On a sunny afternoon close to the Gruene Bridge, Shane Wolf helps two first-time tubers navigate the Guadalupe River.
The final supervisor of Rockin’ R Outfitters stated spring break is an opportunity to “mud every thing off” and put together for a busy summer season.
“It’s our time to get everyone again in a groove and pull our core of us again out from the 12 months earlier than,” he stated.
The corporate’s 5 New Braunfels places started welcoming river guests again to the Guadalupe and Comal on March 11.
“Seeing and visiting with all of the folks is my favourite half,” Wolf stated. “Everybody’s on trip, and it’s nice to see of us with a smile on their face as they chill out.”
Gisselle Jimenez attaches wristbands to tubers at Rockin’ R Wednesday, March 15, 2023 earlier than they float the Guadalupe River in Gruene.
Flows are decrease than common for this time of 12 months.
The Comal was flowing at about 111 cubic ft per second on Wednesday morning, based on the U.S. Geological Survey.
That’s in comparison with about 250 cubic ft per second this time final 12 months.
Guadalupe River flows are at about 56 cfs in New Braunfels, in comparison with almost 100 cfs final 12 months.
“Mom Nature’s our largest adversary, or asset, relying on the way you take a look at it,” Wolf stated. “Water ranges like this previously, we might have stated ‘no method,’ however it’s truly nonetheless a pleasant, cool, enjoyable time in Texas, so why not?”
Canyon Lake releases for downriver water rights ought to assist prop up river flows this 12 months.
Metropolis staff are wanting to welcome folks to the world, stated Amy Niles, the Metropolis of New Braunfels’ river and watershed supervisor.
“One factor to remember with the decrease flows is that it’s taking longer to drift,” Niles stated. “For those who’re used to floating the Comal in an hour to an hour and a half, anticipate that to double at this circulation.”
River guests ought to deliver sufficient water to remain hydrated, and pack every thing in reusable containers.
Metropolis river ordinances ban disposable food and drinks containers, together with glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Tubers float the Guadalupe River at Rockin’ R in Gruene Wednesday, March 15, 2023.
“We’ve additionally had a tough time the final couple of years with folks littering the cans and bottles that they’re pouring into the reusable container,” Niles stated. “For those who see litter alongside the banks or within the river itself, you may assist us by cleansing it up.”
Town web site (newbraunfels.gov/wpp) has instructional video games, quizzes and science experiments to assist residents and vacationers find out about defending native watersheds.
New Braunfels has two free life jacket stations at Prince Solms Park.
“It’s nonetheless early within the season,” Niles stated. “However even simply with spring break proper now we’ve seen lots of people hanging out on the banks.”
Go to playinnewbraunfels.com to be taught extra about public river parks and space outfitters.
