[Paddlewise] Texas Water Safari

Sunday I decided to drive up to Victoria, Tx on the Guadalupe river and see 
if any of the Texas Water Safari racers were coming through yet.  The race is 
billed as the "Toughest Boat Race in the World" (it must be true since Texans 
never exaggerate). The Water Safari is a 260 mile race from San Marcos, Tx  
on the San Marcos River to Sea Drift, Tx on the coast.  All the top finishers 
paddle it non-stop in between 35 to 60 hr depending on water flows (usually 
with no sleep).  There is a 100 hr limit  in order to qualify as an official 
finisher.  Each boat is allowed to receive water and ice at any point along 
the river, but can not be resupplied with any food, supplies, or boat repair 
materials (which from the stories I heard are required equipment).  Hazards 
include log jams, rapids and low water dams. Portaging skills (or 
alternatively log and dam jumping skills) are a big part of the race.  The 
alligators and snakes although not major risks add a little extra spice to 
the race. This year one of the top solo contenders was electrocuted when he 
grapped an electrified cattle fence while trying to pull his boat out of the 
river for repairs.  He was knocked unconcious but after 30 minutes and some 
burn treatment he was back in the water paddling (these guys are really 
tough).  I was also told that hallucination due to sleep deprivation is also 
very common and lots of repeat racers just take it for granted.  One former 
racer was talking about seeing Santa Claus sitting on the front of the boat 
asking what he wanted when the race was over.   When he told his paddling 
partner what he was seeing, the partner calmly replied "Just ask for some 
pain pills".  This was just one of the neat stories I got to hear sitting at 
the checkpoint waiting for the boats to come by.  

Despite this years higher water flows, it was too early for most racers to 
get to Victoria.  Two boats, a 6-man  and a 5-man, had come by just before I 
got there.  I got to see 4 boats come through including the leader in the 
solo category.  He had done 200 miles in about 29 hours.  He looked 
remarkable for having done so much.  They have everything from custom built 
6-man racers to standard aluminum canoes entered.  From what I learned, lots 
of the teams paddle with both single and dual blade paddles.  They switch 
back and forth in order to let different muscles rest.  They have multiple 
categories and trophies for the winners in each category.  I think that just 
finishing is all most of the entrants dream about.

I did not see as many of the boats as I wanted, but it was very interesting 
talking to the people.  It is whole different side of paddling about which I 
new very little.  Maybe next year I'll volunteer to help with the race.  I am 
not crazy enough (yet) to want to actually race in it. 

Mark J. Arnold
MJAkayaker_at_aol.com
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