Cardboard boats will race down Comal River tube chute for ‘Thru the Chute’ event

Thru the Chute has an Epic Fail Award for most spectacular sinking

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – Launching a cardboard boat down the Comal River tube chute might not sound like a good idea but it’s actually a quirky annual tradition.

Thru the Chute will kick off at 10 a.m. on April 29 at the City Tube Chute, located at 100 Liebscher Drive in New Braunfels.

Registration for the event is already closed but this is definitely a spectator sport.

Awards are given for the following categories:

NOVICE

  • Most Creative - Best use of corrugated cardboard
  • Team Spirit - Most impressive team appearance and/or boat theme
  • Epic Fail Award - Most spectacular sinking
  • Overboard Advertising - Best marketing by business or organization

EXPERT

  • First, Second and Third place - Time elapsed

All boats are constructed entirely of corrugated cardboard and only seams and joints are allowed to be taped.

Want to see some boats from years past? Check out the video in the media player at the top of this article.

According to the rules, any boat that takes more than 90 seconds to complete its run through the chute will be disqualified.

And if you get stuck in the eddy and need assistance getting your vessel out — that’s also grounds for disqualification.

Do you have any newsworthy photos or videos to share? Upload them to KSAT Connect online or through the KSAT Weather App.