This year, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) and the San Antonio River Foundation launched the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series. Experienced paddling racers from all over are invited to participate in competitive paddling races throughout the year. These races will be held along multiple sections of the beautiful San Antonio River Basin, from the world-famous San Antonio River Walk to the historic community of Goliad. Each race covers a different distance and will provide new challenges to excite competitive paddle racers.
The first race of the 2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series, Battle of the Paddle, happened last Saturday, March 5th which included three laps within the San Antonio River Walk’s historic river loop area. Spectators cheered on the racers as they sped by the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the downtown River Walk. The start/finish line was next to the Tobin Center, that included an awards ceremony with prizes for the top three finishers in each category held immediately following the race.
The second race in our series, the SASPAMCO Showdown Paddling Race will provide competitors a wild race requiring navigation around downed trees, submerged brush, and other racers. Participants will face-off to see who can be the first to cross the finish line! Named in honor of a nearby historic Wilson County community, the SASPAMCO (San Antonio Sewer Pipe Manufacturing Company) Paddling Trail is lined with tall trees and intriguing geologic features.
2022 San Antonio River Basin Paddling Race Series
The SASPAMCO Showdown Paddling Race will begin at the River Authority’s River Crossing Park and end at the River Authority’s John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park (Helton Nature Park). The awards ceremony with prizes for the top three finishers in each category will be held following the race at the park.
Held in tandem with the paddling race, the SASPAMCO Showdown Festival takes place on the same day as the race Saturday, March 19th, at 1:00 p.m. at Helton Nature Park in Floresville, TX. The festival is free to attend, so come enjoy live music all day by the Scott Crofts Band, Madelyn Victoria, and a national touring act, The Powell Brothers. We invite you to take a hayride around the trails and learn about Helton Nature Park’s history and nature. Munch on your favorite festival treats while you enjoy listening to music, a car show by Push Rods Car Club, and visit vendors from the Wilson County Trade Days. Activities for kids will also be available!
WHEN: Saturday, March 19th 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
WHO: San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation
WHERE: Paddling race – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. from Rivers Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park
Festival – 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Helton Park in Floresville, TX
Source: The San Antonio River Authority
The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) was created by the 45th Texas Legislature on May 5, 1937, and reorganized in 1961 to plan, manage, and implement water-related programs and projects within the San Antonio River Basin. The State of Texas empowered the River Authority to preserve, protect and manage the resources and the ecology of the San Antonio River and its tributaries. To learn more about the River Authority, visit our website at www.sariverauthority.org.
