Ready To 'Tube' The Rivers?

If you are going to join us for a refreshing, fun ride down the Comal or Guadalupe River here are some tips.

The Comal River is the shortest river in Texas. It is spring fed, very clean, and 68F year in and year out. Cool, but refreshing! There are 3 tube shoots... and they are LOTS of fun - and suitable for everyone. Kids do need life jackets for extra safety. We even have family dogs enjoying the ride!

The Guadalupe River is also fun to tube. It comes from Canyon Lake and winds its way through Gruene and into New Braunfels. The Guadalupe has rocks, and runs much faster. Adults and children both need life jackets. You need to rent a tube with a hard bottom in it to tube this river.

Here are some places you can rent tubes from.

Rockin 'R' River Rides
1405 Gruene Rd.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 629-9999

Gruene River Co.
1404 Gruene Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 625-2800

Corner Tubes
120 S. Liberty Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-6687

Texas Tubes
250 Meusebach
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 626-9900

Landa Falls
120 Landa Street
New Braunfels, TX 78131
Phone: (830) 627-1440

Or you can buy them from our WalMart here and fill them up for free at most gas stations. My family and I like the tubes that have backs and mesh bottoms in them. They also come with cup holders and handles. You can also buy a blow-up cooler that floats very well. Be sure and get some nylon rope to tie everyone together. NOTE- you will need to tie an extra fastener over the top of the blow-up cooler. You don't want the contents to spill and float off without you when you go over the chutes or falls. You will need to untie everyone to go through the tube chutes!

My family and I like Landa Falls the best. It is the longest float on the Comal. You start from the Wurstfest building in Landa Park. It is very reasonable at only $10.00 if you own your own tube. The $10.00 includes parking and the ride back to their parking lot from the last river exit. There is not parking anywhere near the last river exit on Union Street.

If you don't want to spring for the $10.00, and own your own tube, you can still enjoy the Comal River. Locals go to Prince Solms Park and float from steps to steps for free. There are beautiful places to picnic there also. Get there early to get a table and a outdoor grill, or take your blanket to spread. There is limited parking at the Tube Chute, but locals park in the lots at the back of the Wurstfest building and walk the short walk to Prince Solms Park. Be aware that there are no open alcohol containers allowed in the park, but you can open them on the river.

You can get a $5.00 pass to the Tube Chute and ride the first two chutes as many times as you want. Really the best buy for a day at the river!

Words of Warning:

1. One cooler per person on the river and maximum size is 16 quart. There are floating law enforcement on the river, and they DO check.

2. Private property laws are strictly enforced. If you get out of the river on private property the law officers WILL arrest you. So stay on the river and enjoy the float!

TIPS:

1. Look for discount coupons if you are going to use one of the river outfitters.

2. The steps at Prince Solms Park are slippery with algae. Hold onto the rails to enter and exit the river.

3. If you go all the way down to the last get-out on Union Street, be sure and grab the rail to ease out of the river. It is much easier and you have more control over your tube. Hold onto kids and tubes by their tie on ropes until you get out. It has been my experience that there are many helping hands to help you get out and with your tubes. People are just so nice. If you have a chance, help someone back - it is just good manners.

4. Be sure and wear water shoes. The pavement outside on the street is HOT.

5. Do use a net bag for a trash bag. There are trash barges along so you can empty your trash bag, or wait until the get-out. There are large trash cans there.
6. Do apply sunscreen before and during your float! South Texas sun is surprisingly strong.
7. Be ready to let your cares and concerns just float away as you enjoy your leisurely trip down our beautiful rivers!