I have travelled to many places to compete in many different paddling disciplines. I have been to Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii (even the island with the lepers), Seattle, Indiana, Washinton D.C., Virginia, New York, Nevada, and yes, even Texas. I've raced outrigger canoes, Olympic Sprint K-1's, 2's & 4's, Marathons, and Surfskis. But nothing has prepared me for what I experienced in the Texas Water Safari. The ferocity and desire of the Mynars competitive spirit is that of the most seasoned international athletes. The calculated, thorough and cerebral approach of John Bugge makes him a true visionary of the safari. To the competitors who consistently paddle the safari like some macabre rite of passage and think it's fun. Yet, what sets this event and its competitors apart from all the rest, is the army of volunteers and bank runners. They enthusiatically stay up all night, fend off swarms of mosquitos, wade in waist deep water, clean out disgusting bottles caked with glucose goo and all to cheer us on for the split second we glide by towards the next checkpoint. But it's those split seconds, in which we hear our names and the yells to keep going, that drive us forward towards our goal. The "California Boys" want to thank the community on the banks which drive all the competitors to finish and realize their dreams and accomplish their goals, because without you it wouldn't happen.

Last Modified: January 14, 1997