Class VI – I say “Bring Them On!”

Okay, really, I have only ever done (maybe) a class III rapid while canoeing the Buffalo River in Arkansas or the Lower Mountain Fork in Oklahoma. And that still might be stretching it. But I do want to raft some big rapids soon and have been looking at rivers around Texas. Anybody know some great class IV’s in Texas? I guess most would say the Rio Grande, but I am open to suggestions. Well, onward to learning about the “Scale of River Difficulty” according to the American Canoe Association

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Cold Weather Canoeing

Maybe I am being a little hopeful here, but I am really enjoying this somewhat cooler weather. I hope it sticks around for a bit, especially since we have some River School canoe trips planned this Fall with Sunset Valley Elementary and Sanchez Elementary. As I will be explaining to these classes, canoeing or paddling in colder weather requires different gear and preparation.

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New Office – the “Yard”

We have finally moved into our new office – which we have been anticipating for well over a year now. The office is situated in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood in an old construction yard. Think warehouses, lumber piles, and unexpectedly a wonderful group of people that are all creative and inspiring local entrepreneurs.

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Paddling Trail News Spot

The Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail is the eighteenth paddling trail in Texas and arguably the most urban. The designation raises the awareness to all of Austin’s citizens and visitors that Lady Bird Lake is not only a safe place to recreate but a truly special resource right in downtown Austin (accessible by public transportation!).

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John Covert Watson Award

TRS Executive Director and Founder Joe Kendall with award namesake Mr. John Covert WatsonTexas River School has won the John Covert Watson Award for Vision by the Texas Children in Nature Collaborative.

Photo from the event with Executive Director and Founder Joe Kendall with award namesake Mr. John Covert Watson, what a thrill! The award is for vision and our vision is that ALL of our children will be able to enjoy, learn from and develop a relationship with our Rivers!

TPWD Co-Op Grant

The Texas River School is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) Community Outdoor Outreach Program (Co-Op Grant) for $49,000 towards launching the Texas River School’s program Project PADDLE.

Project PADDLE is a program that will make it possible for grade school students who may not otherwise have the chance to experience on the water, educational, river adventures.