Kayak Shuttle Hack - Get Back to Your Car Solo 

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.

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

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.

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

What an awesome couple!

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.

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

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

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

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!!!

New Gatewood video means watching first thing! Great video as always, Gatewood.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

Great videography and stories Gatewood! We watch often in our home at Guadalupe River in Hunt! Thank you for the entertainment and education.

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.

We just moved to the upstate SC area. Hoping to get out soon and do some adventuring. Always love the storytelling and cinematography.

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.

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.

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'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!

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!!

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!

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

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

Haha. Peach Creek is as local as it gets!! That’s a good one.

I’ll have to try that here in Fayetteville! The best rivers around here have terrible cell reception because of the big bluffs.

Hwy 6 to Bltwy 8 to 610 Woodway = great paddle!! have done the Uber multiple times here in H-town!

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.

Looked like a sweet little trip and definitely a great hack for shuttling!

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.

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.

Nice video, a lot of peace in those rivers!

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!

I paddle that same canoe in SC! Love your videos! Have fun!

Other option is inflatable kayak. There are more portable. My seaeagle is very sturdy too and they making kayaks for rapids too.

Very nice, relaxing! I live in Indiana and definitely going to do some kayaking this summer.

Nice one Gatewood 🤘

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.

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 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.

I'm in Victoria 2hr from Houston. The Guadalupe River is up. 🌊

About time you did a solo trip😃 I pull my kayak into some brush then Uber . Works perfect.

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!

we tried that in Reliance TN a few years ago. NO NO No. lol but a local helped us out.

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.

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.

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 😊

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

😊awesome video sir.

Definitely recommend the Armand bayou in Pasadena TX!

😊 Great idea. Thanks!

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.

What a cool idea!

Canoes are criminally underrated

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...

Waiting for the next vid

I wonder how them skeeters are.. they tore me up the other night when I went for a walk!

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

Cool idea

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.

Nice 😊

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 🛶 🎥

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.

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

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.

Can you share your rides with maps and were you camp? At least the one in texas please

Come down to Bridge City, Tx and ill take you to some good places.

2023 camping gear list please?

My daughter lives in Cypress. What creek are you in?

Are you paddling Buffalo Bayou? Native Houstonian here.

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....

Have you done the San Jacinto?

First here !!! Love your videos man

Trailer a motorcycle to use for back and forth.

its an canoe not a kayak

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