The Texas Water Safari is a 260-mile canoe and kayak race from San Marcos, Texas to Seadrift, Texas following the San Marcos River, Guadalupe River and ends with paddlers battling the saltwater Texas coastline.
Somehow I lucked in to being the race photographer for the past three years. I take my cameras with me along the route and follow paddlers through the thrills and spills of the world’s toughest boat race.
My favorite places to shoot along the race are the start at Aquarena Springs/Spring Lake, Rio Vista Falls in San Marcos, Cottonseed Rapids in Martindale, Zedler Dam in Luling, Palmetto State Park, Cuero, Victoria City Park, The Wooden Bridge near the saltwater barrier and the finish line in Seadrift.
I skipped a few this year (Cuero and the Wooden Bridge) because I had to be in San Antonio for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, but luckily, the Safari’s social media guru Fazia Rizvi filled in for me while I was away.
The paddlers who compete in this race are the real deal. They train and prepare for months. They’re tough and they don’t quit, and they’re just about the nicest people you’d ever want to meet. I admire them immensely and I’m proud to stand waist deep in river water to document their achievements.
Here are a few of my favorite images from this year’s race.
It was another great race this year. There were few injuries, other than blisters, bruises and bug bites, and the finish rate was fairly high.
I shot over 6,000 frames in three days and tried to capture as many paddlers as I could. For more pictures and info, including posts from racers and supporters, visit the Texas Water Safari Facebook page. You can also view my photos by clicking here.
Thanks to all who participated and supported this year’s race! See you next year!
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