Paddle SMTX, San Marcos

Some would argue the best way to view wildlife is from a boat, others would say from inside a bush wearing camouflage. The tour guides at Paddle SMTX, however, assert that the best way is under the stars while atop a standup paddle board (SUP) in the water. And that's just what they do during glow tours, during which they equip each participant with a glow stick and an LED light kit, which attaches to the bottom of their SUP to lend the surrounding water a prismatic and fluorescent glow. The guides use this psychedelic luminescence, along with the moon and stars, to guide paddling groups through the San Marcos River during fun and unique expeditions, pointing out wildlife and wild rice grass along the way.

Of course, leading nocturnal glow tours is just one part of what the guides do here. They also lead daytime SUP trips through the San Marcos, as well as lead paddle board yoga classes on the river. And for those who yearn for a little more self-directed fun, they even offer half- and full-day SUP rentals sans guides.

Stand up paddle boarding (aka SUP) is the fastest growing recreational water sport in America. Paddleboarding is an amazing full-body workout that improves your core strength, cardio fitness, balance, and flexibility with virtually no impact. It is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy nature, so it hardly feels like exercise. Even though paddleboarding is a total-body workout, people of all ages and fitness levels can try the sport. One of the best places to paddleboard is right here in beautiful San Marcos, Texas.