Tubing down the oh-so-short Comal River is one of the world’s great ways to pass the time of day, a pursuit enjoyed primarily by Texans in a setting that’s right out of a storybook.
Locals label the Comal “the longest shortest river in the world.” Sure seemed that way to this reporter when he lived near her banks in the beautiful city of New Braunfels, Tex. If you’re in search of a lazy, affordable way to put the planet into perspective, get an approved non-disposable container (no glass please), fill it with your favorite beverage and set out on a kick-back voyage of self-discovery. There are bunch of outfitters down in New Braunfels who will rent you the tubes, lay out the rules, and help you adjust your attitude. Not all outfitters shuttle you to the launch point, and then back from the landing point, after you finish the trip.
- Texas Tubes will rent you tubes with bottoms and tubes without (you don’t fall through that way) – as well as tubes with ice chests. The latter are particularly handy come summer, which tends to last deep into September in these parts.
- Comal Rockin’ R will take you on a virtual Comal float, the better to size things up before you embark on your epically short voyage. One of the things the Comal has going for it is that it’s a decidedly calmer float than the one you experience on the better-known Guadalupe River.
- Comal Tubes.com will help ease your mind as it eases you into the perfect float. The trip takes just two hours and has a way of washing away worries that’s tough to match. You check your cares back on the bank.
(Image: Jrphotography.me)
