Between 500 and 600 paddlers of varying experience levels will take over Houston's prime waterway for a 15-mile race to downtown's Sesquicentennial Park at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's 38th annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta Saturday morning.

The regatta is Texas' biggest kayak and canoe race, and brings together dozens of types of boats in seven divisions. More than 350 boats competed last year.

If you want to see the ultra-fast, competitive boats travel down the bayou, grab a spot on one of the bridges early — the competitive rowers start first from San Felipe and Voss at 9 a.m. These vessels make the race in about 1 hour and 40 minutes; most boats average around 3 hours. Good watch points include the bridge at 610 and Woodway, the Sabine Street bridge and Bayou Bend pedestrian bridge.

Only about 25 percent of the participants are avid racers, says Trudy Smith, director of public relations and events. The rest are just out to enjoy the scenery and what promises to be agreeable weather.

Amateurs needn't worry because the Houston Canoe Club provides "sweepers" to bring up the rear and keep an eye on the laggards. Longtime sweeper Frazier Baker says most folks just need a few tips to keep their boat straight; he spends much of the race weaving through the wobblers and offering advice. He does have some stories, though. One year, he remembers a father who was so set on winning the prize for "most significant trash" (rowers are encouraged to grab litter) that he risked his visibility and nearly his child trying to row a giant piece of debris to the finish line.

Although he's never had to pull anyone out, Baker says he knows other sweepers who have. Tales of Guiness Book-worthy sunburns and paddling in circles abound. This year, seven sweepers will divide into five boats to keep the race running smoothly.

Our own Fayza Elmostehi will be making her boat race debut, hopefully without the assistance of the sweeping team. If you'd like to join in, registration is open until race time at 9 a.m.