NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- Even though tubing season normally starts on Memorial Day weekend, New Braunfels river outfitters finally kicked off tubing season this weekend.
Due to last month's heavy rain, water released from Canyon Lake Dam is too high and dangerous for tubing along the Guadalupe River.
"We were looking for the best deals on the river, and we were originally going to go on the Guadalupe, but due to obvious [reasons] that wasn't going to happen," said Kate Jenkins who is visiting from Dallas.
Most forms of rafting and kayaking are also banned right now on the Guadalupe. Only guided tours are allowed because of high rapids.
But that doesn't mean you can't tube in New Braunfels. The Comal River is open and ready for business.
"There's a little misconception from the standpoint that once they hear the river is at high water because they don't know the difference between the two," said Shane Wolf general manager at Rockin' R River Rides.
The City of New Braunfels also celebrated the start of the tubing season with a concert series.
"We had a lot of unexpected things with the rivers going on, but so far everybody is coming in and enjoying the music that's going on. We've had an anticipated wait with the rivers, since only one is open right now, but we're trying to get everybody through, enjoy their time in the river, and enjoy the festivities downtown in New Braunfels," said Jillian Sturdivant with Texas River Fest.
Business owners along the Comal urge visitors to arrive early, before the river reaches capacity.
"It gets to a point where it can only handle so many tubers, and the chief of police, or the park rangers, and the few other folks, will make a decision on… hey let's stop putting people on for an hour or two. Let the river get uncongested, and then we'll start putting people back on," said Matthew Pusateri owner at Chuck's Tubes.
Outfitters believe the Guadalupe River will open for recreational use in 10 to 15 days once Canyon Lake levels are back to normal.
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