How many times have you seen someone slip out of their tube while floating down the river? On the other hand, the initial “getting into the tube” can be quite a complicated process, resulting in a completely soaked experience while being dunked in the cold, spring waters of the Comal River much sooner than anticipated.
Getting Into A Tube From The Stairs
Hopefully, you are getting into your tube in a location near a railing. The stairs on the Comal River gets very slippery because of all the algae. Place your tube in the water close to the railing. While backwards and hanging on to the rolling, slowly lower your behind into the tube. Don’t panic and jerk once your back end hits the ice cold water. This may cause your tube to shoot further away, you slip out, or you have to swim full body in the cold waters to receive your tube back. Always get in backside first!
If there is no railing, the best way to get into a tube is to slowly squat with your tube behind you. Place both hands behind you on either side of the tube to hold it steady. Quickly, yet precisely, sit in the tube. Voila!
Good Luck!
Getting Into A Tube From The Water
Deep Water
The easiest way to get into a tube when you are in deep water is to dive under until you are in the center of the tube. Pull your body and legs up and through the circle until you are properly situated. If you are getting in from the side, the really only foolproof way is pulling yourself up and onto the tube while on your belly. There is still a large chance of you flipping over, but try, try again. Once your body is on the tube belly down, flip around until you are sitting in the tube.Shallow Water
In shallow water, you can use the same mechanism as when getting into the tube off of stairs. Balance the tube behind you and sit. You can also stand in the center of the tube, and slowly lean back while bringing your legs through the opening (similar to the deep water technique, except you have more balance since you are in shallow water).Good Luck!