Beat the heat: Float the river

After hearing so much about this popular southern Texas summertime activity, I finally had my first float down the Comal in New Braunfels one hot June day.

Floating the river (or tubing) is usually done on the Comal or Guadalupe in an oversized inner tube or raft. Most people get a cooler for drinks, put it in another tube, and tie it to one of the tubers. Then the entire party latches on to the cooler tube flotilla-style and sits back for a relaxing time.

Loving: all of it; the sun, the water, people watching, being outdoors, spending time with friends, relaxation… I could go on.

Not loving: … I’ll be honest here; floating combines the aspects of Texas that I love most (see list above), so I have absolutely nothing to complain about. If I could, I would float the river every day.

And did I mention the tube chutes? Nothing like a little whitewater action and the potential to lose your beer to liven up your float trip.

If you don’t have your own tubes, you will need to rent from an outfitter. We went with Texas Tubes, which charged $11 per tube. And if you plan to bring a cooler of beer and refreshments (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll need to pay a little extra for a special cooler tube with a covered bottom. Also, don’t forget to bring the necessary supplies; plan ahead to save yourself a headache later.

The 4-hour tube trip down the Comal was a little bit of Texas heaven. Can’t wait to hit up the Guadalupe next!