Tube Texas

Take a Break and Float the River

How to Plan a Floating Trip

Summer time is hot. Plan to get out and go tubing! For the first time tuber, this is our introduction.

The whole idea of tubing is relaxing. So throw out the notion of running whitewater rapids in a tube. It will hurt and you'll lose stuff.

Beer is integral in tubing. You can tube without it, but why?

Every tubing trip needs a cooler. You put the cooler in a separate tube, and make sure it's wedged in well. If you can, put the cooler in and then inflate the tube some more, to really grip it.

If there are "tube chutes" or rapids, ask around if you need to secure the cooler. You're more than likely to get some smart ass answer, so take them with a grain of salt. We suggest carrying a bungee cord and using a cooler that will allow you to easily bungee the top closed. This means you won't lose all your beer to the people that wait below the rapids to "help" you through them.

Actually, they really do help you through them, there's usually some kind souls there. Of course, they are working for the beer that falls out. Well, that and to see pretty girls. Nothing wrong with that, it's why we tube, right?

Getting on the Water

Access can be tricky if you're not using an outfitter. In Texas, legal access points are where bridges cross a navigable river, so keep that in mind if you're doing it yourself.

When you get to the water, it will be cold. Jump in, don't mess around. Tie the cooler tube to one of the tubers with some rope, and tie on the trash sack. Relax.

Moving Around

You get around by either 1) passively floating or 2) turning your back toward your target and paddling backward. It's easily than paddling forward. You will probably get "tube rash" from the rubber on your arms, but it's no big deal.

What to Do on the River

Relax. Drink. Bring a mask and snorkel and look for goodies on the bottom. Tempt the ladies with jello-shots or some other numb-skull idea you come up with.

Talk to people. You'll see people that were in a very large group get separated (by accident or often by choice) and floating around solo. Chat 'em up! Invite them to tube with you. People on the river are friendly, and you may make new friends before you know it.

How to Plan a Tubing Trip

To plan a trip you'll need a few things. Check out packing list section.

You can either use an outfitter for your trip, or do it yourself. Both are fine, but an outfitter removes a few of the logistical issues.

Planning With an Outfitter

Tubing companies are available at the most popular tubing rivers in Texas. They will rent you tubes, provide access to the river, and get you back to your car.

Some shuttle you up the river and you float back to your car, some you get in at the outfitter and they shuttle you back at the end of the trip.

Outfitters can be expensive. Many charge around $14 for tubes, plus parking, plus cooler tubes. So plan on about $15 - $20 per person total for the rentals.

Tubes with bottoms are usually available, but it kind of defeats the purpose of tubing in our opinion to use a bottom tube — it's not as easy to get wet!

Coolers are put into bottom tubes, though. You want it wedged in tight so it won't fall out.

Planning a Do It Yourself Trip

You can plan your own trip pretty easily. You'll need a truck to haul your wet friends and the tubes.

Buy tubes at a tractor supply place. Find where you want to get out of the river at, and leave one car there. Then drive to the access point, and leave the other car there. Jump in!

When you're done, you'll be at your truck. Go retrieve the other car and then fill up on enchiladas! You deserve it, you master of tubing.