Champion Lake: Did you know?

Champion Lake is an 800-acre, cypress-studded jewel within the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. Flanked by over 2,300 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, oxbow lakes, and cypress-tupelo swamps, it is widely recognized as the most biologically rich section of the refuge. Towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss rise directly out of the quiet waters, alongside views of black willow trees and winding bayous.

This prime sanctuary offers unmatched birdwatching. Depending on the season, you may spot majestic bald eagles, ospreys, swallow-tailed kites, and wood storks soaring above, while colorful songbirds like painted buntings and vermilion flycatchers bound through the canopy. Below, wood ducks, roseate spoonbills, egrets, and herons forage along the shallow banks.

Champion Lake and the adjoining Pickett’s Bayou are also famous for their reptilian and aquatic life. Almost year-round, American alligators can be seen silently cruising through the calm waters alongside various species of turtles, alligator gar, and river otters.

Take this tour for a rare opportunity to paddle through an ancient, flooded forest. We teach alligator safety, ensuring that observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is both humbling and safe.

Most likely, we will have the peaceful, glassy waters of the cypress swamp all to ourselves. This is an idyllic setting for photography, wildlife viewing, and soul-soothing exploration any time of the year.

Kids and beginners alike are welcome!

Awesome destination. Safe adventure. High chance of witnessing wildlife. Small group size. Family and beginner-friendly. Local expertise. Experienced trip leader. Friendly, professional instructor.

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PERSONALIZED ACA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTION PROVIDED.

LUXURY PADDLING EQUIPMENT INCLUDES:

Sit-In Touring Kayak (solo or tandem), Adjustable Lifejacket, Lightweight Paddle, Dry Bag (small size, for car keys, phone, wallet, etc.).

We will start with on-land instruction and a 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 various sizes and can accommodate paddlers up to 250 lbs. and a 42-inch hip/pants size. Please let us know your approximate height and weight so we can bring 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

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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 primary concerns when 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 likely be hungry, hot, tired, but happy!

Bring with you—but leave in the car—a full set of dry clothing to change into 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 craft are unstable, and water dripping off the paddle into your lap is possible. Dress for immersion by choosing clothing made of synthetic materials that are comfortable and dry out quickly. Avoid cotton clothing. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants to avoid insects and sunburn. For exposed skin, bring sunscreen and plan to apply it often. Your feet will get wet up to the knee. Water shoes, closed-toed sandals, or old sneakers are great kayaking choices. Crocs, flip-flops, hiking boots, and rain boots are not good options. Bring a wide-brim hat with an 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. By joining us, you will learn about equipment, proper strokes, correct paddling technique, the 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!