By Paige Lambert

Shane Townsend finished his routine walk, returning to his office at the Meadows Center in San Marcos. The office is a typical one, with a view of Spring Lake and the Texas State Stadium. A few years ago, Townsend’s office view had gigantic cliffs, coastline and alligators.

The change of scenery was research for his book, Paddling Texas. The book, which releases in November, gives novice paddlers advice about equipment, safety and routes in each region of Texas.

The idea sparked when Townsend and his wife moved to Texas three years ago. Once settled in, he began looking for a Texas paddling guide, a lifelong activity for Townsend. After a thorough search, no such book could be found.

“My wife said, ‘Why don’t you write the book,’ and I laughed at her,” Townsend said. “But by the time we got home, I thought, actually it’s not ridiculous, that’s a very good idea.”

Townsend researched publishers, contacted Falcon Publishing via LinkedIn and sent a proposal within five days. 

Once it was approved he quit his job and began collecting equipment for his next adventure.

“First I got the blessing of my wife, and committed myself,” Townsend said. “Like anything, it’s fun but it’s work.”

Townsend strategically mapped out the next six months of paddling, hitting as many rivers as possible before regrouping in Austin. He would then set out to another Texas region, completing up to 12 paddles in a month.

Paddling umbrellas, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, are considered the fastest growing outdoor sports.

Townsend said it’s because the activity is a great workout and family friendly. He said those factors were part of his reason for writing the guide, along with helping people experience the outdoors.

He started in East Texas, a region similar to his Mississippi home. While paddling the Angelina River, Townsend said curiosity made him veer down a tiny waterway. 

“I ended up paddling a mile or two through these tiny slues and great big lakes, with cypress stands and eight to ten foot alligators everywhere,” Townsend said. “It was clear that not many people had been back there. I really felt like I had it to myself.”

Townsend said the East Texas trip was one of his favorites, even though close proximity to the alligators was a little unsettling.

Unfortunately, not all the paddles were as enjoyable.

When Townsend camped near Port Aransas, he rushed to load his boat and set out before sunrise. In the rush, he got stuck on some oyster beds. He needed to walk his gear out of the beds before the tide fell.

All too late, he realized his water shoes were in the truck.

“I had to walk barefoot through oysters,” Townsend said. “Luckily it was cold, so I didn’t feel it, but I cut my feet up like sausages.”

After recovering, Townsend continued his paddles, going as far west as Big Bend, a 33-mile paddle.

He completed 50 paddles in six months, returning to Austin for the long process of writing and editing.

Townsend said he collaborated with many people, including organizations like Texas Parks and Wildlife, to write the introduction of the book. 

“I know that in many instances, you get a far better product if you get lots of minds on it, and it’s not just one person,” Townsend said.

Geographic regions organize the rest of the book, with little sidebars about each trip and local attractions. Each section provides tips about launch points, equipment and maps.

David Brown, who contributed to the book, said it will help tourists and native Texans.

“People who have appreciated our waterways maybe just didn’t have the resources to do a paddle,” Brown said. “Now with this they have access to practical tips to make this possible.”

The book will be released this November, close to exactly three years since Townsend began the excursions. It will be available in outdoor stores and online.

Townsend said he hopes the book will help get more beginners into paddling. 

“I hope it removes a barrier for people who want to do it,” Townsend said. “If it does that, then it’s a success.”