We wanted to kayak when we were staying in Bryan, Texas, and never had the chance. While staying in San Antonio, we placed kayaking the San Antonio River near the top of our list. While researching floats, we learned that non-motorized watercraft are allowed in only three areas of the Riverwalk. After reviewing the floating trails, we decided on the King William Paddling Trail.
Setting up the kayak and launching
On a hot Monday morning, with our Sea Eagle in the back of the Subaru, we drove to the boat launch off E. Guenther St, near the San Antonio River Authority. We were hoping to park there to unload, but the ramp was not open for cars. Instead, we parked in the nearest lot and carried our Sea Eagle and other gear across the street.
After placing our kayak at the end of the ramp and setting up to inflate, the sun’s ray soon sent us back up the ramp, seeking the nearest shade. We quickly inflated the seats and kayak, secured our gear and pushed off into the river.
We started paddling south, towards the E. Guenther St. bridge, which is visible from the launch. Going under the bridge, we soon floated past the historic Pioneer Flour Mills.
Along the way, we saw balconies attached to the river wall, with chairs for enjoying the view.
Continuing to paddle, we soon saw the markers near S. Alamo St. bridge, signifying the end of this portion of the trail.
Approaching the S. Alamo St. Bridge 
No Watercraft Beyond This Point
Turning around and paddling north
Steering our kayak around, we paddled back towards and then past the boat launch. It was sunny and hot, but we enjoyed floating the slow-moving river, watching the changing scenery.
Continuing north, we floated under the Johnson Street Pedestrian Bridge. This truss bridge offers excellent views and allows walkers the option to climb the stairs to the street level and cross over to the other side of the river walk.
Enjoying the view and relaxing
It was almost noon, and people on their lunch breaks were enjoying the River Walk. We received a few strange looks. Not sure if they hadn’t seen an inflatable kayak before or if they thought we were crazy to be paddling in the late summer heat.
We enjoyed seeing parts of the city and the river that we would not have seen otherwise. The vines along the walls are so dense in this portion of the river.
We saw various species of waterfowl during our time on the river. Most of them were camera shy and flew away before we floated near enough to take a picture. This blue heron was the exception.
Reaching the E. Nueva St. Dam
The information we located about the paddling trail indicated that it is a mile and a half long. We believe that is the distance from the S. Alamo St. Bridge, where we turned around, to the dam at E. Nueva St. We stopped there for a while, taking pictures and videos and resting before paddling back to the launch site.
Floating back to the launch
When we usually float a river, we take-out at the end. We enjoyed paddling back the way we came to get a different perspective and take some pictures from that point of view.
Trees along the San Antonio River 
Pioneer Flour Mills in the distance 
Arsenal Bridge
About one in the afternoon, we approached the launch. By the time we had everything loaded back in the car, we were drenched in sweat. It was time to drive back to Fort Sam Houston to walk the dogs and clean up.
After cleaning up, we explored the base a bit, picked up a few groceries, and just relaxed. The next day we visited Natural Bridge Caverns and the remaining four missions. If you would like to receive an email when that post is ready, complete the Subscribe section below.
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