Texas Water Safari

The Texas Water Safari is a 260-mile canoe race down the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers from San Marcos to Seadrift, Texas. This year I was a team captain, providing land-based support for friends paddling in boat 7203. Here's my journal from the 2025 race.

Day 1: San Marcos to Palmetto State Park

Miles 0-60: Aquarena Springs to Palmetto State Park

The race started at 9:00 AM at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos. Over 150 boats lined up at the starting line. My role was to drive between checkpoints with food and water for our paddlers.

Our first checkpoint was at Staples Dam. The heat was intense by mid-morning. I continued to Fentress, Stairtown, Luling, Luling Zedler Dam, and finally Palmetto State Park. Each checkpoint required careful timing.

Pinto the Chihuahua, our team mascot, surveys the starting area at Aquarena Springs.

Race officials conduct final boat inspections before the 9:00 AM start.

Over 150 boats line up at Aquarena Springs, moments before the race begins.

Boat 7203, our team's boat, positioned and ready for the 260-mile race.

Day 2: Gonzales Dam to Thomaston Bridge

Miles 60-178: Gonzales Dam to Thomaston Bridge

The paddlers were moving through the night, and I had to coordinate with other support crews to ensure we didn't miss our team.

We reached Gonzales Dam at 3 AM, where we could see other teams starting to drop out due to exhaustion and fatigue.

At Hochheim we saw a fridge floating down the river with all the flood debris. I continued driving to Hochheim, Cheapside, Cuero, and finally Thomaston Bridge.

Flood debris including a refrigerator floating down the Guadalupe River near Hochheim.

Boat 7203 arriving at the Hochheim checkpoint in the morning.

Teams taking a brief rest at the Cheapside checkpoint during a storm.

Toyota Land Cruiser parked at the Cheapside checkpoint.

Support crews taking shelter under the bridge at the Cheapside checkpoint.

Day 3: Victoria City Boat Ramp to Swinging Bridge

Miles 178-231: Victoria City Boat Ramp to Swinging Bridge

The final day was a test of endurance for both paddlers and support crew. The paddlers had been on the water for over 40 hours with minimal rest.

We reached Victoria City Boat Ramp at 2 AM. The Victoria checkpoint felt like a zombie apocalypse with sick and tired paddlers wandering around in the dark.

Around 7 AM, race officials made the decision to shorten the race due to dangerous flood conditions. Swinging Bridge (mile 231.6) was the official finish line this year. Our team finished with a time of 50:24.

The eroded boat ramp at the Cuero checkpoint showing the high water conditions.

Historic bridge and graffiti at the Cuero checkpoint along the Guadalupe River.

Vintage Guadalupe River sign marking the Cuero checkpoint location.

Boat 7203 crew in good spirits despite the challenging conditions at Cuero.

Boat 104 crossing the finish line at Swinging Bridge - the official 2025 finish.

Boat 7203 celebrating their finish at Swinging Bridge after 50 hours and 24 minutes.

Photo map created with Pinjour.

Supporting the Texas Water Safari was a fun test of logistics and endurance. From coordinating checkpoints along the San Marcos to navigating rural Texas roads, every mile brought new challenges and unforgettable memories. The 2025 race will be remembered not just for the incredible athletic achievement, but for the unprecedented flood conditions that forced the second-ever course shortening in race history. Being part of a team that completed one of the most grueling endurance events in the world under such extraordinary circumstances was an experience I'll never forget.

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