Texas Water Safari

Texas Water Safari Official page for the Texas River Marathon, the Junior Texas Water Safari, and the Texas Water Safari. The Texas Water Safari is held every June.
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“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

Legend has it that in 1962, Frank Brown and Bill "Big Willie" George decided to take their V-bottom boat, without a motor, from San Marcos to Corpus Christi. They accomplished their mission in about thirty days and decided that other people should have the opportunity to experience the same journey. So, in 1963 they set up the first Texas Water Safari. Today the Safari is a long, tough, non-stop marathon canoe-racing adventure, traversing 260 miles of challenging rivers and bay. Many participants enter the race with no intention of winning, but with the goal of joining the elite group of finishers and earning the coveted Texas Water Safari finisher's patch. See the TWS Race Calendar for this year’s dates and deadlines for registration.

09/20/2026
Lost and Found Alert! Kudos to Jr TWS race director for collecting the lost and found items. The award for the most item...
09/20/2026

Lost and Found Alert! Kudos to Jr TWS race director for collecting the lost and found items. The award for the most items left BUT labeled goes to Kyle Issendorf but kudos for having his name on all his belongings! These pictured had to names- David had them in San Marcos. All labeled items- he is reaching out and expects your appreciation by collecting them soon!

09/20/2026

Video of today’s Jr TWS start at City Park in San Marcos by Canoe SMTX.

Thank you to Doug Mallard for pictures from the portage today at Rio Vista!
09/19/2026

Thank you to Doug Mallard for pictures from the portage today at Rio Vista!

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San Marcos, TX
78666

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