Texas Water Safari

Training Schedule

The following is based on 10 years of experience training people to finish the Texas Water Safari with excellent results. (See bottom of this page for results) Remember this recommendation is for a good finish, NOT a win. We can help you win too, but the training schedule will differ from the one below.

This does NOT guarantee you will finish but greatly increases your chances.

Two of the most common mistakes we see in novice racers:

1) Lack of understanding and preparation for the challenge of the race.
2) Too much time training in the gym without paddling. Spending time in your boat is crucial for a successful finish.

Five person Water Safari team paddling on San Marcos River

We can provide you with the tools to finish, but it’s up to you to put in the work and have the determination to finish.

Good Luck!

Suggested Lessons

Crash Course / Intro to racing
Follow up
Down River I
Down River II
Private river run

Allow one or two weeks to practice on your own prior to taking a follow up lesson to receive the greatest benefit. Classes can be substituted for private lessons.

FALL PRIOR (year before racing)

Go paddle on your own in any canoe or kayak. Catch the “safari bug.”
Check your resources and start reading about the race.
Watch some of the fall races and meet some people. See what it’s all about. Try a race just for fun!
Talk to your adventure seeking friend who doesn’t easily give up/find a partner.
Get a lesson if possible. CRASH COURSE from Paddle With Style

DECEMBER/JANUARY

Ask for an appropriate canoe and ZRE paddle for Christmas.
Paddle and practice when convenient (at least 4 times). Discover strengths and weaknesses.
Prepare your family on the time commitment it will take to race.
Follow up lesson – Depending on your skill will determine if you need a private lesson or a down river course.

FEBRUARY

Check List

Choose your canoe for the race. If needed, secure a rental and start using it!
- We offer rentals specifically for the Safari, boats rigged and ready to go. Rentals are for an extended period of time because we believe you need to practice for this race.
- If needed, get on a good diet and start dropping those extra pounds.
Attend a free Texas Water Safari Seminar.
Get a paddling lesson or two.

Training

Every week: Paddle once a week for 1 or 2 hours focusing on technique.
2 times a week for 30 minutes: Cardio (walk/run/etc)
Weekends:
– Weekend 1: Off
– Weekend 2: 15-25 miles on local water
– Weekend 3: Off
– Weekend 4: First Official River Trip! Hochheim-Cheapside (24 miles)
Try to make the Town Lake races. It a great place to meet people and learn more about the sport while building your speed.

MARCH

Check List

Get spray skirt made for your boat, if needed. (earlier is possible)
Buy lights.
Test foods during training runs.
Rig boat! Set up pumps, bags, and jug foam in boat.
Take down river paddling lesson. Learn to work with the current.
Have some fun by racing and meeting people at the MAC races.

Training

Every week: Paddle once a week for 1.5 hours focusing on technique.
2 times a week for 30 minutes: Cardio and weights
Weekends:

– Weekend 1: Off
– Weekend 2: River Run from Gonzo-Hochheim (36 miles)
– Weekend 3: 15-25 miles on local water
– Weekend 4: River Run from San Marcos-Fentress (25 miles)

APRIL

Check List

Test lights.
Test spray skirt.
Test clothes.
Test food.
Test everything!
Practice your training runs like you want to race.
Private River Run Lesson

Training

Every week: Paddle once a week for 1-2 hours. Focus on technique and add in some intervals and time trials.
3 times a week for 30 minutes: Cardio and weights
Weekends:

– Weekend 1: Off
– Weekend 2: River Run from Fentress-Palmetto (36 miles)
– Weekend 3: 20-25 miles on local water
– Weekend 4: On Saturday morning, River Run from San Marcos-Staples (16 miles); rest; on Saturday NIGHT paddle from Palmetto-Gonzo 183 (25 miles)

MAY

Check List

Make race check list.
Buy items still needed on that list.
Meet with Team Captains and review their duties and course.
Paddle at night one weeknight on local water.

Training

Every week: Paddle twice a week for 1-2 hours. Focus on technique and add in some intervals and time trials .
3 times a week for 30 minutes: Cardio and weights
Weekends:

– Weekend 1: On Saturday, RACE from Cuero-Victoria (32 ish mile)
On Sunday, River Run from Victoria 59-Sea Drift (51 ish miles)
– Weekend 2: River Run from San Marcos-Luling 90 (40 ish miles)
– Weekend 3: Off
– Weekend 4: River Run, this is open for what is needed most. Keep it shorter (15-20miles) - Rest up for the race.

JUNE

Continue light mid-week training.
Make sure to rest a few weekdays leading up to the race.
Test and pre-pack your boat. Know where everything is located.
Meet with your Team Captain. Make sure they know the drill, where they are driving and the importance of their job. Buy them dinner!

Texas Water Safari Novice Teams & Paddle With Style

2021

24 Novice teams started
20 Finished

4 Did not finish

12 Teams took lessons from Paddle With Style
11 Finished, including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Novice

2019

38 Novice teams started
32 Finished
6 Did not finish

25 Teams took lessons from Paddle With Style.
22 Finished Including 2nd and 3rd place novice.
2 Did not finish, nor did they follow the recommended training schedule.

12 Teams did not take lesson.
7 Completed the race
5 Did not complete the race.

2018

32 Novice teams started
22 Finished
10 Did not

19 Took lessons from Paddle With Style.
16 Completed the race. Including 1st, 2nd and 3rd novice place.
3 Did not finish, 2 of those did not come close to following the recommended training schedule.

13 teams did not take lessons
6 Completed the race
7 Did not finish