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Old 05-14-2009, 04:32 PM
 
Location: Broward County
2,517 posts, read 11,053,741 times
Reputation: 1391

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We just returned from San Antonio.....had a great time there. Visited the natural bridge caverns one day and then on the same day we went to River Sports to do some tubing. I called ahead and asked how the river was, because I heard some reports that Texas was in a serious drought and that the rivers were nearly depleted....causing very bad tubing/rafting conditions. They assured me the river is open and everything is ok. They lied. They told us the trip would take 2.5 hours. First and foremost, the entry point off of Farm Road 306 I think it was, was disgusting....it smelled like stagnant water with dead animals in it. That's what no rain does for you. Secondly, the wife and I each rented tubes. We got stuck on rocks through 90% of the trip downstream. It was painfull having to get out of the tube and walk on the sharp river rocks. Towards the end, I had enough, got up and walked on the river bank the rest of the way. When I returned, they asked me how it was and I told them they should not be selling tickets for tubing and should close down till the river level rises. I guess they just want to make a profit at the expense of us people looking for a nice time on the river. You are warned ! There is NOT enough water to go tubing. Wait until the drought is over and it has rained A LOT for several weeks. Just wanted to share my experience with you alll so that you don't make the same mistake we did.

Thanks
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Old 05-14-2009, 04:35 PM
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Location: Ohio
17,107 posts, read 38,116,197 times
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Isn't the level of the Guadalupe determined by the flow from a dam? If so, it probably varies over the course of each day and is controlled by the government.
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Old 05-14-2009, 04:52 PM
 
Location: Broward County
2,517 posts, read 11,053,741 times
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thats what they advertise !
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Old 05-14-2009, 05:11 PM
 
14,637 posts, read 35,036,574 times
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That must have been ugly with a newly pregnant wife. Bummer, eh? Sorry you had a bad time, but I guess you didn't come down with swine flu, so that's good news.
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Old 05-14-2009, 05:17 PM
 
363 posts, read 748,585 times
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Wait for it to rain for a few weeks? Ha! We'll be waiting until the next great flood.

Tubed the Comal in New Braunfels on Tuesday, it was perfect. Dropped in at Texas tubes, good 2 hour float but you can extend it if you want to stop at some of the slower points out of the current.
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Old 05-14-2009, 05:37 PM
 
4,145 posts, read 10,429,021 times
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Years ago I went when the river was way down. Hands down one of the most miserable experiences of my life. 6 hours or so. Worst sunburn I've ever had, even though we were constantly putting on sunscreen.
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Old 05-14-2009, 05:59 PM
 
Location: NE San Antonio
1,642 posts, read 4,094,539 times
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I believe the dam outflow is raised some at the start of summer, drought permitting, for tubing and river activities. The season has not quite kicked off yet.

I have tubed in both low and high conditions. When low, you do need to allow extra time as you will be moving rather slow. That can be stressfull if you are trying to get back to the outfitters before they close. Also, choosing rental tubes with bottoms is a buttsaver. However, when the river is too high, the trip is over before you know it!
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Old 05-14-2009, 06:26 PM
 
616 posts, read 2,084,093 times
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I really dislike tubing the Guadalupe. I have a lot more fun on the Comal; even though it's shorter, the atmosphere is so pleasant that it makes up for it. Plus, you can often go three times in a day if you get started early enough.
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Old 05-14-2009, 06:41 PM
 
5,642 posts, read 15,713,148 times
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What outfit did you use? There are some to avoid. I used Guadalupe Canoe and Toobing right off Spring Branch on highway 281 (North of San Antonio). Their website also has a river report, I believe.

The damn has nothing to do with it. Basically, you don't go if we haven't had any significant rain in a month. Here is a pic I took last year. Sorry you had a bad time, I'd be pissed if that happened to me. Did you get your money back?

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Old 05-14-2009, 07:01 PM
 
Location: Austin, TX via San Antonio, TX
9,851 posts, read 13,701,644 times
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It honestly depends on where you end up tubing. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience heydade.

I went to Rockin' R just this Saturday and had an amazing time. This location is more in New Braunfels, off of 337 closer to Schilterbahn (we didn't pass the park though). The trip probably could have gone faster if the river level was higher, but heck, if you bring your watch and plan on the trip taking exactly 2.5 hours then you're sorely missing out on a relaxing experience.

I have been on bad trips though, and those have been closer to the 281/Spring Branch areas. I don't know what it is about those spots but they just aren't as must fun.

I'm planning on going again during Memorial Day weekend (God save me from the crazies...but it's my birthday weekend too.). Hopefully the rain that is expected this weekend will help us go a bit faster.
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