Bobcat Bucket List #67: Watch or Race in the Texas Water Safari

“It all started with a dare in a bar”

The Texas Water Safari originated in San Marcos back in 1963. Founded by Frank Brown and Bill “Big Willie” George, it has been attracting thrill seekers and daredevils alike ever since.

Known as the “World's Toughest Canoe Race,” the participants race from Aquarena Springs down to Seadrift, a city along the coast. Over the course of the 260-mile stretch, racers are given 100 hours to complete it. Besides water and ice, competitors must carry all their food and supplies in the canoe.

Hoyt Moss, a hall-of-fame member of the Texas Water Safari said he began doing the race because of a dare he received in a bar. Now, he continues to race as a test of his capabilities, to develop a tradition that he can pass down to his kids and, of course, bragging rights!

Moss said the most difficult part of the race for him is the bay, the last 12-mile stretch of the race. “At that point, you’re 65 hours in with no sleep and you start becoming delirious,” Moss said.

In the 2021 race, a storm with “hurricane-like winds” hit the bay, disqualifying many teams. Moss said in good conditions the last stretch of the bay is like glass, but its conditions can change in a split second.

“Boats were shooting out flares, there were hurricane winds, and the sirens were going off at Seadrift,” Moss said.

Over the years the boat race has steadily grown in size. Moss said the biggest change he’s seen over his last 20 years competing is the growing number of women involved and the increasing preparation teams put into getting ready for the race. The Texas Water Safari attracts more hopeful finishers year after year and continues to test the participants’ limits of what’s possible.

Watch the Texas Water Safari every year in June from the Meadows Center. If you’re up for the challenge, learn more and sign up here.