Comal River Tube Chute — New Braunfels, Texas
The Comal River Tube Chute is one of the most iconic tubing experiences in all of Texas — and Landa River Trips puts you right in the middle of it.
New Braunfels’ Original Tube Chute Outfitter
Since 1986, Landa River Trips has been the original outfitter on the Comal River — and for nearly 40 years, the Tube Chute has been the highlight of every float. No other outfitter has more experience on this river than we do.
When you rent from Landa River Trips, you drop into the river right above the Tube Chute — putting you at the most exciting part of the float from the very start. The Tube Chute is included with every float. No extra charge, no separate ticket. Just drop in and go.
Aerial view of the Comal River Tube Chute showing the concrete slide, whitewater exit pool, walk-around path, and dam — New Braunfels, Texas
What to Expect at the Tube Chute
The Tube Chute is a concrete water slide built over the Clemens Dam. The current funnels through the narrow chute and launches you into a whitewater pool below. It is fast, fun, and the highlight of every float down the Comal River.
Tips for riding the Tube Chute:
- Get centered in your tube before you enter the chute
- Hold on to the handles on your tube
- Sink your weight down into the tube as low as possible — this lowers your center of gravity and helps prevent flipping
- Keep your feet up and relax — the current does the work
- Once you exit into the whitewater pool, paddle toward the right to continue downstream
The whitewater exit pool at the base of the Comal River Tube Chute — New Braunfels, Texas
⚠ The current exiting the Tube Chute is strong. A whirlpool can form at the base of the chute that may be difficult for weak swimmers to escape. Life jackets are strongly recommended for weak swimmers and children. Free life jackets are available at our booth with a $20 deposit.
After exiting the chute your tube may be pulled to the left toward the dam. If this happens, a ladder is located across the water from the chute exit — use it to climb out and walk to the other side. You can also attempt to swim across the main current to the right, but this can be difficult. If you are pushed to the right you will continue floating downstream normally.
How to Walk Around the Tube Chute
Choosing to walk around is perfectly fine and a smart choice for young children, weak swimmers, or anyone who prefers to skip the chute. Here’s how to do it:
- As you approach the dam, look downstream toward the chute exit — the walk-around path is to the right
- Exit the river onto the path and walk across the bridge over the dam
- Once across, take the first set of stairs to your right going down toward the river
- Walk along the bank past the whitewater current exiting the chute
- Re-enter the river at the stairs once you have passed the strong current — the water here is shallow, only one to two feet deep
- You can wait here for your group to come through the chute before continuing downstream together
Tube Chute Safety
Shuttle Pickup — Important Information
Landa River Trips does not provide shuttle pickup at the Tube Chute. You must float the full length of the Comal River to the last exit to catch your shuttle back.
If you are unable to continue your float due to an emergency or exhaustion, please contact a park ranger or lifeguard on site for assistance. Do not attempt to exit at the Tube Chute and walk back unassisted if you are in distress.
Emergency Exit via Prince Solms Park
If you need to exit the river at the Tube Chute area, cross the bridge on the opposite side of the chute — the side with the three waterfalls. You will find a set of stairs going up. These stairs lead to Prince Solms Park — look for the tennis courts. Park rangers are accessible from this location.
⚠ If you need a shuttle pickup from Prince Solms Park, be aware that dispatching a bus to this location may take up to 30 minutes. This is not a standard pickup location. Please contact our booth at (830) 625-5889 or main office at (830) 625-1211 to arrange.
History of the Comal River Tube Chute
The Tube Chute has a history that stretches back over 140 years — long before it was a beloved summer tradition. According to the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, the site was originally home to the Torrey Mill at the foot of Mill Street, which was washed away by floods twice — in 1860 and again in 1870. John Torrey eventually sold the property to New Braunfels banker William Clemens.
In 1882 Clemens built the dam that still stands today, using stone quarried from the Pfeuffer Ranch — the same stone used to build the Comal County Courthouse. By 1886 Clemens had secured a contract with the City of New Braunfels to supply water for the city’s first waterworks. When the city later took over its own waterworks, Clemens Dam fell idle.
In 1907 a well was drilled 900 feet into the ground near the dam in search of artesian water. Instead it produced sulfur water — earning the site its memorable nickname, “Stinky Falls.” The sulfur well was left uncapped for sixty years, and locals swam there despite the smell. The well was finally capped in 1976 when the City of New Braunfels purchased Prince Solms Park and officially opened the Tube Chute. Source: Sophienburg Museum and Archives
Landa River Trips opened just ten years later in 1986 — and has been the original outfitter on this stretch of the Comal River ever since.
The Tube Chute in 1977 — One Year After Opening
Entrance to the Tube Chute — 1977
Exit of the Tube Chute — 1977
Tubers exiting the chute — 1977
Floating through the chute — 1977
Exiting the chute — 1977
The Tube Chute and Clemens Dam looking upstream — 1977
Tubers walking around the chute with classic black tubes — 1977
Historical photographs courtesy of Landa River Trips archives — Comal River Tube Chute, New Braunfels, Texas, 1977
Questions? Contact Landa River Trips
The Comal River Tube Chute is located in New Braunfels, Texas at the City of New Braunfels Tube Chute Park on the Comal River. Built over the historic Clemens Dam dating back to 1882, the Tube Chute opened in 1976 and has been a Texas tubing landmark ever since. Landa River Trips — New Braunfels’ original Comal River tubing outfitter since 1986 — drops you in the river right above the Tube Chute. Tube rentals include the Tube Chute, parking, and shuttle service starting at $25 per person. Float the Comal River Tube Chute in New Braunfels, Texas with the outfitter that knows this river best.