For more than forty years, Wayne H. McAlister has canoed the Guadalupe River, sometimes called the “top recreational river in Texas.” In Paddling the Guadalupe, he guides readers down this 400-mile river whose waters spring from the limestone of the Hill Country in Kerr County, meander across the broad Coastal Plain, and finally empty into the Gulf of Mexico at San Antonio Bay. With the expertise of a life and career immersed in nature, he introduces readers to the places, people, plants, and animals—large and small, aquatic and terrestrial—that depend on the Guadalupe for either their livelihoods or their existence. With affection and humor (and sometimes aggravation), he wryly comments on the development and human activity along the river’s course, from the headwaters west of Kerrville to its mouth near Tivoli, just east of Refugio. For the traveler, either on the river or along its course, McAlister’s knowledge of the grists, sawmills, dams, bridges, swimming holes, and reservoirs bring the history of familiar towns—Comfort, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria among them—to life. His love of the natural world, which shares the river’s bounty, will inspire and enhance anyone’s experience of the Guadalupe, from the serious canoer to the family vacationer. Photographs taken over many years provide an intimate perspective, and sixteen maps help orient those interested in getting to know the river on a more personal basis. To learn more about The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, sponsors of this book's series, please click here.

Probably the most popular river destination in Texas, the Lower Guadalupe River between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels is renowned for its cool water, exciting rapids and great trout fishing. In the summer people flock to the river to enjoy tube floating, rafting and paddling. In the cooler months it is the southernmost trout fishery in North America. This Lower Guadalupe Pocket Guide has all the detailed information you need to prepare a leisurely family weekend, a whitewater adventure or a day of fly fishing for trout. It is designed with a full-color visual layout that allows you to meticulously plan out your trip, aid you with navigation and track your progress down the river.

From the canyons of Big Bend to the cypress swamps of Pine Island Bayou, the waters of Texas have something for most every type of paddler and every paddling mood. One might float the diminutive Comal River, argued to be the shortest river in the world. Another might dig deep and follow the four-day, 260-mile route of the Texas Water Safari, which Canoe & Kayak Magazine referred to as “The World’s Toughest Canoe Race.” Whitewater is here too. Lakes are as well. And, the Texas Gulf Coast is home to sandy beaches, knobby mangroves, and sea grass flats. Meanwhile, Texas is home to some of the fastest growing cities in America. And, paddling is the fastest growing outdoor sport in the country. “Paddling Texas” is a guide for those who are new to either and all those who love both. Featured trips offer easy access, secure environments, good facilities, great fishing, superb wildlife viewing, and beautiful scenery. “Paddling Texas” gives recreational paddlers and anglers all the information they’ll need to paddle many of the best trips in Texas.

Texas and whitewater. Who knew? According to veteran paddler Steve Daniel, one doesn't have to be an outdoors expert to find whitewater fun and adventure in the Lone Star State. Sometimes all that's needed is a little rain and perseverance - and this handy guide to Texas rivers and creeks with the greatest prospects for whitewater.

When paddlers think of whitewater, they rarely think of Texas. But author Steve Daniel has spent years kayaking both recognized and little-known streams and now provides a whitewater guide for those who seek adventure in the Lone Star state. In Texas Whitewater Daniel describes more than seventy whitewater rivers and creeks ranging from multi-day stretches to play spots for surfing or practicing squirt moves on eddy lines. Each description includes a map and an overview of the location, gradient, drainage, and difficulty of the run. Eighty-five eye-catching photographs highlight whitewater features and showcase some of the state's best boaters at play. Daniel also provides information on access, legal navigability, and safety issues. The guide is arranged according to river drainages: Trinity, Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe-San Antonio-Nueces, and Rio Grande. Drawing on his experiences and that of other whitewater enthusiasts, Daniel offers a detailed and entertaining account of rivers and creeks with the greatest prospects for whitewater, encouraging paddlers to lesser-known runs. He includes tips on obtaining information on water levels via the Internet and stream flow data locations. Also included is the first published legal summary on the navigability of state waterways, prepared by Texas Assistant Attorney General Joe Riddell. Well-written and informative, Texas Whitewater is sure to become the "`bible' for paddlers and for those coming to visit and explore" the state.

Premiere paddler and Texas Canoe Racing Hall of Famer Bob Spain presents a thorough and personal guide to all aspects of canoeing. He opens with a brief history of canoes and canoe making in North America followed by an illustrated how-to section on proper paddling technique and posture. Instructional photos and drawings by Spain’s paddling partner and wife, Joy Emshoff, help make your first-time paddling adventure less intimidating and more enjoyable. Readers will learn how to hold a paddle, perform basic strokes, and improve their technique as well as gain important information on the various types of canoes available. A handy checklist in the back of the book outlines important safety gear and essential equipment to pack in your canoe for day trips and overnight expeditions. Both newcomers to the sport and seasoned paddlers will find Spain’s detailed descriptions of his ten favorite inland and coastal Texas paddling trails entertaining and helpful. He provides useful logistical information—such as launch and take-out locations—GPS coordinates, available camping sites, and suggestions for nearby paddling trails. These trails offer paddlers a unique opportunity to explore the state and its varied wildlife while promoting the importance of preserving waterways. Spain concludes with a discussion on pressing conservation issues—water pollution, urban growth, habitat destruction, invasive species, and natural disasters—and the role ordinary people can have in protecting these natural resources for future generations. (Printed on waterproof paper)