Why More Texans Are Taking To The Water This Summer

I'll never forget one of my first real paddling adventures.

The weekend after graduating high school, several of my marching band and drama friends loaded up our cars before sunrise and headed to Possum Kingdom Lake for one last adventure together.

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At some point during the day, I climbed into a kayak and paddled out into the middle of the lake by myself. The water was calm, the sun was shining, and before long, I made a rookie mistake.

I fell asleep.

About 30 to 40 minutes later, I woke up floating under the blazing Texas sun with one of the worst sunburns I've ever had.

I remember paddling back to shore and saying, "I'm never doing that again."

Of course, I eventually did.

Paddling Continues To Grow In Popularity

Back when I was growing up, most of us called it kayaking or canoeing.

Today, many people simply call it paddling, and it seems more Texans than ever are discovering just how relaxing it can be to spend a few hours on the water.

My two daughters couldn't be more different. One is in her early 20s and the other is in her mid-30s. Their personalities are complete opposites, yet they both share a love for paddling.

As for me, I can still handle a canoe, kayak, or small boat if I need to. These days, though, I'm just as happy sitting on the shoreline enjoying the view.

Texas Adds Five New Paddling Trails

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is helping fuel that growing interest by opening five new paddling trails on Lewisville Lake in Highland Village.

The new trails add approximately eight miles of designated paddling routes and bring the statewide Texas Paddling Trails program to 96 official trails.

The new routes include the Pilot Knoll Loop, Lakeside to Copperas Branch, Pilot Knoll to Sunset Point, Lakeside Park Loop, and Sunset Point to Lakeside trails. Paddlers can choose from shorter trips lasting around 30 minutes or spend half a day exploring the lake.

More Than Just A Paddle

The Hickory Creek Arm of Lewisville Lake offers more than scenic views.

Anglers can target largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, white bass, and striped bass, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot great blue herons, egrets, kingfishers, swallows, mallards, and other native Texas wildlife.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the trails were developed through a partnership with the City of Highland Village and are designed to give Texans another way to enjoy the outdoors.

A Texas Tradition Worth Trying

Whether you call it kayaking, canoeing, or paddling, getting out on the water remains one of the best ways to experience Texas.

Just remember one thing I learned the hard way at Possum Kingdom all those years ago:

Don't fall asleep in the middle of the lake.

Read More: Experience Summer Joy At Abilene's Adventure Cove Water Park