I grew up canoeing and camping, but it wasn’t until I was 18 and entered the 260-mile Texas Water Safari with my brother that I truly fell in love with paddling. I loved the adventure, pushing my limits, and being immersed in nature. We learned through the paddling school of hard knocks, but a few experienced paddlers took us under their wing and shared their knowledge. Little did I know how much those experiences would shape my life.
When I was one of the youngest racers, a mentor told me, “Little girl, they don’t have anything you don’t have other than time in the boat. Get your butt in the boat and you will beat them.” Those words stuck with me. Encouragement from others led me to racing ultra distance throughout the country, followed by teaching and guiding. Through the American Canoe Association (ACA), I found a way to become a better instructor and carry that mentorship forward.
In the 1970s, Tom Goyens started San Marcos’s first local canoe rental business. He sold it to TG Canoes and Kayaks, who carried that tradition forward for more than 30 years. Years later, when the TG family and local outfitters were ready to retire, they shared their knowledge and helped me learn how to build a paddling business around family life. Today, I’m privileged to carry on that tradition. Three generations remain friends, connected by the river and a lasting legacy of mentorship.
In 2022, a tornado destroyed most of my canoe and kayak fleet. The paddling community came to my rescue. Local outfitters offered equipment, paddlers spent countless hours cleaning up and salvaging boats, and paddlers across the country donated funds to help rebuild. Their generosity was humbling and deeply touching. I never doubted this community, but that experience reminded me how fortunate I am to be part of it. Today, my kids and I still love the San Marcos River. We enjoy paddling crazy-long ultra marathon canoe races that test our grit. Paddling teaches resilience: how to adapt, keep going, and support one another when things get hard.
For me, paddling is more than a sport or career. It’s a community, a lifelong adventure, and a gift to pass on to the next generation. The ACA helps carry that legacy forward by promoting paddling education, safety, stewardship, and a community of paddlers who share their knowledge and passion for the water.
About the Author
Holly Orr of Kinsgbury, Texas, is a member of Texas Canoe and Kayak Racing Association and an ACA Instructor, Instructor Trainer, and Community Paddlesports Leader. Her favorite style of paddling is ultra-distance and her favorite place to paddle is the Buffalo River and San Marcos River. Her boat of choice, a Wenonah J193 or Spencer 4-Man Canoe.
This story is published as part of the 2026 ACA Story Project, a month-long collection of stories written by ACA members. Without opportunity, these stories wouldn’t exist. That’s what the ACA does. Through education, stewardship, competition, and club support, we create opportunities for paddlers of all abilities. Your gift helps write the next chapter. Help us raise $25,000 by December 1 for the next paddler, and the one after that.
