Kayaks at Sunset
Last day to register is June 16th, 2025! Registration for this event has closed. Stay tuned for upcoming events! Kayaks at Sunset 6-8:30 PM Howard Murph Memorial Park – 4701 FM 1781 Rockport, TX 78382 (Loop 1781, behind Aransas County Airport) *KAYAK PARTICIPANTS – Kayakers will meet at 5:45 at the Copano Boat Ramp (South end of the Causeway on Hwy 35 N, Rockport) for event briefing and check in. *Aransas Pathways does not provide kayaks for the event, if you do not have one for the event we do have local or nearby kayak rental companies that we can recommend that do deliver and pickup that you can contact. Here are a few that are aware of the event. Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures 877-892-4737 Coastal Bend Kayak 361-557-7003 Texas Coast Kayaking 361-724-1332 1. Kayakers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 2. All kayak participants must wear a USCG-Approved PFD or life jacket and carry a whistle. 3. The kayak portion of the event is for experienced kayakers. Embark on a scenic 3.5-mile kayak adventure through Copano Bay, where you’ll discover diverse birdlife and breathtaking coastal landscapes as you paddle along this pristine waterway. Your journey concludes at Howard Murph Park, where the fun continues on land with: Delicious food by Stevie Lew’s BBQ Craft Sodas donated by Bay Area Brewing Co. Live music by Melissa Ann and George Bennett Kayak Safety presentation by TPWD Want to learn how to safely kayak? Learn basic kayak instruction and safety at the event as well. You’ll be able to take these lessons to your next kayaking adventure! Instruction provided by TPWD Staff or Volunteers. Seining activity conducted by Texas Master Naturalists, Mid-Coast Chapter volunteers. Observe Texas Master Naturalists demonstrate seining techniques to capture and identify native aquatic species. “The Story of Copano Bay: Insights with Speaker Pam Stranahan” End your perfect evening with a spectacular Rockport-Fulton sunset. What to bring: Water Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses Bug Spray Water shoes/boots Clothes you do not mind getting wet Seating is limited at Howard Murph but lawn chairs are welcome.
Howard Murph Memorial Park
4701 Loop 1781, Rockport, TX 78382 28°05’44.0″N 97°03’05.2″W (see map) Species – Greater Roadrunner, American Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpipers, Caspian, Royal, and Forster’s Terns, assorted Sparrows in winter, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Reddish Egret Left in its natural state the shoreline of the park is covered with oyster shell fragments and the shallow water has sandy and seagrass beds great for fishing and wading into the shallow water. The spot also makes for a great kayak launch site. The Park also has BBQ pits and covered seating for you to enjoy. Alligator Warning – We will warn you though that there have been spotting of coastal alligators in the area. Please keep an eye out if you decide to walk out. Howard Murph Memorial Park Site is also known as the Airport Park. Directions: FM 1781, directly behind the Aransas County Airport. This is a small park with access to Copano Bay. There are picnic facilities at this site. Howard Murph Park is an excellent location for enjoying sunsets, birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and unwinding in a peaceful environment with picnic tables and benches.