On June 12, the Texas Water Safari returns to Spring Lake to begin its legendary canoe race from San Marcos to the Texas coast. As the stewards of Spring Lake, The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University is coordinating with race organizers to support the long-running tradition while protecting the lake’s sensitive habitat.
The Texas Water Safari began after Frank Brown and Bill “Big Willie” George completed a motorless journey by boat from San Marcos to Corpus Christi in 1962. The first official Texas Water Safari followed in 1963. Today, the race is known as the “world’s toughest canoe race” that challenges participants to travel approximately 260 miles along rivers and bays to the Texas coast.
“There is something special about watching racers begin this journey at Spring Lake,” said Miranda Wait, deputy director of Spring Lake Education. “It is a reminder that recreation can strengthen people’s connection to the river and their commitment to protecting it.”
Spring Lake has served as the starting point for the Texas Water Safari for more than six decades. For The Meadows Center, hosting the start of the race means balancing a beloved Texas tradition with the responsibility to maintain water quality and environment, river flow and long-term recreational access.
The Spring Lake Management Plan guides each activity that takes place at the lake and ensures that lessons learned from previous races inform the protective measures put in place for future events.
“The Texas Water Safari is a celebration of Texas waterways, and that celebration begins with stewardship,” said Tom Heard, deputy director of the Ecological Research Group. “These protections help ensure that racers and spectators can continue to be part of this historic event while helping care for the place where it begins.”
Before the race, The Meadows Center will monitor aquifer and springflow conditions. If conditions reach Drought Stage 5, the race will begin at an alternate downstream location. The Meadows Center will also provide an educational session for team captains and participants about Spring Lake, its habitat, and the measures in place to help protect the area.
To ensure safety and protect the habitat, racers will follow equipment protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species and enter the lake only through designated areas. Riparian zones, the eastern spillway and the eastern half of the dam will remain off-limits. Additionally, buoys will clearly mark shallow areas and endangered Texas wild-rice habitats to navigate around.
Meadows Center staff and race officials will be stationed along the course to guide participants, monitor sensitive areas and help support an orderly start.
Spectators can watch the start of the Texas Water Safari when it kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 12, at several locations along the San Marcos River, from Spring Lake to Rio Vista Park. Those planning to watch from Spring Lake should park at Bobcat Stadium and walk to The Meadows Center.
All participants and spectators are asked to follow posted guidance and respect restricted areas. For more information about the Texas Water Safari, visit https://texaswatersafari.org/.