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 glide through bay systems in clear, Texas-built kayaks illuminated by a proprietary multicolor LED lighting system, transforming the water below into a glowing world of wonder. Each kayak features the advanced GlowRow® 3.0 lighting system, engineered in-house to produce an impressive 20,000 lumens, and can switch to a blinking SOS beacon in case of emergency. Outfitted with USCG-compliant safety gear, including flare kits, every kayak also comes equipped with the only patented GlowPaddles® in the world. Together, the glowing kayaks and paddles cast vibrant colors into the water, revealing stingrays, jellyfish, and other marine life in dazzling detail.

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's tours now span 14 Texas locations from Corpus Christi and North Padre Island to Galveston and Canyon Lake. As of 2025, Zack and team have launched their first franchise in Kerrville, marking the beginning of a national expansion. GlowRow also has a partnership with Doc’s Seafood & Steaks, 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 ages 18 and up. The tours are BYOB, with safety measures in place to ensure responsible drinking. To enjoy a drink during the tour, there must be two participants per boat, with one serving as the designated paddler. Reservations are recommended at least a day in advance, though the team does its best to accommodate last-minute bookings to help guests enjoy the full GlowRow® experience.

GlowRow has gained widespread recognition for its unique and immersive adventures, earning several notable awards, including:

Attraction of the Year (2023) – Texas State Tourism
Best of the Best Destination in North America (2023) – ABA Magazine
Experience of the Year (2024) – Texas State Tourism
Innovative Experience of the Year (2025) – Travel & Hospitality Awards (UK-based)
Nomination Leader of Adventure Tours (2025) – World Travel Awards (UK-based, World Recognition)
Nomination Best Kayak Tour (2025) – USToday Readers’ Choice
Tourism Champion of the Year (2024) – awarded to GlowRow® guide Keagan Wood
Over 27,000 adventurers from around the world have experienced the glow!

Zack has ambitious plans for GlowRow's future. With a team of 17 guides and a nationwide expansion effort underway, he continues to use 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.