A New View of the River

By: Alex Castillo

The San Marcos River is used to its share of natives and tourists alike enjoying the clear waters. Swimming, tubing and kayaking have long been the favorite pastime of many, but a new business in town is looking to change the way river-goers view the waters.

Stand up paddle boarding is exactly as the name implies. Newcomers begin by kneeling on the middle of the board and pushing their way into the water with the paddle. This experience puts the newbies right in the action without feeling uncomfortable. After gaining the feel of the waters they are then instructed to stand up on the board.

Jake Walker, the co-founder of SUP Adventures San Marcos, began the business with his partner Chris Burnett about a year ago.

Walker pointed out common misconceptions about paddle boarding that new students have.

“People think it’s challenging, but you don’t have to be athletic or coordinated…it’s a tremendous workout if you want it to be,” Walker said.

Walker grew up on the San Marcos River, moving to San Marcos in 1977. He found something about the river infectious and wants to share paddle boarding with more people.

“You find that connection with the river and the pristine connection with Mother Nature even under train tracks,” Walker said.

Video and Pictures: Scott Allen
Audio: Alex Castillo