your 360 camera behind you and the GoPro at the front of your kayak while paddling during long stretches? Are you turning them on and then using voice controls to start and stop? Are you turning them on and then stopping every so often to stop them from recording? Are you using a remote? Thanks in advance! Love your videos 🛶 🎥
Great question! I manually turn them on and off which is tough but voice control isn’t great yet. Most can turn off but turning on isn’t a feature with GoPro anymore
@@GatewoodBrown I’m going to use two cameras for the first time on our next trip, a Hero 11 right in front of me so I’ll be able to control it easily and a 360 Max on an adjustable pole mount that I’ll be able to turn on easily, raise above me and use voice commands to record so we’ll see how it goes. This will also be the first time using a 360 camera so I’m excited to see what I get. Thanks for your insight!
Nice 😊
Thanks wam!
@@GatewoodBrown Eyy your always welcome 😜
I routinely paddle Armand Bayou and Clear Creek. Do you have a top 5 for the Houston area? I want to do Buffalo Bayou this year.
I need to try those for some gator watchin haha. Hmmm no top 5 yet but so far this place is my favorite. Followed by like Charlotte and the connected bayous. Then probably the west fork San Jacinto because the fishing is solid. Then after that you’re looking at the Buffalo bayou just because it’s right there
I do something similar except no ubers where I go. Drop gear off at launch. Drive to the end and unload my bike and pedal back up.
Can you share your rides with maps and were you camp? At least the one in texas please
I have plans to make river route guides! They’ll be for sale probably next spring as I’ll work on some Texas rivers this winter
Come down to Bridge City, Tx and ill take you to some good places.
I’ll have to check that area out!
2023 camping gear list please?
Yes coming next month!!
We just did a 4 day kayak camping trip and caught a bus back to the put in for $7 dollars .took 30 mins on the bus and 30 to drive back to out kayaks .If you're lucky maybe public transport will work for you too
Public transport? What’s that?! Jk but here in Texas that’s basically not an option
@@GatewoodBrown Yep we were lucky it worked out for us . sometimes it could be an option in OZ idk about USA
My daughter lives in Cypress. What creek are you in?
We used to drop boats and gear, then one guy goes to take out with truck, then calls a cab which is the original Uber
Down-side...there's no Uber where I kayak. Plus-side...there's no people, so I don't have to worry about my stuff being stolen.
Haha good point! We generally target area to paddle that don’t have Ubers. But city paddling like this works well for it
Have you done the San Jacinto?
Not yet! Though I’ve got my eye on the east and west fork
@Gatewood Brown After a decent rain, you can go from I45 to Kingwood.
I used to be a full time Uber driver and people would do this. They would get into my car soaking wet, stink like a muddy river, and never tip... I basically would show up, and the moment I realized they were a kayaker/tuber etc etc... I'd just keep the door locked and cancel.
I don't know, this guy seemed super respectful and polite... But from as a former full time driver's perspective... Don't do this....
Trailer a motorcycle to use for back and forth.
I see a lot of drift boat fly fisherman doing that
@@GatewoodBrown I haven't tried it yet. Just bought my first kayak yesterday. I would be scared to ever leave my bike overnight though. They're so easy to steal. Maybe if I put a tracker in it.
its an canoe not a kayak
One thing we can agree on is that it’s definitely not a SUP!
@@GatewoodBrown lol yep i agree with you about that but it doesn't change the fact that it isn't a kayak
People 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙘𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 you!
Cheers!