A buddy of mine is attempting the Texas Water Safari this year, so we headed down to San Marcos this morning to watch the big start. As luck would have it, we met up with Aaron (my buddy) and his boat-mate Josh (here on out “our heros”) on the highway and followed them right into the starting area… that’s got to be a good omen, right?
Our heros are using a plastic Hobie kayak, something that makes them a bit unique is this crowd. Most of the boats are either aluminum canoes or highly customized canoe/kayaks made of fiberglass, Kevlar, and other exotic materials… not bright red plastic. None the less, our heros are undaunted by this fact and are pushing ahead. The ace up their sleeve is the Mirage Drive which, if they make it to deep water, will allow them to use leg muscles instead of back muscles to move the boat.
Mirage drives
Front Mirage Drive installed
After the start, we made our way down to the first interesting part of the race… about half a mile or so down river. Everyone had to get out and portage around a damn in the river. Some went right, some went left, but everyone get a little wet… 
Out heros seem to have made it through this section without incident, and still looked strong.
I think they’ve got their work cut out for them, but if they can make it to deep water without injury… well… they’ll make it all the way!
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- Mirage drives
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- Front Mirage Drive installed
Post Script
Due to a hole in the hull, Our Heros had to haul extra water down the river which was already running really low. As a result, they had to drop out just before the second checkpoint after 33 miles or so. They put in a hell of a performance and really had a good running if you ask me. Can’t wait to see how they do in the next race…
