“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
After the 2020 Texas Water Safari event got canceled due to Covid-19, the 2021 event was well anticipated by the regular crowd of entries, plus a good group of first timers. See https://www.texaswatersafari.org/ for information regarding this year’s race.
This year, out of all the entries, 140 boats started the race in San Marcos on Saturday morning. 3 didn’t make it past the first check point at Staples Dam. One determined young lady limped into Staples Dam with a broken canoe. We’ll have photos and videos of her broken canoe, but unbroken spirit, in the 4th video.
Staples Dam is private property along the shore and dam. They offer camping and other amenities to folks who want to enjoy the river on a RSVP basis only. Please call them at 512-848-8209 for more information. They are located on FM1977 in Staples Texas. Just Google “Staples Dam” to get a general idea of where this place is located, but be aware that the pin on Google Maps is not located in the exact location of the actual dam. Switch to Satellite view and you will see the actual Dam on the river.