Floating The River

During the hot summer in Texas, hundreds and thousands of students, family, and friends drive to San Marcos or New Braunfels to go float the river with a tube in tow full of your favorite beverages (i.e. beer). Located off Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio are many Texas Rivers offering tubing, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing.

Two of the most popular rivers are the Guadalupe River and the Comal River. The Guadalupe River is the most popular river for tubing with multiple places to tube and plenty of outfitters. The Comal River, 3 miles in length, is said to be the shortest river in Texas and flows into the Guadalupe River. Each river is slow and easy to float with a few short chutes and rapids, nothing to worry about.

Depending on the water elevation and flow, the float time can be anywhere from 2-5 hours. This year water elevation is back up and should be better than last year. Be careful if you bring sunglasses and cameras. There is always a chance your tube may flip over in the rapids.

There are some rules that you need to follow. The most important ones are no glass and no coolers larger than 16 quarts. Most outfitters will allow you to rent cooler tubes.

If you are looking for something to do this summer or entertain visitors, this is the place to be. Always remember to bring sun block and lots of cold beverages.