Necessity, Mother of Invention

With the new can ban, people are starting to get creative with their container choices.  The guy in this video might even have wrangled a new business out of the deal.  Unfortunately, it hinges on the city's approval.  

Check it out:

What You CAN take on the River

The container laws in New Braunfels can be confusing.  Here's an attempt to clear up a little of that confusion.

Guadalupe River:  Above New Braunfels you can have whatever you want, but the minute you float inside the city limits, you are liable for any type of disposable drinking container.

Comal River:  On the Comal River, you have no options.  You cannot have any type of disposable drinking container.  That means:

• beer cans and bottles
• soda cans and bottles 
• drink boxes and drink pouches
• water bottles

What you can have:  Anything made and marketed to be reused.  And you'll attract less attention if it is larger than 12 or 16 oz--the size of a can or bottle.  Here are a few suggestions--these bottles could hold a substantial amount of soda, juice or beer.  Some could probably even hold a pitcher of margaritas!

Just remember:  drink responsibly, and don't litter!

FYI--if you're a student, or you know a student, check out the Amazon free two-day shipping deal for students--you can't beat it!

Perfect for one, can be tied to the tube.  Bluewave Water Jug - 1.9 Liter Reusable Bottle  $7.99

Could put a long straw through that spout.  Rubbermaid 1/2-Gallon Water Jug, Red  $13.95

  Will keep that beer cold the entire float.  EZ Freeze Pure with freezer & water filter, 64-oz  $18.72 

This one has a shoulder strap!  

Arctic Z 1 1/2 Gal Ice COLD Hydration Jug $16.19 

This one needs its own tube!  Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Container  $16.87

Last but certainly not least:  the ultimate essential--can't carry cans, but how about a couple of jugs of wine?  $274.95 Bev Barge Floating Cooler and Beverage Holder

Where will they be policing the new Container Ban on the river?

Guadalupe River and Comal River will be
policed for violators of the container ban.

Park Rangers will be watching and policing in the following areas:

• Elizabeth Street Entrance
• Hinman Island Park (roaming)
• Hinman Island Park Tuber Access
• Prince Solms Gateway
• Prince Solms Park (roaming)
• Prince Solms Tube Chute
• Prince Solms Tube Chute (roaming)
• Garden Street Tuber Entrance
• Last Tubers Exit
• Guadalupe River Kayak Patrol (upper river, roaming)

Be responsible!

The New Rules for Drinking on the River

Disposable Containers


THE NEW BRAUNFELS DISPOSABLE CONTAINER ORDINANCE NO. 2011-65 PROVIDES IN PART:

It shall be unlawful for anyone to use, carry or possess food or beverages in a disposable container on or in the public waters of the Guadalupe River or Comal River and
each person is limited to one (1) cooler in accordance with Subsection (a)(1).

Disposable container means a receptacle designed to be used once, then thrown away . . . including
metal and aluminum cans,
glass containers,
Styrofoam cups and containers,
cardboard containers,
paper sacks, boxes,
paper napkins and towels, and
plastic containers and utensils.

Any person who shall violate this provision shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00. This Ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2012.

Examples of Disposable Containers (prohibited on rivers)

Examples of Non-Disposable Containers (approved for and encouraged on rivers)

This is a year-round market with lots of locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, dairy, baked bread, meats, handmade items, plants, fresh and dried herbs, prepared foods and entertainment.  Lots of free samples to wet your appetite:  tamales, sangria, home grown beer, local wine and much more!


Take your kids, your dogs, your mom--there's something for everyone!

Location
Next to Friesenhaus on S Castell in New Braunfels, Texas.

Dates
Saturdays, 9am-1pm
year-round, rain or shit

Contact
New Braunfels Farm to Market
250 Elm Street
830-629-2223
 

Guadalupe Rapids Experience

A reader sent me this video of their experience on the Guadalupe.  

Great photos of what a "rapids experience" is really like.