Meeting Place: REI, Westheimer at Voss
Meeting Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

We started our meeting off with introducing ourselves and guests. We had several recent new members attend their first PACK meeting. Total members present were 20 plus 2 guests.

 

We reviewed the past months activities with our 6th Annual PACK Tournament being the main focus for the month of August. The tournament event was spectacular in with about 60 entrants in the tournament. All had a great time at the weigh check in while others were watching and eating some fabulous mouth watering BBQ cooked by David Flores. Thanks David!! Tournament results were great with winners carefully selecting their prizes from our gracious tournament sponsors. A special thanks goes to all of our PACK Tournament sponsors for this year!! In addition, a special thanks goes to Capt. Everett Johnson of Gulf Coast Connections for donating a raffle prize of an exclusive fishing trip for 3. The trip includes Capt. Scott Null who will feature an article and photos in an upcoming Gulf Coast Connection magazine. This includes a chance to be on the front cover! The lucky winner was Lisa Bell, PACK member. Also, a special thanks goes to Capt. Scott Null of "Lets Go Guide Service" a representative of Wilderness System Kayaks who donated a Tarpon 160i for the other raffle. The lucky winner was Adam Nelson. For more info and photos from the Tournament go to the: Tournament Page on the PACK Website.

Our speakers for the meeting were Patti Carothers and James Graham of Southwest PaddleSports. We want to thank them for sponsoring PACK for this year's and as well as prior tournaments. Patti talked to us about proper Kayak safety and encouraged us to visit the ACA (American Canoe Association) as a resource for learning about safety and paddle-sport development. Patti also stressed that proper communication on the water is essential for life-saving events. Patti encouraged us for club outings to have VHF radios, proper life jackets, and proper dress for weather conditions.

Patti also encouraged proper entry to and from your boat when possible by doing a "Paddle Brace" entry/exit. This involves putting one end of the paddle across the back of your seat and the other end on the ground. Then you back up to the paddle and place your left hand on the upper end of the paddle behind the seat and your right hand goes down to the lower end of the paddle near the ground. Next brace yourself as you enter or exit the Kayak seat area. This procedure will prevent falls and losing your kayak when entering or exiting your kayak.

Next, Patti talked to us about two great paddling/fishing destinations: The Exumas (Bahamas) and Kodiak Island - Alaska. She showed us some great photos of some recent trips and explained how they plan and execute these fun trips.

Lastly, James showed us two Kayaks they carry in their store and talked about styles and performances. For further information on the trips, classes, or kayaks please contact them at 281-292-5600 or email them at info@paddlesports.com Thanks Patti and James for the presentation and prize raffles you gave away!!

Lastly, we reviewed upcoming trips to Salt Lake (Aug 26) and Turtle Bay (Sept. 9). See the Calendar of Events Page on the PACK Website.

See you on the next outing or meeting!!