Meet Zack Jurasek

FOUNDER OF GLOWROW, LLC

Zack Jurasek, the innovative mind behind GlowRow, has always been captivated by the beauty of the water at night. His childhood memories of floundering with his parents, using a gas lantern and a floundering gig to explore the aquatic nightlife, laid the foundation for what would become a unique nighttime kayaking experience.  

“I wanted to bring the imagination and fascination behind what I experienced as a child to everyone else," Zack explains. 

At GlowRow, participants can explore the bay systems in clear kayaks illuminated by customizable LED lights, revealing the hidden wonders of the water. The colors – pink, green, and more – bring stingrays, jellyfish, and other marine life into vibrant view.  Since its inception on March 1, 2022, GlowRow has grown rapidly. Zack's dedication to creating a unique experience has led to an expansion from 20 to 40 mobile clear kayaks, and a total of 68 in their fleet, with plans to double its capacity soon. Operating from 10 different launch locations across Texas, including San Antonio, Canyon Lake, Austin, Galveston, Port O'Connor, Corpus Marina, North Padre, and Port Aransas, GlowRow is on the brink of becoming the largest kayak tour operator in the state. His commitment to innovation extends to every aspect of the GlowRow experience. The kayaks and paddles are specifically designed to illuminate the water around the boat, ensuring that the focus remains on the surrounding aquatic world. 

“It’s there to exhibit and really highlight the world around you instead of just what’s going on inside of the kayak," he explains. 

This adventure is perfect for a fun excursion or a date night. The tours are sold on a per-seat basis, with two seats per kayak. Many participants opt to purchase both seats to enjoy the entire kayak, and the tours vary in duration, ranging from an hour and 15 minutes to two hours, depending on the location. GlowRow also has a partnership with Doc’s Seafood, which has added an extra dimension to the experience, offering group packages that include dinner and drinks, perfect for date nights and anniversaries. 

Zack's vision goes beyond just providing a tour. The company’s motto is turning fear into fascination, and by doing this, Zack has created an experience that resonates deeply with participants. Humor also plays a key role in the GlowRow experience. The tours often feature floating pool sharks anchored near the launch ramp, a playful nod to common fears. Guides share dad jokes and fun facts, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that helps participants relax and enjoy the adventure. Educational elements are woven into the tours, with guides sharing historical facts and encouraging guests to interact with marine life, such as holding jellyfish or having a fish catapult onto your lap during your ride. 

One memorable moment for Zack was a mother-daughter kayaking trip where the mother, initially nervous, was moved to tears when dolphins appeared during their ride. He recalls how it was the mother's lifelong dream to paddle with the dolphins and being able to bring that experience to someone and witness their enjoyment is incredibly special to Zack. 

GlowRow’s tours are designed for participants aged 18 and up at all locations except for Rockport Little Bay, where the minimum age is 13 due to the controlled atmosphere. The tours are BYOB, with safety measures in place to ensure responsible drinking. In order to enjoy a drink on their tour, there must be two participants per boat, with one being the designated paddler. Reservations are recommended at least a day in advance, but the team strives to accommodate last-minute bookings, when possible, to make sure the experience is enjoyed at full capacity. 

Looking ahead, Zack has ambitious plans for GlowRow. With a team of 17 guides and a nationwide expansion effort underway, franchise opportunities will open in 2025. Through GlowRow, Zack has used his passion and creativity to create a unique experience in the Gulf Coast Capital that captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impact on all who embark on this luminous journey.