I just got back home from a week with the Safari. No, not a competitor, not nearly nuts enough, but still mixed up in it pretty thoroughly in other ways. It is billed as "the world's toughest canoe race" not because it's 265 miles long - there are longer paddle races - but because of the numerous portages and other very obnoxious hazards that must be negotiated in the course. Search Texas Water Safari on Youtube sometime for some good clean entertainment. Also see www.texaswatersafari.org .

The layup you decide on will have a lot to do with your strategy/mentality: some go for max bombproof and accept the extra weight, others go for ultra light weight risk punctures, etc. Plenty of ultra lightweight kevlar boats finish every year along with the stouter graphite tanks. I think the SOF idea has extremely intriguing possibility. I agree with Bill Hamm's comments to a tee - kevlar's a royal PITA, S-glass is my choice.

Might consider joining a forum dedicated to the TWS, like paddle24seven.com and ask these questions there where plenty of direct experience may be offered. Also feel free to write me for particulars at ngc704 @ aol.com (remove the spaces).