Tips & Checklist

River Tubing Checklist & Safety Tips for Comal River Tubing 

*Scroll down to see the Tubing Safety Tips!
View of Clemens Dam and the New Braunfels Tube Chute on the Comal River from the San Antonio Street Bridge with Texas Tubes

River Tubing Checklist

  • This is the Biggest and most Important Tip we can give you:
    "Know Before You Go so you can make informed decisions during your Float Trip!"     Texas Tubes' Website is loaded with a lot of valuable information to help y'all     prepare for your float trip and to help y'all STAY SAFE on the river, and to have the most FUN and best time possible, and to help y'all avoid any surprises that could put a damper on your float trip. Please take the time to look over the New Braunfels River Rules page, and the following Tips and Checklist below, then go to our Video Gallery or to our YouTube Channel and watch the following 3 short Videos: 1) How To Shoot The Tube Chute or Walk Around It Guide (length 4:19) this video is especially important for anyone with kids and weak swimmers, but it has valuable information for everyone, 2) Can Ban Options (How To Guide) New Braunfels (length 3:44) this video let's you know what you can bring and what you cannot bring on the Comal River, and 3) Virtual Tour Of Comal River Tubing (length 2:39), this video provides an overall view of what to expect on your float trip from start to finish! Just 10 to 15 minutes of your time can yield a fantastic and safe float trip, that you will be talking about with all your friends and family back home! Thank you! Texas Tubes
  • Bring Cash, Credit Card, Drivers License or a valid photo ID (for your Tube Deposit). We accept: Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex, Apple Pay & Cash
  • Wear Secure Water Shoes, (we can't stress how important this is!) protect your feet from sharp objects - Please, do NOT wear Flip Flops, they fall off or slip off your feet easily in the rapids, leaving your feet unprotected. Quite a few people decide to go barefoot on their float trip, which could prove to be a big mistake, besides being vulnerable to sharp objects, concrete and asphalt get extremely hot and can severely burn your feet. Don't let an injury to your feet ruin your fun day on the river, wear secure footwear and avoid the Emergency Room! Bottom line: protect your feet and be happy!
  • Sunblock (High SPF) & White T-shirt in case you begin to burn, as well as Lip Balm (High SPF)
  • Hat, Cap, Bandana / Headscarf
  • Sunglasses with floatable neckband
  • Floatable neckband for all other Eyewear (especially expensive ones)
  • Bring plenty of "drinking water" in Non-Disposable Sport Bottles or a Non-Disposable Jug, stay hydrated (Alcohol does not hydrate)
  • One 30 quart cooler or smaller is allowed per person, all coolers must have a locking mechanism on the lid to prevent spillage into the river. Don't forget Ice for your cooler! "Twice The Ice Locations" have the best price for Ice, but just in-case you forget to bring Ice, Texas Tubes sells bags of Ice for your convenience.
  • No Glass,Foam, or Styrofoam is allowed on Texas Rivers (State Law). Yeti and other expensive coolers are not recommended on the river because of their value, if left unattended, they may get stolen. Texas Tubes is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings, personal items or private equipment.
  • Bring your favorite beverages in Non-Disposable containers, (Alcohol is Legal), however, there is a "Can Ban and River Rules" on the Comal River. Note: Alcohol can impair your ability to swim, so please drink responsibly to stay safe! Watch our YouTube Video about "Can Ban Options & (How To Guide)" to learn more about Containers you can and cannot bring on the Comal River. (Texas Tubes sells 64 oz. Flip-top Drinking Jugs for $15 each at our Rental Counter!)
  • For Snacks, Energy Bars, and all food items, you must remove the disposable throw-away wrappers and repackage your food in Non-Disposable / reusable containers, like Tupperware, etc., Note: Ziploc baggies or any type of plastic baggies are considered "Disposable" and are not allowed on the Comal river.
  • Everything Will Get Wet! Bring Non-Disposable Waterproof containers for Cell Phones and any items that need to stay dry while on the river. Examples of Waterproof Containers to bring: (Tupperware, Mr. Lid, Dry bags, etc.)
    (Do not bring Ziploc or Plastic Baggies, these items are considered "disposable", and have been banned on the Comal River) Note: It's better not to take your Cell Phone on the River and risk losing it, but if you do take it on the river, make sure you keep it safe, it's a nightmare when you lose your cell phone! Please, take only what you will need for your river adventure. Leave your jewelry and valuables at home. If you are already at the river and have valuables you don't want to take on the river, hide them in your vehicle and make sure they are well hidden. 
    Rule of Thumb: Don’t bring anything on the river you’re not willing to lose.
  • Lost & Found: If you have lost something of value while Tubing on the Comal River, click on the following links to see if any of your item(s) have been found:
    1) (Comal River Lost and Found) Facebook Group
    2) (Comal River, Guadalupe River, & San Marcos River Lost & Found recovery Divers) Facebook Group
    3) (Comal Chris's Underwater Property Recovery) Recovery Diver for hire on Facebook
    4) The City of New Braunfels has a new Scannable QR Code to help people file a report for any lost property. Click or Tap here to scan the QR Code to file your "Lost Property Report". If at anytime your property is found or turned in, the City of New Braunfels will contact you!
    Tip:     The river is huge, so it's very important to remember the spot where you think you lost your item(s), look for landmarks to remember the spot or area, also ask your friends and family to help you remember the spot... if they have a cell phone or camera, ask them to take a photo of the spot you think you lost your valuable(s), this will be very important information for Recovery Diver(s) so they know where to start looking. However, it best to avoid the pain in the first place and by not bringing any valuables on the river!
  • Don't Bring Your Cell Phone On The River! Instead, bring a waterproof camera or bring a "Burner Phone with a Camera! Why? Sadly, we hear "I LOST MY CELL PHONE IN THE RIVER!" all too often from customers who took their cell phones tubing with them and accidentally lost their cell phone in the river, and as soon as they realize their phone is gone they instantly go into PANIC MODE! For many people, their entire life is on their cell phone and it's a super devasting feeling when you realize the impact of your loss! All your favorite photos and precious memories, all your contacts, friends, family, and important phone numbers for work, investments, etc., plus volatile personal information such as your social security number, home address, DL number, credit card info, banking, and financial info... the list is huge of all the delicate, private, and precious data people keep on their cell phones, and now it's GONE and possibly in the wrong hands! First of all, Texas Tubes recommends you DON'T take your precious cell phone or any valuables on the river with you, leave your cell phone and other valuables hidden in your vehicle, or in a locker, the risk is NOT worth it! That said, people will continue to take their cell phones on the river no matter what we say, so they can take photos and videos, interact on social media, talk to their friends and family while tubing, etc..., and psychologically because cell phones have become another appendage to their body, it would be like leaving a leg or arm behind! When you lose your cell phone in the river, it immediately SINKS to the bottom of the river and if you didn't notice when and where you lost your phone, then you don't have a starting point to begin your search, you're clueless! Tracking Apps won't work underwater and many cell phones are NOT waterproof and will become damaged almost immediately, making it difficult to retrieve your important data from your damaged phone if by chance you do find it. You can start your search here with the following (Coming Soon: "Lost & Found Resources".)
  • Bring a change of clothing & towels once you're done tubing, you can use our Restrooms to change before and/or after your float trip. (Texas Tubes has a limited number of "Complimentary Lockers", however, if all Lockers are in use, then you should keep your dry change of clothing in your vehicle). Texas Tubes has Outdoors Showers and Clean Restrooms for your convenience. Bring an empty plastic bag for your "wet swimwear and towels".
  • Limited Complimentary Lockers are available at Texas Tubes: Texas Tubes has a limited number of "Complimentary Lockers" (located in front of our Restrooms), available based on a "first come, first serve basis". (Please speak to a staff member for Locker availability.) Lockers will open up throughout the day when customers with a Locker check out, so it is a good idea to ask our staff when checking in to see if any Lockers are available. If all Lockers are in use, we recommend that you do NOT take any valuables on the river, but instead, hide your valuables in your vehicle and make sure your valuables are well hidden and completely out of sight.
  • Plastic Trash Bags for wet swim suits, (keep the plastic Trash Bags in your vehicle) for your wet swim suits, after you're done tubing and swimming. Please do not bring Plastic Trash Bags on the river, leave them in your vehicle!
  • Waterproof Camera (Optional)
  • First Aid Kit (keep in your vehicle)
  • Medications, EpiPens, etc., (if you must take these items on the river with you, keep them in a Non-Disposable/reusable waterproof container, but not in a plastic ziploc baggie... plastic baggies are considered disposable and are banned on the Comal river)
  • Tell someone where you are going, make a Plan: (destinations: Texas Tubes, Restaurants, Bars, Hotel, Campground, etc.), list the people you will be with, names & phone numbers, and an estimated return time back home.  
  • Children must be 4 yrs. old or older to go tubing at Texas Tubes and all children 8 years and younger should wear a Life Jacket on the river. Life Jackets are complimentary for all Texas Tubes customers upon request. Please watch our YouTube Video on Life Jacket Tips, River Safety Tips, and How To Go Through the Tube Chute or Walk Around the Tube Chute with your Kids if you don't want to go through the Tube Chute.  Tip: It is recommended that you bring your own Life Jacket for small kids that fit them well and are comfortable. Life Jackets at Texas Tubes are generic and may not fit a small child as well or as comfortably as your own personal Life Jacket.
  • Map out your driving directions, pit-stops for gas, Ice, food, restrooms, sun-block, etc., before leaving home.
  • Check our local "New Braunfels Weather Forecast" before leaving home, call us if you're unsure: 830-626-9900
  • Designate a driver if you’re drinking alcohol, make a plan beforehand. If you don't have a designated driver or can't find one, consider calling and using Uber or Lyft. Please DON'T Drive if you've been drinking Alcohol.
  • Goggles & Snorkel (Optional), it's more gear to lug around, but it can be a lot of fun too. People lose things in the river all the time, so others go snorkeling for treasures. If you find an item that has a way to return it to it's rightful owner, you should do so. For those who wear contacts, swim goggles offer a way to see underwater without losing your contacts.
  • Have Fun! Carpe diem - Seize the Day!

Safety Tips for Comal River Tubing and The Tube Chute

  • CHILDREN must be 4 years old or older and should be accompanied by an adult at all times for tubing on the river at Texas Tubes. Adults should stay close to their children at all times and children should be watched constantly for their safety. We also highly recommend that you always go tubing with 2 or more people to keep an eye on each other and act as a “buddy system” in case help is needed. Life jackets are recommended for all children ages 8 years and younger, as well as for all weak swimmers, inexperienced swimmers, non-swimmers and anyone with physical limitations. Texas Tubes strongly recommends that all Non-swimmers and anyone who is afraid of the river should NOT go tubing or get in the river, you will be putting yourself in harms way and you will not have any fun if you are stressed out and afraid of the river. There are NO LIFEGUARDS, enter the river at your own risk. In regards to the Tube Chute... if you do not want to go through the Tube Chute, you have the choice to get out of the river with your tube before you enter the Tube Chute and walk around the Tube Chute on the sidewalk and then get back in the river below the Tube Chute. IMPORTANT: You must get out of the river BEFORE you enter the Tube Chute and walk around the Tube Chute, if you enter the Tube Chute, you will have no choice but to go through it. Please watch our YouTube Video on How To Go Through the Tube Chute or How To Walk Around the Tube Chute... we also cover Life Jacket Tips and River Safety Tips... it is a "Must Watch Video" before coming to the river with your Kids. Regarding the 2nd Tube Chute: About 100 yards below the Main Tube Chute, there is a smaller Tube Chute, which you can walk around as well, and then get back in the river below the 2nd Tube Chute to continue your float trip. There are No Lifeguards on duty, use caution and common sense, and think safety first! Texas Tubes reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, at anytime, for any reason. IMPORTANT! Comal river tubing, swimming and river activities have both inherent and unknown risks and dangers. These include, but are not limited to, injury or loss of life. There are No Lifeguards and you will be on your own, use caution, common sense, and think safety first! Any body of water can be unsafe at any level. Use caution and judgment at all times. Enter the River at your own Risk. One last item of concern, make sure your children are wearing secure footwear to protect their feet from sharp objects and from the flaming hot pavement. Please do not let your children go barefoot! Thank you!
  • Buddy System: This merits repeating, anytime you enter a body of water to go tubing, swimming, canoeing, rafting, etc... it's always better to do these activities with 2 or more people so you can keep an eye on each other in case help is needed. If you are floating in a Group, it's not uncommon to be separated from your group, so decide with your group ahead of time if you will stay where you are or float to the end and meet at the Exit point. Communications with everyone in your group and a well laid out plan are very important for a fun and safe float trip. Tube Chute Safety Video: We recommend all Parents and Guardians watch our Tube Chute Safety Video that shows you step by step "How To Avoid The Tube Chute And Walk Around It" if you have young children who don't know how to swim, or who are weak swimmers, for their safety. Important: Enter the Comal River at your own Risk. River Tubing, swimming, and all other river activities have both inherent and unknown risks and dangers, which include, but are not limited to injuries, and/or drowning/loss of life. There are No Lifeguards, you will be own your own, so use caution, common sense, and think safety first! The Comal River has an uneven bottom with random drop-offs and deep spots, underwater obstructions, and slippery surfaces, especially on steps for entering and exiting the river, so please use the handrails when available. We highly recommend that all Children 8 years old and younger, as well as weak swimmers and non-swimmers wear life jackets while on the river. Children should always be accompanied by an adult who is watching over them for their safety. 
  • Alcohol Is Legal On The Comal River!  Yes, anyone of legal drinking age can drink alcohol while Tubing on the Comal River. Note: Alcohol can impair your ability to swim, so please drink responsibly to stay safe! The previous "Can Ban" ordinance is back again, so everyone must abide by the New Braunfels River Rules inside the city limits of New Braunfels. Disposable containers are illegal on the river and cooler size is restricted to 30 quarts or smaller and only 1 cooler per person is allowed. Watch our YouTube Video about"Can Ban Options & (How To Guide)" to learn more about Containers you can bring on the Comal River. Click here and here for Cooler examples. Please drink responsibly, if you get too drunk and out of control, you stand a good chance of getting arrested... so please use good judgment, drink responsibly, and have a good time. Keep it safe for everyone, plan ahead by having a designated sober driver or call Uber.
  • IMPORTANT!  Wear Secure and Protective Footwear such as: Aqua Shoes, Water Shoes, Tennis Shoes, or any other type of secure footwear to protect your feet from sharp rocks, broken glass, etc... PLEASE Do NOT wear Flip-Flops, they easily slide off your feet, leaving your feet completely unprotected, then you will be bumming out, especially if you step on something sharp and ruin your entire float trip! Avoid a trip to the Emergency Room, wear secure and protective water shoes and your feet will thank you! Note: No Glass is allow on the river for this very reason!
  • Wear a HAT, CAP, or VISOR and SUNGLASSES to help shield your face, eyes, and head from severe sunburn and the harmful UV rays of the sun. 
  • SUNBLOCK (High SPF) should be applied multiple times, both BEFORE and DURING your float trip(s) to protect your skin from painful sunburn and harmful UVA & UVB rays. Parents, make sure your kids have plenty of sunblock on through-out the day, water slowly removes sunblock from their skin, so reapply often to protect them from sunburn.
  • DRINK PLENTY OF WATER through-out the day to stay hydrated to prevent Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion. If you are drinking Alcohol, drink some water between each Alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. Regular plastic water bottles are considered "disposable containers" and are not allowed on the river, so bring plenty of drinking water in Non-Disposable / Reusable Sport Bottles, Cooler Jugs, Canteens, Hydration Backpacks, etc. Alcohol does not hydrate your body.
  • Secure All Expensive Prescription Eye Glasses, Sunglasses and Eyewear with a floatable safety neckband that attaches to your eye glasses. Floatable neckbands will prevent your glasses from sinking in case you tip over, allowing you a much better chance of recovering your glasses. Floatable eyewear neckbands are available at all major sporting goods stores and Amazon.
  • DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR KEYS OR VALUABLES ON THE RIVER WITH YOU as most items sink and are never found. Water damages electronics and other items that are not waterproof. DO NOT take electronic car keys and security remotes on the river, if they get wet, they won't work, and you'll be stranded and have to call a tow-truck. Leave your valuables at home or lock them in your vehicle well hidden. Please do not bring anything from your vehicle that you are not taking on the river with you. Note: Texas Tubes has a limited number of  lockers that are available on a "first come, first serve" basis, or you may get lucky and get a locker if someone is checking out and a locker opens up. Do not wear expensive jewelry, as necklaces and earrings will slip off or break, and magically disappear into the river. Water causes fingers to shrink, allowing expensive rings to slip off your fingers unnoticed... The only thing we will hold (as a courtesy) are your car keys, and they must be accompanied with your Photo I.D. If you decide you want Texas Tubes to hold your Keys, we will not be responsible for lost or misplaced keys. We only return keys left on hold to the person who matches the Photo the I.D., no other person will be able to get the Keys if they do not match the Photo I.D., even if they are in your group or party.
  • GLASS and STYROFOAM ARE ILLEGAL on all Texas Rivers (State Law) and can be confiscated with possible fines and/or arrest. Yeti and other expensive coolers are not recommended on the river because of their value, if left unattended, they may get stolen. Texas Tubes is not responsible for lost or stolen merchandise and/or personal items. Law Enforcement randomly checks Coolers for Glass and will also be looking for any Styrofoam items, so please do NOT bring any Glass or Styrofoam on the River. Thank You!
  • Wear Appropriate Clothing for Tubing & Swimming - IMPORTANT: DO NOT wear any clothing that will tangle and/or restrict your arms and legs and impair your ability to swim... such clothing becomes a drowning hazard. Wear light clothing (like a white T-shirt to prevent sunburn), and clothing/swimwear that allows your arms and legs to freely move to swim and a hat to shade your face and neck to stay cool. 
  • PARK ONLY in designated areas, cars in undesignated or no parking areas may be towed. Parking is free at 250 Meusebach St., however when the 250 Meusebach St. Parking Lot is Full, you will be directed by a Texas Tubes' parking attendant to one of our satellite parking lots which may have a charge to park.
  • Video: How To Get Into Your Tube In 7 Seconds! Simple and Easy!
  • PLEASE DO NOT LITTER! The main reason for the New Braunfels Can Ban is to prevent trash from getting into the River altogether. In years past, Outfitters used to give out free mesh trash bags to their customers for bagging their trash while tubing, but since there is a Ban on all Disposable Containers, Wrappers, and Packaging, it is not necessary to take a mesh trash bag on the river any longer. Everyone should be 100% Trash Free any time they get on the Comal River (Disposable Items of any type are considered Trash). Please dispose of any trash and/or disposable items you may have BEFORE getting on the River... and please dump all trash in designated receptacles. Help keep our Rivers, Parks and Texas beautiful. Please respect our great State of Texas by not Littering...  Don't Mess with Texas Rivers and Don't Mess with Texas! Thank You!
  • Be Alert, keep an eye on the Weather while Tubing! If the weather is bad, Texas Tubes will not open... as stated on our Homepage (Weather Permitting), however, if we are already open and then it begins to rain, we'll stop renting tubes if we become aware of any thunder and/or lighting until the threat has passed. If the weather suddenly changes to Thunder Storms while you are floating on the river, then get out of the river immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning and seek shelter... do not stay in the water or stand under trees in a lighting storm... if possible, seek shelter, like a carport, a patio with a overhang covering, a porch with an overhang, a gazebo, or stand next to a building on the side that protects you the most from the direction of the storm, go inside a business if possible, etc. The best thing to do before leaving home is to check our Local New Braunfels Weather at the: "Weather Underground", so you know what's going on weather-wise. You can always call us at 830-626-9900 before heading out as well.
  • Don't Tie Your Tubes together! Why? Because tying your tubes together creates a hazard for everyone tied together when going through rapids... if one person flips over, it could cause others to flip over, kinda like a chain reaction. Once you flip over, you could get tangled up in the rope or twine used to tie your Tubes together, causing serious injury or drowning!  Also on the Comal River, you may have trouble entering and going through the Tube Chute with multiple Tubes tied together in a cluster... and being tied together increases your chances of flipping over coming out of the Tube Chute when you hit the white water rapids and strong currents. One common way people stay attached to each other while tubing, is by hooking their feet on the other person's tube, which works quite well in calm water.... then when you approach any rapids, simply lift your feet off the other person's tube and you're ready for the rapids! NOTE: Texas Tubes DOES NOT HAVE OR PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF ROPE OR TWINE FOR CUSTOMERS!
  • Make a Float Trip Plan! Let family members and friends know where you are going Tubing, who you'll be with, what time you're leaving and what time you're coming back. Don't forget to leave the phone number(s), the Website and the name of the Outfitter and all the other places you will be going to. If your plans change, please update all who are concerned. If you are floating in a Group, it's not uncommon to be separated from your group, so decide with your group ahead of time if you will stay where you are or float to the end and meet at the Exit point, communications and a well laid out plan are very important.
  • If You Have a Medical Condition or You are Pregnant: People with Medical Conditions and Pregnant Women should consult their Doctor(s) before going tubing and subjecting themselves to lengthy exposure in the hot Texas Sun and possible sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke as well. River Tubing is an Outdoor Activity that can be strenuous on certain individuals with Medical Conditions or who are pregnant. The white water at the end of the Tube Chute is the most likely spot to flip out of your Tube, so we recommend that all pregnant women avoid the Tube Chute by exiting the river just before the Tube Chute and walk around it, here is a link to a video and slide show that shows you "How To Walk Around The Tube Chute". Please stay hydrated - drink plenty of water and follow your Doctor's orders! If you need to take your medications with you on the river, be sure and pack them in a water proof or water tight container and secure them in a safe place so you can take them at the proper intervals prescribed by your Doctor. Before getting on the River, please inform your family members and/or friends about your medical condition just in case if something should happen to you, they will be ready to act quickly to help you in case of an emergency!
  • Take Extra Safety Precautions To Avoid Heat Stroke While Tubing, Especially When Temperatures Hit Triple Digits: Extra caution and preventative safety steps should be taken to prevent HEAT STROKE while Tubing, especially for those over 50 and anyone with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, and high blood pressure. Some medications can increase the chances of heat stroke, so research your medications before you head to the river. It's super important to bring and drink plenty of water during your float trip to stay hydrated. If you think you are prone to heat stroke, we recommend you stay home. Drinking Alcohol and caffeine acts as a diuretic and can cause you to lose fluids, and in turn, cause dehydration. If you plan on drinking Alcohol, it's recommended to drink water between each Alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. If you've experienced heat stroke previously, you'll be more susceptible to heat stroke, you should stay home. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is one of the best ways to fend off heat stroke. Apply plenty of Sun Block with an SPF of 30 or higher before and during your float, along with bringing a large white T-shirt to put on in case you start to burn, remember, dark colors absorb more heat, so wear light-colored swimwear/clothing. If you start to feel ill from the heat, splash yourself with water and have someone fan you, but don't get in the river in case you faint. Look for a spot with shade to get out of the river and get out of the Sun to cool down, splash with more water and continue to get fanned, if you have ice packs, apply them to your neck, back, and armpits. If you continue to feel bad, find someone with a phone and call 911 to get medical aid, heat stroke can be very dangerous. A protective hat and sunglasses should be worn as well.
  • DOGS & Comal River Tubing: Texas Tubes is Dog Friendly! Dogs are welcome to go tubing on the Comal River and ride on a Texas Tubes shuttle with you, however, you are 100% completely responsible for the safety and well being of your dog at all times, including its behavior towards other people, and other dogs and/or other animals... all dogs must be on a leash. If your dog is aggressive, do not bring your dog to the river. Texas Tubes is not responsible for your dog(s) in any regard or manner. Not all dogs are suited for river tubing (some dogs are not good swimmers) and there may be unknown risks and dangers on the Comal River for dogs (and people), these include but are not limited to injury or loss of life for your dog. Know your dog's abilities and make your decisions accordingly... however, if you do not know your dog's swimming abilities, we highly recommend you buy a doggie life jacket for your dog to be on the safe side! PLEASE NOTE: Texas Tubes has a "NO REFUND POLICY", so if your dog doesn’t like River Tubing, there are NO REFUNDS! Many dogs have sharp claws and occasionally puncture their tube with their claws, because of this, there will be a $25 cash charge for your dog's tube should your dog puncture or lose its tube or if it gets stolen. Again, all dogs are required to be on a leash, per New Braunfels City Ordinance NO. 2014-58. Please do not leave your dog in your vehicle, vehicles become extremely hot and deadly for animals, so you CAN NOT leave your dog waiting in your vehicle while you float the river! During the summer, the pavement becomes flaming HOT! If your dog is dancing around next to you while you are waiting in line, or when you are getting your stuff ready for your float trip, there's a very good chance the pavement is too hot, and may be burning their paws. Hot pavement can blister and tear their skin off their paws! Rule of thumb, put the back of your hand on the pavement, if it’s too hot for your hand for more than 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog's paws! If your dog needs a life jacket, you need to bring one, Texas Tubes does not have life jackets for dogs. Dogs can get severely sunburned, so please bring a white doggy T-shirt to prevent sunburn. Also, you cannot use human sunblock on dogs, the chemicals in human sun block are harmful to your dog. Tip: We recommend that you avoid bringing your dog(s) tubing with you on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) during the prime tubing season, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend because of the crowds on the river. The best times to bring your dog(s) tubing with you is during the week, Monday through Friday, when there are less people on the river. Please be considerate and humane to your dog and observe their behavior for clues of their comfort levels and needs. Thank you! Texas Tubes
  • No Jumping from Bridges, it is illegal to do so. Trees, Cliffs and Rope Swings line the banks of the Comal River on Private Property. It is considered trespassing to enter someone's property without their permission and carries a fine. Many injuries and some deaths have occurred by people who were under the influence of alcohol and others who were not, either way, these individuals got so excited about jumping at one of these points, that they did not check to see how deep or shallow the water was, or if there were rocks or logs under the water they could not see. Please do not turn you fun-filled float trip into a tragedy by ignoring this warning.
  • What To Do In Case Severe Weather and/or Lighting Suddenly Rolls In: 
    If you see Lighting and/or if Severe Weather rolls in, get out of the River at your first opportunity and seek shelter, do not stay on the river if Lighting is present. Even if it's just a light rain with NO Lighting, (if your hear Thunder, there is definitely Lighting present somewhere) it's safer to get off the river as Lighting could develop at any moment... also a light rain shower could suddenly turn into heavy rain storm, which could cause dangerous Flash Flooding. Note: Do not stand under any trees as your "choice of shelter" when there is any Lighting present, as trees seem to attract Lighting and get hit by Lighting quite often. Even if Lighting appears to be far away, it has been reported that Lighting can travel up to 10 miles before it finds a "strike point", so if you can see Lighting, or hear Thunder, there is a chance it could strike anywhere near you, so don't take any chances and get off the river and seek safe shelter!
  • State of Texas Hands Free Cell Phone Ordinance: While this Tip has nothing to do with Tubing on the Comal River directly, it does impact Tourists and anyone else indirectly, who do not know about the "Texas Hands Free Cell Phone Ordinance" while they are driving "To or From" Texas Tubes in the State of Texas, so that is why we are including this Ordinance/Rule/Law with our Comal River Rules to alert you about this Ordinance and hopefully prevent you from getting a ticket or having an accident. The State of Texas has a Hands Free Cell Phone ordinance prohibiting the use of cell phones (and other devices) while operating a motor vehicle in the state of Texas (passengers are excluded from the ordinance). The ordinance also encompasses other hand-held wireless devices like PDAs, MP3 players, e-book readers, laptops, portable video game devices, GPS systems, and pagers. If you need to use your Cell Phone while driving, please use your Blue Tooth connection to talk "Hands Free" or put your cell phone on "Speaker" and talk "Hands Free"... whatever you do, do not hold your phone (or other Devices) in either hand while driving in the state of Texas. This Ordinance is highly enforced, so please be vigilant about using your cell phone "hands free" while driving to and from Texas Tubes... and please wear your seat-belts! Thank You!
  • Money Saving Tips! Be an early Bird! Arrive early in the morning (when we OPEN) at Texas Tubes during the prime tubing season, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, especially on Saturdays (busiest day of the week) to get FREE Parking right next to the river and beat the crowds! Once our main parking lot is full, then customers are directed by our Staff to satellite parking lots, which are not free (if you park in a satellite parking lot, you will either need to walk a short distance to our Tube Rental Counter, or if you park in the 4th Satellite Parking, you'll be shuttled over to Texas Tubes and then back to your vehicles when you have finished tubing). When you arrive early in the morning, you'll get the closest parking next to the river, you'll beat the crowds, and you'll have easy access to your vehicle (without being shuttled). Bring your own Cooler instead of renting one from us! Buy your ICE at one of the many "Twice The ICE" locations on your way to Texas Tubes. Download and use the Free "Gas Buddy App" to find the cheapest fuel prices on your way to and from Texas Tubes! Bring your own non-disposable drink containers instead of buying them from us! Show your Military I.D. for a DISCOUNT if you're active, inactive, or a Veteran of the U.S. Military! If you have a GROUP of 30 people or more, you’ll qualify for our “Group Rate” (Note: To qualify for our Group Rate you must have 30 or more people and request the Group Rate and make "ONE PAYMENT" for your Group at rental time.) Use our Free Self-Serve Air Hose we provide for those who bring their own tubes! Use our FREE / COMPLIMENTARY Life Jackets available to any of our customers upon request! Use www.trivago.com to book your lodging if you are visiting New Braunfels from out of town! Watch this YouTube video (https://youtu.be/mPBljuqWvQE) to learn how to use all the great features that Trivago.com offers to help you find the best and cheapest lodging in New Braunfels, we really love Trivago! 
    If you are a Resident of New Braunfels, you can apply for an NB Resident Parking Pass. A Resident River Parking Pass is now available to City of New Braunfels residents which will allow residents to park in the Pay-to-Park lots on Elizabeth Street, Hinman Island Drive, and San Antonio Street at no charge (FREE!). (Note: This pass is NOT valid for the Prince Solms Parking Lot.)
    Without a Resident Parking Pass - Non-Refundable Parking Fees apply May 1st - Labor Day as follows:
  • ---- Hinman Island Drive $30.00 per visit per vehicle -
  • ---- East San Antonio Street $20.00 per visit per vehicle 
  • ---- Mill Street $20.00 per visit per vehicle
  • ---- Elizabeth Street $10.00 per vehicle (Weekend & Holidays only; FREE M-F)Enjoy the savings!
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