2003 (post race) Archives

2003 (post race) archive
2003 archive
2002 archive
2001 archive

I really hate to do this, but when people start intentionally posting bogus information to the board, I have to take some action. I have the options of simply ignoring the postings, banning the original poster, or shutting down the board.

I choose to ban Mike Stinson .
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 18:26:09 (CDT)

Nah. Mike's still being devious. Now everyone that beat him last year will have to beat him next year, or have a good excuse... that is, unless he gets into the Ziegenboch bet. now and then.
john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 15:14:56 (CDT)

Actually, I had several purposes for posting that bogus cut. One of which was to find out the identity of a certain troll that frequents these pages. Second was to find out the location of certain legal cuts (I got a lot of phone calls "are you talking about this cut"). Third to show how dangerous it could be for newcomers to get information off this board. I accomplished all plus I think we all got an extra bonus on item three. And no I will not share information about any legal cuts, but will share the illegal cut information with the board. mike
mike stinson <stinsonmike@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 10:44:21 (CDT)

Bruce: Thanks for the info. John: Last year I posted about a top aluminum team standing in Tom's shop in 1987, bemoaning the fact that they wanted the Gonzales "cut" watched. As I recall, Tom said to the aluminum bowman (who will remain nameless,)something along the lines of: "Rocky, I don't even want to hear you refer to that as a "cut." It's illegal and would save a substantial amount of time." Whereupon this nameless individual looked at his Timex and quoted the exact amount of time it would save! One of my fondest memories was in 1989, passing the point where one would take out to make the illegal portage, and seeing Tom in the darkness up on the bank, saying "Howdy." So maybe those footprints belonged to Youen's. Did they look like Sasquatch had been there?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 10:09:25 (CDT)

ya know, when Stinson said he was going to put that map on the board that it would start a bunch of thrashin' through the woods - on a snipe hunt...
;) <Map>
- Monday, September 29, 2003 at 23:09:21 (CDT)

Thanks, Tom. The community needed that. I believe most of the concern is not over paddling cuts but actually of the 2-3 places where the river doubles back on itself so much that a boat can be portaged a short distance, saving substantial distance on the river. It was at the put-in of one of these that boat/footprints were seen this past Safari. (I hasten to note that my interest is academic since I and my friends wouldn't and we're so far back it doesn't matter much anyway.)
john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Monday, September 29, 2003 at 13:46:21 (CDT)

Since I wrote the original rule on legal vs illegal shortcuts for the Big One, perhaps it would be proper for me to weigh in on this issue. The original intent was to outlaw illegal portages while allowing the use of cuts which clearly had a flow of river water going through them. There was not a requirement that it had to be an open cut (in the sense that any portage while in the cut made it illegal - which is the case in the Ausable, as I remember). But river water had to be entering the cut on the upstream end and reentering the river on the downstream end of the cut. In other words, if the river was flowing through it, it was legal.
The exceptions were Cornfield Cut Off and Blue Bayou between Victoria and the Dupont Plant. We decided to outlaw these cuts because too many folks had gotten hopelessly lost using them, and because it made it very hard to afford any type of search and rescue protocol if these cuts were allowed.
If there is some sort of cut that requires a portage to enter, and the flow at that point is from a creek into the river (and not from the river into the creek) I would certainly rule it illegal. If, on the other hand, river water is flowing through this cut, I would be wise to find it. I will say that I spent a lot of time as a Safari judge watching illegal cuts during the race, and I would not advise anyone to be tempted to use one. Our plan, back in those days, was to stay hidden (if possible) and not disqualify the team until they reached the flagpole.

Finally, regarding Traylor Cut. Traylor Cut is the big wide channel that goes left about 30 minutes to an hour (depending on if you're a Minor or not) downstream of Tivoli. It is not the little channel that goes right - that channel is the actual river. The Army Corps of Engineers dug the left channel for reasons that I will leave to them. It has always been quite legal to take Traylor Cut and it has actually been a favorite place for solo paddlers to go. Something draws them into it. It has, I believe, not saved any of them much time.
Tom Goynes <goynes@centurytel.net>
- Sunday, September 28, 2003 at 11:34:53 (CDT)

Mike,
I am trying to figure out where you are coming from on the issue of cuts. You describe the "Burkhalter Cut" as follows (taken verbatim from your earlier post)
"The Burkhalter Cut between Hocheim and Cheapside is an intermittent stream that a couple of pieces of plywood manage to get jammed up in the creek about 50 yards upstream from the its confluence with the Guadalupe usually about 3 or 4 days before the race, backing it up for about 3/4's of a mile making it navigable. The water, after backing up, starts to flow through an old channel cut that has been reworked with probably with a front end loader and flows back into the Guadalupe downstream."
What I read into this is that someone is deliberately cheating by creating an artificial waterway. My question to you is, do you think that taking such a cut is fair and proper?
If anyone were to ceate and/or go over a purpose-made plywood dam to access this "cut" I think that the appropriate remedy is disqualification.
Regarding Traylor cut, as Russ noted this cut is clearly allowed and specifically identified in the rules. I will argue that it is not a cut but one of two branches of the river. It had flow in 1996 which is a pretty good indicator of the nature of the waterway.

Another topic. I don't know if hugs and kisses are legal. I hugged my kids at DuPont in clear view of about 75 people including the Cowboy team. I don't know if this provided my team with a competitive advantage but it sure felt good and noone protested.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 22:51:57 (CDT)

Russ:
http://www.texaswatersafari.org then jr safari then 2003 results... (sorry to point out the obvious )
Direct link:

http://www.tisd.net/~txws/race_info_junior_2003_results.htm
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 15:27:03 (CDT)

Are the Junior Safari results posted anywhere? Spelce told me he won, and I would like to verify that before I see him this weekend. (Actually, I am interested in all of the results.)
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 15:11:40 (CDT)

CaptJack, I'm so relieved. My son Justin and I actually witnessed that dual as it was occuring this year down near Victoria. We tried to tell others about it but no one would believe us. Thanks to Mrs. Spencer for actually capturing it on video. "Asleep at the Keel"
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 09:17:24 (CDT)

Folks, It is my belief, after about 18 years association with the TWS, that the rules regarding the legality of cuts is very well defined. If you read the pamphlet and listen to the briefing carefully, it should be clear. Admittedly, there arise, from time to time, questions, such as the one Robert Youens was addressing (dammed up stream). However, the rule states that if a cut has water flowing through it then it is legal (with certain exceptions.) Those who disagree with this rule can email any board member with a suggestion, preferably polite. I doubt that the rule would be changed, but you never know. The most important exception to the rule is taking cuts to river left on the lower river. I recommend you read that one carefully, and believe me, it is for your own good. But whether we believe that or not, it is the rule. Overland shortcuts are NOT cuts. However, with regard to the long portage at Gonzo dam, I would encourage you to view that, not as a shortcut, but as a safety outlet. My memory is that the long portage is indeed legal even at low water. But trust me, it is NOT a timesaver, but rather a legal method for folks to get around the dam whose skills or comfort levels are such that they might be endangered at the base of the dam, even at lower water.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 07:54:36 (CDT)

I apologize for recording your point total incorrectly Gerald. I have updated it with the correct totals....I hope
Fuzzy <fuzzy_67@hotmail.com>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 02:54:04 (CDT)

The Duel
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 00:56:35 (CDT)

What?....I got points? I'm gonna have to go check this out. Actually my wife has been telling everybody that I got a trophy for being third in an old folks division of a kayak race (like it's a big old joke)....and then they all laugh like crazy. I challenged every one of'em to a race...but got no takers. Ah well, life is tough for people in their second childhood. I learned several things in the juniour safari. Not withstanding the motor...which is me...I need a much lighter (my portages killed me), and faster boat. THEN...I may be able to finish while people are still watching the race. I had a great time, met some great people. I will be back. Hot dogs!...maybe get more points.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 18:37:09 (CDT)

Actually Gerald, I think you should have 6 points instead of 5 since you were 3rd in your class.. (the geezer class << grin >> >:)
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 17:09:31 (CDT)

Hey Gerald, your now the 222'd best paddler in Texas!! Tell THAT to your wife... (Well, really a 19 way tie for 206th place >;-)))
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 16:45:44 (CDT)

The TCRA points are updated to include the Jr. Texas Water Safari. they are located in the files cestion of the egroup at txcanoeracing.org
Fuzzy <fuzzy_672hotmail.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 15:28:20 (CDT)

Mike Stinson: Thanks for further comments and things to consider. I agree that I need to get on the river and do a LOT more paddling and exploring. I am in no way questioning your character, or that of anyone who has participated in the Safari. Probably what needs to happen is that more veterans need to speak up, voice their opinions and experiences, and for the actual race officals to quickly clarify any questions. One thing I can say is that I have recieved some emails from some great veterans voicing their opinions, support, and advice on running the Safari. There are truly some fine people in the paddling and racing community. I look forward to meeting many more...including you.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 12:35:24 (CDT)

Obviously,TWS will reaffirm the rules regarding cuts before Saf04. I would say we'll either have to post a watch on some of the downriver cuts/shortcuts/illegal portages, or make them legal, noting that there were apparently about 6 sets of boat and footprints at one currently illegal shortcut after the first 20 boats were thru this year. At present, as I last read the TWS rules, the long portage at Gonzo is legal and the Traylor's Cut after Tivoli is legal (and recommended). BUT ALL OTHER CUTS/shortcuts/portages ARE ILLEGAL. (Again, TWS needs to clarify this issue.)
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 11:50:52 (CDT)

Bottom line on the cuts: If I'm come around the corner and see somebody crossing land and putting in. Bet your bottom dollar I'm turning that team in! Also, if a team some how passed me while I was awake and paddling, I'll be sure to let the Officials know about... Most of classes are tight from the number 1 to 2, only a hour or two difference(sometimes less). These cuts would make the difference from going home with what all a traveling trophy or the same thing with what the last place team got.
Mark <texpaddler@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 11:19:12 (CDT)

I'm glad that someone on this board can speak out about illegal, or shady shortcuts on the Texas Water Safari route. For the front runners who have legitimately earned their positions in history, the respect of other paddlers and racers, it would be a huge disservice to be surpassed only by a few who do so through shady means. The win would be tainted, the memory bitter sweet...but...I guess that wouldn't matter to some people. Is a win at any cost worth it? I have not participated in a Safari yet, but I'm preparing to do so. This is a race not only against others...but against the course and one's own character. Hopefully my character will prove satisfactory...because I certainly will not be a front runner, and I certainly will not take any shortcuts. I respect each and every person who has ever participated in a Safari. I consider them men and women of character. If I thought any less of them I wouldn't want to join them as one who has participated in the Texas Water Safari...and perhaps...even one who will complete such a task. I don't mean to offend anyone...and I know I'm a person of no experience in this group. I enjoyed myself tremendously at the Junior Safari and was welcomed by a fine group of people at the end. I hope that will continue to happen.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 11:12:56 (CDT)

I have posted some Safari pictures I have taken over the years on the TCRA site in the photo folder under the file paddler. Feel free to copy etc.
Ray <rcpj@amaonline.com>
- Thursday, September 25, 2003 at 00:19:34 (CDT)

Hooah, Amen, Gigem.
Chris Baker "Huff & Puff" #316 4/4 <agiedc@itouch.net>
- Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 22:15:19 (CDT)

I CAN'T BELEIVE ANYONE WHO POST AND READ THIS BILLBOARD WOULD ACTUALLY CONSIDER USING A CUT , OR SOME OTHER METHOD OF SHAVIG OFF TIME. THE RACE IS RAN ON THE RIVER, ALL CUTS SHOULD BE ILLEAGAL AND TIME IS "MADE" BY HARD WORK AND SWINGING THEM BLADES. STOP TRYING TO WATER DOWN THIS RACE AND EARN YOUR SHAVED HOUR ON THE RIVER . AND REMEMBER , THE CUT YOU TAKE ,IS THE RACE YOU FAKED.
JIMMY THOMLINSON
- Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at 22:02:47 (CDT)

Does anyone have pictures of the JR Safari? I did not get to go so I would like to see the pictures and pretend that I was there.
Thunder Sellers
- Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 11:29:36 (CDT)

Robert: I sort of agree and sort of disagree with your interpretation of the cut rules. I agree that this is a different situation from most cuts. (I am assuming you have to paddle upstream in the cut, portage past the "dam" then go back into the river at the spillover?????) On the other hand, the creek is a tributary to the river, providing water to its flow. And I don't know of a rule that precludes paddling upstream into a tributary. (For example, if a team went left at the Blanco Confluence, you would not disqualify them even though technically the Blanco at that point is a tributary to the San Marcos. So if it is legal to paddle upstream, you are then in legal water, and if you then have a flow of water back into the river, why would that not be legal? Now don't get me wrong: I think it is clear that those who created the rule never contemplated its application to this case, (Tom?) Another factor that one might want to consider is whether it appears the "dam" was man made or the result of a logjam. That might well make a difference. On the other hand, as we both know, there have been other cuts which showed evidence of mankind helping Mother Nature out with a shovel when the water level was marginal. (In any case, I'm sure we will get an indication from the Safari board once you present the case.) Finally, I would add that there are now other remedies besides wholesale disqualification. IF you knew a team had taken a cut and IF it were illegal, and IF there were evidence that the team had taken it in good faith (i.e., in the absence of a clear direction from the board or the chief race judge,) I think a time-penalty might be more suitable: say the time that was saved plus a few minutes. Had I been presented with the situation the years I was in that capacity, I think I would have been somewhat more lenient.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 09:20:17 (CDT)

Enjoyed the race this year. Another few years and I will finally have figured Cottonseed out. Also liked the picture that was posted of the Suburban hanging off the bridge. Mary and I were just paddling down to the bridge when we heard the squeeling brakes and people screaming and saw the mom and child dashing out of the way then when we came out the other side saw the truck hanging over the edge. Pretty scary.
RD Kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 22:47:40 (CDT)

Regarding;
1. The use of cuts. As Head Race Judge last year my interpretation would have been that it is illegal to paddle up stream on a dammed up creek to a point where it dumps back into the river due to over flow. The rules state: For any “shortcut” to be legal, it must have a flow of river water through it. The river is not flowing through the cut described (a creek is), so it would be illegal and grounds for disqualification. Thanks for the exact position of the illegal cut, I will make sure that the race committe is informed of its location.

2. Going over Martindale Dam in a canoe. For the outcome to be successful, the river must be at the correct level and the canoe must slide down the back of the dam sideways. There is definitely rebar protruding from the dams structure and below the dam. Going over the dam at the wrong spot could result in serious damage to a canoe and or paddler. Though I have done it both solo and tandem, I cannot recommend it. There once was an Aluminum class team that used to go over Martindale Dam in races. Due to the risk involved it was made illegal to do during races.
Robert Youens <txsnapper@aol.com>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 15:33:33 (CDT)

Bruce, thank you for the kind thoughts. It was my wife Braye and daughter Emerie who were almost hit by the surburban. When we approached Westerfield, I did not see them on the bridge but as we passed by I glanced around and saw them sitting by a big oak tree. I thought something might have been wrong but I had no idea until the end of the race. Now I am really looking for a new team captain.

P.S. I won't reveal her true age but Braye was flattered by the "young" mother coment
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 14:00:15 (CDT)

Well, here's my nomination for idiot of the year:

I'm not sure how many of you know about this but at just after 9am, as I was standing on the Westerfield(I think) bridge watching the Jr Safari boats go by, I could hear a vehicle comming WAY too fast, I looked left (river right) just in time to see a young mother scrambling franticly to get herself and a young toddler out of the way of a teenage idiot who decided that the speed limit sign didn't apply to him, and that paying attention to the road was optional. My kudos to that women who moved faster than I think I've seen anyone move, I sincerely hope she didn't have as many nightmares about the incident as I did... Be carefull out there. The woman and child were standing about where the back seat of the Suburban is in the picture. I'm still amazed no one was hurt.. Be carefull out there!!!

(please note the driver is still in the truck, the gentleman who's back is to the camera was standing next to me when the idiot almost killed a young mother and her toddler and himself and his passenger) -- Bruce
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 11:31:12 (CDT)

Triathlon is coming up soon, and I have a bike to sell that will launch some lucky paddler to the top ranks, even if it never did quite have that effect for me. It's a '96 Cannnondale, and probably has about 2500-3000 miles on it. It is a 54cm frame, and is yellow. I have added some carbon fiber parts to make it faster, lighter, and more sexy. The carbon bars and aerobars are by Profile, and have grip shift shifters on the end. Also have Profile carbon front fork and seat post. Have original 650C wheels, and also new Rolf 650C wheels with new Panaracer tires. I have about $3500 in the bike, and will take $1200 to cover just the new pieces. Help out a college student...please? johnny prochaska
Johnny Prochaska <jejda@yahoo.com>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 08:43:43 (CDT)

To Linda and Jerry and the rest of the crew......We had a blast this weekend at the Jr.S. Thanks again for all your hard work. It really makes all those sore muscles worth while. See you at the next one.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Monday, September 22, 2003 at 08:39:47 (CDT)

OK. And where is that second cut located?
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Sunday, September 21, 2003 at 17:30:19 (CDT)

These "points" on the map are not right in line with the TWS Rules or am I reading TWS rule book wrong?
Mark <WatersEdge@yahoo.com>
- Friday, September 19, 2003 at 16:39:16 (CDT)

Parking for the Jr Texas may be crowded on Saturday. San Marcos is having a 5k run starting in or near the park at 8:30 and the Pet Fest is going on all day in and around the Park. You might be able to adopt a new friend prior to the race. Anyway there is some parking available in the Texas State University parking lot #14 immediately before the last right turn into the park. Also you'll have to follow the detour signs into the park as they have the road closed (I think it's Bobcat Lane-it's the one that runs by Wal-Green). We try to keep things exciting for you all. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. See you there-we'll be set up at one of the picnic tables. We'll provide soft drinks and hot dogs at the finish once again.
Linda Cochran <lcochran@austin.rr.com>
- Friday, September 19, 2003 at 10:36:32 (CDT)

Actually, we probably would have quit somewhere in the middle of the safari if we had any idea how many miles we paddled to go a few hundred linear feer. Sometimes, ignorance IS bliss....or at least not misery.
Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 14:24:29 (CDT)

N 29 16.894 W 097 19.595
Alzheimers <itsbogus.com>
- Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 12:56:34 (CDT)

Welp, I guess I'll have to go out and buy a waterproof GPS unit and all the mapping software, so that I can store data which will enable me to take advantage of all the shortcuts. High-tech redneck.
gaston jones <gvj4@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 11:02:21 (CDT)

Dave, I'm pretty sure that's a chart from a Lower G.I., and it doesn't look pretty.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 08:11:06 (CDT)

Dave- Lot/Lon is the past - think UTM
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 21:20:14 (CDT)

Omar sent in an excellent article on lessons learned during a DNF. It may be found on the following page:
DNF.html

Thanks for all contributions !
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Friday, September 19, 2003 at 15:08:44 (CDT)

I've sent Mr. Brooks an article on "Instructive DNF's for Novices", with 6 experiences/ lessons-learned each of which could have salvaged a Safari finish. This, noting that 30-odd boats DNF'd this past year. Obviously, others could contribute. This information could be invaluable to novices.
omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 18:55:47 (CDT)

To Mike Stinson: I sense you are cryptically trying to point out a Safari shortcut, however your coordinates in latitude are about as far north as Dallas and the longitude I place somewhere in Europe. ??? What am I missing??? Dave Bartell
Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 18:43:00 (CDT)

DRY LAND PADDLING PRECAUTIONS: When I was studying free style paddling (how to go around in fancy circles) some years ago, I put my old wood boat on a table in the back yard, and sat in it now and then after work practicing the strokes (?Did you know there are about 40 separate, named canoe strokes?). After a few weeks I began to notice people in Elgin seemed to be looking at me funny. Tried to write it off to paranoia. Then, one night driving home from the store I took a side road that went at an angle into my road and came to find that, for 3 blocks, I had an excellent view between the trees of my own back yard, with the canoe sitting on the table. I moved to Austin and found Safari, where everyone is crazy anyway... True story.
omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 17:53:26 (CDT)

Looking for a couple of slightly used Zaveral's. If anybody has such an animal, please give me a shout. "Asleep at the Keel"
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at 12:49:57 (CDT)

Kurt, try either Austin Canoe and Kayak or Austin Outdoor Gear; obviously both in Austin. They don't have any canoes you would want to paddle but they have a lot of kayaks.
Jeremy <***>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 21:56:26 (CDT)

The crowd below Rio Vista generally screams various things at the frolicers in the water to let them know a boat is coming. I have yet to see a boat have to stop, although there have been some near misses because the people below wanted a head-on view. There aren't that many non-race involved people at 9:00 am in the morning and probably only a real problem for the first boat or two to shoot the dam, since afterwards everyone is aware that SOMETHING must be responsible for the flotilla coming downstream. All the boats tend to be past this point in a relatively short period of time, too.
Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 16:26:10 (CDT)

Looking for info on canoe rentals for the Junior Safari on 9/20. Called around and not having any luck. any info would be great.
Kurt <kauch@aegonusa.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 15:43:25 (CDT)

Bob Brown: I'm 56. I tell my wife that building the boats...and now hopefully doing some marathons is better than me chasing women. Chasing women would considerably shorten my life also...as my wife is 4" taller than I am. I will never be able to get her into a paddled boat of any kind. Her idea of a wild day is to get up early so she can go in the livingroom and take a nap on the couch. Now...if she could sew quilts or embroidery while in the boat...then there might be a possibility. I already have my vacation days schedule for these various marathon races...culminating in the Safari next June. I may not finish...but I'll be there. You mentioned that you naively entered your old town kayak and lasted only one day. I'm not naively entering my kayak...it's just what I've got so it's what I'll use. I have one question about Rio Vista dam. Every time I run the chute it takes some time to notify the guys playing in the water below the chute that I'm coming down. Will they be there during the race? or will the crowd let us know if somebody is in the way. I'm just wondering what the procedure is on running the chute so I don't spear somebody...or get speared. I notice somebody posted the cutoff time to the Martindale 1979 bridge. I guess to remind the tail runners. What are you going to do if you don't make the cutoff?....turn around and paddle back? Naw...I don't think so. Anyway....this will be a heck of a learning experience for me...I'm going to put out some effort, and have a ball. Hope I don't get in anybody's way.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 15:42:58 (CDT)

Does anyone have any experience on the Guadalupe between New Braunfeuls (sp) and Gonzales. We are looking for a little change in scenery but don't want to go too far out of central Texas.
jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 15:04:33 (CDT)

I have a friend who has a Cobra Tandem with two seats and two paddles for sale. Maybe a little slow for racing but good for hauling big fish. 12' 6" long, 36" wide in the middle, 600 lb capacity 3 seasons old, few blemishes,great condition $500 obo.Contact info: thehub@axs4u.com phone. 512-353-5162 or 830-626-8166
tom <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 14:04:02 (CDT)

12:00 p.m. CUT-OFF TIME for reaching Hwy. 1979 bridge in Martindale
news source <newssource@cnn.com>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 13:20:32 (CDT)

Jack and Gerald - How old are you guys? I'm 58, and I just tell my wife that this "craziness" or "mid-life crisis" of entering the TWS is cheaper than buying a BMW and healthier than having an affair with another woman (my wife agrees the latter would shorten my life span considerably). I think my wife supports my TWS activities not so much for the race itself, but for the exercise I get in preparing for it. Regan served as my TC in 2001 when I naively entered solo in my Old Town kayak - and lasted only 1 day. She TC'd our boat when I entered with a tandem alumicraft in 2002 and finished. Her only complaint was that while we saw a beautiful river, she only saw the filthy and disgusting underside of every bridge along the way. I think she would have TC'd again in 2003, but we got another TC, so as to save her vacation days for a trip to the Boundary Waters of MN. That went over REALLY WELL! I know many wives blow off the idea of helping their husbands (some husbands TC for their wives in the race) Maybe get her in a boat and make recreational canoeing or kayaking part of her life (and kids too if you have them), and then being your TC will not be so much of a stretch. Beyond that - try Dr. Phil! Bob Brown, 'Agin Bulls
Bob Brown <rdbrown@tamu>
- Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 12:42:45 (CDT)

Thanks Jack. What you suggested would certainly work. I'm just gonna be way back and didn't want anybody to have to wait long...though I guess they'll still be having the meeting when I drag in. I have a reciever hitch extension for my boat...and I have just thrown two more on top of it for shuttles. Hopefully I won't have to hitch hike...but I will be at the junior safari no matter what. I even enticed my wife with two nights in a nice motel, dinner, outlet mall shopping...all sorts of crazy things. Mostly she just said to make sure the insurance is up to date and leave a list of all the 401k, savings, and bank accounts. I guess the shine is off the honeymoon.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Monday, September 15, 2003 at 21:16:00 (CDT)

Gerald- You should ask on this forum if there is anyone else who needs a shuttle from the finish at Staples back to CityPark. It helps if both vehicles can carry two boats but you can always just leave your boat at Staples and catch a ride back to the parking lot. That's what I've done in the past. Usually Jerry & Linda stay until close to the very end and keep an eye on boats left at Staples while their owners have gone back for their vehicle.
I understand about getting your wife to TC for you. Debbie has come and watched me start the Safari but has never come or helped with any of the other races. She has also never been willing to be my TC for the big race.

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Monday, September 15, 2003 at 17:55:37 (CDT)

Well...this is funny, I know...but my wife refuses to go with me to the junior safari. She says I'm an old man and should start acting like one. Not likely to happen any day soon. As a result I'm looking for a shuttle, or someone who can drive my pickup, or otherwise get me to my pickup at/or from Staples Dam on saturday. If anyone is interested, or if there is a commercial shuttle, please let me know on the board or by email. One thing to note is that I will be last...so the truck will need to be left there until I finally arrive.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Monday, September 15, 2003 at 17:31:35 (CDT)

Anyone know what's up with whetstone@kayakstore.com. I ordered a custom paddle from them, then their website went down. Then their phoneline went down. Phone line is back up but can't get anyone to return my call! Anyone know if they are moving locations or just bad with customer service?
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Friday, September 12, 2003 at 11:19:10 (CDT)

RE: the post below about dry land training... My training when doing TWS should NOT be taken as a good example; on-water practice was usually limited. I think it helped to sit by the edge of a swimming pool and circulate the water. The motion is slower than paddling but tougher resistance; it toughens the hands on the grip as well. Spend some time turned both directions to keep it balanced. Most of my trouble in the race was in the back. A lot of exercises can improve posture and strengthen the back; do some research or talk to a physical therapist or trainer. Stretching the hamstrings and piriformis (butt muscle) also helps with hip positioning and lower back endurance. Foot brace positioning figures in here as well. Work up slow and steady; avoid injuries. Good luck.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Friday, September 12, 2003 at 06:09:50 (CDT)

Marek, I too enjoy your site very much. Every time you include a link to it in a post, I find myself sifting through there for far too long. thanks for all the hard work on it.
Thunder Sellers
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 14:25:33 (CDT)

A couple of ideas for comfortable, light seats: Last year Dave Bartell made one by shaping single-cell foam (by sanding). It looked great, was light (floatation, actually), and worked great. I believe the world's most comfortable canoe seat (kayaks?)(recommended for people with butt bone/tailbone injuries, or whose butts hurt) derives from the idea of quality recreational canoe seats, namely the cross-hatched canvas strap seats. Can easily make one, very light, from a folding lawn chair -- reinforce the straps.
john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 11:22:25 (CDT)

I believe Randy may be up in the mountains at present, soon to return. I'll shoot him an email. He has a great boat. 2 of them, actually. Fast. Comfortable. He stands in it to scout the river ahead, nonchalantly sits back down.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 11:12:52 (CDT)

Marek: I continue to find new and interesting things on your site. You've done a great job on it. It is invaluable for people like me getting information and doing research on different aspects of paddling...like marathon racing. I saw Randy Johnson's canoe before the start of the safari. The more I look at it the more I like the basic hull shape. I would like to get more information on that hull. Maybe he'll see this and shoot me an email. The cockpit on my kayak is 22 X 39. I make a bigger cockpit for the next boat. Maybe not wider, but definately longer. I like the designing and building at least as much, probably more, than the paddling. I'm having a heck of a time in designing a comfortable seat that doesn't weigh 50 pounds. The current seat incarnation looks, and acts, like a lazy boy recliner. Back to the drawing board.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 09:59:49 (CDT)

I have a couple of Doug's Pax20 pictures in my 2003 safari report and probably one more in the story from the last year. As a builder of CLC Patuxent 19.5 I would like to have much bigger and more open cockpit for the safari allowing easier getting out and in at portages and other obstacles. I did some safari training with my Patuxent on San Marcos and Guadelupe during TWS 2001 but I am running the safari in Spencer X-treme.
There were several CLC and Pygmy stitch-and-glue kayaks in previous safaris.

What wooden canoe Randy Jonhson paddles? Anybody has some details on that boat
Marek <uliasz.at.frii.com>
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 09:39:06 (CDT)

Hey Gerald, I'm planing on making the meet in Oct.,I plan on bringing both boats(Pax 20 & Lt17).Trying to finish the Lt up now(down to combing & rudder ect...).There are some design changes I'd like to make(on the pax),but I'm not sure if I should'nt just build another...probably be better off.I think I'll loft this one myself.ahh these addictions I have...boatbuilding & the safari...at least they work together! See ya in Oct.! Doug Rhude
Doug Rhude <Riverrat62@msn.com>
- Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 09:36:25 (CDT)

Doug: Thanks for your comments on the wooden boats. I have already seen a few areas I need to redesign and reinforce on wood boats...though the basic strength is holding up ok. I need to add more puncture and abrasion resistance. There are a lot of good designs around, but I like to design my own...and add what I think is needed. I believe I saw your boat before the Safari...upside down on the grass. I was wandering around like a kid in a candy store. I would certainly be interested in hearing your views on what you would redesign on your boat...and what other things you'd like to have had. And...I am the guy organizing the Texas Kayak Builder's mini-Bash in October. It is not just for kayaks, but canoes, wherrys, whitehalls, etc, any paddled, or rowed handmade, unusual, or highly adapted craft. There is also a possiblility that a wood racing kayak may show up. I'll work on that one a bit more (can you hear me now...Lee?). It would be nice to see some safari boats there. I hope you'll consider showing up with your Pax 20. I'd love to see it up close and pick your brain.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 20:26:28 (CDT)

Uh!Oh!talk of wooden boats on the safari board.Gerald,have you looked at any CLC(Chesapeak Light Craft)boats? They just discontinued their WR 180(very hard tracking)& redesigned it with more rocker,now it's called WR 18,very fast boat..supposedly more manuverable...of course it is a multi-chine. they do have the Chesapeak models with hard chine,& some Greenland style boats...if you like that snout up in the air!I'm the guy that paddles that Pax 20 on the safari..fast boat & glides forever,but it's a little tippy with a 19 1/2" beam.Research is everything! good luck on picking out a boat! looking forward to your post when you're choice is made. I'm building a 17Lt for the wife(Team Captain),a little TC insentive or insurance ever how you look at it,I'll be good for another year(I hope)! Oh yea,there is supposed to be a wooden boat builders meet at Festival Beach on Town Lake in Austin on Oct.26 '03 from 1:pm till 5:pm.Might see somthing interesting there!at least these are builders & not salespeople (hopefully).mabey I'll see ya' there! ahh well good luck to ya' Doug Rhude 3/2 solo's.....just not very fast....but loads of fun! this is fun ain't it? D.R.
Doug Rhude <Riverrat62@msn.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 19:57:25 (CDT)

Gerald, keep us posted on what you decide to build. I think the biggest chalange for a kayak is the weight factor, the deck just adds too much weight. From what I've seen of some of the unlimiteds, they kind of look like kayak bottoms with a couple inches added to the sides... As far as moving water skills... brace, brace, brace.... go into the rapid slightly healed over to one side with the paddle in the water on that side, that way when/if the boat looses stability you will be ready since it's most likely to tip the way your already leaning. kind of like when you ride a large motorcycle and approach a stop sign, you purposly lean one way so you KNOW which way your gonna fall, but that foot is already stuck out. I too have entertained building a boat for the TWS, i'm building a stripper Wee Lassie for my wife (who is WAY under the wee lassie's wieght limit), and I'm experimenting using 1/8" strips to save wieght. Not so much for the wee lassie, as it's small enough to be light regardless, but to see how it holds up when I build my 18'+ tandem canoe. On boat design if your determined to do it in a kayak to over to http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Building/index.cgi and review the posts, ask around etc. Feel free to email me to colaborate on designs.
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 18:51:41 (CDT)

Thunder: I've never ran a marathon race in my life....paddling or running, and now my knees eliminate the possibility of running a marathon...not that I would anyway. I've built a lot of boats over the years, but only recently got back into building them...and even paddling. Making a living got in the way of having fun. Anyway my kayak is a strip built 28" wide 16' long kind of canoish kayak that I designed and built to fish, explore, and generally paddle around in. After making two runs from San Marcos to Staples, not withstanding my swift water skill level (which at this point seems to be woefully lacking), I know I can do better, AND I know I can build a boat (for me) better suited to that endeavor. Capt Jack mentioned the Safari to me. After investigation I've decided that I will do it. However...shades of John Stockwell (whom I respect greatly because of his exploits, perserverance, and willingness to share information)...I have no illusions concerning where I will place. I do dream though. I will plan, practice, compete...and generally get in the way. But...I will be there. Everybody around here thinks I'm crazy. My wife refuses to captain (I'm in the same boat some of the other guys are), in fact she won't even show up at any of the races...including the junior safari in a week and a half. So...if I haven't made a year long (actually 15 month) commitment...then I don't know what one is. One interesting note: On the last safari...when I was standing watching the canoes get wrapped on the rocks I was talking to a nice woman and her daughter. She mentioned that her husband was one of the race officials, and that he had done the safari many times. Her daughter also mentioned that she had done it when she was 16. I had no idea who they were...still don't...but I have suspicions.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 12:59:08 (CDT)

Gerald, what kind of kayak did you run it in last year. Define "modified expedition/fishing". Just curious.
Thunder Sellers <jason_sellers@intuit.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 12:04:30 (CDT)

Interesting posts. Since I've discovered that my lightly adapted fishing/expedition kayak doesn't particularly like swift water...and is not particularly fast (I'm ignoring the fact that the kayak is powered by a wheezing old one lunger motor)...I am going to build another kayak for next year. For a lot of reasons it will have to be a hard chine S&G. Anyway...since everything has been done before...and I have a propensity for reinventing the wheel...I'm hoping that some people with more knowledge of running the safari will what attributes I need to design into the boat, or point me at some boats that have the necessary attributes. Certainly I can buy one but that defeats my goal of reinventing the wheel. What makes a boat handle rough and/or swift water and still be fast while doing it? and fast on flatwater? Within the limits of S&G construction I'm open to any and all suggestions and comments. I know...I know....I can just see all the heads shaking and the lips moving, "...here comes another water dog..." But...aint this a blast?...and at least I'm not considering a pedaled craft. Are there pictures of these "Landick" boats that were mentioned earlier? Truth be told, I love Verlin Kruger's Dreamcatcher. If I could get plans and offsets on it I'd build a strip built and set it up the best way I could. I freely admit that this marathon stuff is new to me. I have a lot to learn. If you see an old guy studying your boat and/or technique...and furiously sketching out designs...just humor me. I'll wander off in a minute.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 10:58:38 (CDT)

Mikes predicament leads me to a question. Does anybody have any good dryland exercises that work those safari muscles on days you can't make it out on the water? If Mike wants to attempt the safari again but can't spend 4+ hours every weekend to train, how can he build up paddling endurance, strength, and/or efficiency? Or just in general for myself, is there anything people do in between trips to the lake or river that helps with paddling? Obviously time on the water is best but sometimes that can be limited. Any idea would help but especially if geared towards the following: novice paddler, single blade paddle, aluminum boat
David Clark <dclark18_no_spam_please@austin.rr.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 09:58:46 (CDT)

Oh yeah and if you aren't able to make it I have been entertaining thoughts of goining solo next year. Then I can say that I am 2/2 with 1 solo and you wont be. And we all know that the only finishes that count are the solos.
Mike Clark <clark0612@juno.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 08:30:04 (CDT)

David, I was thinking and maybe I should just go for it next year. Even though I will not be able to train that much. I know we could finish without the training but can we beat our previous time. There is no way that I am going to let you rub it in that you are 2/2 and I am 1/1, so lets do it. Im in for next year. Id rather sleep in a cramped aluminum with a paddle sticking me in the back all night then show my face in seadrift having slept in a queen size bed.
Mike Clark <clark0612@juno.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 08:25:05 (CDT)

Thing about designing a new Safari boat (apart from the fact that most of it has been tried before) is that the history of new Safari boats is littered with as many "hogs" as great successes. Actually, also, "the Great Landick" interestingly experimented with sponsons to make his su more stable, then came out with the "Landick 2" which is a more comfortable, higher-volume, somewhat slower su.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 08:16:24 (CDT)

Mike, don't pay attention to Jeremy. As my captain you'll be sleeping in the bed of my Toyota (I may even throw in a thin pillow and a comforter), you'll take your showers in the river, and I'll even let you clean the boat at Seadrift. To top it off I'll brag all the home that I'm 2/2 and your only 1/1. As my captain you'll suffer right along with me. Think of it as training for the 2005. Jeremy can offer you luxury but I know you'll choose the less glamorous route. After all, I'm your brother.
David Clark <dclark18_no_spam_or_viruses_please@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, September 09, 2003 at 20:59:34 (CDT)

M P:Although your suggestions are greatly appreciated, they would be of no use. Last year I rented a 26ft RV so she could captain in stlye, convinced her sister and her husband to tag along and drive the RV and I even rigged our canoe with 1 gallon jugs instead of the 1/2 gallons so she would only have to re-supply the water every other check point. Believe me very few captains have had it so easy but the stress of the race was too much. Our daughter had just turned 2 a few days before the race and she got into ants pretty bad at Staples and was quite a handful. We were also the team that wrapped at Cottonseed for about an hour and to try to make up time I pushed my bowman too hard and by Palmetto he was dehydrated, disoriented, and pucking his guts out (all my wife could think about was me being in the same situation) Unfortunately some people aren't cut out for the Safari, its not their falt, some people are just born that way. They are missing the Safari gene. MIKE and STEPHEN: Thanks for the partial commitments. As I said before; on my team the Captain goes in style!
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, September 09, 2003 at 18:17:42 (CDT)

Jeremy, Its a little to early to commit to it but I may be looking for a team to captain next year. Me and my brother finished this year but me and my wife are having a baby soon and I (she) decided that with a new kid in the house I wont be able to put in the training time to really race efficiently. I have been given permission to captain though. If my brother races I will be captaining for him but he is not sure that he will be able to. I will check with him again and if not then I will be a free agent and anyone can sign me as their captain. So keep me in mind..
Mike Clark <clark0612@juno.com>
- Tuesday, September 09, 2003 at 08:14:41 (CDT)

JEREMY : Can't help you except in the advice dept. Try buying your wife a new vehicle ( that is suitable for TC duty). Maybe even a nice accurate watch sprinkled w/ diamonds ( bankrunning is NOT a girl's best friend ). Your spouse sounds like an intelligent person... now you must pay the price for marrying someone smarter than yourself ! But then again I'm 2 for 2 in Safari but 0 for 2 in marriage...a natural soloist.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Monday, September 08, 2003 at 16:01:51 (CDT)

Actually, Russ, it's more confusing than what you have presented. There are two Pecan Parks, Pecan Park RV's (my neighbor) and Pecan Park Retreat. Then there is a Shady Grove Campground (Spencer Canoes). And then, to really confuse the issue, there was a Pecan Grove Campground (it's the one that used to be at Hochheim and is closed now). I haven't seen any sign of life at Hochheim lately, so I'm assuming they are still closed.
Tom Goynes <goynes@centurytel.net>
- Monday, September 08, 2003 at 08:52:21 (CDT)

Matt: I assume you are trying to reach Tom and Paula Goynes. There are, I believe, 2 "Pecan Groves" and I think the other one is right next door to them. Theirs is Pecan Park "Retreat," not to be confused with Pecan Park "Campground." Not sure what number you were using but I believe the following info from the official TWS site is still correct: Tom Goynes 512-392-6171 Goynes@centurytel.net www.pecanparkretreat.com
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, September 08, 2003 at 07:31:35 (CDT)

Is a team captain required for the Jr? And speaking of team captains, my partner Mike and I are looking for a new captain for next years' races. My wife has decided it was too much for her and is not planning on helping out next year. We don't think any of our friends are reliable enough to trust so we are looking for someone with experience. We are willing to pay expenses and insure you have AC, a hot shower, and a soft bed for the race. Thanks
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Sunday, September 07, 2003 at 21:38:16 (CDT)

Yo Fumar, I plan rolling up some time before noon & spill some Bud on yer memorial.
MMSimmons <878simmons@ev1.net>
- Saturday, September 06, 2003 at 20:19:17 (CDT)

Anyone know how to get in touch with Pecan Grove Campground? The number on their website doesnt want to work. Thanks Matt...
Matt Watson <watsonjm@tamu.edu>
- Friday, September 05, 2003 at 13:55:43 (CDT)

Henry: I have read your post on lightning and have only one question: Watt?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, September 05, 2003 at 13:03:24 (CDT)

El Fumaro : Have you guys got the seat from ole # 9 encased in lexan yet - or are you still using it for a rolling tray ?
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Friday, September 05, 2003 at 02:34:15 (CDT)

Since all of the electronic interfaces at work aren't interfacing and in lieu of a personal meltdown, I will shed some light on lightning. Carbon is a semi-conductor and aluminum is a conductor. Point charges are what gets things going. The shortest gap between the clouds and the earth with the highest amount and accumulation of electric charge is what gets the jolt. A pointed object accumulates a higher percentage of charge than a sphere.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Thursday, September 04, 2003 at 16:46:29 (CDT)

Lee: I sincerely hope you get the K4 fixed. I was thinking you, Spain, Youens, and I could use it to perform a reasonable imitation of the "Thresher."
rdrekl@texas.net <Uncle Russ>
- Thursday, September 04, 2003 at 12:25:58 (CDT)

Colin, thank you. These annual sprint races have proven to be a lot of fun for those who participate. Since there are 14 individual races on the day's schedule you will get your money's worth and go home nice and tired. Sprint racing is all about who is fastest. No multi-man boats, secret portages, snakebites, rose colored recall, erroneous third hand information, illegal drugs or dubious potions to confuse things. The various distances: 200, 500 and 1000 meters will yield different results so there is incentive to try different races. The Three Legged Willie is a fun test of overall paddling and portaging skills. One disclaimer, the K-4 fun race may not come off unless someone sends me a boat mechanic who does house calls. I have two boats needing repair and no time to fix them. Lee
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Thursday, September 04, 2003 at 00:26:50 (CDT)

With all this flashbacking to safari's past and histionic statements it sounds to me like you are all in need of some therapeutic racing. It just so happens that Lee is running a small Regatta at town lake Austin on Saturday. We can all Practice our "getaway" starts for the Junior in real conditions. Lee organises an event for all types of people and boats with the bonus "3 legged willie" event. Plus it looks like the weather should be good so come along. The races are short and numerous. At the end we can all try out different boats, surf skis, spencers, C1, K2 K4, C2. see you there for some race therepy.
Colin Grimshaw <cagandjepm@earthlink.net>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 22:51:20 (CDT)

POINTED HOOTIE et al : Did I not qualify my statement by admitting it may be prejudicial ? While certainly intending no slight to Mssr's Dunn, Goynes, Mynar, or Bugge, I maintain that " My little brother can beat your little brother". No fair Tommy - you have TWO ! A little slow but still batting 1000...
M P Simmons <heaintheavy@hesmybro.com>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 16:48:41 (CDT)

Let's have an "all against all" wrestling match before the safari. That should level the playing field between the fat boys and the scrawny guys with baggy tights.
fantz crazznapper <gvj4@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 16:27:32 (CDT)

how about a SOLO (Unlimited & C-1) ONLY race to Corpus. As Devo might say- a "Gut Check" run....
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 16:24:37 (CDT)

Hey, Devo! Several years back Polecat and John Dunn made the run to Corpus leaving after the banquet. Then the year after that John Dupont joined them for a run to Freeport during which Bill snuggled up to a rattlesnake on one of the barrier islands. I'm sorry to have missed those trips but very glad I didn't go. They all say they were great fun. Apparently some years back a Safari finished in Port Lavaca, but Tom can confirm or put the lie to that rumor.
John Mark Harras <JohnMarkHarras@pzlqs.com>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 10:17:53 (CDT)

RE: short boats. Matt Layden published his story of doing 300 miles Lake Michigan Challenge in a 10' boat: The Michigan Challenge in a Bubble; or, "What Was He Thinking?". An interesting analysis of a short boat performance in a long distance expedition race. Also three more interesting reports from other challengers.
Marek <uliasz_at_frii.com>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 10:15:12 (CDT)

Tom Goynes! with his decades of solo and tandem runs and wins and leadership in environmental issues. Bugge with his decades of solo and tandem and long boat runs and wins and boat building and design. Jay Daniels and Jack and Mike designing and building winning Safari boats. Robert Youens, fiercely competitive, solo, tandem, teaching the seminar. Pat Petrisky with the reversible paddle/ row boats... Roger Zimmerman paddling the first Safari, returning to capture the "Oldest Solo" title, then finishing at 65. Linda Cochran for making "it" happen year after year. Fuzzy's snakebite. Dan Miller finishing Palmetto to the pavilion alone in an alum. The "Steppe Strap." Randy Johnson's 5 dnf's then a finish! CLEARLY WE NEED TO CREATE A SAFARI HALL OF FAME, EACH WITH PHOTOS AND ANECDOTES... ?IN THE MUSEUM IN SEA DRIFT? THIS, THINKING AHEAD 100, 500 YEARS WHEN THIS RACE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY STILL BE RUNNING.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 08:41:46 (CDT)

It would be great to have a “commemorative” run to either Freeport or Corpus. Dumping out into the gulf for a serious salt water paddle adds a whole new dimension to the race! What about it TWS?
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Wednesday, September 03, 2003 at 05:38:18 (CDT)

Old Hoot - I understand your point but there was still two paddlers working as a team in the boat. I have heard that the run to Freeport was the hardest. Solo finishes mean the most. Here's another oldie but goodie link you should enjoy. This is from the first year of the Safari
http://ops.tamu.edu/x075bb/safari/1stTWS.html
point <counter@point.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 16:13:29 (CDT)

Dear Point, Counterpoint, Point, whatever...Records are a significant measure of performance. Which record(s) is most important is a matter of one's own perception. Unlike bowling where conditions should be consistent, Safari records and class wins are influenced by weather and who shows up in what. If you can't decide which measure means the most quantify records. A good place to start is here: http://ops.tamu.edu/x075bb/safari/trivia.html Perhaps what really counts is aluminum finishes to Corpus Christi.
Old Hoot <Yo@bro.net>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 14:25:33 (CDT)

Henry, I was one of those posting wasp nest horrer stories, infact it was durring a jr safari several years ago within sight of Westerfield crossing on river left. My wife was at westerfield wondering why I was jumping from the canoe and flailing like a rabid octopus. My bowman's head had just hit a hornets nest and that next 1.2 seconds between impact with his head and when my face was in that exact spot still lingers in my mind. It still dumbfounds me to this day that my first reaction to my bowman's head hitting the hornets nest was (wow that's cool,then the coolnest was quickly lost in pain) And then I nearly flipped the canoe when my bowman looked back with the look of, why are you playing around. Roy =:-)
Roy Lewis <wwildchild@aol.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 14:01:34 (CDT)

After 2 years of training and running the Safari course, I finally did it. This weekend I was stung by wasps. I remember someone commenting on how the person ahead, gets them excited and the person behind gets the surprise. I saw 2 nests before Westerfield. And I know how some Safari folks don't like tampering with the course, but you can consider those 2 nests gone before the Junior. One is head high and about the size of a softball, so be aware until I get back at them. And I wasn't as courageous as Devo, since I dropped my paddle to kill 2 out of the 3 wasps that stung me. I have been highly allergic since birth, but I guess flushing with river water helps immensely. Thirty minutes of pain and no swelling. Age must be good for something or else I was extremely fortunate.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 13:02:06 (CDT)

Old Hoot- I disagree- The greatest Safari paddler will always be judged by solo finishes in 45 hours or less. Solo finishes are the only true measure of the individual athelete. It is definitely harder to finish in a C-1 than it is in a solo unlimited.
point <counter@point.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 10:35:37 (CDT)

The Owl read that a certain paddler was the best safari paddler. The Owl appreciates his loyal brother but the choices for best safari paddler come from a short list. Cochran was under consideration until he lost points for inventing the world's heaviest canoe. Pat Oxsheer quit too soon to oar drunks down the Rio Grande. Joe Mynar won't get his face carved into the Cliffs of Palmetto until he wins the race with all of his children in the same boat at the same time. Landick fails to meet the "Old Man", five finish minimum criteria. Dunn has done everything except win the whole race by himself paddling a log. So, we're down to two choices until Al Widing wins again to celebrate his 80th birthday: Tom Goynes and John Bugge, both of whom have won the race several times and also many classes within the race for over 20 years.
Hooter <wiseold@owl.com>
- Tuesday, September 02, 2003 at 01:23:58 (CDT)

Marek, we are laying up a new boat that we hope will combine some of the characteristics of the Advantage with the proximate efficiency of an XStream for me for Saf04. BTW, I am very much interested in your project to record the boats people have used in different Safaris. Should be very interesting.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Monday, September 01, 2003 at 17:27:38 (CDT)

I have been in two terrible storms, both between Palmetto and Hochheim that lasted most of the night, and both with continuous cloud to ground lightning. I think I agree that it might be better to hunker down on shore at the bay, but on the river with huge trees on each side, my only somewhat educated thinking is that it is better to stay in the middle of the river and go on, using the trees on the sides as huge lightning rods--safer to stay away from them on the river than be directly under one or near one on the bank. With the life I have led, lightening is not a pleasant prospect in any event.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 15:18:53 (CDT)

Gerald. Hardly a silly question. This last Safari I was unlucky enough to get caught in the huge thunderstorm that developed Monday afternoon in the vicinity of Tivoli and the bay. I was lucky enough not to get struck by the continuous lightning. What little coherency (and concern) I had left told me this was not a good situation but my options seemed few. Let's see: graphite boat, graphite double blade, on the water, inhospitable shoreline. I continued paddling, using the philosophy that the odds were in my favor. Stupid thinking when my truly best odds would be to get out of the water and crouch somewhere on shore (more than one person - spread out). I finally made it to the wooden bridge and waited it out under there for an hour. I probably left there too early because I was in a "hurry" and, again, that was stupid. Playing the odds isn't worth it - the consequences are pretty severe when you consider that it is 30 million volts attempting to dissipate after hitting the ground/water. Getting out of the water is probably always advisable - if you can't immediately, do what you have to do to stay upright and hurry. Which is a better conductor - graphite or aluminum?
David Bartell <dbart@lcc.net>
- Sunday, August 31, 2003 at 09:52:07 (CDT)

I don't know if this is a silly question...or not...but what do the racers in the Safari do when a lightning storm start crashing down around you while you're paddling on the water? Funny how one can overlook something like this until the question just "boings" late one night. I don't mind paddling in the rain, but since I plan on living past 100 I have no desire to become a crispy critter. Don't worry if you have no answer to this question. I have at least a thousand more that I'm sure somebody can answer. Real simple ones like...what line to take in the swift water to avoid the sweepers...and the bank... and especially the huge old cypress trees. Having been in a lot of swift water when I was younger...a few years ago...I've discovered that there is a difference in seeking out the rough water to play in as apposed to getting through it clean and fast. I am learning a lot.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 22:05:05 (CDT)

James: Could not have put it better. (In fact I didn't.) C.J. I think Robert Youens has done much the same, and am virtually certain it was Martindale, although I couldn't swear to it. Seems to me he tried it on one occasion and had a problem with some rebar? (Step in and elaborate Robert.) I certainly am gutless enough never to try it although it may not be as dangerous as one might imagine. I have heard it said there is no true hydraulic below that dam although I suspect that is only at some water levels and to reiterate, no way I would run it. I think that is the location where a kayaker appeared to be caught without his paddle in the "hydraulic" and the "rescuers" from San Antonio would not listen to one who knew better and instead insisted on picking the exhausted paddler up by helicopter, then promptly dropped him to his death.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 18:04:16 (CDT)

I noticed an earlier posting regarding high water paddling and thought I would dump in a quick thought. High water is tons of fun to paddle, however, you really need to know the section you are paddling and make sure that you are keenly aware of obstacles above (tree limbs, branches, etc) and possibly below the water (read the water for signs of submerged “stuff”). Keep in mind that high water increases your speed and if you add to the speed equation by hammering hard you will typically be exceeding speeds that you are use to paddling. This can have adverse effects on your boat’s handling characteristics and bear in mind that reaction times to obstacles (setting yourself up for maneuvers) will need to be checked. You will be surprised at how fast obstacles appear when you are doing 12-15 mph vice 6-9 mph and you may be surprised at how sluggish your boat appears to react (pure perception as the sensation of forward movement seems to overpower the responsiveness of the boat).
I recently paddled a very flooded Alafia River near my home. The river is out of its banks and flowing very fast with many downed trees and other debris in the water. The upper stretches of the river is what I call tree topping as the river is literally running through the trees. At any rate, I first paddled my Fenn Mako Surf Ski upstream against a brutal current in order to “recon” a safe route through the mess. After reaching the turnaround I zipped back to the take out at an average speed of 12.3 mph! I was feeling pretty good about the run until I smacked a bee nest in the tree limbs! Talk about a thought-provoking wake up call. Needless to say you can’t prepare for everything and this is a simple example of how you can get in serious trouble in fast water in a matter of seconds. Smack the bees stinging the heck out of you or navigate through the tree tops? I opted to keep my boat upright through the trees and once out of the debris filed I went over the side and got rid of my little friends!
If you paddle high water… paddle with a partner and make sure that everyone is aware of what’s happening around them. Everything is taken to a new level in high water so make sure that the group understands how to deal with overturned boats and themselves in fast moving water.

Paddling on rain swollen rivers can be fun and it’s typically where we set our paddling records. However, flooded water can be fraught with danger. Make sure you are prepared for the experience if you are going to engage in these activities.
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Saturday, August 30, 2003 at 15:53:42 (CDT)

I was at the Martindale Dam this afternoon and saw something cool. I thought I would share it with you. There was a Kid (14-16) that was fishing at the Martindale Dam in a 16'ish Wanona (no rudder). He put his fishing pole up about 25 yards before the dam then paddled straight at the center. When he got there he did a slide left, stepped off onto the dam, threw his paddle (Single Blade/Bent shaft) out into the middle of the river below. Dropped the front of the canoe over the Dam and then Straddled it on what looked like a fun ride down the face. Had the paddle back and was upright in under 2 minutes. Paddled under the bridge and was fishing again before the bend. If I was to estimate, he took on under 4 gallons of water in the process. He was fitted with a foot powered bilge pump and was in a dry boat before he was fishing. He didn't even break a sweat. I do not condone that approach nor will I attempt it. I truly believe that the river conditions were in his favor this time. A lower or higher river could have killed him in a Heartbeat. However there seems to be a kid out there that is a contender.
C.J. Hall <cjhall@itouch.net>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 22:13:32 (CDT)

John, what are you going to paddle next year?
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 19:17:06 (CDT)

Although I have never paddled the boat in question and have proven that I have little knowledge of it, I would like to weigh in (no pun intended) on the subject of spray skirts in general. I think there is only one reason not to take a spray skirt and that is if you cannot afford it. Think about it for a minute. What does a spray skirt for a solo boat weigh? A pound? Two pounds? Certainly no more if Paula Goynes has made it and it will be strong and waterproof at that. Some folks may never have encountered a truly bad bay. I think the Lord has always saved the worst for me. But if you have ever seen one, there is no boat typically paddled in the Safari that will not take on sufficient water to make your crossing a living hell. Moreover, in truly bad storm conditions like the first night of 1989, it can make an enormous difference. I agree that I would not consider air bags weighing 5 - 10 pounds unless I had a low confidence level and/or a big river. But a spray cover is worth its weight in Russian white diamonds when you really need it.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 15:22:41 (CDT)

The Advantage and Voyageur have built in floatation--will not sink. I once bought a Voyageur that had big white water floatation bags. Theory, I think is that with A LOT of floatation, if you turn over in rapids the boat will float/bounce over rocks and logs instead of wedging and wrapping. They add maybe 5-9 lbs and take up space you can walk in (getting thru junk). And, these are remarkably stable boats, far less likely to flip than the high-end boats. So, I didn't use them in my Advantage in Saf 03. But, maybe I was lucky.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 14:29:27 (CDT)

Actually, Norm is now the happy owner of my Advantage. Truly great boat for Safari. He'll be making the banquet, easy, in this boat... We called him the Energizer Paddler in the 03Saf... in an 85 lb boat that kept filling with 40 lbs of water, he just kept coming up behind us and sometimes ahead. I think he slept 45 minutes on a log, second night. Amazing energy and drive and good spirits.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 14:20:54 (CDT)

Doug,
Norm can put a hole in anything. Remember, before he became a Ranger, he was a pole vaulter. Ever hear the old saying about the bull in the china shop? Norm knows I'm playing, he is a great guy & a heck of a singer.
Ken Shaver
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 13:48:15 (CDT)

WOW! Do you think Norm can get down the river without puttin' a hole in it!? Congrats Norm on the new boat! two words Norm,Patch Kit...(maybe two). Ahhh.it's all outta respect ya' know ! Happy Paddlin'ya'll Doug R. #62 3/2 solos
Doug Rhude <riverrat62@msn.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 12:13:42 (CDT)

Alan,
I finished solo in 02 in the voyager & a spray skirt is really optional. The two times I have finished the safari were both in a Wenonah, & got less than a quart of water in the boat both times put together. Norm just told me he got a voyager & he was excited. The boat has plenty of flotation , so the extra would just take up space. This advice & 86 cents will get you a cup of coffee at Circle K, so please take it for what it's worth. Norm was right about the TWS, It is a GREAT adventure for all, new & old, fast or slow, but there is nothing like the feeling of getting to the seawall at Seadrift.
Ken Shaver
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 11:12:24 (CDT)

I actually have a voyager on order. For those of you that have used flotation bags, would you recommend them over a spray skirt? I am curios how much weight they would add. Also, might make a comfortable bed to lay back on. Thanks.
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 09:04:41 (CDT)

John and Alan: Now I understand. I finally went out to the Wenonah website and found that that boat is indeed 17 1/2 feet. So it is not disqualified by overall length, but apparently is by the width formula as you point out Alan. Actually, I think Jerry Cochran has a jig, but it almost certainly will not qualify given what you said John.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 08:32:03 (CDT)

I am looking for a partner with a boat for novice or alum. class in the spring tx. area. I have been training with some friends for awhile. I can steer or just paddle. Would like to make the 04 safari. I am 5'9 165lbs good shape 36yrs.
Thanks
Mark Hebert <MHebert7@houston.rr.com>
- Friday, August 29, 2003 at 06:09:03 (CDT)

I think Wen. tried another 17.5' solo about 5 years ago, I think called the Encounter. Not meant to be fast, just higher volume for the great lakes and Boundary Waters. A bit of a dog, tumblehome in the wrong part of the gunnels. Voyageur is a good boat. In addition to James Green, I believe Mike Drost did Safari in one last year. However, with the efficiency/speed dead even and the Advantage an inch wider, it would prolly be a hair better for Safari.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 17:00:08 (CDT)

John: Interesting. I didn't realize Wenonah made a recreational solo boat that long. Alan: From what John is saying, the width would make no difference because it does not pass the overall length rule. Also, Alan, I got your email and did enjoy meeting your former partner at Town Lake the other day. I saw the boat you paddled and assure you (as I did him) that you are more men than I am.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 13:08:12 (CDT)

Thanks for the advice and education on Gatorade, Bob. I certainly wasn't intending to recommend it, but illustrate how even a blockhead can make it to Seadrift. I've always wondered why the hallucinations were especially bizarre and colorful that year...
Norm <nthomas90252@aol.com>
- Thursday, August 28, 2003 at 09:39:26 (CDT)

Okay. Did some figureing. According to the formula. the Voyager would have to have a minimum waterline of 2.51 ft. As it turns out, the Voyager has a waterline of 2.29 ft, which makes it ineligible for C-1 Class. Solo unlimited would be the class for voyager.
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 17:19:30 (CDT)

The Wenonah Voyageur does NOT qualify as C-1. It's 6" longer and and inch narrower than the Advantage. Wen. thought it would be a faster recreational boat. However, turns out in their official trials and in Ken Kettering's trials in Mnpls to be dead equal to Advantage in efficiency. This is the boat that James Green paddled in Saf03 but could not qualify as "c-1"
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 17:09:41 (CDT)

Alan: I'm not 100 percent certain (but that never stopped me from having an opinion--opinions are like colons: everybody has one) but if this is a solo boat, 18 1/2 feet or under, it most probably is wide enough that it would qualify under USCA rules. That class is governed by a formula which you could find by looking on the USCA website. The rules are, again, that they not be over 18 1/2 feet long but also that their width at an assumed waterline of 4 inches, is not less than a certain fraction of the width. (I don't remember the exact ratio.) Thus a boat can be skinnier, but it has to be shorter.) But basically, the whole idea of the formula is to limit the class so that boats are not too long and not too skinny, either of which would have a tendency to make them faster. Thus common sense dictates that a boat designed for solo cruising with some gear, would be wider (if only for greater carrying capacity and stability) and would thus qualify. As I recall, an Alumacraft, with no rudder and a solo paddler with a single blade, would qualify for USCA-C1. She or he simply would not be competetive in the class. So even if the boat would qualify, and even if we mere mortals could compete with the likes of Mark Simmons, John Bugge (fourth place overall in C1) Bob Spain, Tom Wilkinson (before he caught the sick-of-getting-beat-by-Bob-Spain syndrome,) or Jerry Nunnery (Ye old Palmetto Hotline rumor has it there is a comeback in the works), we still would need a true USCA-C1 to have a hope.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 16:25:09 (CDT)

Anyone know if a Wenonah Voyager qualifies as a C-1 for racing?
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 15:14:41 (CDT)

Thanks, Norm. that was great post.
Thunder
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 13:39:31 (CDT)

Norm and Others: PLEASE! Don't eat Gatoraide!!!!!!! Eating the stuff straight can kill you. I don't have the reference now, but info came out several years ago. For a while Gatoraide was selling their powder in straws - each straw just enough to put in one quart of water. Very convienent for backpacking, etc., but people (some kids) started eating it straight. There were a few deaths. They stopped with the straws. I caught one of my Boy Scouts at Philmont doing it, and I made him drink about a quart of water ASAP. Think of it as consuming a dose of flavored salt. It sucks the water out of your body into your stomach. The salt once absorbed may be way too concentrated a dose - and will screw up the electrolytes in your blood - thus impacting your heart contractions, brain function, etc. and possibly making you a dead person. At the very least, you'll be performing sub-par. Some athletic literature says straight water is best, others say to dilute Gatoraide 1/2 strength, and yet others say diluting to recommended strength is best. At the amount we comsumed on the Safari (1 qt per hour while paddeling and some while resting, or about 20 - 25 gallons over 3-4 days), we diluted it half strength and never got ill. Just DON'T EAT IT! Bob Brown, 'Agin Bulls.
Bob Brown <rdbrown@tamu.edu>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 12:45:00 (CDT)

BELATEDLY, ABOUT RUDDERS: Carbon rudders can break where aluminum rudders will bend. This happened to me this year and I went fm Ottine to Seadrift without a rudder -- With an alum rudder, I would have heaved it back to approx straight and been on my way in 2 minutes. NOTE TOO, THO: Aluminum rudders (housing, whatever) CAN break beyond repair. Hence, I advocate some training without the rudder. You ABSOLUTELY CAN paddle an Advantage or XStream start to finish without a rudder...IF YOU KNOW YOUR STROKES AND DRAWS, SWEEPS, REVERSE DRAWS.
john <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 11:52:14 (CDT)

Goynes's low stroke is where you consciously keep the doubleblade axis about breastbone height instead of maybe a foot higher. The latter is faster, but requires MUCH more shoulder action and energy for The Big Race. With a single, you try to cut yr paddle so that, with the full blade in the water yr control hand is maybe on a level with your eyes and your elbow is DOWN, not up. Note: this is prolly yr best measurement of paddle length for Safari. Also note: you will see some (veterans!) with paddles so long their control hand is far above their heads...wasting energy and wear, the heart having to pump blood up 2 feet into that hand/arm. THERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT VIDEOS ABOUT STROKES, AND VIDEOS OF PREVIOUS SAFARIS...THAT MANY OF US NOVICES HAVE STUDIED AT GREAT LENGTH FOR JUST SUCH FINE POINTS.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 11:47:11 (CDT)

I've been gone for a few weeks and have just read the last bunch of postings and thought I probably had something to offer -- So --For those who are thinking about doing this Safari, here's the real deal from my viewpoint . Who am I? I'm 51 and not the lean, mean fighting machine I was when Uncle Sam decided to draft me way back when. I'm probably as stupid as I ever was. From a technical paddling standpoint, or scientific training standpoint, I'm not much of anything. I do have 6 out of 7 finishes, 5 of them solo. Several of the finishes were not pretty, but they were great fun. In some years I have tipped many, many times. With the exception of my first Safari in 1978, every race has been 100% double blade.The last 6 have been from '98 through '03. The year I tipped the most, I got 2nd solo. I have paddled plastic sit on top kayaks most of the time (I think I've paid my dues on that and don't plan to do that anymore); I have paddled with stock plastic paddles and carbon fibre; I have paddled with no rudder, broken rudders, cracked boats, leaky boats, and very leaky boats; all of them were very heavy boats. I have never been able to spend much, if any time on the river before the race, so I don't have more than maybe a couple of hundred river miles more than whatever the total is for the 6 1/2 Safaris completed. I have done the Safari with nothing but power bars , water, and some powdered gatorade that I ate every now and then. The only time I didn't finish, I was running too fast all night behind a tandem, while in my sit on top, had nothing but power bars (again!), and threw up so hard, that, even though I kept going the rest of the night, I had ruptured something in my esophagus, couldn't swallow anything but water, and didn't have any hard candy to get some calories ( was just too far gone by Hocheim, and had a couple of scary underwater tree wrecks while I was out of it.) It was almost two weeks before I could eat solid food, and not finishing bothered me for the whole year. So I learned about peppermints. And over the years I learned a bunch of other stuff, too, mostly from the school of hard knocks. The point is, if you want to do this thing, you can. If you want to be up with the big dogs, there's a lot more time and work, and attention to detail involved. If you can do that -- outstanding -- if you can't, don't walk away -- but learn from some great advice here, in the archives, and from some very selfless experts who share knowledge that you could only learn by trial and error over several years of Safaris. But for Pete's sake don't cut yourself out of a marvelous adventure for fear of where you might end up in the final standings. I guarantee you, even the man/woman who doesn't make it to the first checkpoint has an interesting story to tell. And there's a whole community of interesting, quirky, diverse, strong willed people that are a hoot to get to know, however long or briefly. Rangers Lead the Way.
Norm Thomas <nthomas90252@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 11:18:59 (CDT)

I noticed on Marek's Solo list, that 3rd palce was a Wenonah voyager, James Green. Does anyone know if James had a rudder or flotation bags on his canoe? Thanks.
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 10:01:05 (CDT)

RE: solo boats in TWS. In my 2002 and 2003 safari reports I have compiled lists of all solo paddlers. I've just started to add a boat type/description to my 2003 table with links to pictures in my photo report wherever possible. I will try to do this for 2002 as well. I think it may be useful information for newcomers to the Safari.

I would appreciate your help in providing information about your boats or any other solo boats in in the last two safaris you know about. You can be as specific as you like. Length, beam? I can always add more information to my tables. And, I need this information for both finishers and nonfinishers. Any comments or corrections?
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 08:23:03 (CDT)

Gerald- I forgot - YOU NEED A REAL RUDDER! if you want to play in this game- or you're Mark Simmons (but nobody is Mark- King of C-1!- not even Landick! or Devo!)
You ain't seen nothin till you make the run from Staples to Gonzo- Cottonseed was the warm-up.....
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 00:00:52 (CDT)

Gerald- since I sucked you into this discussion/insanity pool.... :)
Most all of us use both a high quality carbon kayak paddle and a Zaveral bent-shaft racing canoe paddle. They use different muscle groups so it really helps in the long range to be able to switch back and forth. I use use my carbon Werner Camano for most of the SanMarcos and when I get below the last big log jam below Slayden I switch to the Zav for awhile. The double is better for fast stabs and manuverablility in the narrower part of the SanMarcos and once you get in the big deep ditch(Guad) it's a good place to cruise with the single.
Yes- it's better to be trimmed about 1" low in the bow when running the shallower parts of the SM. Most all of the C2, Alums & better Standards have sliders on their seats. When they are coming up on a shoal they will slide forward to trim the bow down so the bow wave will give them lift over the shoal. If your're trimed stern low you will experience the vacuum cleaner effect of the shoal- can you say sucking slow speed....
yes- Tom & Paula Goynes make the best (probably only) custom spray skirts for the Safari. Their email addy is: goynes@centurytel.net - or their phone# is: 512-392-6171
PS- congrats on your 1st run to Staples- it's always the most adventurous one- it get's better every time you make the run....

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 22:25:55 (CDT)

Might as well ask another silly question for the amusement of the bulletin board. I have removed the skeg from my kayak...hopefully for better handling in the swift water. This boat has an elliptical hull, 28" wide, not radically sharp or V'ed at either end. Kind of canoeish. Will I get better handling in the swift water trimmed bow heavy, or stern heavy? I suspect bow heavy would be faster...but not if I go like a javelin so far up in a sweeper that it will take Lewis and Clark in full exploration mode to find me. I've already severely damaged one huge old Cypress tree just below Cottonseed Rapid. I don't want to make them an endangered species.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 20:57:06 (CDT)

I guess I'm just gonna to have to ask...what is the Tom Goynes low stroke?
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 18:27:02 (CDT)

Does anyone know where I can get a relatively inexpensive spray skirt for a large cockpit kayak (about 24 by 41)? I was thinking Tom Goynes makes them, but I'm not sure I have the right email address to get in contact with him. Anyone else?
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 18:24:15 (CDT)

Uh... someone knows me well. We are laying up a boat (canoe, not kayak) that we hope will have some of the Advantage's comfort with ballpark XStream efficiency. Greater volume, for bigger paddlers and/or slow old dawgs like me that take a 4 day load.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 17:05:54 (CDT)

Uh, Devo uses the low stroke. Bartell. I believe Steppe high-strokes in the short races... Did anyone notice down around Victoria?
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 17:02:13 (CDT)

John: I agree with you on the low hold, having tried to sustain a high one for about 21 hours and nearly having to be hospitalized. Only problem is that the only person I have myself seen who can use the "Tom Goynes" stroke and actually go fast happens to be named Tom Goynes. Bob: You forgot the most important class distinction of all--the one between those Safari-ites who have class and those of us who don't.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 14:52:40 (CDT)

George, I've gotten a lot of advice about paddles over the past 5 years of year-round training. Most of the best paddlers leave me with the impression they paddle solo unlimited and tandem unlimited boats and the long boats about maybe 60% single blade maybe 40% double. Single maybe requiring a little less energy, a little less wear on the shoulders. With either/both, I recommend the "Tom Goynes" low stroke.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 13:21:41 (CDT)

If I recall them correctly, the kayaks Marek is referring to are beautiful boats, about the length, lines, and speed of the XStreams and Daniel's SU's, i.e., fast and efficient and reasonable weight.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 13:11:40 (CDT)

Wow - I've not checked in to this page in weeks, and there seems to be a lot of "class consciousness." Maybe there should be a separate page for semi-pros and another for the rest of us, or maybe one race for those under 40 and another for those over 40. My goal is to eventually do the Safari in a single. I naively tried 3 years ago in an Old Town Loon 111, with only some lake paddeling experience. I think I even took a tent and stove with me. I lasted only 12 hours, having flipped 5 times, once under a tree. Last year John Edwards and I enterd in an aluminum canoe. We did paddeling practice on the Brazos, and did about the first 20 - 30 miles of the Safari course on a couple of weekends. We finished in 96 hours. This year we did all of our practicing on the Course, and did the two pre-safari races. We finished in 76 hours. My advice is to at least do the top 85 miles of the Safari course to get in most of the rough water and the portages. Do two pre-races, especially the one to Sea Drift to realize just how big that bay can be. The pre-races are good to learn to keep up with the pack, but at the same time to pace yourself. I'm 58 and John is 55. We even finished 3rd in one of the pre-races. We'll do at least one more year in the tandem aluminum, and maybe try to place in the top 3 aluminums (which is hard to do if you believe in sleep), and then I'd like to try a solo kayak when I'm 60. We could do it a lot faster with no sleep and enough Vivarin and Lamotil, but we're not into that. By the way, half of the entrants are over 40. You don't have to be an athlete or have super-expensive gear to finish in under 100 hours. Practice the top 85 miles, enter the 2 pre-races, and go see Seabiscuit. Bob Brown, Agin' Bulls.
Bob Brown <rdbrown@tamu.edu>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 11:33:50 (CDT)

Looking for another boat to assist with training/shuttling vehicles on the Upper San Marcos on Fridays. Call if interested, 512-452-9282
gaston jones <gvj4@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 08:43:33 (CDT)

Colin: When I raced, because I had no technique whatsoever, I used the widest blade (on a Black Bart or Black Buck) I could find. I don't think they even had Zavarels back then. When I started looking at paddles recently, I called the company to discuss the various blade configurations, widths, weights, etc. I have no idea to whom I was talking, but the guy on the line told me that even Serge Corbin uses a 7.75. If true, that would certainly be a wakeup call.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, August 25, 2003 at 08:14:18 (CDT)

On the subject of paddle length, with the Zavs, try and buy them uncut without the handle stuck on. The new and 2nds paddles they sell always come with good instructions on how to cut and stick them and how to unstick the handles when you want to shorten them yourself. I have recently been cutting some of my longer blades down by .25" at a time where needed and had success with improved comfort and ability to increase rate. The other often missed factor is single blade paddle size and area. Recently we attended the USCA nationals in Pensylvania and discovered that there were paddlers ( not neccessarily women ) using blades narrower than our standard 8.25". There were a few men racing with 7.75" powersurges and they weren't slow! Blade length was generally a tiny bit shorter too. When I try to work out paddle length and blade area I try and consider the rate at which I need to paddle at, at which position I feel strongest and have a good paddling movement. The Blade area maybe should relate also to the paddlers maximum rate and physical size and shape as well as to the suckiness of the hull you are propelling along. I don't think that there is any paddle length or shape that I feel is ideal for all conditions though, but I think as a racing paddler the key is to be able to adapt and use paddles within your range ( I seem be OK with 49' up to 51"ish. 6ft with 31" reach)In USA C2 cruiser I have found that pulling quite hard at a high rate out performs pulling really hard at a slightly slower rate,this factor being really evident in shallow water.

There are similar considerations to be made when using double blades, blade area and length act as your base gear ratio. You can alter this only by a small ammount physically with hand placement and by how you hold onto the water.You need to retain as much of your "swing" and keep "leaning" on the paddles. A tired paddler tends to slip the paddles a bit and reduce the attack of the initial catch. In the safari this isn't aways a bad thing and probably indicates that the paddler is able to adapt. Its still best to take the time and work at finding the right paddle for your shape and size.
Colin <cagandjepm@earthlink.net>
- Monday, August 25, 2003 at 00:42:21 (CDT)

Uncle Russ, I get your point about being a contender. Just the fact that I will make the attempt and possibly finish will be enough for me. I also thank those who commented on the single paddle and who make any other comment. I tried the single paddle out today....after I was seriously humbled and a bit of reality crashed down on me. My practice until today has been 10 or 20 miles on flat water...lakes (It's been many years since I ran swift water). Today I ran the San Marcos down to Staples dam. Very enlightening. I thought I had it made after running the chute at Rio Vista Dam....sitting low at the time. My high seat, which worked so well, on flat water...absolutely sucked on the San Marcos. I turned over twice while trying it out, once before Cottonseed and again at the Martindale low water crossing. No problems when I didn't use it...with the seating anyway. I may have also damaged one huge old cypress tree when I hit it head on while dodging a drop line. I also broke my double paddle and had to finish the last 4 miles with a little $10 canoe paddle. I'm certain the two people I were with were having a ball betting on whether the old man would make it down each little batch of swift water. I had also added a small temporary skeg to my kayak on the flat water to aid in tracking just a bit. It worked ok...on the flat water. The skeg sucked on the swift water. The skeg is coming off and joining the high seat in the trash bin. I have some redesigning to do. I do believe now that the single paddle will work as a back up. Anyway...I learned a lot today...and have much more to learn. I'm gonna have to study some of the better Safari boats and learn more about what works....and doesn't work. Man...this is a blast.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 23:47:20 (CDT)

re: kayaks in TWS. When photographing TWS 2001 I was paying special attention to kayaks since I was kayaker then (pictures include Thomas Mendenhall and CaptJack). To the kayak finishers of TWS 2003 you can add James Sutherland and Doug Rhude, both in homebuilt plywood kayaks.
Marek <uliasz.at.frii.com>
- Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 09:44:40 (CDT)

Gerald: I would attempt to contact Trent Garton and/or Randy Johnson who both had solid finishes in traditional sea kayaks (also Norm Thomas who used a traditional sit-on-top kayak). They can most assuredly give the best advice on the good points, bad points, paddle options, etc. Perhaps they are lurking here and can contact you directly. [There most certainly were other finishes in sea kayaks this year, I apologize for not knowing the names].
Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net>
- Sunday, August 24, 2003 at 09:33:18 (CDT)

Gerald: There is absolutely nothing wrong with not being a contender. The question is: a contender for what? At a minimum, you will be a contender to finish. The race is many things to different people and something different for each. As to single-blading your boat, I think most will agree with me that if you can balance it well and get a good purchase with the paddle, there shouldn't be any reason it won't work. You need to pay attention to length. Some people go by the formula that the length should be equal to the distance from your butt on a firm chair to the bridge of your nose plus 18 or 19 inches. I'm not sure that works universally, due to the difference in seat heights. For example, I use a 52-inch for high seats in aluminum and USCA-C1. In USCA-C2, I think I used a 50 or 51 and sometimes went as low as a 48 in the Spencer C-3s. But I would bow to the far greater experience of many folks on this board. If you can, go by and see Duane with your boat, and if Tom Goynes is home nearby, ask him. I'll bet if you applied the above formula and posted the result along with the height of your seat from the bottom of the boat (including Safari padding,) someone would weigh in with more specific advice.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 23:42:56 (CDT)

The boat I currently have is a 28" wide kayak designed that way so I can sit up high when I want...which is most of the time (most older people will understand). In some respects it's a low sheer, decked canoe. I've heard some people talk about using a double paddle with a single paddle as backup and for when they want to use different muscle groups. Can those who have done it, and any others, tell me if this is a viable option to consider, the negatives and positives. I will not ever be a contender. My goal is to finish. 16 1/2 miles next month will be no problem...but 260 next year...certainly will be. I have carefully worded and phrased this question/comment so that, hopefully, Uncle Russ won't feel the need for more self abuse. (Just kidding, Uncle Russ. I enjoy every comment you and others make. I have great respect for all who have attempted the Safari.)
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 19:41:27 (CDT)

Michael: I got to thinking about what you said: "A really really skinny C1 is the same width as a really really fat C1 at 18 1/2 ft." and it took me several hours to realize I had no idea on God's green pastures of creation what you meant.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 19:37:36 (CDT)

Michael: Careful, there Son. You are starting to take Uncle Russ seriously. What I really mean to say is that, given Mark's incredible successes, you obviously have the genes to go out and whip his butt like any proper brother would do. I only have a half-brother who is ten years younger than I am, and I would gladly whip his butt (literally,) if I could find him. Never liked the little SOB. Of course I don't even like my closest friends.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 13:17:47 (CDT)

RUSS: A really really skinny C1 is the same width as a really really fat C1 at 18 1/2 ft. I missed how suggesting that someone who has bagged 8 wins in 8 trips (consecutive) out of San Marcos ( 9 if you count their twofer in Masters) might be the gold standard to measure against constitutes a rivalry. Let's see - who else is on that list ah - nobody! Hell, Mark and Pat were almost as close to the Mynar boat as the " other" tandem boat was to them. Anyone DREAMING about doing what Mark has done in C1 should wake up and apologize. Yeah, I may be prejudicial in believing He is the best contemporary Safarier, but like a good brother he keeps proving me right.
Michael Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Saturday, August 23, 2003 at 00:09:36 (CDT)

Dave: Unfortunately, I have to sit really, really high (as in Cruiser, ICF, Aluminum, or one of the big boats.) I don't hurt--I fall back. On one of the last races I did many years ago, I was in one of the really really skinny C1's. I have no idea what it was called. It was one of John's decked and bulkheaded boats that was about as tippy as a K1. I had no problem with stability until I began to have back spasms. Coming into Smithville it took me 30 minutes to get from the first bridge to the second (about 1 1/2 miles.) My lower back would spasm and I would fall back, turning the $#*? over. Get back in/spasm/turn over/fall out. Lovely day. Spelce later recommended I visit Dr. Kevorkian. By the way, what have you and Stockwell done to deserve all this abuse on the BB? (I think I saw someone beating up on you earlier in the year.) In a perfect world, noone would say anything bad about anybody on a Safari bulletin board except maybe about Bugge. Anyway, I hope they keep aiming it at you and don't decide to abuse me. I'm perfectly capable of abusing myself.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 16:25:47 (CDT)

My Norton Anti-Virus software has worked excellently in keeping the Sobig virus from infecting my computer. If we just had a filter or process in place to get rid of anonymous hate messages - I suggest these folks take up suicide bombing at the log jams below Palmetto. Practice on week days, please.

Regarding solos. I would say that the Extreme and Rainmaker boat are very similar in the results they provide. They can both be stuffed with gear, multiple paddles, a safari load of food and still support a 200 lb. paddler. They are made to "butt-scoot" over shallow logs with full weight and they paddle efficiently with both double and single blade. They give up some maneuverability (less rocker) to gain efficiency but that is overcome with time on the river. You might be surprised at how low some folks sit in these boats. That, I believe, is one of the keys to success. Do not take it for granted that the height initially provided is a "required" height. The key is to start low and work up. Some can sit higher than others - not necessarily paddle harder, but certainly sit higher. Find a spot that works, put in LOTS of training time and your body will adapt to the sitting position. I believe another key to success is to acknowledge those aches and pains that won't go away in time (such as sciatic pinches). You have to start adjusting things early and test for results. It takes months in some cases to solve some issues - lots of garage time scheming and modifying. If you are considering one of these boats for Safari, and have no prior experience with a similar boat, I would recommend ordering new or finding a used boat NOW and start the training and adjusting process before year's end. Dave (Lives 1, Completions 0).
Dave Bartell <dbart@lcc.net>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 15:15:54 (CDT)

I of course meant to say "Sawyer Sabres"
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 14:10:07 (CDT)

Warden: I understand what you are saying. No doubt about DeVogler and son. They could beat me and my son to shreds any day even if they were paddling a bathtub. And my son is 36 years old. I guess my thinking (without really knowing jack about the boat they were in, but having seen it) was that they might well have done better in an ICF-C2. If I'm dead wrong on that, have mercy on me and see my disclaimer in the sentence above! I know kayaks can be faster than canoes. I guess my impression of the ones you are talking about (again, not being particularly troubled with actual knowledge,) is that they are on the order of Olympic boats. My impression of the recent history of the Safari (in the area of top boat design) has been a transition from very tippy boats to somewhat more comfortable craft that cruise well, but are maybe a tad slower. When Tom and Red, followed by John and Mike won it all in ICF tandem boats in the early to mid '80's, the Mynars countered, not with Sabre Sawyers or Olympic K4's, but with the Spencer C3. John tried it the very next year in a low-threat environment (with Donna and me) before quite properly kicking us out the following year and putting Shively and Cochran in to eventually win. Then came the C4, the 5, 6, 8, 9, etc. I was in some of them before I died, and they were all very sittable boats. Now I could be wrong. You may be talking about kayaks that are not tippy and which you don't have to sit right on the bottom of (My God, I ended a sentence with a preposition.)

Mark: You need to address this sibling rivalry issue.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 14:08:26 (CDT)

Russ: One might further paraphrase " I knew West Hansen, and you sir are no West Hansen - let alone a Mark Simmons.
Michael Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 13:28:31 (CDT)

Well, old jake-leg has found a partner...Paint "antagonist" on your boat and see if J S don't hand you your ass on Saturday. Then change you boat name to Sobig.GG (annelid).
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 13:19:41 (CDT)

Re: Stockwell bashers. The Colonel is one of the few folks who will freely offer his thoughts on what he has tried, what works and what doesn't. It has been my observation that he has spent the last five years trying just about everything to increase his odds of making it so the seawall. Inevitably as a result of this experience he has built a respectable knowledge base particularly in comparison to the novices he is always trying to assist. This is a lot more than I have witnessed from some of our tight lipped and mildly arrogant veterans. What folks should recognize is that people like Stockwell encourage and bring new people into the sport, without new blood there would be no competition or growth with the event. It would be sad to see Safari evolve into an event where the same dozen old men get together to race canoes, (not much unlike a USCA event). Folks who take anonymous cheap shots typically are just insecure about themselves.
Warden <Warden@TDCJ.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 12:57:28 (CDT)

Uncle Russ, there are a plethora of suitable safari kayaks just not many available locally. In Texas, or the US for that matter we are collectively paddle sport novices. Europeans, Aussies and South Africans are light years ahead of us when it comes to marathon (kayak) racing. The 404km Murray Marathon has dozens upon dozens of touring, ocean, and unlimited style kayaks racing year in and year out. And these are not tupperware jobs, they are sleek laid up hulls and depending on the engine I am certain they would equal or excel our landiks, spencers and rainmakers. They are not totally unavailable here in the states, and we actually have a number of US built ocean/touring kayaks and surf skis that are fairly efficient and fast. Just ask Devo, top 15 in a double Kayak with his son this year in safari.
Warden <Warden@TDCJ.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 12:33:44 (CDT)

Mercy. I have not ever had the opportunity to meet John Stockwell, (although I am about his age as reported on this board, so I may not remember the meeting,) but it amazes me how one individual can engender so much of a following, especially negative. Some folks seem to think he and a couple of other soloists are the antiChrist. Sheeesh. I envy you John, because, personally, I have never cared what people think about me as long I am getting attention of some kind. Thunder: I NEVER NEVER meant to discourage you from a solo effort. I have not finished many Safari's and only feel I did well in one race, but for a few years it was the entire focus of my life. But I have never went solo, and I regret that. And I would join with dmckay in the view that just finishing is an incredible accomplishment. For Heaven's sake, don't be discouraged from your effort by a discussion of boat types. My focus was not so much to dump on solo, but to emphasize the number of tried-and-true designs that are out there. By all means go, just don't re-invent the wheel. That is the sole meaning of what I was clumsily trying to say.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 10:07:07 (CDT)

what is your name antagonist....? you are a COWARD.....!! so what if Stockwell has one finish 87hrs.....John Stockwell is a great friend of the safari, he has logged more miles on the river in these last 5years in training and safari attempts along with his participation in all the other races than 90% of the other safariest around,.....and he did all of this in his SIXTIES....I hope that I am ALIVE when I reach SIXTY!....he has logged countless miles in extremes, advantage, alumacraft and tandem u`s with never a hint of rudeness or unkind critisism of anyone else.....John Stockwell is the essence of what safari is all about.....overcoming heartbrakeing failure and achieving his personal goal of a solo finish at his age is a tremendous accomplishment that we should all be proud of......thanks to John and all others who share thier views and advise (crazy or not) to this BB.......!!
doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 08:47:08 (CDT)

for sale, fully outfitted Safari tanden unlimited 21' kevlar boat 626-9814,sans hookers
De <boat617@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 22, 2003 at 03:37:02 (CDT)

Thunder as you already know Safari is all about trying. And doing what most red-blooded Americans would call crazy. Train. Have a good plan and once the gun goes off never look back or quit.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 17:11:51 (CDT)

Russ, thanks very much for your answers. I got all the info I need. And the conclusion is that running solo is probably a bad idea for me. I truly thank you for saving me the headache of trying.
Thunder
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 16:35:28 (CDT)

Warden: You are of course correct. My obvious point is only that most kayaks, whether they be whitewater, sea kayak, or whatever, don't happen to have the optimum hull design that you mention. Also they don't usually happen to be made of a carbon/kevlar/vinylester layup, so they tend to be heavier and more flexible. Granted some sea kayaks are made of Kevlar, and if you get them to the bay, you can laugh your ass off at everyone else. But again, you are correct that it's all about words. A kayak by any other name would cruise as sweet. I have a carbon/Kevlar decked and bulkheaded USCA-C1 in my backyard that has little more cockpit space than a sit-a-top fishing kayak. There may indeed be some kayaks out there that are just as good in the Safari as the great old original Landick boat or it's very different successor, the USCA-C1s, (J-200's etc.) and the Extreme and all the other skinny boats that have been made. But I doubt it. If you design one, it will probably be just Safari C1 with a deck.

Thunder: As I pointed out in a previous post, folks have finished in whitewater play boats. But, to paraphrase Lloyd Bentsen: "I knew West Hansen, and you sir, are no West Hansen." (On the other hand, maybe you are, and he is a szhizophernic.)
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 16:12:32 (CDT)

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have had my eyes opened a bit. I was thinking that I could grab a 15 foot Dagger or Wilderness Systems boat off the rack and be able to do this. Thanks for setting me straight. What is the most common solo craft in the TWS? Last year I ran the good old 17' Metal with my partner.
Thunder
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 14:57:03 (CDT)

Thunder, this past year may pal and I both solo were leapfrogging with a couple of tuff dudes in 15 foot(?) sea kayaks all the way to Seadrift. Notable difference was that we slept a lot more than they did, they worked harder than we did. Their boats were a lot heavier. Roy Lewis and CaptJack both had good finishes in boats ballpark like you are considering. Tuff guys. The Wenonah Advantage is really good Safari solo. There are some of the Tuff Weave around you could buy/rent/borrow. 55 lbs, which is prolly 20 less than the kayaks, and much friendlier. I've got sev. years of training and trying in 20-foot SU's, and love 'em, but there is a learning/conditioning curve.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 14:15:00 (CDT)

Water ain't smart enough to tell if you are paddling a canoe or kayak, all it knows is the shape of the hull. There are at least three general types of Kayaks I would consider to be good safari boats, and at least that many general types of canoes I wouldn't recommend paddling over 10 miles. When it comes down to brass tacks, what is the difference between a kayak and canoe? I have seen decked canoes with rudders, kayaks paddled with single bladed paddles and a dizzying array of lengths widths and styles in both type of paddle craft. The only thing I haven't seen is a kayak where one paddles in a kneeling position, but I bet the Colonel is working on a prototype. For safari, regardless what you call it, you optimally want an efficient hull design. In a nutshell this will boil down to a long waterline and minimized wetted hull surface area. Skill and experience factor into the equation as the more efficient the hull, the more difficult it is to paddle proficiently, generally speaking.
Warden <Warden@TDCJ.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 14:13:08 (CDT)

You may also want to ask yourself the more burning question: "Why would I want to paddle a kayak in the Safari?" This is a question with only a little less relevance to the history of torture than the question: "Why would I want to paddle an inflatable boat in the Safari?" I am a great believer in learning from the experience of others, and my observation is that the great majority of solo paddlers do themselves a tremendous favor and equip themselves with either a USCA-C1, 16 - 18 1/2 feet depending on your weight, or one of the truly skinny 19 to 21 foot solo unlimited boats. These latter are a jewel to paddle and, while I don't understand any of the previous formulas, I can tell you offer little more resistance than an ICF C2. I would paddle one of these myself, but the problem is you have to sit so low, my aging back couldn't stand it. So I will be forever relegated to a USCA boat with a rudder. But the point is that any of these boats are a joy to move, once you get used to their instability and potential discomfort. Most young people and a lot of older ones won't notice the latter. And even if you are not planning to try to win solo, the efficiency of these boats will make it much easier to get down the river. Now I will be the first to admit I know nothing about a lot of kayaks, but even a non-racing design like one of the solo Wenonah cruising boats will generally be a better boat for the Safari. One last piece of advice: if you are originally from Eastern Europe, don't get in an open unlimited C1 and try to jump the pipe on the Palmetto bridge.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 13:22:48 (CDT)

Thunder, I am by NO means an expert on this kind of stuff (nor do I play one on TV ) but here's an interesting link to a chart on the particular kayak's this guy sells and how length relates to paddling resistance. http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Building/Guillemot/study/Resistance.html if that doesn;t paste well, try http://tinyurl.com/kqst. My conclusion here (from this guy's data) is that there is not a whole lot of difference in resistance up from a 14' boat and a much longer boat UNTIL you get to about 4 knots. at 5 knots it seems a simular design kayak can take 2 or 3lbs more force to keep it going. The width of the kayak also affect this, of course. I have no idea how fast safari boats go, either tandem or solo, so I can't tell you the difference. It's interesting to look at the chart below that and see the resistance for tandem kayaks. IMHO this illustrates why soloing this race is so difficult. A soloist in any of these boats should be able to maintain 4.5knots with about 5lbs of resistance, where a in a tandem, the same speed should be able to be maintained with the paddlers only having to overcome 3.5lbs of resistance each. That differential only gets worse as speeds increase, of course. 1.5lbs difference each paddle stroke times thousands of paddle strokes = dead arms Sorry for the rant, I just find these figuires interesting.
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 12:24:34 (CDT)

Gary Gibson: The Alumacraft 17' "Light" Version retails at $630. I talked to someone at LAKE BASTROP MARINE (don t remember the name of the guy) there number is 512-303-6714. If your not in San Antonio or Austin area go to http://www.findlocation.com/alumacraft & enter in your zip. The first few dealers I called didn't deal in canoes, so you may have to call a few. I'm still looking for a used Alumacraft 17 as well, but if it gets to january, we'll probably just buy a new one, they are not that expensive, and I don't see why I couldn't just list it here this time next year for $400-$450 & it would probably be gone in a couple days to other safari hopefulls like us.
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 11:50:55 (CDT)

Hello, all. I have one question for the group. If I am going to buy a Kayak, what is the suggested length? Is a 14-foot boat long enough? Any advice is appreciated; I am making the move from running a 2 man metal boat last year to a solo. Thanks.
Thunder <thunderjs@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 11:22:48 (CDT)

Actually, Marek, while a lot does depend on the paddler, you can shoehorn an Indy car engine into an old Nash Rambler, but you'll be killed trying to get out of the way of the cars that are lapping you. Robert: I don't know about the self-priming aspect, but you can take an old Teal pump which everyone used to run with and shave off the bottom so that it picks up pretty much all the water that matters. Goynes or Youens can correct my memory if it is wrong, but I think with the Teal, and some other pumps, you can prime it by turning it on for a couple of seconds, then off, then on again.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 10:51:10 (CDT)

Incredible !
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 10:07:03 (CDT)

I am just impressed and amazed how Matt could make more than half of 300 mile race course in that little thing. He won the Everglades Challenge in an unconventional sailing cruiser in March. Well, I am staying in my Spencer canoe for the Safari ...
Marek <uliasz.at.frii.com>
- Thursday, August 21, 2003 at 08:04:56 (CDT)

Marek. That boat couldn't be longer than 8'. It would be hard to make the ckpoints in the safari in that boat. I saw a park patrol in New Braunfels paddling one just like it. It put out a wake that you could surf on.
Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 23:06:36 (CDT)

RE: rubber boats and other funny short vessels in TWS. Check the WaterTribe Lake Michigan Challenge - results and pictures from the start. Matt Layden is currently on the 3rd position beating some kayaks and canoes. He is paddling 10' "deflatable" kayak! Everything depends on the paddler.
Marek <uliasz.at.frii.com>
- Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 20:08:29 (CDT)

Does anyone out there know how to make an electric bilge pump self-priming? The problem with all the reasonably priced electric models is that they are centrifugal and will not draw the last couple of inches of water out of the boat. Those last two inches or so are a real killer in a wide aluminum boat.
Robert <flawseeker@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 14:44:23 (CDT)

In response to a previous post listing some potentially infected email addresses on this billboard, the Sobig.F virus has a "sender spoof". Any email address in an infected computer's addressbook can be put in the sender line. The apparant culprit is actually not the person who sent the virus to you. Check Norton AV for the updated virus def.
Jason <jquinlan@tamu.edu>
- Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 11:31:21 (CDT)

For the record... the current virus is spread through email attachments. It is impossible to catch the virus by browsing or posting to the Billboard.
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 20:02:04 (CDT)

I was just reading the latest posts when my Norton AV alerted me that I received an email infected w/ W32Sobig.F@mm. Norton caught it so I'm not infected. Strange though that it didn't happen until I browsed this bulletin board. As for Luling 90, I wouldn't worry about it, you should try taking out at South Loop 12 off of I-45 in Big D!
T. Freeman <t@sbcg.c>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 19:45:14 (CDT)

Here is a link to information on the worm: w32.Sobig.f@mm Virus Info

In it is instructions on how to tell if you have it and how to remove it if so. The damage to the computer is minimal. maybe even negligible but it does use your computer to spread itself. I'm not an expert but I have enough to knowledge that I may be able to answer any questions so go ahead and ask and I'll give it a shot.
David Clark <dclark18_no_viruses_please@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 19:33:54 (CDT)

In responce to John's post about the virus/worm -- I just opened my email and had about 10 of them. The emails I recognized included CaptJack and Tom Goynes and about 8 others I did not. Try adding characters to the end of your email to prevent them from being picked up.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.netttt000>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 18:56:40 (CDT)

Gary, the fact is, we have no known/documented casualties in our community fm Luling 90. I personally narrowly escaped the 300 lb Rodeo Gals, and my partners coming after me to this day aren't talking about why they never showed at the takeout hours later. However, they have completed 3 Safaris since, so no debilitating harm was apparently suffered by them in whatever happened.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 16:45:00 (CDT)

I presume ALL are now aware that a worm virus has invaded many paddlers' machines and sent itself via their mail boxes to the rest of us. I've received maybe 20-30... Subject, "Wicked screensaver," "details" "Thank you," etc. Fortunately our virus checker seems to have blocked it from opening on my machine. It appears to travel via the attachment. A friend researched it nationally, but was not able to report what damage it does to the machines.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 16:41:08 (CDT)

Gary: Try John Bugge's page at www.texaswatersafari.org. It is my belief he still has a Novice package deal. He lists prices and deposits. Wherever you rent, make certain you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities should you damage or wreck the boat. "Wear and Tear" is a relative term on the San Marcos River. As to Luling, as well as all points south, here are some guidelines so that you can know if you are running into problems: (1) You have no prior experience with prison showers; (2) You have a prejudice in favor of people with teeth; (3)You recognize someone on the bank from an old episodes of "Gunsmoke;" (4) You wake up the night before your practice run having nightmares about a guy in denim coveralls; Actually, I'm really stretching the truth. You should not have any problems. Just get a tatoo, roll your cigarettes up in your sleeve, get a really scroungy dog from the pound, play country on a boom box, and above all, take along someone more attractive than you are. (In the case of most Safari participants, that should not be too difficult.) If anyone gives you any trouble, just call a local deputy and tell him your mother is a former Thump Queen. Have a great run, and don't forget to take along a compound hunting bow for those little unexpected surprises.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 15:29:36 (CDT)

Gary, last year I spent a couple of months looking for a good used aluminum without any luck. I would recommend buying new. This way you know the boat is straight and has no holes. Prices on the Alumacraft canoes varies greatly depending on where you look ($600 - $1200)so shop around. As far as rentals, both TGs and Spencers rent canoes but they are particular on the stretches they will let you take the canoe. And finally, you should't have any problems at Luling 90 as long as you say "Howdy ya'll" the right way and don't look anyone in the eye for too long. Good luck and see ya on the river.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 13:02:35 (CDT)

Two questions for the knowledgeable ones here... 1. Is there a classified area somwhere on the TCRA website? In particular, I am looking for a place where others might be selling there canoes that were used in a previous safari (aluminum for the novice class). 2. Is there a good place to rent a canoe from in San Marcos, or somewhere close, for practice runs? Initially we will be running the first 40 miles of the San Marcos (to Luling 90) and slowly making our way down, leg by leg. Speaking of Luling 90, I have seen talk in the past that this area can be a rough area to stop due to some of the people that frequent this area. Is this still the case? Thanks in advance for the information.
Gary Gibson <ggibson@texas.net>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 09:33:42 (CDT)

Is it true we are going to do the paddle leg of the Mart. Tri first this year? BOO Hiss! That was ok for the (once in a life time) flood last year. But the run/bike/paddle, all from the Spencer Shady Grove hub, is BY FAR COMBO! Was very popular. PLEASE RECONSIDER.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 08:48:02 (CDT)

Uh... Please clarify the combos for the Mart. Tri: Teams can consist of 2 or 3 athletes? OR, for us solo addicts ONE who does all 3 legs?
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at 08:45:10 (CDT)

for all the info on the Martindale Triathlon visit the Texas Canoe Racing Association webpage:
http://www.txcanoeracing.org/
tom pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 23:56:52 (CDT)

Martindale Triathlon:: Saturday, October 25, 2003. Solo (Men's, Women's) - Consisting of one person who must canoe or kayak, run, and bike. Any type of muscle powered, one-person water craft permitted. A PFD must be in the boat
tom pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 23:11:35 (CDT)

Martindale triathlon is in late October? What if any are the boat requirements for solo?
rd kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Sunday, August 17, 2003 at 22:01:09 (CDT)

Looking to buy (or rent) a fast canoe for Martindale Triathlon. Please contact me at henry@itouch.net. Thanks.
Bill Henry <Henry@itouch.net>
- Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 21:08:41 (CDT)

Since I saw some strip built and S&G kayaks in the last Safari I decided to announce on here the Texas Kayak Builder's Bash for builders and owners, of kayaks, canoes, any paddled craft, and any other interested people. This gathering to be schedulded for spring of 2004, and hopefully every year after that in different locations around Texas. Because of the response I've been getting and suggestions I am organizing an informal mini-Bash for October 26, 2003, at Town Lake, Austin, Texas. More details on my site, www.texaspaddler.com. If you know anyone who might be interested in this gathering please let them know. I'm hoping to have a good turnout of boats and people. I've never been in the Safari yet, but I'm getting ready for it and plan on having one of my boats at the junior safari. I just hope there will be some other slow, old people to keep me company. Thank you.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 18:05:51 (CDT)

Thanks, Fuzzy. You've got more experience in snakebites than all the rest of us put together. I'm still going to research The Ward fm the Boy Scouts and Red Cross.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 17:47:17 (CDT)

Alan, I'm behind on reading the Billboard like everything else, but just saw your question about lightweight rudders. Talk to Mike or Jack Spencer. Mike has been building really great custom rudder assemblies and rudders in both aluminum and/or graphite/kevlar for many years for the Spencer canoes he and Jack design and build.... and for other people who want the best. Don't know what their work schedule looks like, but give them a ring... As their mother, I have a totally unbiased opinion (cough, cough) ....... but you can check with other people for verification....
Jack's email: jjs@texas.net Mike's email: spenco@corridor.net
Spencer Canoes telephone: (512) 357-6113

Good luck,
Pat Gunn Spencer
Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway.net>
- Saturday, August 16, 2003 at 10:49:24 (CDT)

WTB Used 17' Alumacraft preffer the CL modal. OK, I've official abandoned the idea of an inflatable.. (it was just a question :-) ) Now, who has a used 17ft Alumacraft for sale??? Please email me tx_brew@yahoo.com
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 17:32:32 (CDT)

The word from the doctor that treated my snake bite is:
The suction cup thing is good if you do it in the first four hours.
Ice is really bad. (although it makes the area feel better)
The treatment for me was a Lot of painkillers and antibiotics.
Its been three months now, and my ankle is still swollen.

P.S. You don't always know when you get bit by a snake.
Fuzzy <fuzzy_67@hotmail.com>
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 15:19:24 (CDT)

Russ (you ain't my uncle!), If JMH really wanted to earn his salt he would not only abandon the kids and cowboys but run the dang thing solo. 18 finishes and no solo finish? Even Haferdink and Mendenhouser have multiple solo finishes...
Capt Quinn <dolleye@aol.com>
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 12:14:05 (CDT)

OMAR : The usual yellow bite kit most carry to satisfy the rule requirement is more dangerous than helpful. Suction - yes if you happen to have a Sawyer extracter ( like the squeeze cups except this works). Otherwise ace wrap is your "kit" - wrapping the extremity above and below the bite no tighter than a sprain and immobilize at heart level. Cuts - hell no. Garrote- like tourniquet no thanks. Ice or heat no. Activity no. Calm yes. Hospital yes. Situational awareness...You did ID Mr. No shoulders , right? ps: Should your partner be unfortunate enough to be bitten on the buttocks , tell him to drop his tights, grab his ankles, and prepare for antivennin administration. 889
Michael Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 10:11:35 (CDT)

Conversation I had this weekend confirmed what I've been previously taught. Current "Word" from Boy Scouts and Red Cross, I understand (SOMEBODY SHOULD CHECK THIS), is that the recommended first aid for a snake bite is to do nothing but stay calm and go to a hospital. No suction, no cuts. Ice, it seems may localize the venom so it will do a little more harm in one place. I would welcome someone researching this, shall take a crack at it myself in the next few weeks.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 15, 2003 at 08:16:12 (CDT)

Hi..I am looking for a Wood, Sprint K2, Wood, Sprint C2 and a Wood, Sprint K4. The K2 and C2 should be in paddling shape..the K4 doesn't need to be in great shape. Thank you, Carol
Carol <carolschick@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 15:43:09 (CDT)

Hey, John Mark, I have a proposition: Why don't you abandon that stetson-wearing, pickup-driving, comic-book-reading, bunch of rabble you steer down the river every year, let Polecat drive the damned boat, and join me in Aluminum class this year. You can even be the bowman.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 14:12:02 (CDT)

I used to be one of those morons who paddled Barton Creek at flood level, also Shoal Creek, (but there is a part around 4th street below the railroad bridge that will happily kill you now). Here’s the deal about water levels. There are sections of river that are more or less dangerous for different ranges of water level. For the San Marcos, I think most of what we veterans call flood level is plenty dangerous. It’s like Tom & Kevin said earlier it’s not the number of critical points on the river; it’s what happens if you get in trouble, and as the water goes up on the SM, the danger zone around the dams gets much larger, your time to get out of danger is reduced and at different levels different obstacles develop, not to mention the problems at log jams at high water... Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the canoer to judge their capability versus the section they’re running and the river conditions. Err a little on the side of caution, and save someone the bother of pulling your worldly remains from a logjam, (unless you slip a retrieval fee in you pocket, it’s always appropriate to tip!) John Mark (18) but no solos
John Mark Harras <JohnMarkHarras@pzlqs.com>
- Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 10:14:15 (CDT)

While there are other good paddles out there, the very lightweight Epic Active Touring paddle is a the best (non-wing)kayak paddle available. Spend $400 and get the top of the line length-lock version with adjust feather and length. You can take it apart for easy storage and transport and reduce the chance of stepping on it or having it fly out of the back of a pick-up at 70 mph. If you can be happy spending thousands $ on a boat, you can spend hundreds $ on a good paddle which is every bit as important to your success as the boat. I'm hoping lots of people will buy expensive paddles and then lose them while training in floods so that I can collect them up as river salvage.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 23:20:55 (CDT)

Next time we have some hi water, I'll invite ya'll and demonstrate my views. AFTER THE CREST, AND AFTER THE BIG LOGS HAVE NESTED, the hi water is like a fast-moving Town Lake... but with the boils. Y're up above 99% of the junk.And, 99% of the problem is fear and anxiety. AGAIN, THIS IS AFTER THE CREST, WHEN THE LOGS HAVE SETTLED. In pushy low water every sweeper and strainer can break yr boat... or worse. Eg, about 3 years ago a lady we were paddling with hooked her bow in the bad spot at Luling cp. Her boat went completely out of sight on the right and she said she was lucky to hop out onto the log instead of going under it with the boat. I waded up from downstream, water a little over my knees and extracted the boat from under a log. PLEASE NOTE: I'm not one of the crazy kayakers that run Barton's during flood. This high water paddling is just an easier form of Safari training, easier because you cut an hour off yr time, and practicing a skill and mindset that I may need during Safari itself.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 17:28:46 (CDT)

rd: I am not familiar with that brand. In the past, I have used Lendal Powermasters http://www.lendal.com/Paddles/PowerMaster_All.htm (although the shape of the blade looks bigger than the ones we used to use.
Also, the Lightning: http://www.paddles.com/index.html (not sure whether any of these blades are like the racing blades we used when I was alive. The sea kayak version looks most like what I remember.)
But the latest and best (understand, I have not used them but am going on what good people say,) is the Epic, takedown, length-lok which enables you to vary the length by about 4 inches when going from wide to skinny boats. Whether that would be enough for you in an aluminum I don't know. Youens used to use one that was about 9 feet long in the middle of an Alumacraft and could get it up on plane.
http://www.epicpaddles.com/products/paddles/lengthlock.htm

Again, while almost anyone on this board will tell you that I was the greatest single-blader who ever lived, and that Serge Corbin trembled when he heard my name, I am no great authority on doubles and have only handled the Epic while sitting in an arm chair watching canoe documentaries. Nevertheless, a lot of really good folks use the Epic. Also, I could swear that I saw an article by Lee Devinney somewhere on this board about paddles in general. In typical Lee fashion, it told you more than you ever wanted to know about new trends in paddle development in greater Kurdestan. Lee can no doubt point you to the source, and anyone of a number of people can go further than I have.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 16:08:29 (CDT)

I am thinking of upgrading my double blade paddle to something lighter and more efficient. Looking for advice on brands, weights, style and length. I am about 5'11. Will be paddling mostly tandem unlimited but will also use it for aluminum and recreational kayaking. Ultimately want something that can be useful during safari as backup to single blades. I looked at WaterStick paddles yesterday. The Zen touring looked good. It was reasonably light at 690 grams and had a nice stiff blade. Any experience with these?
rd kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 10:43:51 (CDT)

As a matter of conincidence, I talked with Horsefly tonight on another subject and he mentioned seeing the talk about rudders over here. He confirmed my suspicion that a well-made aluminum rudder doesn't weigh substantially more than a carbon fiber one. Said he makes them out of carbon primarily because it takes him less labor than all the bending and cutting and forming. He went on to say that the essentially equal weight goes out the window if you start making them out old stop signs.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 20:43:53 (CDT)

Alan,
try this link http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/kayakrudder.htm
you should be able to make one for any boat with this plan or kit
home builder <akljflajdf;la@ajdfljad;lf.com>
- Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 19:47:00 (CDT)

Alan: I assume you are talking about an entire rudder assembly as opposed to just the blade. I'm sure Jack Spencer could make one for you from carbon fiber, probably with kevlar sandwiched in between. For ultimate lightness you would want it vacuum bagged. I have two blades made for solo boats that weigh about 6 ounces each and one complete rudder assembly that probably weighs well under 8 ounces. I'm not sure how much lighter if any that is over aluminum, and the old plain looking aluminum rudders made by Goynes's folks, and later, I guess by the Spencers, were really pretty light and damned near bombproof. Horsefly could build a carbon one too, but I don't think he is eager to take on new work right now. Bugge could make you one if he's interested but don't want to speak for him and don't really think he is into doing much beyond his rental business. I also don't know if he still has his autoclave, a device designed in hell itself, calculated not only to cure small parts under vacuum at high heat, but also to facilitate committing hari kari if standing within 50 feet of it. (John originally thought about building one big enough to cure a 4 man boat, but I think the International Nuclear Regulatory Commission threatened to shut it down as a cold war violation.) It's a real shame too, because had he actually built it and had it exploded, it would have done 500 million dollars in improvements to College Station.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 14:35:50 (CDT)

Anyone know how to build a lightweight rudder? Any advice? Alan 2/2
Alan <apickett@soe.sony.com>
- Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at 08:44:49 (CDT)

I was recently ask about the Houston Canoe Rendezvous. Is it defunct ? Has someone taken it over. Any info would be greatly appriciated.
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 20:54:53 (CDT)

Thanks to the Spencers for hosting the post-race party this last weekend. The BBQ was delicious and the beer was cold. It was good to talk about the race with people who understand (as opposed to thinking you are just crazy) and meet some of the faces behind the names. Grady showed his movie from the 1987? race. Not much has changed in the intervening years.
rd kissling <txsven@aol.com>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 16:22:01 (CDT)

Tom: I knew you you almost certainly lurking there in the shadows somewhere. You know, although I knew that body weight was a factor, I had never really thought about the water displacement angle. The stiffness is obvious, and I guess the shape of the boat merely determines how hard it is to displace the water (e.g., a jon boat.) Actually I'm glad that I never thought about having to displace my own weight--otherwise, I would have never paddled. Now I probably never will again. Maybe that's why Brian Mynar has 12? or so wins to my none. If I had only been about a hundred pounds lighter, I coulda been a contender.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 15:18:19 (CDT)

Actually I'm always here, watching over the proceedings, sometimes saddened, sometimes amused. I've been meaning to weigh in on several topics. And since you asked, here goes:
Light boats are better than heavy boats. Canoes are displacement hulls, so every time you move one boatlength through the water you have displaced the weight of your craft, your team members and your gear. Assuming a 20 foot canoe, and figuring the course to be 260 miles, that means that you have to displace an amount of water equal to your total boat weight 68,640 times. Assuming you take an extra ten pounds of food that you don't really need (or that your partner weighs ten pounds over his ideal weight) that means you have displaced 686,400 pounds of water that you shouldn't have had to displace. It's another good reason to keep the bilge water out of the canoe. And a very good reason to use a light canoe.
Inflatable canoes are good for whitewater but not so good for the Safari. As far as I know, only one raft ever attempted the Safari. It was years ago during a flood. Wayne Walls was the man behind the effort. I think they reached Luling. In addition to boat length, things like the stiffness of the craft come into play when it comes to hull speed. Any energy you expend distorting your craft is wasted energy. Inflatable craft are generally going to be less stiff than carbon or kevlar or alluminum craft.
High water is good. But it is also more dangerous. Ask anyone who raced in 1996 and in 2000 which water level he or she would prefer and the correct answer sould be 2000. Nonetheless, 2000 was a year of much terror. I know I kept assuring my daughter that she should not worry, but that the race officials were sure to stop us at the next bridge and put an end to the madness. They never did! We found ourselves squeezing through logjams that were in a state of flux. We found ourselves racing against 100 foot logs that were trying to find a place to wedge across the creek. And the teams behind us were having even more fun than we were. Just ask anyone who was present at the awards ceremony in 2000 if they remember some of the horror stories and stories of divine intervention. I don't think there was an atheist at the pavilion that year! God must have assigned a whole battalion of guardian angels to that race.
It can be argued that the 2000 event was a pre-crest event and that things would have been much better if the race had be held a few days later. Logs have a habit of finding a parking place eventually, so after the crest you have less moving logjams. Nonetheless, any high water is dangerous. Mistakes have graver consequences. More skill is required. I know I always lost more sleep when I was a race official during a high water year than during a drought.
Finally, there were at least two other snake bites that I know of. It was 1974, the year of the Safari and the Texas Canoe Marathon (held concurrently - it's a long story). A fellow named Joe Hunt (racing in the Marathon) got bit by a Water Mocassin above Luling. He applied a tourniquet (not a good idea) and eventually made it to the Luling Hospital. They decided that he probably had received a dry bite (no venom) but they wanted to treat him for the tourniquet. I think he left the hospital ama and tried to get back into the race. I had to officially disqualify him to get him to quit. Then Owen West, racing in the Safari was bit by a mocassin just below Gonzales (as he went through a Willow tree). He says he knew right away that he had venom, so he squeezed as much venom out as he could (kinda like popping a pimple) and proceeded downstream with the intention of dropping out at Hochheim. As you know, it's a long way to Hochheim. He kept getting sicker and sicker, and eventually started feeling a little better. By the time he reached Hochheim he was feeling so good that he decided to continue downstream and eventually finished the race. I'm not sure if I would recommend popping a snake bite like a pimple, but I think a Sawyer suction kit is a pretty good idea. I wonder if anyone has ever tried one of those kits on a pimple...

Something like 22 finishes - but only the two solo count (although I'm starting to think that the team captain efforts and the race official stints ought to count for something)
Tom Goynes <goynes@centurytel.net>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 13:54:31 (CDT)

Actually, it just occurred to me that while all of us experts are sitting here sounding off about water levels on the race course, we ought to be asking Mr. Goynes for his input. On serious subjects, real experts are worth their weight in gold. Are you there Tom?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 12:43:20 (CDT)

It really is complicated, and I in no way meant to give short shrift to what Omar was saying. I originally mentioned a Gonzo to Hochheim run at bank full. What Omar says is correct in that the "whirlpools" I mentioned really were not life threatening, as long as you stayed in the boat, or if out of it, you had on a PFD or were an exceptionally strong swimmer and it was not the middle of the night. On the other hand, on the run from Staples, there were 5 of us in solo boats, all extremely capable and experienced (with the exception of little old me.) At the put-in below the dam, Tom Wilkinson capsized in what was a genuine whirlpool there, and had to do some serious scrambling to make shore. John B. managed to get his boat which was circling around ominously, deep underwater. I had started out with some of Omar's "anxiety," but after that little episod, on the subsequent run, which was supposed to end up in Luling, the best proctologist on earth could not have examined me with a buttered pin. I pulled out like a lilly livered chicken at Fentress. So it really depends on the circumstances. Kevin puts it very well when he talks about the "new terrain" the river goes through, especially after overflowing its banks. I've been caught on a large throw line hook at low water and I wouldn't want to think about it at high water. Also, even long before it exceeds bank full, the upper river remains highly dangerous. Cochran used to have a mark on the Westerfield bridge. If the water was over that mark, the race was in real danger of being postponed. I don't think the mark is still there, but I'm sure he remembers where it is.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 11:11:17 (CDT)

The river may be much easier to get down during high water, but the consequences of a mistake are generally much more severe. A flip during a low water year usually does little else but cool you off. A flip during high water could result in real difficulties due to the depth, speed, and the new 'terrain' that the river is flowing through.
Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmail.com>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 09:20:32 (CDT)

Interesting discussion here. Omar, in saying rivers in flood stage are safer paddling then in normal stages you specifically mentioned "after" the flood crest. Would you please elaborate on that? Is it about the trash in the river or what?
With respect for your opinion and paddlecraft, I can't fully go along with the statement but do agree with it some. One certainly has to look farther ahead, listen closer, and put more emphasis on staying upright and aligned in any brushes. Easy remains easy and it's faster; but trouble in flood stage can be very serious.

We paddled a high water year or two and I was a Scoutmaster at the time. TWS was not talked about around the Scouts. Night, flood, lack of sleep, not always wearing the PFD, and some solos... sure doesn't jive with BSA's Safety Afloat. Be careful out there.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Monday, August 11, 2003 at 07:14:47 (CDT)

Omar: You are substantially correct that higher water covers up a lot of obstructions and certainly cuts down on the wrap possibilities in a channeled-down river. On the other hand, while high water cures many ills, it creates the potential for others: (1) It is deep. One can avoid most catastrophes at low water by jumping out the boat before it (or it's inhabitant) collides, sweeps, strains, etc. (2) It is sometimes more turbulent, and believe it or not, some folks turn over in boats which have the minimum of flotation. (3) It is generally faster, with more powerful current that acts on a greater part of whatever it is pushing against. (4) Sweepers are not eliminated because the water is up in the lower branches of trees. (5) While strainers are definitely reduced, some of whatever is covered up might still eat you if you get caught in it. (6) The water is muddy and you can't see into it. (7) The water frequently has large heavy objects like trees, bridge parts, and human bodies floating in it. These are potential collision hazards. With all due respect for your experience, (which is indeed considerable, and no doubt peppered with a little bit of good fortune) I would be hesitant to encourage others with fewer years, and possible testosterone poisoning, to shed their "anxiety" about high water. Sometimes a little anxiety goes a long way. At very high water, the upper river is more like Barton Creek than some may think. And most racers are not paddling it in highly maneuverable decked whitewater boats. There are reasons that the race has never been postponed due to low water. Have a good one.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 20:48:56 (CDT)

Vern, what you going to do when the snake bites your raft? better carry a tube patch.
paddleman <copperhead@jamcity.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 18:29:21 (CDT)

hydromantics? is that a water lover? or a river poet?
omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 15:00:00 (CDT)

Part 3: Next time we have high water, I shall undoubtedly paddle and shall offer to escort anyone who wants experience. I recommend it. Otherwise, when we have a high water Safari (like 2000), you may not have the technique to handle the boilers, and you may suffer from unnecessary anxiety.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 14:54:51 (CDT)

Part 2: The great dangers of our rivers are when the water is pushy but lower with dozens of sweepers and strainers. It only takes 2 feet or 4 feet of water, when it is pushing maybe 4 tons of pressure (Red Cross stat), and you miscalculate in a strainer... The low water bridges are very dangerous (if the water is not going completely over them). With medium and low and regular high water, some of the dams offer hydraulics that are truly dangerous -- in ULTRA HIGH water that levels the dam completely there won't be any hydraulic near the surface (God help you if you dived down 10 fee!)
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 14:51:54 (CDT)

I substantially disagree with Young Russ about high water. After the flood crests pass, the rivers (barring Barton's Creek which is a narrow canyon with huge trees) are SAFER when they are high than when they are low. THIS IS BASED ON 50 YEARS of experience, paddling a few days/week after floods all my adult life. With all the media hype, people are intimidated by high water. However, paddlers go OVER 99% more junk than when the water is low. When there is some junk the rivers are MUCH WIDER to get around it. There are no giant whirl pools of the kind that spiral and suck things under. There ARE boilers and roilers and dead water that require different paddling technique. Compare Palmetto this year with 2000. Boats were broken this year on the lwb. In 2000 the water was several feet over the bridge and some of us paddled right by the checkpoint before we even saw it. Cottonseed wraps boats when Wrap Rock is showing. With higher water, paddlers may swim, but they and their boats will bounce well over the rocks.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 14:45:44 (CDT)

Anyone have more info ie trip report etc on the guy who got bit by the snake?? I thought I had read that up until that point no one had ever been snake bit on the safari
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, August 10, 2003 at 14:11:46 (CDT)

All joking aside, after reading my previous post, I want to add in all seriousness that the level of water on the San Marcos River sufficient to flatten out Ottine Dam, while probably canceling out the dam hydraulic, would nonetheless be highly dangerous for most, if not all paddlers, and the folks who have told me they undertook the river at that level were not only highly experienced, but had truly diseased minds. When I was younger and stupider, I paddled Staples to Fentress in a Lancick boat when the drop at Staples dam was only about 4 feet, and from Gonzales to Hocheim at bank full stage in a C-2 that was dropping into whirlpools several feet across. And read-my-lips: I would never do it again!
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 22:34:35 (CDT)

Rod: As an old timer, you have probably paddled over Ottine when it was flat. I have never done so, but several people have and said it was quite easy at that water level. Bruce: Actually, if I remember what I've read, maximum theoretical hullspeed for displacement (non-planing) hulls is K times the square root of the waterline length, where K=a coefficient determined by the shape and configuration of the hull. So for two boats having an identical design coefficient of 1.0, one being 16 feet long, and the other 25 feet long, the first boat would max out at 4 MPH, while the second would hit 5 MPH, and so on. So I guess you could say that not only does size matter: shape is important too. This is a fact that could no doubt be verified by Monica Lewinsky.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 22:25:01 (CDT)

Ya, right on the engineer part! Electrical maybe. Hull speed is the not only the length of the boat but also the width... Shape does matter, it called hydromantics! The less a canoe weights the easy it is to get a canoe to its hull speed and easy it is to keep it there... But everything else was right on the money...
Mr Right <Do_this_for_a_living.com>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 12:16:25 (CDT)

WAIT A MINUTE.....NO BEER on this race??? No way I'm entering now!!!! Not even homebrew?? the live yeast is the only thing that keeps me going....
(big evil grin)
..btw I assume the hull speed comment was tounge in cheek? either that or their is another term to descibe the relative ease or difficulty of pushing the boat through the water???
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 12:09:10 (CDT)

Hull speed is a simple function of length. It does not have anything to do with the shape or material of your craft.
Mr. Smarty Pants <Engineer@hullspeed.duh!>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 10:43:09 (CDT)

OK, Bruce, if you want to know the meaning of hull speed, you need to borrow and paddle about 3 or 4 different types of boats as fast as you can for 25 miles. Then decide what you want to paddle 10 times that far without sleep, beer, or any of the other pleasures of life. It won't be a rubber boat. You're smart, that's why you are studying 10 months before the race. If you start this race, you want to finish it. And you might as well improve your odds from the start.
Youcancanno <Youcancanno@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, August 09, 2003 at 01:25:44 (CDT)

LOL!
Yeah, you have to do that Salmon thing... get a run at it and catch the eddy just right to jump the dams upstream. But Seadrift is the other way so never mind.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 22:17:37 (CDT)

Upstream paddling is an excellent workout and sure makes you appreciate the return trip. I did it a lot when I was racing. Had trouble getting up Ottine once at flood stage, but other than that, no problem.
OK, THAT WAS A JOKE! YOU DON'T EVER PADDLE OVER OTTINE EITHER UPSTREAM OR DOWNSTREAM!
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 16:26:05 (CDT)

I much applaud Mr. Ellis's thoughts on paddling upstream, then back, even for regular training. Blow off some of the endless shuttling. NOTHING teaches river reading better than paddling upstream. One of our tip top racers makes no secret of paddling the upper SM down and back DAILY for years. Rough thumbrule: "buck and a half" for upstream time.
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 15:28:54 (CDT)

Good way to assess a canoe's speed & handling and separate hull speed from current is to paddle it both upstream and downsteam. Downstream for judging turning & handling as hazards are approached; upstream for a sense of hull speed & how much the current is helping. If a boat won't go upstream decently against some current it might seem like it's OK downstream but it won't go downstream very fast.
Choose an appropriate section of river and make both runs; upstream is suggested first just like riding a bike into the wind first. You'll get back to the starting place; going downsteam you might not. :-) To be more accurate don't use the fast current DS and the eddies US as a real traveler would do... try to run it the same both ways.

Knowing distance & time, calculate both speeds & do the algebra. Example: H-C upstream = 4 MPH and H+C downstream = 6 MPH H hull speed = 5 MPH and C current = 1 MPH.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 08:22:38 (CDT)

RE: Bruce and the inflatable: Damn I didn't think I would ever say Uncle Russ was right, but the barrell down cotton seed was funny.
Bruce, anyone can use any 100% human powered craft they wish (which I suppose could even be an oak barrell). Lee, always makes the point that sure you "possibly" could finish, but that you won't be competitive. And well he's right too. But that kind of thinking doesn't take into account the journey but rather just the results.
And personally, the TWS is one hell of a Journey. Do it on a surf board if that is what you so desire, at least you will have the best ride through rio vista. Roy

=:-)
Roy Lewis <wwildchild@aol.com>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 07:46:29 (CDT)

Yo Vern. here is how you settle it. take yor raft to the aluminum canoe race in Basrtop on august 23 and if you come no more than 30 minuutes behind the last canoe and them boats is slow then you can safari in the inner tube.
Kanuman <inntertubes@oxsheersrapid.com>
- Friday, August 08, 2003 at 00:05:29 (CDT)

Bruce: Actually, the worst-case reality could be that it is 75 percent of a Mohawk ABS canoe--or worse. Not saying it is, mind you. If this is your first attempt, (and I think I picked up that it is,) you really do need to think about what the folks below have been saying. There would be many negatives associated with the average, or even above-average inflatable, in what I would consider this order of priority: (1) Lack of speed: (and I don't mean theoretical hull speed, but the speed your team, of whatever number, can achieve at a reasonable, sustainable heart rate. Th faster the trip, the less you hurt. As novices, you are handicapped by lack of experience and technique--why make it tougher? (2) Wind Resistance: An inflatable has to have a high front and side profile, and even if it is surprisingly fast where there is no wind, try a thunderstorm downburst, or (worse,) the headwinds off the coast that so frequently plague the last 1/2 of the Safari course; Or try a headwind of 20 - 30 knots; (3) Width: in addition to contributing to (1) and (2) above, this could make it somewhat trickier to negotiate some of the tighter spaces you often have to go through at tight spots on the river; (4) Susceptability to puncture: maybe not, if it's kevlar or hypalon, but even so, the chances are real; (5) Weight? I think most folks would advise you to go the standard route: buy an Alumcraft, have it rigged out, get a couple of used Zavarel paddles (or Hell, even a couple of nice wooden bent shafts at 1/3 the price,) take a chance and skip the spray cover if money is a heavy duty issue, use medium to cheaper lihts, and gut it up and take no more than 8 pounds of food each, no matter how tempted you are. Then, you may win the Novice class, and can go on and realize every man's secret fantasy (to go 260 miles in a rubber raft,) later on. Or not.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 20:47:06 (CDT)

Uncle Russ: your TOO funny.... Yup I dunno if we are going to abandon this idea or not.. Oh I think we are on for the race, just the inflatable part. Just got an email from the manufacturer, "our hull speeds are approx 75% of a hardshell boat" I've asked to clarify... If, for example thier hull speed on the 18' sea kayak is 75% of a hardshell sea kayak... that's one thing, if it's 75% of a 18' canoe... that's something else. I also asked them if they happen to have a longer, skinnier prototype lying around the factory (fat chance right?)

(no, we don't currently have the sea kayak version) This is going to take some research and training runs for sure. Or a big powerfull rain dance .
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 16:48:01 (CDT)

Bruce: Do not be discouraged by the fact that noone can recall an inflatable ever finishing the Safari. No doubt it would be a challenge, and one worthy of the attempt. Neither should you be put off by Deviney's choice of pejorative words like "disqualified," and "cheap." Let's just say that noone in the Public Relations business has ever offered Lee a partnership. In fact, it is my understanding that he unintentionally insulted his own mother at birth. Noone would say that a plastic kayak is an ideal Safari boat, but on the other hand, more than a few have finished. As a newcomer, you would have no way of knowing that a fellow named West Hansen attempted the race his first year in a plastic whitewater play boat and lucked into the highest water in history. He's been trying to equal his time in that race ever since. Personally, I have never paddled an inflatable in the Safari or in any other race, although I have paddled with several partners who were inflatable, in the sense that they were filled with more than their share of hot air. One problem I have is that "inflatable" rhymes with "deflatable." I had a roommate once who had one of those inflatable dolls, and I came home one evening and saw him paddling that. (But that's another story.) As for myself, I gave up trying to win years ago, and in recent years,like you, my thoughts have turned to more to bizarre challenges. I have grown far too old to pursue my lifelong dream of going over Cottonseed in a barrel, and instead,have been toying with the idea of being the first finisher in history to use a HUMAN boat. The gig would run like this: I get somebody fairly large (say Robert Youens or Mick Edgar,) to lie face down in Spring Lake, then double-blade him all the way to Seadrift. (Or, if I wanted to qualify under USCA rules, I would choose someone like Allen Speclce to get past the no-rudder rule.) The burning question which has prevented my going forward with this plan is that the effort might not qualify as a solo attempt. The good news is that in recent years, I have found that my own butt has grown so big that it would probably barely fit the Aluminum class jig. So the bottom line is this: Don't let anyone talk you out of a serious challenge. There is no reason not to paddle an inflatable, and a whole raft of reasons why you should.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 16:21:49 (CDT)

Hey, Mike. If Hurricane Claudette didn't move your Tom Goyne's special, I plan to retrieve it tomorrow and return at the Safari party. Makes me wonder if you had spent 6 more minutes picking up your things, we could have duked it out at to the Steps : )Great training with you and Randall this past Spring.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 14:30:00 (CDT)

Stern Hookers? I thought Dee had sworn off stern hookers when he got that rash...He will be the first to tell you the rudder lights help to spot the ones without teeth (his preference) when crusing down the river, and not very fast I might add.
M Pittman <nb@aingtry.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 12:11:54 (CDT)

Bruce, one of the fun aspects of this crazy (and I use that term light-heartedly) race is that it is extreme for canoe racing by almost any standard. Take it to whatever extreme you like but just do it. Until then it is all thinking. The biggest and most simple lesson I learned from the last Safari is have a plan, flex if you have to, but stick to it. Good luck and see you on the river.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 11:03:15 (CDT)

Mike, save your money and only buy one seat. A solo effort in a cast iron tub? I'll be your team captain.
David Clark <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 09:37:53 (CDT)

Bruce,
my reference to "cheap" assumed that you already own a raft and are looking to avoid the expense of purchasing or buying a hard shell boat. (Again, renting is an alternative. My last two safari's were completed in rented boats).
As noted, (the little bitty) rapids are not an issue in the safari for most people and are easily portaged anyway.

The advice 99.9% of safari veterans will give you is directed towards maximizing your chance of success. Success being defined as finishing the race. By paddling an inflatable you will greatly reduce your chances of success, no one with any experience in canoe/kayak racing over this course will argue that assumption. Can the Safari be complted in a raft? Maybe with the right crew and in a flood but it would still be a long tortuous journey. Paddle the first 25 miles, then paddle the last 25 miles and draw your own conclusions from those experiences.
Lee D
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 09:21:32 (CDT)

Thanks to all who have replied. Every opinion I've read here so far means alot. Before even finding this board, I intended to do some training/trial runs first. My buddy, who actually owns the particular boat we were thinking about using, has decided he's destined since his father was an early participant (although dnf). So, i believe we will be in this race whether it's in an inflatable, or an aluminum canoe. We have done many runs in his boat tandem that folks said we shouldn't do, than at the end of the run, everyone wanted our boat! The Devils River is the brightest example of this. Notice I didn't come here asking whether anyone thought an inflatable "could" do it, I knew I would have to decide that for myself (well, my team and I would). I just really wanted to know if it had been done before, and what some of the hazards might be.
We did run the upper San Marcos a couple weeks ago, but that was before the subject of doing this race even came up. Our time on that run was irrelevant, both because we didn't time it and because we fished and drank beer most of the way down , not to mention my buddy paddled his 7 year old son on the kayak, I was in an inflatable 1 man boat.
Him talking to his dad about our "fishing run" was what kind of got the bug in us about doing the race.

Again, thanks for ALL the opinions expressed so far. I'll be lurking here, and perhaps report on progress, training runs if anyone’s interested.
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 09:17:42 (CDT)

I have to back up what my brother David says, he could not have put it better. I was also doing some thinking and maybe Team Laughingstock should see how many different types of boats we can finish in. I might go out and buy an old cast iron tub and stick some sliding seats in it. If you want to try an inflatable I suggest you take one out and practice. You will find out real quick if you will be able to make the cut off times or not.
Mike C. <clark0612@juno.com>
- Thursday, August 07, 2003 at 08:11:18 (CDT)

Very well said and accurate on all counts, David. Thanks for putting it all in the proper perspective.
Pat <pgunnsco@thegateway.net>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 22:58:19 (CDT)

Jonathan, I think you're putting Laughingstock on a higher pedastal than deserved. As the bowman of that boat, I must say it was difficult but there have been other equally and probably more suprising finishes in the past. I think the fact that it has never been done in an inflatable puts that on a different level.
Disregarding the few nay-sayers, most of the advice we got on this board and in person was dead-on. However you have to realize the intentions. Most of the advice you'll get is geared towards giving you the highest probablity of finishing with the least amount of anguish. It all comes from years of experience from people alot smarter than me.
Bruce, what are your intentions? Do you want to compete in the safari or do you want to be the first to finish in an inflatable? If it's the latter, realize that the advice you get, although correct, is intended for a different purpose. You'll have to filter out what is useful to you but don't discount the advice as wrong. Also, no matter how much experience they have or how smart they are, no one knows anything about your strength and determination. We adopted the following quote during the race to keep us going. We don't know who it's from.
"The person who says it can't be done should never interrupt the person doing it."

So practice your butt off, ignore the nay-sayers, and show up in June.
David Clark (1/1) <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 22:31:46 (CDT)

Bruce when all the neigh Sayers speak of never being able to do-it please remind them of the two gentleman who finished this year in Laughing Stock (enough said). Like all safari attempts you are going to need a lot of skill (practice) and some luck, but given the correct inflatable for the conditions you should have no problems completing the time checks. It won’t be as easy as an aluminum, but if your goal is to prove it can been done than you should have no problem. As to the sceptic, like canoes not all inflatables are created equal and I have paddle in “tube” boats that where far more puncture and tear resistant than the Kevlar/ carbon fiber C-2s. I’m not a great paddler, but I was able to paddle all the sections of the race in a one man “pack” raft (http://www.alpackaraft.com/Alpackaraft.htm). Granted I did them in sections never a complete stretch- but I am sure with the right training and goog gear it can be done. Won’t be fast, won’t be comfortable, but you can do it.

Jonathan Redfern 2/2 (but they don't count cuase the weren't solo:)
Jonathan Redfern <alkjfladjflk@natahjt.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 19:37:10 (CDT)

Bruce Have you seen the rapids in the San Marcos River before? The first time I went through Cotton Seed I did not even know it, thought it was just a turn with some rocks in my way. However, it was at very low water level. Not that these rapids shouldn't be taken seriously, but it's not like the rapids that you see in pictures or have been through. If you blink twice you'll miss the rapids. There is much more calm to moderate flow smooth running water than rapids. No matter what boat you race in, put in lots of practice. I think that the practice is what allows you a better chance to finish. The Jr. Safari is coming up in mid September, hope to see you there.
Andrew Nelson <andrew.n@juno.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 19:32:26 (CDT)

Lots of sharp objects in here:
LogJam01.jpg
LogJam02.jpg
Portage01.jpg

If your concern is hull speed, realize that, especially during training when you don't have other boats to compare to, the first 60-70 miles of the river don't tell you much about speed. The long, still water sections will tell you a lot more. Try the 10 miles above Gonzolas dam or Cuero Dam. Or try the bay. Better yet, do a 20-50 mile section first before you hit a still water area like one of the ones above. Also realize that you hull speed may seem managable for 10, 20, or even 40 miles but 260 is another story. I know from experience that it is miserable when you work a lot harder, rest a lot less, and go a lot slower than everybody else for 70+ hours (and I emphasize a lot in all cases).
David Clark 1/1 <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 18:59:31 (CDT)

I don't think anybody calling inflatable cheap, some can be but I putting up a little faith that you have one near the high end. I would also put up a little faith that you wouldn't put a hole in your one of your tubes going down the river. The fact is that an inflatable is nice rec boat sort of like a seat on top but it would be a painful to run 260 miles in it. Reason, little return in movement on each stroke and little or no glide once you've made your stroke. I would beat someone has entered a tube boat (sorry) into this race but I know they never saw salt water. Lee and several others are just trying to save you some headaches. Listen to what they are telling you, they have ran this race a couple of times and know a thing or two about boats.
John
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 18:56:41 (CDT)

Bruce: Most of the other boats run the rapids too, not just the standards and whitewater type boats. The only one we portage is Cottonseed. I don't know about everyone else, but our training runs seem to be about an hour faster than we do them on the safari for most of the 20-25 mile checkpoints. I've never seen an inflatable boat that was very comfortable over a long distance. Can you put a padded tractor seat in one?
Tom Pope <Tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 18:46:31 (CDT)

Bruce. The sharp objects are composed of rebar, tree branches, sharp concrete, old bridge pilings, lost dock sections, and more. We ripped a 3 foot long gash in our kevlar boat(not a pleasant sound) last year and this year saw an aluminum get a gash and a hole all in that section of the river.
Tom Pope <Tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 18:34:37 (CDT)

Why does everyone always think inflatables are cheap? Well, some are.... I do have a concern about hull speed though & want to run a few legs for reference. I know Lee, you were being a bit facetious, but actually I believe an inflatable (well, a REAL inflatable) would make the 1st cutoff without a hitch due to it's ability to actually run the rapids, etc. The second checkpoint and beyond is my concern. I wouldn't mind seeing some split times for training runs for say the 1st 3 checkpoints, I've found lots of pages with race times, but obviously your gonna be faster on training splits since you know you don't have to paddle another 200 miles that session.
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 18:30:59 (CDT)

Actually Staples, TX was originally called "Staples Store"...more importantly Staples is the first Texas Water Safari checkpoint and an excellent place for inflatable boats to be disqualified from the race based upon inability to meet the cut-off time. If you want to paddle the Safari on the cheap rent a plastic canoe from TG and have a reasonable and relatively comfortable chance of finishing the race for less than $100.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 17:56:09 (CDT)

Thanks, JMHarras I think we will checkout that section. What are the sharp objects composed of mostly rebar? tree branches? sharp concrete?
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 16:54:17 (CDT)

"Satples" was the original spelling of Staples, I have no idea what "Hloing" is.
JMHarras <JohnMarkHarras@pzlqs.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 16:43:30 (CDT)

I don't think there has ever been an inflateable finish. I doubt it's feasable in a normal water year. Between the bad hull speed and holing, I think you'll need flooding to have a reasonable shot at it. the best place to test for hloing is the Satples to Luling 90 run, there are a lot of sharp objects there. John Mark (18)
JMHarras <JohnMarkHarras@pzlqs.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 16:41:36 (CDT)

Mark, Are you calling all inflatables "Tube Boats"? And, do you know the answer to my question? (has anyone started and/or finished the TWS in an inflatable?) Actually I know of a few VERY durable inflatables, my main concern is possibly hule speed. (not trying to be argumentative, just trying to clarify)
Bruce <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 14:46:37 (CDT)

What are "ruddder lights"? is this something I culd use to tell what I just hit? maybe to keep stern hookers away?
JMHarras <JohnMarkharras@pzlqs.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 13:40:34 (CDT)

Don't do it in a Tube Boat, don't even think about... Have a Nice Day...
Mark
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 13:24:03 (CDT)

Has anyone ever started, and/or completed the TWS race in an inflatable kayak? or any type of inflatable for that matter?
Bruce J <tx_brew@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 12:55:04 (CDT)

For Sale 21' Kevlar tandem unlimited Safari boat, rudder lights, pump, waterproof power supply, foam, mesh bags. A tough, proven Safari finisher, not afraid of rocks or trees. $1,400 512-626-9814
De Tifffany <boat617@1yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 11:10:52 (CDT)

If by any chance you are in Colorado in August ....
August 24 - annual race from Dotsero to Hanging Lake on Colorado River near Glenwood Springs (10 miles, class I water with three easy rapids). The race is organized by CanoeColorado.
Some pictures from the previous year.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Wednesday, August 06, 2003 at 10:07:49 (CDT)

Charlie (Dad)#33, thanks once again for asking me to be your TC. I thoroughly enjoyed it again this year. Tammy
Tammy <Bride90@earthlink.net>
- Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 22:04:33 (CDT)

YEEEEE-HAW YAW, THE NECHES WILDERNESS RACE WAS A BLAST! THANKS TO EVERY ONE INVOLVED , 22MILES OF PURE EAST TEXAS LOG JAMS, HOT DOGS , HAMBURGERS,WATER MELON. IT WAS AWSOME IF YOU HAVENT DONE THIS RACE YET ,WAKE UP , ITS DEFINATELY WORTH IT . SEE YA'W NEXT YEAR .
VERNON GOSDIN
- Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 21:11:21 (CDT)

August 9th is the 5th annual Safari Golf Scramble at the Independence Golf Course in Gonzalez. Sign in and registration is at 7:15 am and the shotgun start is at 8. Four person teams with awards for first through third. Door prizes and lunch afterwards. Pay your own green fees and a $10 entry fee for the tournament. Bring your own golf cart or dolly if possible. Bring any extras for door prizes. For more information call Mike Riley at WK 972-875-8658 or Cell 972-971-5365
Wade Binion <kswrb00@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, August 02, 2003 at 20:42:25 (CDT)

Hi everyone. Sorry ,sorry,sorry. I would like all of you to be advised that the Safari party will be on Aug. 9. I apologize for not clearing this up sooner so please don't forget to give me grief about it on party night. Good luck to those of you going to the Neches canoe race as well. Remember the party is pot luck. Spencer's will furnish drinks, all the paper products and do I smell tender bar-b-que on the pit. Refreshments will be on hand from 12pm on. So bring yourselves and all the Safari stories you can repeat and all the home cooked food you can carry. Take care and I'll see all of you on Aug. 9 Jack
Jack Spencer <jjs@texas.net>
- Monday, July 28, 2003 at 21:42:28 (CDT)

The Neches Widerness Canoe and Kayak race is coming up on saturday August 2nd. This is thought by some of us as being more safari than the Safari, with small jams and fallen trees with either small cut outs or portages/hop overs. There are very few dicey sweepers, no concrete dams and more open clear stretches than anyone normally chooses to remember.The east Texas river runners over in Palestine put on a good race with lots of participation from the local community and there are good prizes in some classes. Worth noting is that there is good food to eat after the race. Come along and participate in one of Texas' most legendary canoe races.
Colin <cagandjepm@earthlink.net>
- Monday, July 28, 2003 at 12:09:57 (CDT)

Does anyone that will be attending the Neches race have any extra paddles they can spare? I have two paddles but no backups. I would secure borrowed paddles in the canoe and hopefully not touch them until I hand them back at the end of the race. Any help is appreciated. See you Saturday.
Jeff <Jeffjouett@yahoo.com>
- Monday, July 28, 2003 at 11:25:11 (CDT)

Would someone please confirm if the party date has been moved. That's gonna be a bummer if it has because I have to be out of town on the 9th. Dave, you'll have to bring your sax.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Monday, July 28, 2003 at 09:25:54 (CDT)

FYI - Had a brief talk with Mike Spencer and the Safari Party has been pushed back one week to Aug 9th. The reason for the change was because of the Neches Race... See everyone there!
Paul <P_Ohle@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 19:38:08 (CDT)

Robbie: You should check Paul Johnston pages. He shot most of the boats at Cottonseed. I have only pictures of Doug Rhude Pax 20 kayak before and after the race in my safari report.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 10:06:28 (CDT)

Sorry for the double post...but I'm looking for pictures of the following boats/teams from the 2003 TWS:
#210 (Ann Best and Julie Basham)
#62 (Doug Rhude)
#1204 (LaughingStock)
#817 (Woodrow Courtney)

If you have pictures of any of them and wouldn't mind sharing, please forward them.
Thanks,

Robbie Cooper <robbie@urbangrounds.com>
- Friday, July 25, 2003 at 09:35:38 (CDT)

Day Four of my race summary is finished.

Thanks for all the positive comments and emails:

Texas Water Safari Day 4

Image Gallery

Yes, that was probably us making the long portage through the trees. When we saw the two boats wrapped in the center of Cottonseed, we invoked Rule #3 of the race: When in doubt, take the safe route (During the race we would create a set of "rules" as the race unfolded:

1. Do not knock or partner out of the boat.
2. If you do knock your partner out of the boat, go back and get him.
3. When in doubt, take the safe route.
4. When in doubt, paddle down stream. This became an important rule somewhere before Dupont, when I was convinced that we were going the wrong way, so I made my partner turn the boat around so we could paddle back upstream (in strong current, no less) in the dark for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Shoot the Middle. By the third day, Marty (my bow man) had asked me so many times, "Which side (of an obstacle) do you want to run?", or "There's some rapids coming up. Which line do you want to take?"...that my automatic response to anything about direction was: Shoot the middle.
Robbie Cooper <robbie@urbangrounds.com>
- Friday, July 25, 2003 at 09:11:22 (CDT)

Robbie Cooper: I remember seeing you guys the morning before the start of the Water Safari. The portion of the race I got to watch was very interesting. I think ya'll must have been the ones that made the long portage through the trees at cottonseed rapids while the two aluminum canoes were wrapped a bit on the rocks. Thanks very much for your detailed and informational account of your race. Your account and many others that I have read should make the race safer and better for me, and others, who are planning to make the race next year. Congratulations on your finish. CaptJack: You've made my wife a San Marcos River Widow since you turned me on to this race. That's ok. She doesn't do outdoor stuff very well. About an hour catered picnic at the lake is her limit. She thanks you for getting me out of her hair. I thank you for the information. See you on the river sometime.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@texaspaddler.com>
- Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 17:02:24 (CDT)

CaptJack: I wasn't sure if it was Sawyer Loon. At ~50lb it should be pretty good boat for the Safari. Anybody has finished the TWS in this boat?
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 11:56:13 (CDT)

Marek: The Sawyer version of Kruger's boat is called the Loon. When he switched & had MadRiver build the next version they called it the Monarch and then he changed the name to SeaWind when he opened his own boat shop. Sawyer Loons are very rare especially the skincoat kevlar models. I passed up a chance to buy two of them about 5yrs ago- big mistake, they are at least 10lbs lighter than your SeaWind.
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 09:23:33 (CDT)

Robbie, great report and website! You mentioned "17' fiberglass Sawyer canoe" rented from John Buggie for your previous year safari attempt. Was it a Verlen Kruger design (partially decked canoe with a rudder)? I am curious because, originally, I planned to run safari in my Sea Wind built by Kruger, but decided that it was too heavy and ended up with the Spencer X-treme. I suspect that the Sawyer canoe could be one of the earlier versions of my Sea Wind: http://www.frii.com/~uliasz/wayfarer/paddling_fleet.htm
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 08:38:30 (CDT)

Team Hawaiian Army (Boat #734) has nearly completed our Safari Race Summary. Actually, epic might be more accurate than Summary (it's about 17 pages long).

I've broken the race down into six sections on my web site, with a separate section for our picture gallery (mostly of our team). So check it out if your interested:

Race Summary

Image Gallery

I think it provides a good account of the race from the prespective of a team closer to the back of the pack than the front. It's also given from the perspective of a first time team, and not race veterans.

Day Four is not yet complete, but I'll post it tonight. So if your still interested after reading the novella after Day three, check back tomorrow.

Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 11:10:07 (CDT)

And if my memory is correct, Mike Riley headed up the golf scramble and Jack Spencer is the head cook for the BBQ. My quess is that if you wish to bring some meat/sausage for the dinner I should leave it with Jack that morning?
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 09:09:30 (CDT)

Matt, it was posted earlier that it would be on Saturday, August 2. And Mike, I haven't scored a try since college. Safari is crazy and rugby is insane unless you just like losing teeth and damaging other body parts. I must be getting older.......
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 08:18:29 (CDT)

When is the safari party?
Matt Watson <watsonjm@tamu.edunospam>
- Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 07:40:37 (CDT)

Jeremy: Is the post below the reverting back you mean ? You only tell your competition you have stopped training...it actually never stops.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 22:48:13 (CDT)

Russ: Next you won't let me call you Surely. Henry: The GPS'ers will play golf, the men will play Rugby. Try by day...score by night.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 22:36:18 (CDT)

Since we have finally restored electric power to Victoria, I can digress amongst the piles of tree limbs and scattered debris. Are there any plans in the works for the golf scramble before the Safari party? Gonzales or Lockhart?
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 15:07:11 (CDT)

Simmons: You really should not poke fun at me. I am a very serious individual.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, July 22, 2003 at 14:09:06 (CDT)

Last season someone posted a breakdown of how long it takes the body to revert back after stopping training. Could you re-post or let me know the approx date it was posted? Thanks
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 21:14:23 (CDT)

... and many times the way to locate open water channels leading to portages was to paddle beyond and spot the lead while looking back from the far side. The open leads meander around and are frequently concealed by stands of grass in shallow water. Standing up and scanning with the glasses when close would usually spot it.
Sometimes the portage itself can be spotted but not a clear path on how to get to it; other times you paddle until the lake ends and there it is.
Some portages are nice & some are miserable. Measurement of the portage length checked against the distance marked on the map is another confirmation you're on the right trail.
Good skills of observation, map reading, use of the compass and a sense of paddling speed are pretty important or you can get "bewildered" for a long time.
Rod <freman2@aol.com>
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 20:19:07 (CDT)

I have done 3 trips to Algonquin Prov Park in central Ontario and 4 trips to Quetico Prov Park (above Boundry Waters)all in the 80`s and 70`s......large seaworthy Grummans and Alumacrafts are the norm for north woods voyagers....There are all the normal burdens of long distance paddling, 2mile long portages thru swamp bogs and boulder filled trails blocked every 50meters by fallin timber, mosquito swarms that would choke an elephant, deer flies that are completely relentless that seem to instinctivly know to bite the back of your ankles when you are in a canoe....they never give up until they are all dead.....and they are never all dead,......speaking of never giving up, those woods are full of hungry bears that make thier living off of the voyagers food stuffs.....they always come in silently under the cover of deep night and locate your food pack and know amount of noise or action will cause them to be deterred from comletely "relieving" you of all your food.....the most widely accepted method of combating the bear situation is to tie all food packs to a noose rope and hang it out over a tree limb high and out far from the main tree trunk.......I have noticed that this practice usually only slows the bear down abit, making him take part in a sort of freakish natural animal circus that eventually results in the loss of all your food or a really pissed-off bear! Speaking off being pissed-off, try to portage the canoe overhead(the north woods way)with paddles fishing tackle and packs a few hundred yards up a boulder strewn trail and back down to a fallin tree trunk bridge over a beaver lake/bog all the while fighting the same relentless deerfly and loosing your footing and falling into the peat/blackness eventually emerging from the mess with most of your gear accept your paddle and then you notice that you are covered with leeches!!.....but the really greatest thing about North Woods canoeing is NAVIGATION...!! for example, in Safari there ain`t a whole bunch of navagatin (just head downstream) aside from the bay crossing which in itself, is pretty easy after you have seen it once....but in Canada it`s big lakes, big weather, endless forests hills and creeks, streams, swamps, rivers that are two thousand miles from any DQ or Wataburger....and navagation is being able to understand a topo map and locating distant landmarks across 10mile windswept lakes and trying to get there with the conditions (wind direction wave height and current) are huge factors to voyaging.......for example, try taking 5 dumb-ass college buddies who are all tough guys but really have little canoeing experiecnce,....as the only "experienced" voyager I held the maps and had "absolute final say" on any issues and judgement regarding navigation,.....when you get five good ole boys from TX a hundred miles into Quetico and your the only one who can read a map it can get a little "dicey"....they began to refer to me as "the great OZ" or my personal favorite..."the Map Sensai".......but when you slip up a little and make an error that costs a half a day of paddling you get a feeling of "seperation" that only Captain Bligh could love.....!! But seriously, the trips that I have taken to the North Woods have been great experiences that kinda got me interested in safari....and I would love to go back there again before I take up the rocking chair.....just let somebody else read the map.......
doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com>
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 18:44:05 (CDT)

We did a couple of trips through the boundary waters in the early 1980's. The packs we were supplied with were called 'Duluth Packs'. Don't know if that was any official moniker, but it was what our outfitter called them. They were big, formless, weather proof packs with huge shoulder straps. Anyway, I remember the lessons on how to put one pack on the front and one on the back as 'counter balance'. Our outfitter also explained how to then hoist a canoe onto your shoulders so you could make the portage solo. Fortunately, we were two and never tried this circus trick (although he made it look easy enough - hah!).
Kevin <Trainwreck20 AT hotmail.com>
- Monday, July 21, 2003 at 08:41:42 (CDT)

For sale. Two year old alumcraft 17' aluminum canoe. Totally Safari rigged. Spray skirt, sleep skirt, food bags,jug holders, slid seats and paddle holders. Like new condition very minor dings. $900 512-413-2733. Perfect for next years novice class and ready to race.
terry pogue <terrypogue@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, July 19, 2003 at 11:37:23 (CDT)

I've seen that, too. Tandems where one guy shoulders the heavy canoe and the other 2 backpacks and other gear... Portages that are miles long and several of them, to get in where the moose and bear are. Boats heavy laden, but the paddlers aren't racing, which is a big difference fm Safari--even on the slower end there is a sense of pressing ahead.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 22:44:57 (CDT)

Re: Boundary Waters post below: I was the senior youth trip leader on a trip in the Boundary Waters and up into Quetico Park in 1964.
17' aluminum Grummans, heavy gear, etc. It was a great trip, pristine area and not yet traveled very much.
We weren't trying to move all that fast but I remember a local solo who came cruising up to a long portage, stepped out in knee deep water, secured the paddle, put a good sized pack on his back & a smaller pack on the front (backwards), shouldered the canoe and off he went on a one-trip portage. He had to be carrying at least 160# and could hardly see. If he ever tripped and fell he might never get up; but it was impressive.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 22:16:19 (CDT)

Can anyone send me Jim Pye's email or contact info?
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 17:20:56 (CDT)

Has anyone else canoe-camped in the great north central US? Explored the boundary waters? They chug right along with heavy laden canoes, sometimes making repeated trips at the portages. Altho, inefficient, heavy hulls are discouraging in any race.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 17:20:04 (CDT)

Not if you are going to use it for a shovel with your c-3 planter.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 16:02:47 (CDT)

Anyone with an Epic Length Lok for sale?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 14:46:54 (CDT)

Triathlon is coming up soon, and I have a bike to sell that will launch some lucky paddler to the top ranks, even if it never did quite have that effect for me. It's a '96 Cannnondale, and probably has about 2500-3000 miles on it. It is a 54cm frame, and is yellow. I have added some carbon fiber parts to make it faster and more sexy. The carbon bars and aerobars are by Profile, and have grip shift shifters on the end. Also have carbon front fork and seat post. Have original 650C wheels, and also new Rolf 650C wheels with new Panaracer tires. I have about $3500 in the bike, and will take $1000 to cover just the new pieces. Help out a college student...please?
johnny prochaska <jejda@yahoo.com>
- Monday, July 14, 2003 at 20:38:08 (CDT)

I would like to weigh in on the subject of boat weight. Now I will begin by admitting that I am no expert and have no doubt that anybody who knows squat on the subject can and will correct me if I am wrong. But being wrong has never stopped me yet so here goes:

1. Those who say that weight is less important on portages than in the water are correct--unless the boat is so heavy you pull a back muscle on portages. But make no mistake about it--those who fly through portages usually have a lighter boat and do better than those who don't, all other things being equal.
2. In the water, design is more important than weight, but boats are usually designed for a given weight. The theoretical top hull speed of any displacement (non planing) hull is directly proportional to the square root of the waterline length. The imponderable factor is a coefficient that is attributable to the hull design. (generally speaking, the skinnier and the tippier, the faste.) But if putting enough horsepower in the boat to achieve that maximum speed puts the boat too far down in the water, several things can happen, all of them bad: First, the lack of freeboard can cause you to swamp or take on water. Second, and most important, the extra weight can put parts of the boat down in the water that the designer did not mean to be there (best example: you put Bob Spain, who has always been 30 pounds heavier than he claims, in a 16 foot USCA C1 and the wings go down in the water--not meant to be.)
3. Weight is a huge psychological factor.
4. Weight is important. So is design. But the names of the motors are most important.
5. I will finish with a story, and hope it is not one I have already told: In 1987, my novice partner and I were standing in Goyne's livery. We were arguing over whether to add an aluminum carring handle on the front of our Alumacraft. My partner was against it. I was for it. There were some genuinely tense moments. Finally, he acquiesced and said very harshly, "All right. I'll go tell Jim Newman to add it." Whereupon he stormed out to the shop and slammed the door. There was a large group of folks standing around, all of whom remained quiet, somewhat embarrassed over our exchange. Except for Troy Swift, who broke the silence by saying: "I don't know why Jim is worried about 4 ounces of aluminum when he is paddling with a lardass like you." So the moral of the story is that if there is one place that weight is more important than in the paddle, I guess it's in the paddler's ass.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, July 14, 2003 at 16:30:18 (CDT)

One thing I learned this year....If you talk enough trash to those guys in those supercharged kevlar racing boats about the humiliation of being beat to the flagpole by a metal boat, they then have a tendency to look like they're competing for a spot on the US Olympic Team. Tom G., you make me laugh out loud on a Monday morning. Thanks
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Monday, July 14, 2003 at 08:32:40 (CDT)

As Mike's partner - I have to say I have no recollection of the Burkhalter cut - but then again we had paddled all night and I was taking a nap on our wonderful Goynes Hammock (second most valuable piece of equipment). I do remember at one point Mike hooting and hollering something about "I found it" and sensing that we were shooting thru some pretty fast water.... or maybe it was all a dream
RD Kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 11:20:51 (CDT)

Good to hear from you, Jonathan and Darryl, good to see yore alive and kickin after that long trip. Is Roland gonna be trash talkin next year or what? Darryl, our answer to the sleep monster was to eat instant coffee until heartburn set in too bad, maybe next year we'll opt for no-doze caffeine tablets. We just used our leftover Tums from last year, and didn't restock. To improve our time we need to commit ourselves to not stopping to nap or pee on terra firma.
So regarding the Burkhalter Cut and The Cheapside Cut, are they legal?
Tom Pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 01:06:45 (CDT)

Jonathan,
thanks for the kind words. You are always welcome at our house. My Top Ten from this year:

10. Have good paddling partners. Thanks Karim, Ken, Scott, Justin, Tom and Roland.
9. I thought I knew the river. I'll have to look for the Hocheim and Cheapside cut. They may have a map at the Gar Repellant store.
8. How do they make lithium batteries so light?
7. Wave to those spectators on the banks during the race. When you are training sometimes they will give you beer.
6. You can find great partners off this billboard.
5. If you hustle in and out of checkpoints without kissing your wife, you can knock an hour off your time.
4. If I learn how to fight the sleep monster off, I can probably knock 2 hours off our time.
3. Train year around.
2. A flat bay is a wonderful thing.
1. Lighter is way better. Keep knocking ounces off and it adds up.
Thanks for the race Jonathan. Darryl Jiral 5/4
Darryl Jiral <drj@co.hays.tx.us>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 19:13:32 (CDT)

Here is my H2O Safari 2 cents.
First again I would like to thank Bob Brooks for setting up this web site. I have always enjoyed this site, and even learned a thing or two about the race. But this year I can truly say that my race would have been over before it even started without this unique forum. Four weeks before the race I got disturbing news from my teammate that he was hurt and unable to race. 'Man, what do I do now?' Solo? Try to find a teammate? But where? There is only for weeks till the race. Surely not enough time to train some one. Boy was I perplexed. On a whim I posted a cry for help on this site. Long story short- I got hooked up with Daryl Jaryl thanks in large part to Scott Johnson. Coming from a long history of multisport racing I was petrified to have to spend 60 plus hours in a boat with someone I did not know, or worse yet, I hated. So off I went 3 weeks before the race on a 7-hour car drive just paddle with a total stranger. In a word Texas Friendly- (OK that's 2- give me some slack) Daryl and his family are the nicest sweetest people I have ever met! They immediately adopted me into there family (not really sure if it was totally pure or just the fact that my boat weighed 45 pounds less than hisJ). Having only spent a few trips on the river I cannot stress how cool it was to have a home court advantage with Daryl in the boat. (And I mean Home court every where we went people knew him even the dogs!) The only disadvantage is, on race day I had to correct him several times that it was not necessary to wave like the Watermelon Thump Queen to all the spectators. I am still thankful he knew the course so well because for 95% of our trip we where alone. (I'd still be paddling like (you know who) up stream.) In all I was totally psyched with our result and we are already planning next year.
So here are my top 10 keys to our success.

10. Convince your partner he does not need to carry his 2 lb pocketknife.
9. Hydropel on the butt. Enough said
8. Fear! (A great motivator) when I saw the look of Daryl's wife when she did not get to kiss him at the first checkpoint. I knew we had to get to Sea Drift ASAP so she could get her kisses.
7. Wanting to beat all the smack talking of Scott and Roland.
6. Having a team Capt. that is everywhere.
5. Having a huge fan club at every CP
4. Knowing the course
3. Knowing the course (it is so cool knowing every turn, town, bridge, tree, and dogs name between SM and Sea Drift
2. Paddling next to John Buggee (What a stud!) Thanks for the tips.
1. Paddling with a motor in the bow!
J Redfern Team 60
Jonathan Redfern <reded@Cayouco.net>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 16:12:54 (CDT)

Norm, Just for the record, it was Joe Mynar and not Fred. Fred could have probably done the race with us, but he would have had to finish with winning team first, then get back to San Marcos. Hmmm, now there's an idea, that way those guys could finish the second time during the banquet.
It was a real treat to paddle on the "dream team" (I'm not sure who coined that term for us). John Dunn is not only the strongest paddler in Texas, but his knowledge of medicine makes it seem as though you have a doctor on board. He's also capable of impersonating just about anyone. You know how your mind starts playing tricks and you think someone else is in the canoe other than the folks you started out with? Well, with Ranger Dunn you not only imagine the new teammate, you can hear him talking.
The whole thing started for me this Spring when Joe Mynar asked if I would like to do the race with he and Bucky Chatham. He told me that Bucky has cancer but that he sure wanted to do the race one more time. I asked Joe if he was aware that I had Muscular Dystrophy. He said he was. Then I told him that if he thought he could paddle two invalids down the river, I would sit in the stern and witness the event.
In actuality, Bucky was anything but an invalid. he paddled hard the whole time (except for the few minutes he thought he was having a heart attack at Victoria). I, on the other hand, proved to be somewhat worthless the last half of the race. I was able to add a few new "strokes" to my repertoire. They will appear in my yet to be published book, "100 Ways To Look Like You're Paddling When You're Not". I have found that groaning and making other agonizing sounds with your mouth sometimes convinces team members that you are hard at it. Unfortunately, someone like my daughter (who knows all my tricks) is not so easily fooled.
Originally, Ranger Dunn was going to be our team captain. I think things started changing in Joe Mynar's mind after a training run from Palmetto Park to Gonzales. When Bucky and I tried to pick up the stern at Gonzales Dam, his hernia blew out and my muscle went on strike. Joe ending up draggin the canoe around the dam as Bucky and I fiddled with our bodies and cheered. Right after that (at Sandy's wedding) John informed me that he was not going to be able to be our team captain, because he wanted to be on the team. The rest of us finally agreed to his demands, and the rest is history.
At any rate, it was a great race, with a great team. I don't think I have ever laughed so much during or after the big one. And, I suppose, that is a pretty good way to judge the success of the race.
Tom Goynes <goynes@centurytel.net>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 15:30:56 (CDT)

Norm,I can't speak for others that have been doing this race much longer than I, who have teamed or Soloed. And you hear a lot on this topic. Personally, I enjoyed both equally. They both have their separate and unique challenges. The tough part for me Solo is stopping to eat. I have this West mentality of CFM, continuous forward movement, and also don't like to lose contact with someone else moving at my speed. You drop a few strokes to eat something and it feels like you have lost the race. I paid dearly for that during the race with protracted stops. And Marek, I have the utmost respect for all out-of-staters. It is tough enough in your own backyard. The logistics have to be incredibly tough and great site.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 12:45:05 (CDT)

It would be interesting to hear more safari stories including stories from team captains. Connie is still writing her TC story. So far, she has arrived to Fentress and her story is already longer than mine. Someday when it's ready it will be added to my safari report.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 12:22:51 (CDT)

Hey, Henry, I thought your 1/1 was simply referring to your solos. Tom Goynes said in a post last April. "21 finishes, (but only 2 solos count)."
WARNING: For those who were behind the door when senses of humor were passed out, the preceding was mostly tongue in cheek; mostly. But while I'm thinking about it -
KUDOS: To Tom, Bucky, Fred and John (what are you going to do now, Ranger?) for this years race -- I want to hear stories.
Norm <nthomas90252@aol.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 11:39:42 (CDT)

Oh, and I really enjoy the Lessons Learned. Better than the Top Ten from David Letterman any day. If I get a chance, I might work up a List. If I can remember back that far : ) Also, the photos are great. Racers are too busy paddling, so it is nice to be able to go back and later reflect on what was happening when the shutter went off. Thanks Pam and Paul to mention a couple. Marathon racers also experience post-race depression syndrome. Natural for any endurance athlete that has developed a strong training plan designed to peak for a certain race. What helps for me is feeling like Devo's earlier post, can't wait for TWS 2004.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 10:59:30 (CDT)

EASY..... Okay,I slipped. Went to the drop down list and clicked my non-updated name. I am beyond swamped here at work since Safari with 2 new software packages that are intended to make my life easier. Ya right. Also, trying to stay upto date with the TCRA egroup and the TexasKayakFisherman egroup. If you watch either group, you will notice I am not perfect there either. My brain thinks a lot faster than my typing skills. Anyway, you earn every finish and I am very proud to have 2 and will keep adding to them as long as the good Lord is willing. Both races had their own flavor and I wouldn't trade either for the world. It is also fun to be getting a little faster also. See you in 2004.
Hope to see you on the river or the bay. I have made 4 trips to the flats between Port o'Connor and Seadrift known as the Shoalwater flats and have hammered the trout, redfish and flounder in my Spencer. Most guys can fish a long time with never catching what we call a Texas Trio or Texas Grand Slam. Maybe I am simply lucky, but I have done it during each trip. Give me a shout if you want to mix in some fishing with your paddling. Like I mentioned to Capt. Jack, after you pay over 3,000 dollars for a canoe, it better be able to fish also. And this dog can hunt.......
Henry 2/2 <hedornak@aep.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 10:02:00 (CDT)

Henry, I'm curious too. Was that trip with Laura in 02 just another one of our hallucinations?
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci,san-marcos.tx.us>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 09:13:15 (CDT)

Let me clarify my point in a single statement then I'm done, I promise. This again is just one beginners opinion. Weight is critical, but how that extra 30 lbs effects a given boat on the water is much more important than how it effects portaging.
David Clark <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Friday, July 11, 2003 at 00:14:43 (CDT)

Mr. Roberts, thanks for the kind words and thanks for giving us hell before the race too. Comments like that is a big part of what kept us motivated the whole way. We were well aware our boat sucked way before the race, in fact in late April and early May we were actively looking for an Aluminum but didn't want to spend a lot of money and couldn't find a cheap used one. We decided the hell with it we'll go with what we got for this year. I will also say we got a little lucky this year. Lucky it rained the week leading up to the race. Lucky there weren't many logjams. Lucky the bay was nice and glassy when we got to it. I think if we would have arrived to a rough bay I would have rather turned around, headed upstream and feed myself to that very large croc we saw 15 minutes prior, he/she looked hungry. I don't blame anyone for making negative comments about our boat before the race. I won't deny that weight is critical but from my limited experience in a heavy boat, it's not the portages that stand out in my mind as being hard. Maybe it's just the fact that portaging is just a small fraction of the race, time wise. Maybe we dragged the boat over the super slick mud more then we would have in a different boat. In fact I'm sure we did that. Maybe if we were unsuccessful I would look at the portages differently. The boat speed was a much, much bigger factor than the weight. I agree with Gary Robinson, hull design is probably a much bigger factor on speed than weight but if you throw 30 lbs of rocks in any given boat it'll sit lower, have more drag and thus be slower than without the rocks, correct? I guess it all depends on your goal (finishing, sub-banquet, sub-60, etc.) but from this beginner's perspective, the weight of the boat during our portages didn't significantly impact our race. It was other factors of our boat that did. Then again I have nothing to compare it too so I could be and probably am wrong. I'd also have to ask my partner, Mike what he thinks but he's on vacation right now so it'll have to be later. Sorry but I have to deny your request. Our next boat will be lighter and faster. But old Laughingstock is available if anyone wants to add a little misery to his or her Safari experience.
David Clark (1/1) <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 23:58:07 (CDT)

About boats you wouldn't paddle again... It seems this was part of Safari lore. Didn't someone years ago burn their boat at the flagpole?
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 22:32:39 (CDT)

Is it true the Safari party is August 2? Isn't that the long-established date of the great Neches race? Bummer.
John <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 21:45:27 (CDT)

While not wanting to discount the advantages of travelling light, the maximum potential hull speed is more a factor of design than weight. A fully loaded tandem unlimited boat will be potentially faster than an empty aluminum. Hull speed is generally a compromise between stability and maneuverability, so get a faster hull load it as light as you can and practice, practice, practice. I would be interested to read a more technical explanation from one of our local boat builders.
Gary Robinson <grobwbs@txucom.net>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 20:09:43 (CDT)

Henry Doornob sez he is "Henry1/1" guess one of his trips to the seawall was not worth memberin'. The memory is the first thing to go with multiple safari's. Look at the TWS poster childrens like Owen West and John Bugge, cantcha see whad ul happin' to ya? Why duz so many people come back for the abuse?
kornfused <Izizlost@guadalupe.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 19:06:48 (CDT)

David Clark: I was one of the guys who came up to you and gave you some hell before the race this year. I said something to the effect of "If you make it all the way in that thing then you are better men than we are..." or something silly like that.
Well you made it and I've got to say I'm impressed. Why? Because weight is critical. Portages, water speed... Weight is critical. That's not to say you don't make concessions and put things in the boat you need but for any kind of a serious effort you gotta be weight-concious.
This is especially true for us smaller guys! Those portages are deadly when you are 145 dripping wet, not to mention the difficulties associated with getting the water out of a swamped boat...
We spent alot of time working on weight this year and have lot more ideas about how to go lighter next year. It all adds up.

All that said, I think I read it here (and heard it from Uncle Russ numerous times) that the most important area for weight consideration is the paddle. I believe the figure I heard was something like, "For every ounce you have in paddle weight you are lifting 33 tons over the course of the Safari." I didn't realize how strong I was! Having finished the race in that bathtub, I'm sure you guys were fully aware of all the aspects of extra weight. Thus, I'd like to request you do it in the same boat next year. I'd hate to see what you do in a light boat...
David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 18:57:46 (CDT)

Mike Stinson rote: "Learn where the two Hocheim/Cheapside cuts are they will take an hour off your time" now this is news, please share do you have GPS coords?
kornfused <Izizlost@guadalupe.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 16:57:25 (CDT)

RE: Boat Weight
Jeremy, nobody has answered you question so I'll take a stab at. It is hard to quantify how much difference weight makes. Me and my brother did our first safari this year in a heavier than hell big green plastic canoe we called "Laughingstock". Yeah it made portages rough, but not unbearable. Portaging is not what sticks out in my mind as a reason we wont ever use that boat again. Granted me and my brother are fairly strong (both about 6' 180-200 lbs) and from what I understand the river was remarkably clear this year so the portages were for the most part limited to the dams. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about what the extra weight will do to your portages.
More important is what it will do to your boat speed, especially in still water. For us, the still water, especially above Gonzo and Cuero dams, was flat-out miserable. We had to work so hard just to keep the boat going forward we were glad to come to a portage so we could rest our paddling muscles. Also its very depressing when you pass somebody stopped on a gravel bar and 15 minutes later they blow past you without you slowing down for a second. Your realize you're working a lot harder to go slower. A little bit of speed can make a huge difference over the entire race. Here are some examples (overall average mph = safari time)

MPH: 3.0 3.25 3.5 3.75 4.0 4.25 4.5 5.0 5.5

Hours: 86 80 74 69 65 61 57 52 47

You get the idea. So, as you can see, a quarter mile/hour can mean the difference between finishing by the banquet or finishing 6 hours later when all the food is gone.
So what I'm saying is don't worry about what an extra 30 lbs will do to your portages, its a minor pain in the rear. Worry instead about what it will do to your boat speed. You'll work harder for a longer period of time to go the same distance. Just my 2 cents.
David Clark (1/1) <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 15:43:29 (CDT)

Ginger,I was with Torre and Rusty at the Gonzales dam, when I found a mess/black-silver bag. They were scrambling, so I didn't find out if it was theirs. I gave it to my TC to turn in at CP#4.
Henry1/1 <hedornak@aep.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 08:29:11 (CDT)

Safari lost items: Rusty Bailey is missing a life jacket: yellow and orange with a whistle attached to a red cord. Also some single blade paddle parts (a few inches of shaft and blade)lost between Staples and Fentress just past that ranchers's dam where you have to go around the root ball. Lastly a couple of food bags: one mesh, one black. If anyone knows the whereabouts of any of these items, please email me. Thanks.
Ginger Turner <gingerct@juno.com>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 07:47:59 (CDT)

Coming up this weekend at Columbus on the Colorado river are the Texas State Races for all paddlers,( TCRA membership can be got at the races with the benefit of discounted race fees for members) The classes are for USCA C1 & C2, ICF K1&K2, Standard ( which includes Aluminums and other canoes ) and a whole host of Junior, Adult and child as well as Mixed classes. It should be possible to run in at least two races and up to 6 for those that are keen.The races are all short, about 1hr:15 for the seniors and 45 mins for Juniors.
There will be quite a few safari legends & veterans on hand to give excellent direct advice on paddling and racing and also excellent opportunities to take part in races where the fast guys don't disappear too far off down the river.( 5 or 10 minutes instead of 10 or 20 hours) We are looking forward to seeing a few of this years safari racers racing - the more we all race now the better prepared we'll be next season.Check out the TCRA site for more details.
Most important of course, there will be the famous "Mike Riley fish fry" at the close of saturdays events. First registration Saturday 8am, first Race at 9...
Colin
Colin <cagandjepm@earthlink.net>
- Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 00:51:19 (CDT)

For Sale:
New Wenonah Kevlar V1A-Mixer fully rigged for the Safari to include: carbon rudder/housing and bow/stern rudder controls, bow/stern bilge pumps, bow/stern water bottle holders, bow/stern pharmacy, and complete materials for spray skirt (rip-stop fabric, webbing, stretch cord, retainers and snaps). $2,550.00 in the boat/skirt materials and will sell for $2,000.00. Boat is hanging in garage and never raced. Rudder can be removed for racing in USCA class.
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 15:01:17 (CDT)

A few lessons learned:
1) Paddling through the full moon night with "precious cargo" sleeping soundly in the boat is surreal
2) Competing is fun but having fun and competing with your child is the ultimate!
3) Paddling 260 miles with a 9 year old in 47 hours and 34 minutes invokes entirely new levels of patience, caring, teaching, nurturing, kindness, and gratitude
Give Your Son a Day:
"What shall you give one small boy? A glamorous game, a tinseled toy? A Boy Scout knife, a puzzle pack, A train that runs on a curving track? A picture book, a real live pet… No, there's plenty of time for such things yet. Give him a day of his very own… A walk in the woods, a romp in the park, A fishing trip from dawn to dark, Give the gift that only you can… The companionship of His Old Man. Games are out grown, and old toys decay But he'll never forget if you "Give Him A Day!"
Pennsylvania Angler, 1960
Ian and I had a wonderful time sharing the wonders and solitude of the river. We hope to compete as a team again in the future, but for now… Ian will concentrate his paddling efforts on K-1s/surf skis, honing technique –something I have little of—and paddling strength.
Thanks to everyone involved in the Safari for a safe and wonderful event.
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 11:59:44 (CDT)

Boat 1962/Spalsh Man here! Any one know who in the Austin/San Marcos area who can/will fix a broken 2 blade Kvlr Epic Grand Touring Paddle shaft. Broke it 6 Miles into the Safari (ouch!) Broke at shaft between compression joint and paddle blade. How much will a fix like this cost?
As for my official post TWS epithany....
1) Damn Blessed to Finish...My stars were aligned baby! And the course had several opportunities to kick my butt....best I can remember..it did and choose to let me live!!!!!...Yes God was Kind!
2) Owe my finish to my Team Captains (Mark/Nadine) for keeping me sane and "rational" and my friends and training partners Rendon and Locke! Damn fine men.
3) Still have knumb Right hand and tweaky nerve in my wrist.
4) Still having bizzar TWS dreams....cant break 75 hrs in my dreams either!!!! Dang it!
5) The TWS Officilas and Volunteers .....What a fantastic race and fantastic people!
6) The TWS Participants....what a community of fine people who unselfishly share their wisdom, experiences and best wishes so freely.

Cheers to All,
Splash Man (the guy with a Spenser Extreme and still trying to figure out how to use it...get it..."Spalsh man!"#1962
Mike Gordon-"Splash Man" <mgordon2@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 23:08:23 (CDT)

How big of a factor does the weight of the canoe play in the race? Obviously a lighter boat is better on the portages but when you consider the weight of the food, gear, and paddlers(not paddles) does an extra 30lbs make a lot of difference?
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 22:49:34 (CDT)

...20 spectators being a guess, of course. At the time I was, oh, about 250 miles upstream wondering how I'd ever let Matt talk me into doing this...
Jason Quinlan <jquinlan@tamu.edu>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 12:17:04 (CDT)

What I learned: (sitting behind Matt in #6023)
1) When the veterans say, "your boat has character", what they really mean is "find another boat, fool".
2) If you know your boat has a leak before the race, find it. Fix it. Before the race.
3) There's a reason no one goes to the Texas Roadhouse and orders Hammer Sustained Energy.
4) Attempts to get your boat over a portage using 'the force' will be not be successful. Neither will attempts to get others to carry your boat using 'Jedi mind tricks'.
5) You CAN stop the boat using only your face and a tree. Don't.
6) You CAN run rapids backwards and with no paddle. Don't.
7) The paddling gods have a sense of humor:
a) In a strainer, "No problem, man, we've got it!" is always the last thing said before you eat tree.
b) If you say, "See you in Seadrift" while passing another boat, you will grind the next gravel bar and they will pass you back. Laughing.
c) If you say "2 days, no sunburn!" you will char-broil during the banquet.
8) A tree limb that drops less than 10 spiders into your boat is a good tree limb.
9) Mystery bruises. 'nuff said.
10) Spider webs cause an involuntary freak out reflex, even in grown men. Watching your bowman have spider web seizures while trying to hold a paddle and stay in the boat provides hours of top-notch entertainment.
11) Ottine portage mud: you will slide like hell. Your boat, unfortunately, will not.
12) You win - 20 spectators. You finish during the banquet - standing ovation, baby!

Thanks so much to all the race veterans who helped us survive this. We're hooked!
Jason Quinlan <jquinlan@tamu.edu>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 10:26:38 (CDT)

I have posted a gallery of image proofs at http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/r/prsmart/gallery/frameset.htm
Most of the images are of the Pye/Shively team since that's who we were with, however I have several of others at Rio Vista, Cottonseed and Palmetto. Ordering information can be found if you scroll down in the bottom frame (where thumbnails are) with the first images visible.
Pam Smart <pams20@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 07:22:19 (CDT)

The TCRA points are current up to the Water Safari. They are located in the files section of the TCRA eqroup. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TCRA/
Fuzzy <fuzzy_67@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 00:15:51 (CDT)

For Sale: Solo unlimited Spencer built kevlar boat. New wood gunwales, extremely lightweight, excellent condition, $800. Also 5 racing paddles 50-51", one Black Bart and four Zavarels, $350 for all 5 paddles. Contact Bob Thielman in Houston at (281) 648-1380.
Ginger Turner <gingerct@juno.com>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 21:36:56 (CDT)

Matt: Jeff and I can teach you all about how to paddle w/your arms rather than your back. We both tore little muscles in our upper back as a result of trying to keep you guys off of us.
David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:15:28 (CDT)

CaptJack -- thanks for the link. I never knew deet might cause insomnia, I think I will add it to my gear for next year.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 19:12:39 (CDT)

Better Bug Juice - coming...

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 14:11:26 (CDT)

FOR SALE
Used Spencer Extreme - $1400 - good condition, ready to paddle/safari.
New Spencer Extreme - extremely light, not decked/skirted - ready to paddle and rig for safari. $2300
Used Spencer Eagle - good condition - price to be determined.
Couple of single blades - one for USCA C1.
Erin
quickblade14@hotmail.com
512-357-6751 (after 10pm)
Erin Magee <quickblade14@hotmail.com>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 09:34:22 (CDT)

What I learned:
1. Go to the seminar...my buddies and I had planned to do this race for about a year, figuring it would be like a 40 mile weekend trip but longer. They scared my pants off and I took the race seriously and finished well ahead of my time.
2. Need a better antacid. Advil on empty stomach = burn
3. A pound of jerky and some granola bars along with a strong drink mix is enough food for three days (used hammer nutritions susatined energy...tastes bad, my partner mixed his with kool-aid)
4.See a lot of the river. We paddled the first 60 and thought we had seen the tough stuff. Somehow missed the fact that there were rapids at nursery and ran into them in a delirium sun night.
5. Apply desitin more often
6. If you sunburn, apply sunscreen at the banquet too...my partner made it the entire race with no burn, then got scorched at the banquet :)
7. Our goal was to pass everyone we came across, which we mostly did. However, we would have been much better off paddling with someone from victoria on. I thought for hours we had taken a bad cut, that we were paddling the wrong way. This is very demoralizing. Add to that the fact you're going slower and not hitting your river markers on time compounds this. Stick with someone going your pace.
8. A warm paddle jacket and pants too -I almost froze sun morning trying to sleep in the rain.
9. Everybody had better lights than we did. We actually never did a night run before the race (barring a trip from city park to luling 90 we started at noon w/o any real lights:) Not sure what to do about this.
10. Waterproof any wires...my buddies had this problem, other boats too. Loads of batteries and fancy lights are worthless if they short out after you dump at rio vista.

Thats what I can think of at the moment. In regards to next year, my partner and I are looking for a wenonah jensen or comparable boat...lugging our alumacraft over the dams about drove us batty...we want lighter. We're also interested in getting some real instruction in paddling techniques. Anyone who can help us out, let me know.
See you on the river soon :-)
Matt Watson <watsonjm@tamu.edu>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 08:16:03 (CDT)

The 2 prescription antiacids my doctor gave me to try were Prevacid and Aciphex. Throw away your Tums! And, they inhibit hunger...
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Monday, July 07, 2003 at 06:31:40 (CDT)

When's the tws party guys? I need an excuss to leave town.
Lori (Pie) Yonley <Lori8pie@hotmail.com>
- Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 23:24:16 (CDT)

RE: Goynes and those nasty, I say NASTY salted plums
Two years ago, during one of those wonderful hot day spasms about Fentress, I began to remember how Tom Goynes had encouraged me to take salted plums. Well, I thought I really could get by with only a salt pill, some gatorade mix at 3x concentratoin, a little jerkey. All helped, but still tough on the ole muscles. Last year, why not just take some special hi-phalooten (sp?) powder mix special for electrolyte replenishment, and the stuff did not do much until mixed about 10x concentration. TOm would tell me at each stop, "should of gotten some of those salted plums..." Dogone it, why did I not listen, yet again. Things finally improved about Luling last year.
Then this year. I was down there at Herbert's getting me some of those salted plums. I had to taste one at time of purchase. She did offer me a free one, she was so nice. It was a good thing the soda box was only a few paces, because that Mtn Dew tried to wash it down, but to no avail. I must admit, I don't think one would have any problems with parasites, Crohn, IBS, or anything bowel related or electroyte related, unless one was concerned with short term hyper"saltine"emia.
BUT --- I must admit, along about I-10 this year, the cotton pickin cramps began again, urination rate increased hourly, things began to go to pot - and i could not wait to try one of those stinkin' plums. One plum - that was all it took - I did not pass out, I did survive, but it sure cured all spasms, stomach ailments, urination problems, and hunger desire for about 1/2 a day! It sure did work, just like Tom said it would. I actually think that plum motivated me to "Crank it Up" a bit, because I sure did not want to have another.
Of all I have tried, the ole plum worked well. It will find itself back in my kit next year. Darn good stuff, and thanks Tom for your persistent suggestions. Now I know what makes you fly. Best - Chris "Huff&Puff"
Chris <agiedc@itouch.net>
- Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 02:51:04 (CDT)

Re: Roger Nelson- Salt, Electrolytes, etc...
Roger- Steve Isaac from Watertribe wrote an article about his research into nutrition and the balance of electrolytes during marathon endurance races called "Fueling the Fire". I wrote a response on his message board about my experiences using the products from HammerNutrition. Final comment- I got my salt & protein from OakridgeSmokehouse jerky- should have taken more than I did.
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 21:09:17 (CDT)

John, that is probably an esophogeal spasm, something that is quite familiar to me. Many times it can even give all the symptoms of an AMI.
woodrow <hellbentcelt2@aol.com>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 21:01:48 (CDT)

again, Roger, Re: inability to swallow water later in the race: Could be electrolytes, but don't rule out an acid problem in your stomach. I used to have the same symptoms, tight stomach, couldn't swallow. Figured it was stomach acid creeping up the esophagus. I treat it with tumms or pepto,and find almost instant, albeit temporary, relief. Some folks use Tagamet or other otc meds. Cover all your bases (bad pun):antacids and electrolytes.
John Dunn <sidereal@mail.utexas.edu>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 17:04:27 (CDT)

Roger,
John Dunn <sidereal@mail.utexas.edu>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 16:53:32 (CDT)

I added a few more pictures to my line-up. They are mostly from the under the cheapside bridge. It really is one of my favorite places to hang out and wait. It's just such an odd place. And for those of you in boats that have never driven there at 3am in the morning....There is a sign along the way that says "Prison area, DO NOT PICK UP HITCHIKERS!!" I love that sign. I just adds to the overall drama of it all!
Julie Pope <jpope@centurytel.net>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 14:19:21 (CDT)

Tom and Julie - thanks for letting me get a couple of your pictures. The storm shots really add to the story. Tom - we were a few minutes ahead of you. We hit the bay and thought we could outrun the storm. It was amazing how fast you can paddle after 55 hours when being chased by lightning! As we paddled down the right shoreline, the storm overtook us and at first the wind flattened the bay chop so I thought it could be good. But then it really hit. It took less than 5 minutes for the waves to get up to 2-3 feet. Fortunately, we just happened to be coming up to the little sand bar with bamboo stand and dived into it for cover. A couple of minutes either further on or behind and we would have been screwed. Like you, we had to sit for an hour or so. Once we got our boat secured behind the bamboo and were huddled down I felt pretty smug - until the chills started setting in. We dug our rain gear out and had our $4.00 emergency space blanket in operation which really kept us warm (that is a piece of gear I wont be without on any future trips!) - at least we didnt have any gators sniffing around (that I knew of). Our last bit of excitement was the last 1/4 mile. Our V1a does ok going into and sideways to waves but seems real unstable when surfing waves coming from behind. I kept thinking how sad - and embarrassing it would be to sink the boat with the end in sight. We were probably doing more bracing than paddling that last bit.
RD Kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 09:42:24 (CDT)

TWS 2003 report. I've just finished my safari report with pictures and video clips. I will probably do some changes and add more "after safari thoughts". I am still waiting for a story from my TC to provide a different perspective on the entire thing. I would appreciate any comments or corrections. I could add some stories or comments from paddlers mentioned in my report.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 08:50:24 (CDT)

tom & david: thanks for your clears answers. I knew the part about peeeeing but not the cramppping. I drank gatorade which was quite strong and I felt would be more than enough to keep the electrode things in balance. I guess I was wrong. I suppose the overcast skies and rain further disguised the salt loss. Tom, believe it or not, I have tried some of those dried plums. They were only 10cents. I was even given a sample. The lady was very nice. Wow, they are salty. I popped a whole one in..(enough salt for 3 safaris I think) She smiled and said, oh you are suppose to nibble on them. And for anyone who would like to try them, they are not jawbreakers, that is a real pit in there and will not break. It is amazing how you hear something and hear something and finally you realy hear it. Thank you and everyone else again for your patience. (I only have a few questions, but I have to ask them so often...does this qualify me for an early entrance into the MASTERS class or do I fall back again into the novice?)
r.nelson <forgiven4ever@sbcglobal.net>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 23:03:36 (CDT)

GERALD: For shuttle help call the folks at T G Canoes - either on line or the # on your handy Safari T shirt. They are always helpful and have shuttle options for max convenience. While you are there look around the shop - BUY SOMETHING - help support your friendly local retailer !! I would not recommend shooting Rio Vista w/o a spotter - there is always a collection of idiots below semmingly oblivious to anything upstream - as much fun as it would be to peg one - alas- they are too stupid to learn. Imagine a tuber with a lobotomy.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 15:08:15 (CDT)

RE: electrolytes and water You definitely need to maintain a balance. Last year I followed my father's advice. For whatever reason, he's not able to function w/o drinking gallons of water each minute during the Safari. Last year was my first Safari so I just did what he told me to do. I never stopped drinking. I found that I was peeing all the time - like every 10 minutes.
I had no clue about electrolytes or how any of that works. By day 3 I was done. My partner and I were paddling through a hazy delirium and pulled out at Nursery. I had gotten to the point where I couldn't eat or drink. And was barely coherant
This year I did some research and learned about the balance. It is important for every part of body function including cogitation and muscle response. I drank considerably less water in training and found I was doing fine. At the same time, I found some cool little electrolyte capsules I popped every now and then.
I did the same during the Race. I experienced considerably fewer problems than the first year including the trance-like delirium, constant peeing and food aversion. I also didn't have as many problems with hallucinations. I DID paddle right by a large parking garage, but I'm convinced it was there and I'm glad I saw it before I hit it!
One last thing: I was really worried before the race that I had no way of knowing how much electrolyte my body really needed. My belief is that while the balance is necessary, precision is not a big factor. Either that, or I just coincidentally got the precision I needed.

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 14:03:04 (CDT)
Scott, I figured you'd have called him by now. That sounds like a good price for a 8 man boat. You can take a hundred dollars off that price, I'll rent a seat in it for that much. Go trade your truck in for an '89 crew cab with a giant canoe rack and you'll have enough money left over to pay for the canoe.
tom pope <tom_r_p@lycos.com>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 10:35:09 (CDT)
Roger, At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll share my $.02 worth. I suspect you didn't eat enough salted plums (aka, Chinese candy). In an event like the Safari, we're losing a lot of salt. And, if you're like the rest of us, you get tired of drinking your ERG or Gatorade or Body Fix, or whatever the latest drink mix is. So you figure you'll just drink a little water. After all, water will be easier on your guts than all that sugar and electrolytes, right? So you start drinking straight water. Next you start noticing that you're having to pee a lot. What's happening (if I'm on track so far) is that your body is dumping liquid to try to maintain the right sodium level. But as you pee (and sweat) you're losing more salt. So you start peeing even more. Some folks get to the point where they're barfing as well. At some point your gut tightens up into a ball and then you don't feel like eating or drinking anything (not to mention paddling). I suppose your body has decided to stop you from doing whatever you're doing, a sort of defense mechanism. Once I reached this point (during a solo effort in 1988) I decided to get out on a gravel bar between Cuero and Victoria where my team captain was and simply stretch out on the gravel. My crew suggested I take enough water to mix my regular drink mix and my "food" mix and to have some plain water as well. I drank some Gatorade and started feeling pretty good. Next I tried some of my chocolate "food" drink and felt even better. I got to feeling so good that I took a big drink of water and almost immediately my stomach knotted up again. To be thorough, I repeated the entire process. Sure enough, plain water was doing me in. Later I learned about the salt problem (during a clinic at a Houston Canoe Club Rendezvous). The speaker even suggested that most mixes like gatorade don't contain enough salt and that we should add extra salt to our diets while doing something weird like the Safari. Later I discovered salted plums and found true happiness. I've found that the best plums are sold at Herbert's Grocery, right next door to the Taco Hut in San Marcos. So go eat a Herbert's Special and buy some plums for next year. Tell em Tom sent ya.
Tom Goynes <goynes@centurytel.net>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 10:10:55 (CDT)
What would cause a stomach to cramp in a tight knot and later not be able to swallow even a sip of water? This happened in the afternoon of the 2nd day.
r.nelson <forgiven4ever@sbcglobal.net>
- Friday, July 04, 2003 at 07:49:24 (CDT)
Thanks guys. I've never been on the San Marcos River so any information I get is helpful. You've done it...I haven't, so until that happens I'm just a day dreaming old man with bad knees. I did watch portions of this year's race. Very interesting. I'll hit the river as much as I can between now and the junior safari. I just hope there'll be some other slow old people there to show me the way. We'll see what happens.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 21:50:19 (CDT)
One more thing, I should probably qualify my response (and Mike's as well) with our record of 1/1. We are by no means experts or veterans. We just like to pretend like we are.
Dave Clark <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 16:48:29 (CDT)
Gerald, since I didn't like my brother's answer I'd like to add to it (just joking Mike, you did fine). With the exception of Joe's Crab Shack you can practice portaging all the dams from San Marcos to SeaDrift. That includes running Rio Vista if you wish. I wouldn't worry about Joe's Crab Shack, its not much of a dam and besides if you're slow like me and Mike, on race day all you have to do is follow the 100 or so boats in front of you. As far as I know the only section that is normally closed is the Aquarina Springs Lake. As Mike said, private property refers to the land and not the river.
Also be careful, just because there is a public bridge crossing doesn't mean access to the river is easy. Two spots that come to mind are I-10 and Sladen Cemetary Bridge. We made the mistake of parking without scouting and ended up draging our boat up a very steep hill though poison ivy, thorns, and the works all after 7-8 hours of paddling. Probably our worst experience on the river. Its best to scout first or just ask on this board. As far as shuttles go, I've heard that T&G Canoe Livery in Martindale will shuttle you around for a small fee but I've never tried them. You can also try to coordinate with other paddlers through this board. If your into losing weight just wait until the race. I lost around 10 lbs in about 80 hrs, and I'm pretty skinny to start with.
Dave Clark <dclark18@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 16:41:55 (CDT)
Gerald,
The private land part of it just means that you should not get in and out of the river on someones property. While you are in the river you are ok to travel as long and as far as you want. It is considered a navigable river of the US which means land owners cannot block boats from running up and down the river. There are access points everywhere (i.e. bridge crossings) Just make sure you get in and out at these points. If you get the driving guide to the safari it will tell you what is public and what is not.
Mike C <clark0612@juno.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 16:00:37 (CDT)
Considering that some areas of the TWS pass along private property (such as Joe's Crab Shack dam), dams, rapids, etc. that is some cases can only be seen on race day how, and when, is one able to run all sections of the river in preparation for next year's race? Do I put in where I can get in and paddle up and down where you can to see what you can? Are we able to practice running things like the chute on Rio Vista Dam? Cottonseed Rapids, portage some dams, etc.? And finally, is there a shuttle service in some areas of the river...and along the course? I have currently lost 7 pounds in tentative training and preparation for next year (and no...I didn't put down the 6 pack). That may not sound like much, but since I've added a pound a year for the last 25 years, it's pretty good. 25 more pounds and I'll be sleek as an antelope...oh alright...an aging walrus. Thanks for any and all information and/or comments.
Gerald W. Kennedy <srchr@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 15:45:41 (CDT)
Re: Phil- 50' 8-man boat with spray skirt for sale. $4400
It's a shame you can't cut it into two 25' 3-man boats :)

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 15:07:17 (CDT)
My wife Kim gave birth to Lillian Nicole at 7:30pm June 30th. Both of my girls are doing fine, and we're back at home. Thanks to all who expressed concern. See yall on the river.
gaston "fantz crazznapper" jones <gvj4@hotmail.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 14:44:13 (CDT)
Ahh...the splits and all sorts of fun numbers...aren't spreadsheets great? Total hours logged on the river during the 2003 Safari - 6,184+ boat-hours, or about 258 days. 535 of those boat-hours were by DNF.
Kevin <Trainwreck20 AT hotmail DOT com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 13:56:38 (CDT)
Tom, Have you called Phil B. yet?
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 13:37:06 (CDT)
What I learned this year:
1. When big people fall into your boat at Rio Vista... that's bad.
2. Waking up before your bowman runs you into a tree is better than waking up as your bowman runs you into a tree.
3. If the spray cover is stowed at the bow, it's better for the bowman to get it.
4. The best Safari fights include Zav's.
5. 2 seat cusions are better than one. (I actually learned this LAST year and applied it this year)
6. You get to the end faster if you don't stop the boat. (Another lesson applied from last year)
7. It feels better to finish than to quit. (Put another way: A year of kicking yourself is great incentive for the next year...
8. Never underestimate your body's ability to continue paddling despite the fact you left your left arm somewhere back there.
9. The Safari is like love. It's the little things that count: Desitin, Aleve, Ibuprofren, electrolytes, sun block, a canoe and regular bowell movements
10. The Safari is good for marriages! I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be in a position for a new one after this year's race!

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 11:53:15 (CDT)
50 foot 8 man boat with spray skirt for sale. $4,400.00 (512)787-5488
Phil Bowden <cen39391@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 11:28:07 (CDT)
The split times for the 2003 TWS are posted at www.texaswatersafari.org (look under Race Information-->TWS-->Race results).
Much thanks to Linda for putting these together from all of those checkpoint sign in sheets. I can only imagine how tedious that must have been.

Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 07:50:58 (CDT)
Hey fellow canoers,
Looking to buy a used alummicraft 17 ft. rigged for racing. Need something to run the 2004 texas safari.
Thanks Mark
Mark Hebert <MHebert7@houston.rr.com>
- Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 06:05:54 (CDT)
What I learned on my 1st 262 mile vacation (not counting the 36miles going side to side to Dupont).
1. Some seat supports are only good for 2 runs over Rio Vista.
2. High sided aluminums keeps others from falling into your boat. (we did good in this catagory)
3. Never say "well, at least I'm keeping my food down." (15 seconds later proved me wrong)
4. The reason a novice should eat often and much is... because the more you loose the better you feel. (I was hoping some competitor may get a bit queezy thus giving us a mental advantage but no one was near when the slick began to pour down the banks at Thomaston.
5. I realize my 15yr son has a larger vocabulary than I hoped he had.
6. Future plans change. (Stephen said at the end of the 1st day, "I'm never paddling in this Safari again!", Sometime during the last 15hrs he said, "You know, next year I'd kind a like to go solo..with a smile:)
7. Don't trust the reflection on the water when running without lights. At one point I, in the bow said,"turn on the light I think there is something 50 yards up ahead". There was. A full size green tree across the river 3 feet dead ahead.
8. Grumpier old men have good advice like "pepsi ac" or what ever... Anyway..I didn't take it and paid dearly. (I thought is was some kind of powered soft drink)
9. The Parkers never fall out of their boat.
10. According to my little girl Holly's story, The best motivation to keep everyone in the boat paddling is to run over a 10' + gator. (I don't want to see her disqualified but, Holly, didn't that big fella give you some assistant by the swish of his tail?)
11. Finishing the Texas Water Safari may not change a boy into a man but...it will put whiskers on his face!
12. A real sense of friendships continue to develope even more after the race. Thanks for the call Charlie.
13. The best way to loose weight is to paddle. I lost 30 lbs since starting and am now at a trim 220 lb.
14. Most of all...N O T H I N G is impossible with God.
Team rivermadness: ok, next time I take that 5hr head start. Great race.
Roger/SilverBullet/270 <forgiven4ever@sbcglobal.net>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 23:30:50 (CDT)
Oh and the picture of the broken boat on top of the truck at seadrift is Zoltan's. It got sucked under the Palmetto low water bridge.
Tom Pope <tpope@co.hays.tx.us>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 23:01:36 (CDT)
RD, you can copy as many of those photos as you like. Julie said so. Those are some good pictures of the storm on the bay. We were 1/4 mile from the bay when it hit. We had to pull over at the entrance to the bay and huddle under our canoe for it to settle down a bit. Lightning all over us. It was hard to stop. Did we want to live and finish the race alive or did we want to stop and risk not getting our goal of a sub 60 hour finish. We only had to wait for about an hour. It was good, cause the gators were moving in, they were anxious, watching me shake from hypothermia. My pardner broke out the flares in case we had to shoot some of them.
Scott, there's a picture of you and Justin about 6 miles downstream from Staples. My pardner, Roland, got his first good Gar experience. He took a turn at the front of the boat(for the 1st time in 3 safari's) down near dupont. We hammered a 6 foot gar that totally soaked him. You hit them hard with the square front of the C-2. Boy, was he suprised. Lot's of Yelling and cussing there,but it would have been much worse in the night.
Tom Pope <tpope@co.hays.tx.us>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 22:55:34 (CDT)
hey Julie Pope - enoyed your photos. The shots from the storm were cool and the picture of your team with the rainbow behind them is great. Also liked the shot of the finish log - especially since it shows our teams finish as well. Would you mind if I copy a few of your pictures for my personal file?
RD Kissling <rdkissling@aol.com>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 20:48:36 (CDT)
Ok, a few pictures are trickling in... check out these contributions:
Pictures by Julie Pope:
http://ops.tamu.edu/x075bb/safari/JPope/
Pictures by Tim Wentrcek:
http://ops.tamu.edu/x075bb/safari/Wentrcek/
Now, where are those stories ? Lessons learned ? New tips ? How 'bout horror stories ?
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 18:03:13 (CDT)
It's not my fault someone, (Andrew) was to busy with school to paddle this year, plus how am I suppose to run womens with someone as ugly as you in the boat. - Your loving Sister
Holly <txblueplaid@juno.com>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 16:57:26 (CDT)
The real question Holly is who ditched who. Take note of who was paddling, it was not me.
Andrew Nelson <andrew.n@juno.com>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 16:29:07 (CDT)
You two ladies should grab solo boats and give Erin a run for her money.
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 10:20:31 (CDT)
FOR SALE - Dagger Baja, 15ft long, 23in wide, 34lb, has rudder and two hatches. $670. It has a few scratches but over all it's in good condition and sells for 1,200.00 new. It works great for a Safari training boat. Once I sell this kayak I would like to buy a used solo unlimited boat for the Safari, (something a little faster than what I have). So you have one that you want to sell please let me know.
Lori, I know how you feel. Andrew decided I'm not fast enough for him so he ditched me and will be racing with someone else. I probably should be his TC one year since he did it for me this year, but after that who knows. It's driving me nuts not knowing who I'll be racing with too.
Holly Nelson <Txblueplaid@juno.com>
- Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 08:20:27 (CDT)
ugh..........I'm dying over here. I think I must have PSD (post safari depression). The fact that I don't have a set partner for next year is keeping me up at night. Visions of the river dance in my head. Oh the river......i miss the river *little visions are dancing...lalaladedede!*. I'm still overwhelmed by this years turnout. I never would have thought my FIFTEEN YEAR OLD brother and I would do as well as we did. He's a good kid....and a killer racer. But nooooo he can't do the race with his sister again. He has to go and do it with a Rask boy. Its probably a good thing though. We almost killed each other during training, And i am still wondering if he wasn't trying to kill me between 183 and Hochhem, but we won't go there. Oh how the tables have turned. Thanks to everybody who helped us.........the list is endless. Thank you cowboys for that nice 6 inch gash you put in the front of our (or should i say the boat Tommy lent us heheh muhuahha!) boat. The irony is priceless. Tommy was considering not letting us use the boat cuz of the damage we might do to it, yet the only damage done was done by...um oh yeah you guessed it......his team. (heheh i just couldn't resist posting that). I LOVE YOU TOMMY (but I love sandy more....well doesn't everybody?).......hmm anyone sensing a tiny bit of sibling rivalry? Well if you are then push that sensicle out of your head cuz its all lies. Lies I tell you!
ps if you find my paddle please send it back to me...i miss it.
Lori (Pie) Yonley <Lori8pie@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 23:32:48 (CDT)
Yonleys lost TWO BLACK RACING PADDLES during Safari!
Jonathan Yonley lost his paddle before Hoheim (spell?). Identifying marks are two rings of silver paint on the shaft (rings irregular; one top, one bottom) Lori Yonley's black paddle taken from boat after 13th place Safari finish. Identify by strip of green tape on blade and one silver paint ring where blade meets shaft.
Both paddles had silver paint along the edge of blade. We heard that one paddle was turned in. Other possibly put into wrong boat at the finish. Call 281 534 4715 Give to Tom Goynes at Pecan Park Call Paula Goynes at 512 392 6171
BJ Yonley <bjyonley@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 15:44:43 (CDT)
David's bicycle would build up no end of rust at Seadrift waiting for the boat portion to finish.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 14:10:34 (CDT)
Scott - I can take a tenor saxophone and literally DESTROY any form of music you wish! I think I'll leave the sax at home...
I'm looking forward to hearing some bluegrass though!

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 11:51:30 (CDT)
I forgot to ask...how old is J Devo ? Forty something I hope...someone has to handle Chuck Stewart and it sure ain't this old but slow white boy.
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 10:41:37 (CDT)
Leave those damn bicycles at home...let's have a rugby match at the party - masters against all comers. Russ and Robin are our props. Erin is old enough to play hooker for us now. What say ye bunch of sub - 40 Nancys ? Four and twenty virgins came down from Inverness....
M P Simmons <mps@ktc.com>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 10:29:05 (CDT)
I was thinking about bringing my guitar and my wife considered bringing her fiddle to the Safari party. Does anybody else make a joyful noise, particularly of the bluegrass variety?
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 10:28:34 (CDT)
Bob, I'm nearly done writing my race report, complete with pictures. I'll post the URL as soon as I finish it.
Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 20:03:08 (CDT)
I just posted a few pictures of the 2003 TWS, SHOT FROM THE RIVER by Tim Wentrcek. Check them out:
http://ops.tamu.edu/x075bb/safari/Wentrcek/
Now, where are the rest of this years contributions, stories & pictures ??! How many of you have written up Safari reports ? I would love to help share them
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 19:09:58 (CDT)
Well the bike would sit there at Seadrift waiting for us to come in... You could do it like the martindale or you could do it like an adventure race where everyone on the team has to do each event and must stay w/in sight of each other.
David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 18:12:04 (CDT)
Jack Spencer asked me to post the date for the Safari Party. It's Saturday, August 2. He'll post more details later. Hope to see you all there!
Linda Cochran <lcochran@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 17:44:58 (CDT)
But would you put the bike and bike rack in the bow or stern?
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 16:17:11 (CDT)
Hey David, Sounds good to me. Just give me a couple weeks notice to get ready.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 12:59:14 (CDT)
Re: David- I for one, am thinking it might be neat to add a 26.2 mile run and a century bike ride to the tail-end of the Safari, but I don't think I'm gonna get many takers.
..sounds like something Fred Mynar would want to do...

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 11:12:26 (CDT)
Lee, the 40-mile portage during the inaugural 370-mile 2001 Okefenokee Challenge was a little off the charts, however, what turned pain and misery into suffering was the 13-miles of no-to-VERY-low water before the 40-mile portage and then the 25-miles of no-to-VERY-low water after the portage. When you combined all the boat dragging, lifting, pulling pushing, poling and lots of cursing with temps in the low 40s to upper 30s the BS meter quickly redlined. It’s a shame the event didn't take off. The Suwannee River is absolutely beautiful with abundant wildlife.
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 08:38:45 (CDT)
The Watertribe Challenges, like other marathon or ultra-marathon races use different rules and regulations when compared to the Texas Water Safari. Good, bad or indifferent if you want to compete in the events you are required to adhere to their set of rules. Although many heated emails and discussion threads ensued regarding boat specifications after the 2001 Okefenokee and the 2002 Everglades events, the Watertribe did make a few rule changes but overall they didn't carve out any boats that would be considered desirable to live in for 4 to 8 days while still meeting the race filters that have been put in place. I can't speak for the Lake Michigan Challenge, but from experience I can tell you that the Everglades Challenge is one heck of a solid event and a great event to test you physical preparation for the BIG DANCE in June. This event is not a river race with a short bay crossing at the finish. It is a full blown open water event (even the inside route forces you into a number of large exposed bays, the last being 40 miles across) that will test your ability to navigate, read the weather, water and tides and your ability to factor in sleep at some point. Gear and boat selection is critical for the conditions that you will encounter. Additionally, due to the level of "exposure" (distance from terra firma and emergency assistance) you will encounter… the Everglades Challenge can be very dangerous, especially if the weather turns sour as it did in 2001 and 2002 (winds over 35 miles per hour and temps dropping to high 30's with serious wind chill factors for wet/tired participants). If you enjoy the Texas Water Safari you will have the time of your life in the Everglades Challenge. As an out-of-state TWS participant I fully understand the rigors and hurdles of racing away from home. However, sometimes it is an eye opening experience to test your skills in someone else's backyard. Paddle hard and be safe,
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 08:00:48 (CDT)
re: other big races: Yukon River Quest has been just completed. It's long (~460 miles) but finishing times are similar to TWS (55-100 hours). I've heard opinion from the last year participant that the race was rather boring. It takes place in the second half of June, so it would be difficult to run the TWS and Yukon in the same year.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 07:29:51 (CDT)
re: WaterTribe Challenges. I don't believe that any boats are banned from these challenges. You just need to carry the required equipment. These are self supported expedition races. WaterTribe events are great, but changing rules, changing dates and lack of advance schedule create a specific additional challenge. There is still Lake Michigan Challenge this August, however, my impression is that WaterTribe is and will be focusing on the Everglades Challenge. I am considering to run unofficial inside route across Michigan during the challenge (upstream of AuSable River, portage, downstream Manistee River). My report, pictures, and video from the last WaterTribe Everglades Challenge.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Monday, June 30, 2003 at 07:13:47 (CDT)
Capt. Jack - Thanks for the information on the Florida races. It sounds like the races are, or at least the guy who puts them on is a little bit flaky.
Does anyone else have any thoughts about either of these races? What about other super-extra-double-wide-ultra-oh-god-please-let-the-madness-stop races?
I for one, am thinking it might be neat to add a 26.2 mile run and a century bike to the tail end of the Safari, but I don't think I'm gonna get many takers.

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 22:53:23 (CDT)
Bwana Brown, where did you do OCS boot?
omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 21:29:17 (CDT)
I heard that the great Okee race dropped off second year, too tuff & time consuming? That the 40 mile portage was a bear (pull the boat with bicycle or roller blades) but the dry upper river, many times worse than our "junk", was worse.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 21:28:33 (CDT)
David- A couple of corrections on the Watertribe finishes
DeVoglaer's win in the Okefenokee was in 2001 and his tandem finish with Shea in the Everglades Challenge was in 2002. He hasn't run the Everglades Challenge solo.- Fingers faster than brain....
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 20:01:51 (CDT)
James, it may be the case that the list of people who are willing to tolerate pain & misery (i.e. exhibit A Safari veteran) is much longer than the list of folks who seek out suffering. I made the mistake of going to a race on the (dry) Llano River yesterday and got all of the boat dragging I need for quite some time. No 40 mile portages for me.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 19:01:08 (CDT)
Re: David Is the EvergladesChallenge the race that includes the 40 mile portage or is that something else? David- You're thinking of the OkefenokeeChallenge, Watertribe/Steve Isaac's other race from the Atlantic side of Florida to CedarKey on the Gulf- through Florida and skirting the Okefenokee Swamp. DeVoglaer was the last person to win the race as a complete non-stop race in 2002, like the Safari. This year the race was run as a stage race, in sections- not nearly as hard as when James ran/won the race two years ago. I think Isaac decided that the race was so tuff, no one would enter, especially after James kinda blew everyone away!(embarrassed)
The Everglades Challenge starts in TampaBay and runs down the Gulf side of Florida either through or around the Everglades- across FloridaBay to KeyLargo. DeVoglaer trounced everybody 2yrs ago in his Spencer X-Stream- Isaac protested(changed the rules again) and said his boat was too fast and too specialized so he outlawed it- so last year he got Jack to build him a Spencer tandem and he and Shea went and really embarrassed everybody. Same scenario- Isaac squawked(changed the rules again) because it made all the other paddlers(non-racers) look so bad so he outlawed the Spencer tandem.
One of these days James is going to figure out that it's time to move home....
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 17:53:58 (CDT)
Is the Everglades challenge the race that includes the 40 mile portage or is that something else?
David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 16:50:10 (CDT)
The proposed 70-mile "paddle around Galveston" would be a great training run for the Watertribe's Everglades Challenge (www.watertribe.com). Would be nice to see a few Water Safari teams show up on the starting line for the 2004 event. The Everglades run is roughly 260 to 300 miles depending on the route selected. If the weather kicks up be prepared for a wild ride!
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 14:58:50 (CDT)
Fuzzy, Glad to hear that you are better.I'm not clear however what exactly got you. What were the circumstances. I'd like to hear if you don't mind sharing. Thanks, scott
scott johnson <downriver@grandecom.com>
- Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 08:35:40 (CDT)
Hello all, I would like to thank all of the people that came by the hospital, the house, and/or called. I appreciate your concern. I started physical therapy on friday the 27th. They don't really know when I will be able to walk yet, but hopefully that will come sooner than later. Again, thankyou to all those that have came by or called. I appreciate it. Fuzzy
Fuzzy Churchman <fuzzy_67@hotmail.com>
- Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 21:52:40 (CDT)
Ginger Turner paddeled the island for her birthday,and Roger Zimmerman and I paddeled all but the gulf a year or so ago, I paddle sections all the time since I live here. I do NOT recommend going around the jettys. portage over the jetty at Afphel park, and into the gulf. Can be extremely difficult paddle depending on the gulf waters which change daily. Open water paddeling is not like rivers. But never the less great fun and lots of interesting stuff to see. We always started at San Luis pass or at aphel park and do either the gulf or bay half at a time. Roger and I paddeled from San Luis pass to The Elissa in the ship Channel (NOT QUITE HALF WAY AROUND)in about 10-12 hours- we were in a big Old Town but we moved on without stopping so as you can see 70 miles is not like 70 miles on the river. Also- be very careful going through San Luis pass - the waters can be very tricky and people drown there every year. Contact any one of us if you want to hear more about adventures around Galveston. Have fun and call me if you come into town. Jackie
Jackie Cole <jcolevet@hotmail.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 17:05:14 (CDT)
I think I have finally recovered from TWS. Wednesday night, 8 days after finishing the Safari, I slept 13 hours straight. I also weighed in - I lost 6.5 pounds! I need to do this more often. I went to Marine Corps OCS too, but that was 35 years ago. That was 10 weeks of hell - this was only 3 1/2 days. But - this makes an old fart feel better - not younger, just better. 'Agin Bulls.
Bob Brown <rdbrown@tamu.edu>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 14:44:15 (CDT)
Scott Warren is the man. He got Fumar back on the get go as we were chilling by an aligator bank.
Jon Schoepflin <jon.schoepflin@nextel.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 13:12:11 (CDT)
Mike, Now that would be an interesting race A to A. 60 miles 1/2 in relatively protected flat water and 1/2 in the open gulf with a little portage over the jetty or to make things more fun toss a bouy at the end of the jetty and make the boats go around. Easy access for Spectators on the Gulf side but not much on the Bay side. Roy =:-)
Roy Lewis <wwildchild@aol.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 12:47:14 (CDT)
Mike and Capt. Jack, you are killing me. That is a great route. Of course, the swells through the jetties can be intense coupled with barge traffic. Mike, make sure that you watch the tides also, if you decide to tackle paddling around the jetties. The worst combination is a strong outgoing tide and a strong onshore breeze (from the southeast). Talk about standing waves. I have been out there and stood my 26 foot boat on end and still be in the middle of the crest. Oh what memories......
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 12:32:06 (CDT)
Re: Mike- what is the distance around galveston island
If you were to park at PelicanIsland, paddle to the base of the south jetty, hop the rocks to the beach on the other side, paddle to SanLuisPass and then paddle along the north shoreline of the island back to your car, it's a little over 70miles. If you add the distance of paddling out through the jetties and around the end of the south jetty (can get pretty harry!!) and then down to SLPass and back it's about 75miles. If you do it, you would want to do it they way I described, clockwise, because of the prevailing on-shore SE breeze and that you get the protection of the island when you're paddling back through WestBay. You would also want to cache some fresh water at SanLuisPass for the trip back through the bay.
CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 11:13:42 (CDT)
http://www.dallasnews.com/texasliving/stories/062703dnlivsafari.906cd.html
Dallas Morning News <@.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 08:40:45 (CDT)
Letdown: After Marine Corps officers boot camp (they run you about 19 hours a day, physically and psychologically) we came out certain we were 9 feet tall. Couple of us grabbed my home built recreational canoe, determined to paddle fm Austin to the coast on the Colorado. Paddled for a half day, then pulled out on a sandbar in the shade and went to sleep... Week later made it to Bastrop and hitchhiked back to Austion...
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 08:08:37 (CDT)
TRENT. I've had others discussing Safari post partem depression with me. Let down. BTW, you accomplished the hardest Safari: in a slower heavier boat, you work harder every stroke of the way, for more hours, and get to rest less. Big congratulations. Next yr, in yr XStream you will feel like you are flying.
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 08:04:06 (CDT)
The picture below is one from Paul Johnston collection: http://geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/9073/tws2000/photoindex.htm, not mine. I am sorry for any confusion. I still need to figure out how to paddle the race and shoot pictures at Cottonseed.
Marek <Uliasz@frii.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 06:32:33 (CDT)
Any word on the date for the Safari Party?
Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle@yahoo.com>
- Friday, June 27, 2003 at 00:34:45 (CDT)
Mike and Fiona Vincent leading Yukon River Quest. http://www.polarcom.com/~riverquest/results03.htm
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 22:25:43 (CDT)
Is this the boat #3530 (Scott Warren)?
I am trying to identify boats and people on my pictures for my web page safari report. I have a nice video clip of this paddler finishing.
Marek <uliasz@frii.com>
- Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 14:27:24 (CDT)
Having moved to Washington State, and forced to do the TWS as an out-of-towner, I don't have enough pictures of my team for my wife to make up the "Traditional" TWS collages. Actually, It's a very cool way to display the TWS patch among pictures taken along the way. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Aluminum boat #45 with two guys in blue sleeved baseball shirts.
Wes Sheward <wessheward@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 23:50:07 (CDT)
My goodness, Rod: Long time no see. I didn't see you at the banquet. Getting old. Folks: take it from Rod. You don't want to train like he and Metzler trained. Their theory that water rusts the insides is somewhat flawed.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 21:17:14 (CDT)
Hogelbarth: David is ignoring you, but I won't. Relax about the pictures, Vern. You couldn't handle them. Jon: Capt. Jack could not have said it any better regarding the best Novice approach. I would add that you should buy a couple of bent shaft Zavarel paddles, approximately 180 each, and, if money is no problem, two things I would not do without if I were starting over would be (1) superior lights (even at the cost of a couple of hundred for lithium batteries or 5-8 pounds of extra weight and lower cost; and (2) all my previous joking about GPS units aside, I would orient myself by taking a waterproof, floating GPSMAP (e.g., a Magellan unit showing the two rivers along to record waypoints at major dams, logjams, etc. Even if you don't take it on the race it would be great to sit at home and review by cursoring down along the course to remind you of where everything is. It would make up for not having 2 or 3 years on the river. Finally, and most importantly, LEARN TO PADDLE. By that I mean, get some lessons from someone experienced in using a bent shaft in a race. Learn to twist at the waist and save yourself unbearable pain. Learn to bury the blade and take your strokes long and strong rather than short and shallow; Learn how to paddle through obstacles, rather than sit in the boat with your paddle in the air, wringing your hands. Learn to draw the boat over to the side. Learn to "hup" for steering instead of using directional strokes. You don't have to get lessons the first time around from one of the top folks (although most of them would be happy to help,) you just need to get with someone who has 2 or 3 finishes or has won a class (other than Novice--most of them are worthless.) Just a few such lessons right off the bat will help the most. Also: When you buy your Alumacraft---be sure it's a special order 5 rib. Makes all the difference.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 21:12:01 (CDT)
RE: "Where do we start" post below about a way to prepare for the Safari. There is an alternative. I've been thinking all this time Kent & I had no practice for 1989, but he corrected me at the race this year. Said we had 40 miles practice, and he had been drinking light beer for almost a month. It was a long slow race and oh man did that Safari hurt. I was several months getting over it but we won the class and finished 12th overall. Still, that's NOT the best way to prepare.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 21:06:16 (CDT)
Uncle Russ: What I realized in the 80's is that it's absolutely insane to paddle the Texas Water Safari! And yes, that IS why I had the horrible accident! What I didn't understand in the 80's was that the pain associated with the Safari is nothing compared to pain associated with the domestic requirements of marriage and children!
As for your theories regarding my motivations... I've never read any Freud or Jung. You obviously wasted your time in college getting high and reading that crap! At least I didnt waste any time READING in college... And yes, we've already established the fact it was on your dime.
I just took a look at the background image Bob has on this page where you enter the messages. This background image is much what it's like in my head!

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 18:16:05 (CDT)
Re: Jon- "Super Novice.. Where do we start?"
The first thing I would do is download every PDF download from the TexasWaterSafari website. The Brochure, DrivingGuide, maps, etc.. Start a 3-ring binder and start collecting any information you can get a hold of about the Safari.
Next, I would go to Pat Gunn's website of Safari Videos and order, at the minimum, the video of the Safari Seminars and watch it about 10 times. The video that shows all the Checkpoints is really good for your team captain.
Most novices start out with a 17' Alumicraft Voyager, preferably with slider seats. A good place to start would be with Dwayne at TG Canoe Livery in Martindale. If you don't want to buy a boat you can always rent one from John Bugge.
You absolutely don't want to miss the Safari Seminar in SanMarcos next March- watch the calendar of events on the Safari website for the date/s.
At some time during this year you need to start in SanMarcos and drive to every river access point listed in the Driving Guide, preferably with your team captain for next year. Be prepared to do it again with your team captain if they don't get to go on the first trip.
You need to run the SanMarcos from CityPark to Staples at least 2-3 times minimum, more is better. Run Staples to PalmettoStPk at least once. Run Palmetto to Gonzales183 at least once in the daylight and "Pay Attention". This is the section you will run Saturday, next year, during the race. Run the section from Victoria to the finish at Seadrift at least once. Pay attention to the old river cut to the right after the 35 bridge, after Tivoli.
Run the Texas Marathon in May (Cureo236-VictoriaCityPk). Run the Dupont race. Run the Unlimited race. All of these lead up to the Safari next June.
Welcome to "Safari Fever" it will consume your!!!

CaptJack <captjack@ev1.netX>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 17:44:36 (CDT)
OK....I have the Texas Water Safari bug. My partner and I are going to give it a try next year. We are SUPER NOVICE.... I guess the first thing we need is a canoe. What type of canoe should we be looking for?
Jon <jon@yellow7.com>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 17:06:49 (CDT)
Safari articles from the Victoria paper
Canoeists face race with thrill and trepidation
Mynar team gets 13th TWS title
9-year old girl honored as youngest finisher at the Texas Water Safari
Texas Water Safari
Water Safari offers scenic views of river
Water Safari

reporter <onthespot@safarinews.net>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 16:27:15 (CDT)
Rusty Bailey's paddle has been returned to him. He was jazzed. Someone picked it up along the river and I grabbed it out of lost and found on Wed. Thanks to whomever got it from the river, he appreciates it!
Ginger Turner <gingerct@juno.com>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 15:32:50 (CDT)
Uncle Russ, we is tired of hearing about you and David. Has been never wuz yadayadayada. No one cares about you. What I want is to date your daughter. Please post pictures.
Hogelbarth <KANUMAN>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 13:02:32 (CDT)
Scott: You pose a good question. Despite our humor, we do seem to have a father/son type love going on. Freud, paraphrasing the Latin would probably point out: "In humor, veritas." He might also infer that David's attacks on me are Oedipal in nature. I would not go so far as that but might take the Jungian position that David's obvious feelings of inferiority are rooted in his racial collective unconsious. David and I have always been highly competitive--at least within the confines of David's mind. In the area of canoe racing, it is my belief that he recognized back in the 1980's that he could never be truly competitive with me. He thus turned to bike racing, which culminated, in 1988 with his terrible crash in a criterium that broke our team apart. Unplanned? I think not. Then, like a weasel, he waited until I had been out of racing for 8 years, growing older and fatter from the inactivity of a sedentary job paying the bills built up in his formative years. On the Animal Channel, the old lion is invariably dispatched by the young lion; the old bull always succumbs to the young bull. Life, however, is not so simple. In this case, the youn lion growls, takes a cheap shot and runs away. So if I had to say, I would put it this way: David and I love each other; we just have no respect for each other.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 12:25:41 (CDT)
I know somewhere deep down inside you guys really love each other.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 08:12:38 (CDT)
Uncle Russ: Don't you think you ought to tell Scott the real reason you can't let him use your paddle?
Scott: The real reason Uncle Russ can't let you use his paddle is because he's had it modified. It bows out in the center to make room for his stomach.

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 22:21:22 (CDT)
Scott: One way to cure anyone of wanting to use doubles in the Safari in a boat like yourswould be this: simply don't take singles in the Prelim. Use only doubles and hammer on them the whole way. I have participated in several serious 3-4 person efforts (when those were considered big boats,) in which we planned to run doubles about 40 percent of the time, and in a couple, we did. We knew exactly where we would pull the doubles out and exactly where we would put them away. I would personally look forward to getting out the doubles with about the same anticipation that a man in the Tower of London looked forward to being tortured on the rack. Of course, if you plan to use them to teach the ultimate lesson in the prelim, then you have to beg, borrow, or steal 3 of the damned things anyway. I only have one right now, and plan to use that in the Prelim next year to convince my beloved son that neither a solar charger nor a GPS will make real men of him and Jeff.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 22:13:28 (CDT)
The Victoria Advocate had articles on the Safari in Sunday and Monday's papers. Don't know if they are still available on-line. www.TheVictoriaAdvocate.com
The Dallas Morning News sent a photographer from the Austin office. That story hasn't run yet. Watch for it in the Texas Living section.
DR Bridges <dbridges@ykc.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 20:25:35 (CDT)
This is the link to the Ft Worth Star article just mentioned. It has a nice shot of boat 735 crashing into me while trying to get the boat out of Cottonseed. The camera man got my good side. http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/6093862.htm
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 20:22:42 (CDT)
Fort Worth Star Telegram had a Safari article on 6 15 03
CW <icpwebster@msn.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 19:36:44 (CDT)
There was also an article in the Cuero paper that had a good picture or two to go with it. Somebody's support crew had picked it up the Monday morning of the race, whatever day that makes it. Not sure that Cuero is on-line....
Kevin <Trainwreck20@hotmailcom>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 17:07:36 (CDT)
Response on press coverage. Had a buddy send me an article from San Antonio Express News. Sunday June 15, section B "Metro" page 1 and continued on page 10B, titled "Rolling Down the River". This is a good article with 4 pictures so we got pretty good coverage there. Thats the only coverage I have seen but I heard there was more in other papers. Jason Sellers and Sam Brett boat #1953 got interviewed by a Dallas radio station during their drive down on Friday. Steve Richmond
Steve Richmond "Monkeypox" <steve@richmondconstruction.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 16:39:35 (CDT)
FOR SALE: 16' Wenonah Adirondak Tuffweave. It is a recreational canoe, designed for stability and manuvering. It is about 65#. $550 obo. This canoe is used but not abused. Let me know if you would like scope it out. Gaston Jones 512-452-9282
gaston jones <gvj4@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 15:56:00 (CDT)
Does anyone know any details about the newspaper articles Robert Youens talked about at the banquet. I would be interested in reading them if I could find them. Congratulations to all who raced, TC'D or volunteered. It's a great group of people and I looked forward to next year.
Jim Weber <jimboweber@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 15:52:46 (CDT)
Not to be overly skeptical about a solar trickle charger, since every deer feeder I own has one, but unless you aim that darn panel in the direction of the sun (twisting river and trees), you aren't going to get much juice for charging. And I own over twenty sealed lead-acid batteries of different voltages and AmpHrs (rechargeable) for shorter races and projects, since they are cheap and bombproof. But if you do the math, for every amp-hour you are basically going to carry an extra pound of weight, (1) $20 battery: 12V - 7 AH is about 7 pounds and one short night (provided you have a 12W or 1 AmpHr draw) unless you can recharge. Of course, there are other rechargeables at higher cost. So again do the math on a poor trickle charger that may find itself submerged or sweeped away in a sweeper. And one more rule of thumb (liberal), you need to charge the battery at max. of 4 hours/Amp-Hr. 7 times 4 is 28 hours, which is a long day : ) So far, the twin pack I and Laura purchased from Jay Daniel has lasted 2 Safaris and will make 3, albeit I have rested most nights or ran dark for different reasons, so in the long run a very good investment for my efforts. Good luck.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 15:32:34 (CDT)
I'm looking for a used scr-2. What is the going rate for one? I realize this is a loaded question because it depends on how "used" it is and what may or may not come with it. I just need to get an idea of an "average" price for one. Does anyone have or know of one for sale? Thanks.
Jeff Jouett <jeffjouett@yahoo.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 15:27:45 (CDT)
Russ, I'm I need you and everyone else out there to tell that to my wife. It usually carries more weight coming from someone else.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 14:09:07 (CDT)
Scott: Just my opiinion, but for that effort, I really don't think I would bother with double blades. There is no question that you can make any boat move faster with them, but what most people don't realize about doubles (not speaking of wings here because of no experience,) is that you really have to pay a price to get the extra speed they provide. And I think that would be magnified in a big, relatively wide boat like the Minn. 3 which is only meant to cruise. Now I realize that your primary reason for wanting to use them is not speed so much as it is variation, but I have never thought doubles were worth a damn unless you really plan to honk on them. Moreover, you probably will have your weakest team member in the middle and he/she will, in theory at least, have to swing the longest, and thus most tiring paddle, to clear the gunnels amidships. Add to that the 2 - 3 pounds of difference, not to mention the cost, and I simply don't think it's worth it. If I were you, I would buy a couple of more Zav's (5 paddles total,) and be done with it. Maybe with the savings, you could take a cue from David and buy a solar panel. Actually, that part is a little scary; most of you probably think he was kidding but I can just imagine he might be serious. Hopefully, he has good enough health insurance so that when he runs it through Cottonseed the first time, he can hire a team of surgeons to remove the damned thing.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 13:56:10 (CDT)
Let me preface with my record of 0/1 but Lee is right about the importance of good paddles. Earlier in the year we were training with some fairly good wooden paddles and we were doing pretty good then we upgraded to the 10oz Powersurge and shortened the length by 6 inches. We found that we increased our speed by about 1.5 mph. Not a big difference on short runs but it made a huge difference on 40 mile+ runs. And in responce to Trent, I have it too. I find myself going out to the garage and looking over my gear. Fortunately my broken Alumacraft is still at my partner's house or I would probably sit in it each night and cry. Last weekend was the first weekend in several months that I wasn't on the river and it just didn't feel right. I am planning on taking my old SOT for a recreational float this weekend and hopefully that will ease the pain. 354 and counting
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 13:44:45 (CDT)
Lee, I'm in full agreement with you on the paddle issue. That's why I had $600.00 worth of Zav's in the boat this year. My hesitation in spending $1,300.00 more is the boat we are using next year. The Minnesota 3 is actually a lake tripping boat. It's an ultralight and fairly quick for it's size but far from competetive in the unlimited division. I'm planning on singleblading most of the way and throwing a double part of the time just for a change of pace. At some point in the future I will acquire a fast boat and will have the paddles to match.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 13:20:48 (CDT)
Trent, My father who is a therapist says that there is a depression that takes place. He equated it to a woman planning her wedding. You spend all this time planning and training for an event and then when its over you don't know what to do with your time. All the excitement is gone and you have to go back to your mundane everyday life. I think that is why so many people get hooked and race year after year, it gives you something to think about and a goal to work for all year round. I have yet to find a cure, the entire 364 days until the next race are greulling.
MIKE C <CLARK0612@JUNO.COM>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 12:23:21 (CDT)
Trent, My father who is a therapist says that there is a depression that takes place. He equated it to a woman planning her wedding. You spend all this time planning and training for an event and then when its over you don't know what to do with your time. All the excitement is gone and you have to go back to your mundane everyday life. I think that is why so many people get hooked and race year after year, it gives you something to think about and a goal to work for all year round. I have yet to find a cure, the entire 364 days until the next race are greulling.
MIKE C <CLARK0612@JUNO.COM>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 12:23:14 (CDT)
Is there such a thing as Post-safari depression? If there is I have it. Any known cures?
Trent Garton <eieio@boernenet.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 11:53:09 (CDT)
This whole "back at work" thang isn't working too well...

David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 11:43:14 (CDT)
David, Get your blanket, close the blinds, turn the A/C down real low. Now, take a nap.
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 11:29:05 (CDT)
Marek and I got back to Colorado late Saturday night, after a long but uneventful drive. Our heartiest thanks to everyone who helped to put on the race, and especially to Robert Youens who seemed to be everywhere. I'm working on my TC report which Marek will post on his website. It was great to be in Texas again, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I was really impressed, again, with the quality of all the paddlers, bank runners, and volunteers who make this event so special. Thanks, thanks, thanks!
Connie Uliasz <connie@atmos.colostate.edu>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 11:02:50 (CDT)
Re: cost of a top. quality paddle. Whether in racing or recreational paddling I never cease to be amazed at the attention to detail people will pay to selecting a boat (regardless of cost) and then pay no attention and go cheap on a paddle. In racing a paddle is of EQUAL value to a boat and le4ss expensive as well. Your paddle is your connection to the water. The boat doesn't move the paddle, the paddle (and motor) moves the boat. Safari tested carbon paddles are a great value, and if mainttained properly they will retain most of their value if you decide to sell them later. Wait a minute! Why am I doing this???? Ya'll novices and relative newcomers just keep on using junk paddles so I won't have to worry about you lurking over my left shoulder.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 10:47:21 (CDT)
Cheers to all of the racers in this year's event. I was unable to make the race this year due to job/location changes, and missed catching up with the crazy kind souls down there. Also, if anyone knows the email addresses of Don Baumbach and/or Steve Daniel, could you forward them? Thanks!
Liam Price <Liampr@microsoft.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 10:36:35 (CDT)
This year at check-in I saw a 2-man boat with a solar panel mounted in the center of the boat. I'm interested in talking to the person who did that. If anyone knows who it is, please ask them to contact me at: webmaster@rivermadness.net.
I'm also looking into nuclear reactors for canoes. If anyone has tried this let me know. I'm thinking it would be neat to disguise it as a paddle or a water jug. No matter how I do it, I'm going to get Uncle Russ to pack it away in a vacuum-sealed bag with a little cut-away marked in black for easy tearing.
Speaking of sealed packages, I didn't eat a good portion of the food I brought this year and I brought significantly less food with me this year than last year. At the end of the race, I collected all my uneaten food in a bag with the intention of doing a review of it so that I can be more exact next year. I made the mistake of leaving the food outside. Yesterday morning I found my uneaten food scattered all over the front yard. I followed a trail of empty and partially empty vacuum bags into the back yard.
There, to my astonishment I found a racoon (yes... it's the same one who lives under our house and has made mince-meat out of our ac ducts) sitting in the stern of my canoe. He had fashioned a crude zav look-alike out of a branch and a 1x6 and was furiously paddling the boat while eating one of my pop tarts!
I went up to him and asked him "what gives?" He turned to me and said, "You know... I've been thinking about the Safari this year... Why don't you ditch the guy next door and let me take you down the river? I'm thinking with decent water we could blow the Johnson's off the map! You think about it... in the meantime, I want to show you something I think will help your stroke immensly... Notice how I dig my paddle down DEEP? See how little grass I'm actually churning up with each stroke? See how I twist my torso like this? I'm using my entire upper body to power the boat and yet to look at me you'd think I was using virtually NO EFFORT!!! I want you to practice this the next time you're out on the water... Now you go inside and think about my offer..."
I stood there virtually dumbfounded. Ditch Jeff? How could I do such a thing? I went over and picked him up by the neck. I brought him up to my face (so he could see I was serious) and I gave him my best Clint Eastwood squint. I said, "Listen you... I'm not about to ditch Jeff... He was there for every stroke... He put up with my mood swings... When my back was killing me, he was there to pick up the boat. Ditch him? No sir... NO SIR!!!!
But how does the idea of a 3-man sit with you?"
David Roberts <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 10:35:33 (CDT)
Speaking of lost paddles, did anyone find Rusty's blue Swift. It was last seen between Nursery and the North Loop. The low-level river fog was playing havoc with my lights and the nats.....I plan to make a sweep by Friday, if it wasn't found.
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 08:25:15 (CDT)
Thanks for the replys guys. We picked up a used Minnesota 3 to do a family run next year. It's now exactly a racing boat but should make for a good time on the river. Since we will have to run in the unlimited division, I figured we might as well double blade part of it. The Epics (new) are simply too expensive for that trip. Russ, have you been peeking at my back burner?
scott johnson <johnson_scott @ci.san-marcos.tx,.us>
- Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 08:17:05 (CDT)
Looking for some contact info for Scott Hughes and/or Johnny Garcia. Thanks again Johnny for finding my paddle near Victora and congrates on your strong finish.
Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle@yahoo.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 23:23:50 (CDT)
Scott, you told me that you were looking to move out of the Aluminum. Sounds like you have, but I seem to be collecting paddles and canoes/kayaks, so I can't help you there. And since I took the liberty to mess with Uncle Russ's team (great guys) during Safari, I will give you a little direction on double blade paddling technique. I am a self-study when it comes to canoe racing, so I won't tell you how I do it (and that is a good thing), since I am still learning. What I can tell you from last Safari is that Devo and Torre/Rusty both have uniquely different but excellent styles for endurance. Smooth, seemingly effortless and fast. And of course, we have great TCRA racers that can and will give you pointers. Good luck and many of the top racers are using Wings, but that is another .........
Henry <hedornak@aep.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 22:50:29 (CDT)
Ooops. That link won't work. Try this one kayakstore.com
Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 21:17:27 (CDT)
Jeremey,
Linda is still compiling the split times and porting them into an Excel spreadsheet. Once she finishes (probably within a week), we'll have them posted.

Scott, I have a take-apart Mako (T-1) that I'd be glad to loan you...I'm not sure of the length, but I think it's about 210cm. It weighs about 24 ounces.

Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 21:13:10 (CDT)
A hearty THANKS to all involved in putting on the 2003 Texas Water Safari. The DeVoglaer family had a wonderful time reacquainting with old Safari folks and making new friends. Ian and I enjoyed paddling the river (Boat #1024) and created memories that will last for a lifetime. I'm chomping at the bit for next year's event. In the mean time… paddle hard and be safe, James H. "devo" DeVoglaer
James H. "devo" DeVoglaer <j.devoman@verizon.net>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 20:36:49 (CDT)
Jeremy: I cannot imagine that they will not post split times. They always have. I wouldn't know what to do without them. Every year I didn't finish, I always looked forward to staring all year at the big "DNF" at the spot where I got out or wrapped or ended up with a tree branch up my...or whatever.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 20:12:00 (CDT)
Does anyone know if the TWS is going to post split-times as they did last year or are they going to leave it as is.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 19:04:13 (CDT)
Many years ago now, a guy named Jerry Nunnery (if you don't know of him, he was one of the true bad asses in Safari history,) looked at Bill Stafford and said: "Don't anybody ever teach that guy to paddle." Well, to paraphrase former Senator Benson, I'm knew Jerry Nunnery, and I'm no Jerry Nunnery, but I will say: "Don't anybody ever teach Scott Johnson to double blade."
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 16:45:51 (CDT)
I'm looking for a couple of slightly used Epic (or similar) double blade paddles for next years race. Thanks
scott johnson <johnson_scott@ci.san-marcos.tx.us>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 13:28:04 (CDT)
Looking for: Spencer Extreme for rent $150 or under, for sail $1000 or under. Thanks
Jonathan Zeek <don_sandy_zeek@characterlink.net>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 12:43:38 (CDT)
Now that the river rash on my mid to lower sections is starting to fade to a soft pink instead of the angry purple and red that it was for most of last week, and I'm pretty well back to 100%, thought I'd share a few stories that you didn't get to hear at the banquet/picnic:
Had some over eager "racers" knock my kayak off the support at Cummings Dam, and drop it square on its nose into the rocks below, where it buried itself about four inches -- sat there for about an hour trying to patch it and coupled with a cockpit leak I couldn't seem to patch, paddled anywhere from 30 - 60 lbs of water all along the way -- very important to make that mental adjustment for all that extra effort -- never would have made it without Brenda and Fraz getting me back into the boat with the promise that we'd talk about it at the 'next' checkpoint. Do that enough times and you're at Seadrift.
First, Owen West and his grandson Alex: Owen West is the reason I first did this thing solo -- when I first did it in 1978, I didn't know there was a solo class, but there was this strong, quiet guy in a yellow kayak that went down all by himself -- we were 11th, and he was 12th -- and only 12 or 13 finished. For those that don't know, Owen has over 30+ Safaris starts, and 20+ finishes. Anyway, it was a thing of beauty to listen to Owen and Alex work their way downriver. Alex had never paddled a boat without a rudder before the Safari, and he was learning on the fly, Grandpa patiently tutoring him; through rapids, over dams, through and around logjams and sweepers. About 60 miles into it, I asked Alex what he thought -- "I love it," he said, with those clear eyes letting me know that he was telling me the dead on truth. Big congratulations to Owen and Alex. Owen taught me something that I will forever carry on the Safari (and through life as well) -- his dnfs have been because he didn't reach some checkpoint before the cut off time, not because he quit. Pretty good words to live by.
The checkpoint judges were great -- I have an especially soft spot in my heart for the Palmetto Judge, who stood there in the pouring rain and didn't laugh out loud as I sat crosslegged on the bridge Sunday at dawn (yeah that's right, Sunday -- it wasn't pretty) whined like a little baby, pouted, and then threw up all over myself, before finally letting out a HOOHAH, laughing, and getting back in the boat. Two bends later in the pouring rain, I was as happy as I have ever been --- I know some of you know what I mean.
Finally (almost), Old Man River, and Randy -- it was great to keep each other going downriver, by paddling ahead, behind, and, sometime, with you. It was very rewarding to share, albeit in a small way, in your finishes.
There is just no way to properly thank Linda and those who have given so unselfishly of themselves so we can have our extremely selfish annual torture/pleasure -- but we can just keep on saying thanks -- THANKS.
By the way -- I don't intend to be using plastic again (I think 4 of 5 solos is enough, don't you), and would appreciate it if my brethren (and sisteren) could give me suggestions -- I'd like to start trying out boats for several months and get one that is a good fit for me. Thanks.
Norm Thomas <nthomas90252@aol.com>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 12:41:57 (CDT)
From Boat 5716 - Thank you so much to everyone who made our first attempt at the Texas Water Safari one of the more enjoyable experiences of my life. We had a blast, and unfortunately at mile 123 my partner had enough fun to last him. All things being equal he was done, I did my best to talk him out of it - including the "When your Grandson asks you What did you do during the Great Texas Water Safari of 2003 - you won't have to say, Well I shoveled s**t in Louisiana".
I decided to continue alone (even though I explcictly promised my wife I would not unless at mile 200). With a 40 pound rock in the front (not quite the trim I was looking for) - we set off for Cheapside. Life was fine until the hallucinations (I had no idea there were robots on the river), the micro-sleep, and the GAR (note to self need more Gar repellant). At 23:00 I was done - I remember why I was never scared in the woods at night in the Army - 30 other guys with guns. Since I alone was scared to death of the boogey man and since I suddenly remembered my solemn promise to my wife - I decided to pull out at Cheapside.
We will try agin in 2005, (2004 has a worjk project that wopn't permit sufficient training). We hope to voplunteer for this next year's race. And to the Roach Coach who lit the way on night 1 - that $80 light you had was worth it because it was still shining underwater when we passed it. Congrats to all who finished.
Team Bayou-D-Gradeable
Matt Michaels <m.michaels@d2c.net>
- Monday, June 23, 2003 at 08:53:28 (CDT)
Congratulations to all that finished the race this year. I would like to thank Jarred Cochran. On Monday afternoon when the storm hit I was down at the finish line and asked who would like to go out and check the bay. I was amazed at the way a whole pavilion full of people could (disappear without leaving) when I said, “Want to go?” Against his wife’s better judgment he said “OK?”
With 8” of water in the boat, Pouring down rain and lightening we left Seadrift with 20’ visibility. He had ligemate concerns like “Are you sure that the plug will let out all this water when we Plane out?” “Is it a good idea to hang on to this aluminum rail that is grounded to the 40 gallon gas tank?” And last but not least “ the motor died 3 times and we aren’t past the Bait Stand”.
To our relief we came around the Barge Canal and into the bay and saw in the mist the 4-woman boat (which my 6 year old affectionately named “Fancy Pants” at Rio Vista). Then we counted 8 boats that all were fine and looking good.
He isn’t a “Bay Rat” but has potential. I hope in the future that his wife will let him Play With Me again.
It was also very good to see Robert Chatham come around the corner as well to check on the racers. If it would have been bad he was prepared to “Deal with it”.
I enjoyed the whole race this year and look forward to years to come.

C.J. Hall <cjhall@itouch.net>
- Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 22:30:47 (CDT)
How long til twsr2004? NOW I think I have a vague sense of how women can go thru the ordeal of having a baby, then start wanting another.
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 18:44:24 (CDT)
Mark (Elvig): Congratulations to you and your Dad. I'll never forget checking you guys in in '86 and you had, as I recall, 10 gallons of drinking water in the boat. You have come a long way! If your Dad does break the oldest finisher record, it could well destroy my chance ever to paddle with Spelce again. For years he and I have planned to break the record in 2017. Now that he has won it overall, the only higher goal than the Argosy Cup would be to say that the oldest finisher in history managed to get him down the river. But by then, Spelce will have about 10 kids and be living in a double-wide in Spicewood, chewing red man and...but that's another story. Again, congratulations.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 18:19:21 (CDT)
I'm not 100% sure we want to sell this, but we have more paddle boats then needed & since learning to dive don't use them as much. This one is currently stored out of state.
I'd appreciate it if anyone in the know on fair value would say the "antiques roadshow" approximate value on this boat:
Mid-80's vintage Wenonah all-Kevlar USCA-C2. Two sliding seats, rear foot rest. In pretty good condition; very minor bow damage (repaired) but never wrapped, broken, crushed or punctured; ready to paddle & does not leak. It's been stored inside; clean, dry, & out of the sunlight. 18'6" long by USCA-C2 rules & it weighs 26# dry. Thanks.
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 17:03:45 (CDT)
Randal, hope your nasty crusty rash is better. Don't know if it is the water, but I suspect the mud. I have a mild case even as TC. If it stays crusty that is a good thing. It has never spread high enough to that which we all value...mostly below the knees. We used neosporin this year and it seemed to help some. Itch is just the name of the game. If at any time, your legs swell or become painful--see a doctor as you may have cellulitis. Best of luck. EMF, TC, RN
Elaine Frenchmeyer <emfmeyer@ktc.com>
- Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 09:18:07 (CDT)
Boat 22, Jack and Mark Elvig, finished for the 14th year in a row (15th overall) in 78:50. My dad, Jack Elvig, turned 70 years old in May and was the oldest finisher this year. Congrats to him. We have two more years to go until he holds the record for the oldest finisher. Next year, we plan to add my son, John, who will be 15 to make the first three generation boat to finish (that I am aware of). We appreciate the support of the race officials and the volunteers and look forward to seeing everyone next year at the start and then again in Seadrift. What a great event. Mark
Mark Elvig <elvig@houston.rr.com>
- Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 16:10:26 (CDT)
We need a flag next year: Watching Randy standing in his boat to scout the river, I told him I wanted him to stand in his boat and salute at the finish and he said he would if I would. It was a good feeling. Next year we need a flag on that pole. Maybe a US flag, a Texas State flag, and a TWS flag.
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 14:10:01 (CDT)
Mostly, I just feel incredibly lucky. Lucky for the 6 rains exactly on our watersheds the last couple of weeks. Lucky my old bod held together. Also lucky as the race ended. I felt beaten down by the Saltwater Barrier and thought to rest 2-3 hours and Kieffer said, "You've got 2 more hours of daylight and a glassy bay." I tried to whine and he said, "10 minutes." I tried to whine some more and he said, "Eat a powerbar, take some Ibu, I give u 10 minutes." Result was, I felt better'n better all the way to the wall.
OMAR <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 14:06:03 (CDT)
Belated thanks from boat 4040 to all the race organizers (I just got back from a quick post safari trip to Africa). This was my first safari but my partner Mike Stinson's fifth. Couldnt have done it without all his good learnings from years past. Special thanks to Mike's wife Cindy our TC and his son Nick for support and keeping us moving. We finished in a little over 57 hours which beat our goal. I got to meet the tree people and enjoyed the continued perception of the river running steeply downhill everytime we went around a bend on night number two. Kudo's to Paul and James - the C1 paddlers we ran with off and on. You guys are strong. James paddled across the bay into the teeth of the big Monday afternoon storm while we were hunkered down in a bamboo thatch pretending to be little birds so the lightning wouldnt get us. Also congrats to Henry Dornak and Dave Bartell - you guys had great runs.
One question for all you experienced safari folks - whats up with this nasty crusty blistery red rash thats spreading up my lower legs? Will it quit before it gets to my privates? Is there a cure? Did you MonkeyPox guys put something in the water??
Randal Kissling <txsven@aol.com>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 22:49:56 (CDT)
What are the dangers of Ottine Dam ? I understand one particapant was hospitalized for snake bite, what happened to the other who was also in the hospital?
CW <icpwebster@msn.com>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 19:18:38 (CDT)
I'm wanting to submit this photo of the Mynars' Team to my local weekly newspaper, but I'm unclear who is who. I'm coming up against their deadline. Can anyone here help?
http:// www.pbase.com/image/17984575
If you know please list their names left to right. Email me of post them here.
Thanks!
DR Bridges <dbridges@ykc.com>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 16:21:18 (CDT)
Scott: It's worse than that. Now he's considering other options for next year without a word to me. I probably won't get involved until (not unless) he wraps. So I may just have to go out in a solo boat and beat his butt. Jeremy: I can't.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 14:49:52 (CDT)
Russ if you can handle a paddle half as good as a Seal-A-Meal you can paddle with me anytime. We can even pretend it's Christmas while we unwrap the boat. Thanks again for your help and support.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 12:00:37 (CDT)
Don't worry Russ. Keep after David and I think he'll give in. He's just playing hard to get. He doesn't want to come across as easy.
scott johnson <downriver@grandecom.com>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 11:18:25 (CDT)
As I was sorting through my post Safari stuff, I found a blue paddle jacket. How it got there only the river god knows; possibly the naked midget put it there. This Kokatat jacket is homesick and longs for a joyous reunion with it's playmate. The current guardian is more than willing to buy it a one-way ticket home if the correct playmate will supply a destination. Sam Felts
Sam Felts <Shfelts@Prodigy.net>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 08:35:49 (CDT)
Thanks for the information, Mark. Chris: I agree with everfything you said, except for that "Gig 'em" thing at the end. What in the hell is that?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Friday, June 20, 2003 at 07:10:17 (CDT)
On behalf of our team and captain and land assistance, we are all very grateful for the unselfish help from the volunteers for this year's 2003 TWS. Linda and family, thanks a whole lot. Just looking at the billboard, one can tell that everyone had such fun and were indeed challenged. It is very special having in our own backyard, such an excellent family oriented event, one that I can be very proud to bring my family to and even participate in. I am honored to be able to participate in this event, one which so many other greats have previously paddled in. I do love the challenge, and look forward to more involvement in the future. COngrats to every finisher and participator, it is tough but most rewarding. Gigem. Hooah. Thanks. CHris 4/4.
Chris "Huff&Puff III" #316 <agiedc@itouch.net>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 20:49:01 (CDT)
Sammy Prochaska had a three man for sale and Ginger had a four man for sale (holds more flowers). Hope this helps...
Mark
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 19:55:06 (CDT)
Hey there...boat 23 (Gator Gutter) here. Just wanted to thank Ken Startz (boat 1123) for getting me thru that last night. I think I would still be wondering around in circles on the lower river if it was'nt for him. Ken, You're an animal! You made my first safari a real pleasure. Good luck and hope to see you next year.
James Sutherland <jsutherland@dow.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 16:32:38 (CDT)
Does anyone know who had the Spencer C3 on top of their vehicle for sale at Seadrift? Does anyone else have a Spencer C3 for sale? If so, please email me. (No, I am not actually planning to paddle one, and no, I am not looking for one because I am nostalgic for the late '80's and early '90's.) But my wife and I need a new planter for our back yard. (Actually, this is a serious request, and I just got carried away.) To Scott Johnson: I was moved by your statement of how wonderful it was to paddle with your son. Prior to this year's race, I offered that as an option to David. I have been dealing with the rejection ever since. Ah, well, what's a mother to do?
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 16:11:00 (CDT)
Boat #1977 otherwise known as "Monkeypox" here. On behalf of bowman Loren Hudson, team captain Pete Sullivan, and myself the asleep at the wheel guy Steve Richmond we had a blast!. Thanks for all the jeers and cheers and helpful pointers along the way. This was our first time out and probably wont be the last. I say probably cause we need to get fully mental before making any rash decisions about next year. Our goal was under 80 hours and we made it! Learned a lot and jettisoned even more along the way. Think our goal will be to have the new name of "The Sub 200's" next year. That would shave 60 pounds off our rig alone. Anybody have any idea how that equates to time? Enjoyed visiting with the 2 San Marcos guys in aluminum along the way. Sorry never got your names or number. Also hats off to Fumar Mopar Chocar, Sony Online, Boat 1953, the 2 Johnnys who we followed into Cuero sunday night, the Agin Bulls who I swear must have had a secret weapon to turn the river current into reverse behind them when we tried to keep up with them pulling out of Dupont tuesday morning. Anyway thanks again to all the volunteers, spectators and competitors for making this a great event. Steve Richmond
Steve Richmond "Monkeypox" <steve@richmondconstruction.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 15:58:47 (CDT)
Boat 1204 "Laughingstock" would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who floated with us down the river or encouraged us from the bank. Your amazement at how we kept that monstrosity of a boat going downstream is what kept us going. Our team captain said that each check point we crossed people would comment on how amazed they were they we were doing as well as we did and offered words of encouragement. We would also like to thanks those of you who were not shy about telling us we were crazy using that boat and could not possibly finish in a decent time if at all. Although you were correct about it being very difficult, your snickers and comments only fueled the fire to push hard down the river. There is no better motivation than being told it can't be done. Don't worry we are giving "Laughingstock" a good home and you wont see her on the river anytime soon. Unless we can con some other novice into taking it in 2004 :). We will see you next year (IN A REAL BOAT). Thanks- Mike and Dave Clark (1/1) -The person who says it can't be done should never interrupt the person doing it.
Mike C. <clark0612@juno.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 15:47:20 (CDT)
TO THE STERNMAN IN THE ALUMINUM who wished me "good luck" because I was TCing on the bank at Luling CP and he had done so the year before, I would like you to know how much that meant to me, especially at that time. Thanks for the boost... This year, once again, I wondered why I was getting myself into this, and once again, by the end of the race, I knew. Best to all.......To the fellow in La Tejas restaurant, hope your recovery is coming along. We are just now beginning to resist the lure of the sheets.
Elaine Frenchmeyer <emfmeyer@ktc.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 15:37:03 (CDT)
Boat 734, unofficially dubbed the "Hawaiian Army", would also like to thank the countless number of people who helped get us down the river and to Seadrift.
Ann and Julie in boat 210, you two were always a welcome sight on the river...your cheerfulness was infectious, as were the Fiddler on the Roof tunes you were so fond of singing.
Mike and Shannon in boat 413. I'm sure glad we ran into you guys on the way to Dupont. Thanks for leading the way for a while until we got our second wind. And no, you weren't hallucinating; we really were paddling back up stream just before Dupont when you saw our bow light in your face.
The best part of the race for us was the stretch between Alligator Lake and the mouth of the river...my partner (brother Marty) spent at least two hours perfecting his Steve (Crocodile Hunter) Irwin impression. We amused ourselves picturing Steve Irwin as a Safari Racer, in a tandem boat, with his cameraman also serving as the stern paddler...with a head mounted camera...doing ALL the paddling while Irwin pointed out the crocs, snakes, and birds that we kept seeing. "Crikey, there's another deadly brown recluse spider in that tree that we just went under. But I, Steve Irwin, will leave that little fellow alone and keep paddling, before my camera man throws me into the pond with these mean looking crocs."
Robbie Cooper <scoop@austin.rr.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 14:28:46 (CDT)
Well, Asleep at the Keel had a great race and I can't emphasize enough how good it was to have my 17 year old son in the boat. The race had a huge impact on him and he learned a lot about himself and what he was capable of. If you have kids, male or female, get them in the boat and do the race. Even if they don't normally talk to you (teenagers), they don't really have much of a choice in the race because there's no else around to talk to. I want to send out a special thanks to Marvin and Luke Parker. About 0300 hours on Sunday morning, my brain decided to take a vacation and I was convinced that we had some how ended up on the other major river which runs through Victoria. As we paddled back up stream, we made a valiant effort to notify passing boats that we had all taken a wrong turn and that they needed to turn around. Several boats passed, shaking their head as they faded into the darkness. Then came the Parkers. They took the time to slow just enough to tell me that they were 99.9% sure that we were going the right way and that I should probably head down stream. They were right, and even though we lost 4 hours, we still beat our target finish time by several hours. Thanks Marvin and Luke. You guys are a class act. scott
scott johnson <downriver@grandecom.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 13:43:52 (CDT)
Congratulations to all that finsished! I wanted to take a moment and reiterate what has already been said about thanking the people who run the show. I raced last year and was not able to this year but was asked if I could help at check in and at a check point. It was very gratifying to do so. It is amazing the amount of work that goes into running the safari and how well it works year after year. Thanks again to Linda and the Board for all of your efforts.
Karim <karim.aziz@tpwd.state.tx.us>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 12:27:55 (CDT)
Boat 1222 here. I was the one on the blue SOT. After my first try at the TWS I want to thank everyone I had the slightest contact with. It was everything I had hoped for and more. Everyone one at the set up was kind and helpful. The officials were especially helpful. My favorite remark I heard at the set up and later was " You stick in there. The first time I did the TWS I did it in a SOT too". Or variation of that remark. The crowds were great. The cheers of encouragement along the way were very uplifting. The hoorahs at Rio Vista and again at Cottonseed were thrilling. If there is a picture of a certain plastic blue boat going over Rio Vista I sure would like to see it. My favorite remark on Saturday "Great hat" or That is absolutely the best hat of the race". I cleared I-10 right at 11p and about and hour or so later got treated to some personal "shock and awe" when I watched what might have been the most buoyant boat in the race get pushed 2-3 feet under water by big strainers. If the water had been over my head my boat might still be there. After I yanked and pulled my boat free the boat and I were moved down river through a few more choice branches and trunks. Once clear of these obstacles I was able to pull myself back up onto my boat. It was here that I realized that I no longer had my paddle! What a feeling. I was you know where without you know what. I hand paddled over to the left bank tied my boat to a large branch and scrambled up the river bank. I headed back down to where the incident had just happened all along not knowing if my paddle was still hung up or floating away downriver. It defiantly goes in my top ten list of hard praying. I was able to spot my paddle because of the smallest bit of reflective tape I have on either end just before the blade. The paddle was completely submerged and I would have never seen it otherwise. I recovered my paddle and floated down to where I had the boat tied. Resuming my paddling I came around a bend to find Norm Thomas sleeping beside his boat on a well chosen beach. SORRY I WOKE YOU NORM and I SHOULD HAVE STOPPED THERE TOO. I believe my words to Norm was "This river just handed me my ass". I paddled on thinking I might still might make into Palmetto in time to sleep there but, I was shot for the night. I pulled over an hour or two later, flipped my boat over and slept on the hull. As I fell asleep I listened to owls and coyotes and watched two boats go by. I woke an hour or two later to the lights of an approaching boat. Since it was thundering and lightening I decided I would follow. I past the well lit boat while he was doing something on the shore and then he past me as I was getting out my windbreaker. He had just pulled out when I pulled into the small creek for the portage around Ottine. This was Jeff Parker. He was kind enought not to laugh as I made my way up the very slippery bank dragging my boat behind me. Jeff and I waited out the rain at Ottine and it was here we both decided we were going to call it quits when we got to Palmetto. I asked him if he had children and on recieving a positive reply wished him a happy Father's Day. I paddled just ahead of him the rest of the way to Palmetto. My team captain Billy Ballis was at the bridge waiting for me with Jeff's wife and team captain and a race official. I have to thank Billy Ballis. He was a better team captain then I was team. I called it a day and dragged my boat up the ramp to where the truck was waiting. My favorite remark on Sunday morning was from the official "Your doing great you should stick in there". What great guys. I'm sorry if this post is too long. Believe it or not I left a million thing out. Thanks again to everyone and hope to see you in 2004.
Stephen F Logan <sfl1222@sbcglobal.net>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 11:11:30 (CDT)
How many boats were entered this year? The web site only shows 117 as of June 3, and then 87 finishing. Is this posted somewhere? 'Agin Bulls
Bob Brown <rdbrown@tamu.edu>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 11:11:13 (CDT)
Photos of the 2003 Texas Water Safari can be viewed at
http://www.pbase.com/dbridges/tws03
It was a great race to watch this year. Thanks to everyone involved.
DR Bridges <dbridges@ykc.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 11:05:33 (CDT)
Thanks to all involved for a great race. Thanks especially to Mr. Youens for getting us out of a potentially dicey situation above Victoria in addition to all the work of head race judge. In the aforementioned situation, we lost a much cherished Mitchel paddle. It has a voyeguer label on one side of the blade. If any body has it, could you please email me. Thanks -- Jason Cade 0/1 and willing to try again.
Jason Cade <jcade@tlu.edu>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 10:27:49 (CDT)
Omar: Don't take it too far. Youens was helpful but he isn't really busy. He's still living off the profit from the Snapper lawn mower I bought four years ago.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 10:24:09 (CDT)
From the entire community: our deep appreciation to Linda Cochran, and all the volunteers, for making this truly remarkable and challenging event happen for us, once again. And, to Robert Youens. It is no small thing for busy people to contribute several weeks/weekends to making an event happen for other people. Robert, thanks, and we'll see you on the river this coming year. My own plan is to continue paddling as long as I can, maybe defending my "OMAR" ("Old Man River"), then spend the rest of my life paying back as a volunteer.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 07:57:34 (CDT)
Robert is exactly correct about the contribution that Linda, Jerry, Phil, and Allen have made to the race this year, (not to mention a lot of years before.) And I don't know, but it certainly seemed that we had a lot more volunteers this year. No checkpoint was un-staffed as far as I could see. Twice, I tried to wander away without signing my team in and was reminded by the official. There is almost no way any of us who have raced can give back to the Safari the degree of commitment shown by the folks who come back year after year with no glory to gain at the finish line but who obviously love the Safari and the folks in it. As for the Board, and especially Linda, the two times I have worked as head judge, or director, or whatever I was called at the time, by the time I was involved, all of the work had actually been done by those individuals. I am not exaggerating when I say that all I had to do was follow the race between the top 2 boats with a front row seat, and hand out the trophies. This year I know the amount of work put in by Robert, for one and with a Novice team to support, albeit a highly competent one, it was a huge relief to know that Robert had checked out the potential hazards as well as could be expected with changing conditions. I have to add that I had an opportunity to watch the race from a little farther back. We had, comparatively speaking, a lot of wraps and potentially serious illness. And I personally thought the work done by Robert, Kevin, and Bob were stellar. My thanks to all.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 07:54:29 (CDT)
Missing Gortex Parka @ Safari > Did anyone find an Olive Green Gortex Parka with hood, size medium made by "Log House Design Inc." at the Seadrift Pavialion during the Safari? In addition there was a rain hat in the left pocket and a set of glasees in the right pocket. > This item may have been left this on a chair Monday evening and then during the clean up of the paviliaon on Tuesday morning it may of been moved and placed in another location pror to the awards ceremony. > Gib Hafernick 210-822-8901 or Gibguy@Compuserve.com
Gib Hafernick <Gibguy@Compuserve.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 22:57:36 (CDT)
Hey Group, Congratulations to the 87 teams that completed the TWS this year. Better luck next year to those that were not able to complete this year for one reason or another. As I mentioned at the banquet, it took the "Rocket Scientist" at NASA several attempts to put a rocket into earth orbit. NASA never had a failure, but learning experiences that added to their "Body of Knowledge" which eventually resulted in their eventual success. Just ask John Stockwell about learning experiences, by the way John, congratulations on your finish. Next year I will be back in the race. Watching all you guys and gals this year has me really pumped. Oh, I almost forgot, I can highly recommend the experience of volunteering to help out with the race. The TWS board of directors, and Linda Cochran go out of there way to make it a rewarding experience. So if for some reason, you find that you can't race, but could pitch in on race weekend, contact Linda and get on the volunteer list for next year. See you on the river. Robert Youens 2003 Head Race Judge TWS
Robert Youens <txsnapper@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 21:59:55 (CDT)
One of my Safari memories will be Randy Johnson's boat handling. He has that lovely woodie that's comparable to a Daniels boat. Wants to scout something ahead or on the bank he just stands up, sits back down. At 6'4" that's quite a sight. A second image I'll carry is Norm Thomas in his 85 lb kayak (100+ lbs as it takes on water) haunting us like the posse in Butch Cassidy & Sundance, always there and passing us. What a guy to take that thing down the river.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 20:57:38 (CDT)
THROW AWAY YOUR TUMS. Get your doctor to give you prescription "Pepcid" (I believe it's called Phisohex.) No more heart burn. ALSO, Dr. Dean Adell advises that saliva counters heart burn surprisingly well. So: swallow a lot.
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 20:41:56 (CDT)
Huge thanks to ALL for encouraging me to get down that river. May I observe that it is a lot more satisfying to view Safari finish from the water than from up on the seawall!!
Omar <goodpaddle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 20:37:17 (CDT)
Who is ready to start training for next year?
Robert <flawseeker@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 19:05:40 (CDT)
Peter "Fuzzy" Churchman was released from Citizen's Hospital in Victoria this afternoon. He is now at home in Martindale with one heck of a swollen ankle but he's young and he will recover which means that I should continue to plan to paddle WITH him rather than AGAINST him for my own good. No word on the condition of the snake that bit him. 1) I assume that Peter would like to hear from his friends. Email me direct and I'll provide his phone number on request...or, you might find it on the TCRA website, hint, hint. 2) His teammates and paddling friends would like to help Peter with his medical expenses. We're working on something and more information will be forthcoming. Best to all who finish or give their all in the effort to finish.
Lee Deviney <txpaddler@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 18:57:24 (CDT)
Great race everyone! I had a blast and can't wait until next year. Roland, it was great running with you Sat night and I hope you're happy we let you beat us this year. Charlie, you made Sunday bearable by keeping us company during those long streches without seeing our TC. Jack, you kept us moving Monday night, and thanks for letting us follow you across the bay. Michael, if I didn't know any better I would have thought you were part of my own land crew. Thanks for giving us encouragement from the bank and helping Andrew keep us from staying at any check point too long.
Holly Nelson <TxBluePlaid@juno.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 18:27:01 (CDT)
As a lowly team captain who had to endure no end of fat jokes while running the bank, I want to extend my congratulations to the Novice class teams as well. As David points out, we were definitely worried about 270 because of how they woke up in the Dupont Race and quite frankly might have beaten us had they known they had to head into the flagpole. So Jeff Ecton's dad, Bill was delegated the thankless task of watching all Novice boats split times against us. I assure you without joking that Joe Mynar and John Bugge never kept closer track of where the other was than did we. (I know, having been there.) We were flabbergasted that we were able to pull away at all, and I figured it was due to Roger exercising some fatherly wisdom to keep things slow during the heat of the day. Turns out there were problems and although their team would not use it as an excuse, there is no doubt it hurt badly. The advice I gave Roger after the race had more to do with the sad experience of weighing over 200 pounds than it did with wisdom: "thick wall tubing." As for boat # 6023, you actully scared hell out of us. We were watching for boat 270 at Thomaston and you guys slipped by in the dark, and we didn't know where you were until Victoria. Great job to all novices (and all racers, for that matter.) I bragged to Jeff and David that they almost beat my own Novice time---(I didn't mention that we had the third highest water in history.)
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 16:26:47 (CDT)
Is there any update on the last two people who were still in the hospital tuesday?
Matt Watson <watsonjm@tamu.edu>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 16:09:39 (CDT)
Hello everyone. I was just looking in the trivia and records link and am wondering if it's really correct that with the noteworthy exception of the guys from Canada in '92, the next fastest Standard class runs of TWS are still those in '86 & '87? If true after these years it's quite surprising. Comments? I was able to get back for start day this year; we sat in the river at lower Praire Lea MP 32 & watched the race go by. Amazing how the race has grown. Sure missed the river and the race. Ya'll take care. - Rod Ellis June 2003
Rod Ellis <freman2@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 16:09:12 (CDT)
Great Race! Thanks for all the advice...I was in 6023 and we finished in under 62 hours...we were shooting for 70, so we felt really happy. Rivermadness, good run...we kept hoping you guys would pull over sunday night so we could pass you, but it wasn't to be. Glad we gave you a little push though. See y'all in July!
Matt Watson <watsonjm@tamu.edu>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 15:43:56 (CDT)
Team Rivermadness extends congratulations to all racers!
We say "Good Race!" to everyone in the novice class...
Boat 6023: You guys had us worried at the end. We heard you passed boat 270 and were looking strong, and it definitely gave us some more motivation to keep pushing. I didn't get a chance to come shake your hands after the banquet but I would have liked to talk to you about the race. Hopefully we'll see you on the river this year!
Boat 270: We knew you guys would be gunning for us after those prelims. You guys are tough! My father took a look at your seat repair and said it was "ingenious". Rio Vista was problematic for us too. We didn't run the shoot but instead chose to portage on the left. While we were getting back in after the portage, someone from another aluminum team fell into our boat! This knocked Jeff into the water and filled us up with water. When I went to hit the pump switch, the switch broke and we were sans pump! I was able to get the pump working by shorting the wires but it was a slow, manual affair and we were fortunate we didn't have to pump again until the big storm on Monday afternoon.
We haven't yet decided what we'll be doing for next year. For the time being, we'll be paddling aluminum. One thing I'm certain of: We have much to learn...
Uncle Russ: You and Bill did great on the bank! Thanks for all your help. I'm particularly glad you're willing to share our Cottonseed trials and tribulations with all the world!!!

David Roberts & Jeff Ecton (Team Rivermadness - Boat 111) <webmaster@rivermadness.net>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 13:24:49 (CDT)
STOCKWELL RULES!!
doug <dm@gs.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 12:57:46 (CDT)
STOCKWELL!!!! Great Job!!! I knew it was your year!
Paul Ohlemacher <P_Ohle@yahoo.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 12:40:09 (CDT)
Photos of the 2003 TWS may be found at: http://geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/9073/tws2000/photoindex.htm This year there was lots of high drama in the waters of Cottonseed Rapids! Sincerely, Paul Johnston KA5FYI
Paul Johnston <Kfyi@aol.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 10:49:53 (CDT)
WAY TO GO STOCKWELL !!! I knew you had it in ya!!!!!!!!!!
doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 10:20:59 (CDT)
Can anyone tell me if boat 3742 made it in yet?
paul <pel_lopez@hotmail.com>
- Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at 00:27:38 (CDT)
Jeremy: I have been accused of bringing humor to this board, (and will no doubt manage to do that before this post is over,) but I want you to know that I am very sorry to hear about your boat and the other wraps. From the sound of how much you had trained you would no doubt have been highly competitive in your class. Had anyone wrapped in Cottonseed, I would have thought it would have been team River Madness, considering how often they practiced doing just that! Actually, if the truth be known they didn't really wrap, so much as pin. I think the final results were that they ran the rapid a total of 3 times in practice and only managed to pin the boat twice. But then, nobody's perfect. I know very well both the experience of wrapping and of getting so exhausted I had to drop out, and the only advice I can offer is to stick with it. In 1989, Bob Spain and were swept into a stump in a sharp bend above Hochheim which I will forever think of as the "Bob and Russ Memorial Rapid." It snapped the boat like a twig. Later, we returned with Alan Spelce. Now,because both Bob and I had the wisdom that comes with advanced years, and because we did not want to be seriously hurt ourselves, we lowered Spelce downstream with a rope and he managed to free the boat (although not before it wrapped again, turning it from a "V" to a "U" shape. But we didn't give up, and later teamed with Robert Youens for an effort which, although it will never quite rank with the sub-30-hour Safari record, did lift us to the level of mediocrity we deserved. So don't let it get you down. Take it with as good humor as you can, and give 'em hell next year.
Uncle Russ <rdrekl@texas.net>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 22:45:51 (CDT)
I had hoped you would make it 2010 me and my family watched you and the other two boats that wrapped at Cotton Seed and felt so helpless and sorry for all of you
CW <icpwebster@msn.com>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 21:33:39 (CDT)
Team 2010 checking in. The race was brutal to us. We wrapped our aluminum at Cottonseed but was able to finally get it out. The boat had 2 gashes and was beaten up pretty bad. We patched the holes and tried to kick out the bows and bends. We were making up the time but it was too much for my bowman Mike and by Palmetto he was dehydrated and beaten so we had to pull out. While trying to get the canoe out of Cottonseed I lost my GPS. It is a blue and white Magellan Marine. If any one found it please email me but I am sure it is long gone. I plan on taking the boat to TGs this week to see if it is salvagable. Congratulations to all who finished, and to all who met my fate if you are feeling anything like I am you are itching to get back on the river.
Jeremy <bdanson@austin.rr.com>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 18:32:09 (CDT)
any update on progress of boat 3742
paul <pel_lopez@hotmail.com>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 17:01:29 (CDT)
is there any word on Stockwell....? is he still on the river? thanks
doug <dmackay@grindingsource.com>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 10:47:48 (CDT)
Would someone please post the current finishers when possible? We had to leave after our team dropped out (I had to get back to work), but there are several boats we'd like to know about. Thanks-
Pam Smart <prsmart@bellsouth.net>
- Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 07:20:24 (CDT)
3742 Update: Arrived Victoria Monday, 15:20
Harvey Babb <harveyb@testengeer.com>
- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 17:34:48 (CDT)
Thanks for the update!!!!! Keep the info coming, got a whole office cheering them on
Paul Lopez <pel_lopez@hotmail.com>
- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 16:56:29 (CDT)
3742 left Cuero 236 around 6:00 AM this morning and had not reached the Victoria checkpoint as of 3:45 P.M. I'll post more when we find out more.
Harvey Babb <harveyb@testengeer.com>
- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 15:42:29 (CDT)
Are there any updates to the winners list yet?
Bobby Horecka <news1@leader-news.com>
- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 15:09:00 (CDT)
any work on progress on boat #3742
Paul <pel_lopez@hotmail.com>
- Monday, June 16, 2003 at 12:10:03 (CDT)
We have a winner!
Boat 44: Brian Mynar, Fred Mynar, Allen Spelce, Sammy Prochaska, Chuck Stewart, Jerry Cochran, Darrell Klimitchek (TC) "Unofficialy" made it to the finish line at 21:15 this evening. Congratulations Guys!
Harvey Babb <harveyb@testengeer.com>
- Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 23:08:10 (CDT)
I realize the board is going to be dead the next several days, but I'm about to move and won't have computer access for about a week. I am looking for Jack Spencer's email address. Please send it to me if you have it. Thank you.
Jeff Jouett <jeffjouett@yahoo.com>
- Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 11:25:47 (CDT)
Good luck to all and God Speed
Chris Huff&Puff III #316 "Hopeful 4/4" <agiedc@itouch.net>
- Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 06:26:39 (CDT)
Once again it seems time to archive the Billboard...
Good luck to everyone, and... Lets be safe out there.
Check out the live Safari webcam:
SafariCam.
Bob Brooks <kayaker@tamu.edu>
- Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 00:11:00 (CDT)
Remember:
"If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger !"

You are visitor: