Quick answer
The tube chute is a concrete bypass at Prince Solms Park in New Braunfels that lets tubers safely pass the old dam. It's the highlight of the Comal float. Hold your tube, lift your hips, enjoy the 8-second ride.
What Is the Comal Tube Chute?
The Comal River drops over a low-head dam at Prince Solms Park. Decades ago the city of New Braunfels carved a slanted concrete channel beside the dam so tubers could pass without getting recirculated. That channel is the famous chute.
Where to Find It
Prince Solms Park, 100 Liebscher Drive, New Braunfels. Most upper-Comal floats end at the chute. If your outfitter put you in at the upper headwaters, you'll naturally drift into the chute lineup. See the New Braunfels outfitters.
How to Ride the Chute Safely
- Stay in the lineup. Don't cut.
- Sit with your tube tight under your butt. Hold both handles.
- Lift your rear an inch off the tube as you enter. Less impact at the bottom.
- Keep arms inside the tube. Concrete sides will scrape.
- Float clear of the chute exit fast. Another tuber is coming.
Safety and Rules
No glass, no Styrofoam, no children under 5 in the chute (use the walk-around). Lifeguards monitor the chute on busy days. Read the full Texas river rules before your float.
What If You Skip the Chute?
Pull out at Prince Solms Park, walk down the bank path, and re-enter below the dam. Adds 5 minutes. Many parents and older floaters do this without issue.