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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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