Canoe & Kayak Go On A Texas Water Safari

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and of course, living in the state, I can tell you that everyone here really likes to believe that. In fact, they don't even like to admit that Alaska is bigger than Texas. The locals like to tell me to "melt the ice" every time I remind them of this fact.

But one of the great events that takes part annually in the Lone Star State is the Texas Water Safari, a 262 mile canoe race from San Marcos, just south of Austin, to Seadrift, along the Gulf Coast. Competitors have 100 hours to complete the course, in which they'll face rapids of varying difficulties, a number of tough portages, and the hot summer sun.

The event was held a few weeks back and Canoe & Kayak Magazine was on hand to file this great report, which includes plenty of paddling of course, but a number of misadventures along the way as well. It is also a tale of a grueling endurance event that leaves competitors exhausted, battered, and vowing to never step foot in a canoe again. Of course, most then return next year, but that's a different story.

If you've never seen or heard of the Texas Water Safari before, this article is a great introduction to the race. And while the 2009 even has come and gone, it's never too early to start thinking about 2010. But keep this in mind. We're currently going through a bit of a "cool spell" here in central Texas. The temps have dropped to highs of about 98ºF (36º C), but someone told me this morning that we've had a string of 37 days out of the past 41 in the triple digits. Yay for Texas summers!