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Expert Kayaking & River Adventures in San Marcos TX, Since 1994

Professional Kayaking Instructions from Olympians and Certified Guides

We provide paddling instruction in San Marcos TX, provided by Olympians, US Team athletes, and Olympic hopefuls who have spent years refining their techniques. Instructions are led by individuals certified through ACA and USCK, with additional training in first aid and CPR.

Lessons are designed to improve technique across flat-water, rapids, and surf conditions, offering a strong foundation for long-term paddling.

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Customers appreciated our guided tours with professional instruction.

History...

In 1994, this non-profit called the Red River Race Team took off by offering classes and competitions. After our founder, Ben Kvanli, competed in the 1996 Olympic Games in Kayaking, he and fellow athlete/coach, Mark Poindexter, helped to start the USA Canoe/Kayak Jr. Olympic program.
We expanded these opportunities by helping to build a whitewater course on the springs with the help of three time World Cup Champion and Olympian Scott Shipley, Rebecca Ybarra Ramirez of the San Marcos CVB, the City of San Marcos, Texas State University’s Dr. Jim Kimmel, the San Marcos Lions Club, photographer Patrick Cavan Brown and Tom Goynes and the San Marcos River Foundation in 2005 -06.
kayaking and water sports training in San Marcos TX
In 2002, with Mary Beth Kvanli, we took our first crew of wounded vets kayaking. Just like with Adam, the freedom of being on an even playing field electrified them and encouraged us to look for opportunities to enhance more unique individuals’ lives.
Team River Runner became our partners in working with the wounded warriors when Joe Mornini visited to paddle with us at Fort Sam Houston in 2005 and again for the opening of the Center for the Intrepid in 2007.
As a result, we have led kayak trips, events, and classes for the VA hospitals in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Temple, and have taught close to 50,000 people to paddle with stability and style. Our daily training and weekly events, and trips have allowed paddlers to make the US National Team every year since we started, and we work to make that goal achievable by every athlete that we train. One of our athletes, Andy Soule, moved to San Marcos to paddle the springs every day in preparation for the Biathlon, and was the only American to take home a medal in the 2010 Paralympics with his bronze!
Our Red River Racing Team also included the top paddlers in men’s and women’s kayak, as well as Va’ah on the 2012 National ParaCanoe Team.
Come be a part of the team, and you will see why we paddle every day. . .

Sponsors

So many people have helped us over the years. We appreciate each and every individual who has donated their time and energy to all the many programs that we offer at Olympic Outdoor Center

David and Debbie Power

City of San Marcos

The TG Canoe and Livery

Jackson Kayaks

Team River Runner

Larry and Sharri Lewis

Kelly Howard

Bayou City Outdoors

Larry Bracken

Phil Pilkington

Russel Nebgen

Mike Hickey

Linda Nolet

John Van Ness

Braca-Sport Paddles

Patrick Brown Shadowdetails

John and Gayle Easley

Steve and Shelly Smith

Jim Felix

John and Anne Olden

Dr. and Mrs. Peter Bross

Brooke Army Medical Center

The Dale Family

Dan and Fay Barry

Miguel Garcia – HiOSilver

Mary Beth Kvanli

We are the Best Tour Operator in San Marcos TX

We are the leading tour operator in San Marcos TX, offering expertly guided river trips with a focus on safety, quality instruction, and well-planned routes. We deliver a reliable and enjoyable experience for paddlers of all levels.

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All Important Things You Need to Know

Read clear answers about scheduling, instruction, local river highlights, what to bring, and how to get started with us.
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Best Kayaking Trips in San Marcos TX

Experience the best kayaking trips in San Marcos, TX, featuring clear spring-fed waters, varied river sections, expert guidance, and access to local highlights like Rio Vista and Graduation Falls.
  • Scenic Routes

    Paddle through clear, spring-fed waters with well-known natural gems like Rio Vista and Graduation Falls.

  • Experienced Guidance

    Trips led by skilled instructors ensure safe navigation and an enjoyable outing.

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Kayak Instruction offers well-maintained canoe, kayak rentals and guided river adventures in San Marcos TX, with flexible scheduling to accommodate individual, family, or group outings on the river.

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