Cardboard Thru the Chute

New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department invites the very brave to design and build their own cardboard boats — then race them down the City Tube Chute for the seventh annual Thru the Chute Boat Race and River Expo.

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the City of New Braunfels Tube Chute in Prince Solms Park, 100 Liebscher Dr.

Thru the Chute Boat Race is a cardboard boat race held annually at the New Braunfels City Tube Chute. Competitors launch their handmade vessels through the Chute as spectators cheer them on. Between races, guests are encouraged to participate in educational and imaginative activities hosted by event partners on the banks of the Comal River at the City Tube Chute.

“Categories for entries include both Novice and Expert classifications,” said Robin Kunkel, Recreation Manager. “Awards given in the novice category include Spirit, Epic Fail, Creative and Overboard Advertising. The expert category is a timed race and awards are given for first-, second- and third-fastest vessels.”

Event registration is $30 per vessel through April 8, and $45 per vessel on or after April 9. The event is free and open to the public.

Thru the Chute is hosted by the City of New Braunfels Park and Recreation Department, and sponsored in part by the New Braunfels Yacht Club and H-E-B.

For more information, boat-building guidelines, or race rules call 830-221-4350 or download the registration packet from www.nbtexas.org/boatrace.

The City Tube Chute is a water slide carved into the side of the dam on the Comal River. It diverts tubers around the dam as they float the river. The ride attracts tubers from all around the area, and is the longest of its kind in the world.

The City Tube Chute facility offers tube rentals and personal flotation devices.