I have lived in Houston since 1977. First paddle i remember was on a creek in the Pine Barrens in New Jersey when i went to visit a friend in about 1980 when i was 13 years old or so.
I mostly paddle the Neches or Village Creek. First time to paddle the Neches was when we rented two canoes from U-Haul in about 1988. That trip was from hwy 21 to hwy 7.
Fourteen years ago i started putting a float together for a group of friends and we have paddled the Neches several times. Mostly along the Davy Crockett NF but we have also done the Sabine, Village Creek, the Llano and the Colorado depending on conditions. I also have taken my family of several trips down Village Creek.
I have never taken any instruction other than at summer camp when i was about 10. It has always seemed intuitive.
I own zero boats and most of the logistics of my trips involve finding an outfitter that will rent canoes and a trailer or someone willing to shuttle us.