Texas Water Safari
Training Program
A Proven Training Approach for a Successful Finish
This training program is based on more than 15 years of experience helping paddlers prepare for and successfully finish the Texas Water Safari.
The program is designed specifically for novice paddlers whose goal is to finish the race, not necessarily to win. We can help you train for a competitive or winning finish as well, but that requires a different training schedule.
Disclaimer: Following this program does not guarantee that you will finish the Texas Water Safari. The race is demanding, unpredictable, and requires a lot grit and the ability to adapt. However, following a training plan and spending significant time in your boat can greatly improve your preparation and your chances of finishing the World's Toughest Boat Race.
Two Common Mistakes
1. Underestimating the Challenge
The Texas Water Safari is much more than a long paddle. You need to be able to handle your canoe, navigate the river, and understand your equipment, nutrition, and teamwork.
2. Spending Too Much Time in the Gym
Fitness matters, but time in your boat is essential.
The best training is specific training—get in your boat and paddle.
Need a Starting Point for Safari Training?
You're in Good Company!
10 Years of Texas Water Safari Novice Podium Finishes!
Numerous other class wins!
This general training plan will help you get started. Adapt it to your experience,
available time, and goals of finishing the Safari.
Fall Before Race Year
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Get excited!
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Read about the Texas Water Safari and learn what the race involves.
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Attend fall races, meet other paddlers, and consider entering a race for fun.
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Find a compatible paddling partner who shares your paddling goals and commitment.
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Take a Crash Course or Flat Water Private lesson with Paddle With Style.
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Research boats and paddles before purchasing or renting.
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Try to get all the big chores at home finished so you can train hard all spring.
Winter Before You Race
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Ask Santa for a nice Carbon Paddle for Christmas (We can help provide a Ripple FX paddle if needed)
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Secure a race boat. (See our rental tab for our options)
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Paddle when you can, at least 4 times per month.
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Begin identifying your strengths and weaknesses in technique, endurance, and teamwork.
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Discuss the time commitment with your family and make a realistic training schedule.
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Schedule a follow-up lesson. Based on your progress, decide whether a private lesson or downriver course is the best next step.
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Attend local races, such as Town Lake or MAC. See TCKRA.ORG for more info.
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Attend Texas Water Safari free seminar.
Suggested Training
16 Weeks to prepare for the Texas Water Safari
Weeks 1-4
February-March
Build your foundation, practice technique, and establish a routine.
During The Week
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Paddle once a week for 1–2 hours, focusing on technique.
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Consider a follow-up or downriver lesson.
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Cardio twice a week for 30 minutes.
Weekend Schedule
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Weekend 1: Rest.
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Weekend 2: First official river trip — Hochheim to Cheapside (24 miles)
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Weekend 3: Paddle on local water 4+ hours.
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Weekend 4: River Run: Cuero to Victoria (36 miles)
Other
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Race in TCKRA events for fun, experience, and speed.
Checklist
☐ Get a spray skirt made for your boat, if needed.
☐ Purchase appropriate lights for night paddling.
☐ Start testing food and hydration options.
☐ Test your boat setup and equipment.
☐ Butter up two great people who are reliable to be your Team Captain
Weeks 5-8
March-April
Develop river skills and gradually build endurance.
During The Week
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Be intentional with training.
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Paddle once a week for 1–2 hours.
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Focus on technique.
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Add in some intervals and time trials.
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Do an evening into the night paddle for an hour to test your lights on local waters.
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Cardio & strength training twice a week for 30 minutes.
Weekend Schedule
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Weekend 1: Paddle on Local Water 3+ hours
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Weekend 2: Saturday River Run: Palmetto - Gonzales (25 miles)
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I like to aim to finish my paddle at 10:00 or 11:00pm to test my lights on this run.
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Sunday - River Run: Luling 90 - Palmetto (20 miles)
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Weekend 3: River Run - San Marcos - Fentress (24 miles)
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Weekend 4: River Run - San Marcos to Luling dam river trip (45 miles)
Other
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Race in TCKRA & MAC events for fun, experience, and speed.
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Consider a follow-up or downriver lesson.
Checklist
☐ Test lights.
☐ Test spray skirt.
☐ Test clothes.
☐ Test food.
☐ Test everything!
☐ Register for the race.
Weeks 9-12
April-May
Practice your race setup, and endurance.
During The Week
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Paddle twice a week for 1-2 hours
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Focus on technique and add in some intervals and time trials .
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Cardio & strength training twice a week for 30 minutes.
Weekend Schedule
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Weekend 1: On Saturday, Texas River Marathon Race from Cuero-Victoria (36 mile)
On Sunday, River Run from Dupont-Sea Drift (35 miles) -
Weekend 2: River Run from San Marcos-Luling 90 (40 miles)
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Weekend 3: Off
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Weekend 4: Paddle 30-40 miles - location based on what you need to see most.
Checklist
☐ Go through the race plan with your team captains.
☐ Set up your boat, including pumps, bags, and jug foam.
☐ Make sure all race equipment is ready.
Weeks: 13-16
May-June
Finalize equipment, review race plans, and taper before the start.
During The Week
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Continue moderate cardio and strength training, with recovery days.
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Avoid trying to make up missed training.
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8 days prior to the race, focus on rest. At this point there is no need to train hard. You will likely do more damage than good this close to the race. Let your body fully recover and rest. Stretch, and a light paddle or work out is fine, but no need to push it.
Weekend Training
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Weekend 1. I am a fan of packing in the miles and seeing the river 3 or 4 weeks out from the race.
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3 full days on the river is great. Go see the sections you haven't seen yet!
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Example of good training weekend:
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Day 1: City Park - Luling 90 (40 miles)
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Day 2: Luling dam - Gonzo (40 miles)
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Day 3: Paddle the bay on a windy day (10 miles)
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Rest after! Allow your body to recover before more training.
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Weekend 2 - Start to taper. Keep this weekend open to do any scouting need to be done.
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Don't over train
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Prep gear
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Weekend before the race: Light paddle or gear prep
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Focus more on resting and a full recovery
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Final gear prep
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Checklist
☐ Make a complete race gear checklist.
☐ Purchase any remaining equipment.
☐ Test lights, pumps, bags, clothing, food, and hydration.
☐ Review the course description and current race rules.
☐ Help family and friends supporting you understand basic rules.
Example: Only your Team Captain can give you food/water. No on else.
Example: Racers are NOT allowed to sleep in the comfy lawn chair at the check point that a kind hearted person with good intentions set up for you to use. Not allowed.
☐ Meet with your team captain to review duties, driving routes, and planned stops.
☐ Confirm transportation and shuttle arrangements.
☐ Sleep all night...sleep some more leading up to the race. You're gonna need it. :)
Plan Your Training
Every team is different. The training outline above is a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all plan. I bring over a decade of racing and coaching experience to help you build a plan around your strengths, areas to improve, goals, and available time.
My goal is to help you become a better paddler and prepare for a successful race.
Let's talk about your paddling goals and find the right training for you.
— Holly
Phone: 512-749-2350
E-mail: Paddlewithstyle@yahoo.com
If I can't answer, please leave a message and I'll return your call. I'm often on the water and may not be able to answer right away.
