11/05/2026
FYI! Fun family race this weekend in New Braunfels!
Hi Everyone, quick message from Heather, one of the founders of Kanu Rennen. in 2013, Holly Orr and I dreamed about how we could build the next generation of canoe racers and river stewards. She grew up with a canoe race dedicated to the same effort (Dickinson Bayou Brawl), and it had been dormant for a few years at that point. I also wanted to bring a paddling focus to my hometown of New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River. We joined forces and hosted the very first Kanu Rennen and maintained it for years, as single moms, passionate about supporting our children and other’s children in a sport and community we love.
Over the years we both become very busy with our careers and our families and along the way we collected David Kaiser, who was passionate about the same outcome we were. Although Holly and David have moved on to Texas Water Safari board, we remain committed and passionate about getting people out on the river and developing generation. Like Holly and David, I serve on multiple boards focused on protecting river recreation and conservation, both of which are very busy in the fall. So while my passion and commitment are maintained, my capacity for juggling everything that I love has become increasingly difficult. I apologize for the lack of communication and the absence of Kanu Rennen in 2025, but I’m excited to host it again in 2026.
Please know that this is a completely volunteer run event, with no profit. The three co-race directors have supported this opportunity out of our own pockets over the past 14 years. We are also blessed with the support of a few incredible sponsors! We could not have ever held this race without Paddle With Style! Our entire community has benefitted from the paddling lessons, ice packs, spray skirts and canoe rentals that Holly and her team provide. Each year, Paddle With Style donates a full trailer of recreational canoes so that there is no barrier for entry based on equipment. I am ecstatic to introduce Good News PT as a new sponsor this year. They are providing some super cool medals for all the children who participate. Doctors Amanda and Taylor Kurtz have been my physical therapists for nearly 3 years now and they have helped me restore my nervous system and spinal health allowing me to compete and perform daily living at a more optimal level. If you were at the Safari finish line this year, you likely met Taylor, as he helped as many racers out of the water. My new insurance agency, Handcrafted Insurance Solutions is a sponsor as well, replacing the years of support Wendell Smith’s former Allstate agency provided.
