TWS COVID-19 STATEMENT
First and foremost, we hope the TWS community and their families are safe and healthy in these extraordinary times.
As of March 20th, the prelim (aka “River Marathon”) and the Texas Water Safari are still a go. We are monitoring the situation and will follow guidelines set down by the CDC, state and local authorities.
When we receive information from aforementioned organizations, we will let the racing community know about postponements or cancellations. As we all know the situation is fluid and changing daily.
We hope to see everyone at the big one in June.
– TWS Board of Directors
Texas Water Safari
“They don’t call the Texas Water Safari The World’s Toughest Canoe Race’ for nothing. In addition to the length, the challenges include whitewater rapids, multiple portages, and the relentless, soul-sapping Texas heat. Competitors have four days and four hours to paddle from San Marcos, in the center of the state, to the shy little town of Seadrift on the Gulf Coast. There is no prize money for the winners; just Texas-size bragging rights for the finishers.”
Larry Rice, in July 2009 Canoe & Kayak Magazine
The Texas Water Safari is actually comprised of several events including an information seminar, two short races (one of which can be considered as a preliminary race) and of course, the Safari itself – the 260 mile race to Seadrift from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. The Safari itself, billed as the "World's Toughest Boat Race", is an annual race via the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers, from Aquarena Springs in the college town of San Marcos, to the shrimping village of Seadrift on the Texas coastline, a total distance of 260 miles. The first official race was held in 1963, and is run annually on the second Saturday of June.
The primary requirement is a boat powered only by human muscle. Racers must take all equipment needed with them, receiving only water, ice and food along the way.
