Overview
Colorado River – Boy Scout Island (Bastrop to Smithville): Did you know?Boy Scout Island is a remote 9-acre river island nestled along the Lower Colorado River in Bastrop County, Texas. Accessible only by water, this primitive gravel-and-silt sanctuary downstream of the Austin dams offers paddlers an authentic, off-grid river experience. Surrounded by winding, tree-lined channels, standard gravel bars, and peaceful stretches of water, it serves as the ultimate wilderness overnight campsite along the river paddling trail between Bastrop and Smithville.
This stretch of the Colorado River is a haven for native Texas wildlife. As you drift down river, you'll have a high chance of spotting bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, kingfishers, and various species of wading herons and egrets. Along the banks and on the island's shores, white-tailed deer, river otters, softshell turtles, and raccoons are common sights.
Take this multi-day expedition for a thrilling blend of relaxing paddle hours, wilderness camping, and skill-building under open skies. Surrounded by quiet nature, stargazing on the island, and the soft sounds of flowing river water, this is a true soul-soothing escape.Kids and beginners alike are welcome!
InclusionsAccommodation - Luxury. Awesome destination. Safe adventure. High chance of witnessing wildlife. Small group size. Family and beginners friendly. Local expertise. Experienced trip leader. Friendly, professional instructor.
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PERSONALIZED ACA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION PROVIDED.
LUXURY PADDLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
Fiberglass Touring Tandem Canoe, Adjustable Lifejacket, Lightweight Paddle, Dry Bag (small size, for car keys, phone, wallet, etc.).
Camping gear, and all meals and drinks and logistics are included. We will tailor the menu to your liking. We will be in touch soon after you sign up.
We will start with on-land instruction and safety briefing, adjust the gear to your stature, and be on the water soon thereafter.
This activity requires a moderate fitness level. Our sit-in touring kayaks come in sizes and can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and 42-inch hip/pants size. Please let us know your approximate height and weight for us to bring you the correct size kayak and life jacket.
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ACCESS TO GROUP EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:
VHF Marine Radio, Paddle Float, Bilge Pump, First Aid Kit, Tow Belt, Lights WHAT TO BRING AND HOW TO DRESS
This stretch of the Colorado River is a haven for native Texas wildlife. As you drift down river, you'll have a high chance of spotting bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, kingfishers, and various species of wading herons and egrets. Along the banks and on the island's shores, white-tailed deer, river otters, softshell turtles, and raccoons are common sights.
Take this multi-day expedition for a thrilling blend of relaxing paddle hours, wilderness camping, and skill-building under open skies. Surrounded by quiet nature, stargazing on the island, and the soft sounds of flowing river water, this is a true soul-soothing escape.Kids and beginners alike are welcome!
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
- Paddling Time: 5–7 hours with breaks each day.
- Paddling Distance: 26 miles total (approximately 13 miles each day).
Bring several 33 oz. / 1L water bottles and energy drinks to take with you in the kayak; a granola bar and a small thermos would be nice. Dehydration and heat stroke are of the biggest concerns being on the water this time of the year. Leave a cold-water bottle and a snack in the car for you to have ready at the end of the event when you will probably be hungry, hot, tired but happy!
Bring with you but leave in the car a full set of dry clothing into change at the end, should that be needed, and a large towel to cover your car seat for a comfortable ride home.
We will take meaningful precautions to avoid unintended capsizes, however, small crafts are unstable and water dripping off the paddle into your lap is possible. Dress for immersion by dressing with clothes made of synthetic materials that are comfortable and dry out quickly. Avoid any cotton clothing. Dress with a long sleeve shirt and long pants to avoid insects and sunburns. For exposed skin, bring sunscreen and plan to apply often. Your feet will get wet up to knee. Water shoes, closed toed sandals, or old sneakers are a great kayaking choice. Crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots and rain boots are not good options. Bring a large brim hat with under chin strap and sunglasses. Bring paddling gloves or cycling/workout gloves to prevent blisters and sunburn.
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Paddling is a wonderful, lifelong, low-impact, human-powered sport. It's a form of soul therapy, an awesome mode of transportation to remote destinations, and a stealthy way to intimately experience wildlife and nature. Hiring us, you will learn about equipment, proper strokes and correct paddling technique, basics of water safety, trip planning, and how to have an enjoyable time on the water. This is a great way to build a new skill set or improve upon what you already know about paddling. Thank you for signing up!
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE WHILE BEING COMFORTABLE AND SAFE!