Luke Judge

White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is more of of toobers paradise than a rafter or kayaker’s dreamland, but for a fun and relaxing family adventure I highly recommend the trip. For the second time in the last two years my family and I spent a few days partaking of fun, water and sun in and around New Braunfels, Texas on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Day one was spent on the Comal floating gently down the lazy 72 degree water from Prince Solms Park to the Rockin R take out. I have always rented tubes from Rockin R for as long as I can remember Rockin R claims to have been established in 1979, so maybe that first time I went to Camp Warneke it wasn’t called Rockin R, but it sure seems it was on the same corner. Though Camp Warneke is no longer, the signs along the river still point to a simpler time when multi-million dollar water parks didn’t dominate the landscape of New Braunfels.

Rockin R does a great job of shuttling around the huge qualities of toobers in old airport rental car shuttles who enjoy the relaxing beer soaked float down the Comal. Tubes can be rented with or without bottoms and don’t forget your cooler float. Ours came complete with a nice little Texas flag painted on the front of our cooler.

Our first day on the Comal was later voted as the family favorite. The relaxing float which started just above Prince Solms park in Landa Park featured four trips through the tube hoot for my son and I. It wasn’t until the third trip through that I noticed that the park was closed and there were No Trespassing signs everywhere. Opps! On the forth trip the rest of the family finally braved the light rain having waited out all the thunder, lighting and most of the heavy rain under the large oaks on the shores of the Comal in Landa Park. To tell the truth I was more than a little apprehensive this labor day weekend as scattered thundershowers followed us the entire vacation. They say lighting never strikes twice, but I wasn’t in the mood to tempt fate as I was shocked by a lighting surge the previous week working at my computer with my hand resting on the mouse. My pinky may never be the same again.

Our first trip with the entire family down the Comal was as a classic. Exciting start and a smooth, relaxing finish. The urban Comal River is 2.5 mile in length and is one of the largest springs in Texas with 8 million gallons of water flowing through every hour. The water is pure, clear and cold, and a constant 72 degrees. The calm cool waters of the Comal in Landa Park are created by a small dam to the right of which is the mild adrenaline rush of the dam’s S shaped spillway called the Prince Solms Park Tube Chute.

After the mild adventure of the tube chute at the start we had a incredible day on the water given the fact that we only had two beers in the cooler. A tactical mistake given the cases of beer that toobers consume during the course of any given day on the Comal River in Texas. On a side note the beer at the Rockin R was, lets say priced like a piece of plywood in Florida this hurricane season on the black market.

At the end of our trip, Rockin R’s exclusive exit was where our crew and toobs were graciously hoisted from the water by the Rockin R staff. At the top of the stairs our Rockin R cruise director asked of our future intentions to float the river. The Rockin R will haul you from the finish line to the start from sunup to sundown. The family decided to have another go at the river after lunch. With tubes loaded in the trailer our old rental car shuttles vinyl cover seats served as our latest venue of relaxation. Several dads with water guns provided the entertainment spraying innocent bikini clad women from the bus windows as we made our way back to the Rockin R store on Liberty Street. The gang decided on Pat’s Place for some old fashion burgers and iced tea from mason jars as the lunch de jour. After a satisfying meal and great service our only compliant being they had no outdoor full service deck, we headed over to the corner store to pick up some reasonably priced refreshments. Having fully stocked the expedition, we took the shuttle back to our starting point in Landa park. This time we all took the refreshing plunge into the cool waters of the Comal quickly and rafted up for the descent down the tube chute.

Our final trip through the tube chute stared the same as the last, but my ten year-old daughter who was tied off with her grandmother broke away and got caught up in the whirlpool action just behind the dam. She couldn’t get back across the main outflow of the spillway, and couldn’t grab the high bank wall to get back to the steps just behind the dam. She made several attempts just below the park rangers un-watchful eyes before I yelled and motioned to her to stay put in her tube. I waded back upstream on the opposite bank and dove into the main current of the tube chute which sent me rocketing across the river to the opposing shore. As I neared the high concrete embankment, I jumped and grabbed hold of the wall only to be swiftly washed off by an influx tubers and the surge of water preceding them. Trying to keep my head above water I got a very nice shin rash from the sharp concrete wall foundations as I grabbed for the stair rails and my second attempt to get out of the swift currents. Finally with a new found respect for the tame waters of the Comal I headed up stream on the opposite bank to assist my daughter. Having heeded my advise she was resting near the wall in a clam area where the top of the wall was just out of her reach. Laying down she handed me her tube and I pulled her out of the water for the brief trip on the walkway back downstream. As I ambled, fairly exhausted, past the park rangers I gave them the quizzical eye as if to say, “where the hell where you.”

The remainder of the float downstream I was amazed at the stupidly of jumping into the gushing confluence of the dam’s spillway as I consumed a refreshing Mexican import. Kids being kids, my son and I tried our hand at standing on our tubes in the calmer and deeper sections of the Comal as our thoughts turned toward our next adventure at the Texas Ski Ranch.

When you go to tube chute, on the Comal expect the ride to be swift, you should wear water shoes or rafting sandals to protect your feet from the concrete and uneven river bottom – the rocks and steps are covered in algae and are slippery. You can go through the tube chute as many times as you want and with a tube outfitter shuttle float the Comal several times in a day. The tube chute is not recommended for weak swimmers or children under 6. The remainder of the 2.5 mile river is pure family enjoyment. The crowd can be load and rowdy at times including some beer bong drinking college students in the shallows on long the way. So be sure to avert the eyes if some beer drinking young lady should flash the cheering crowds. You will be floating through the lush backyards and urban parks in the town of New Braunfels, so if you need to exit the river for any reason make sure you are not trespassing as the landowners are not tolerant due the the aforementioned beer drinking crowds. The Trip is a definite must do if in central Texas in August. On the up side, this is not the Schlitterbahn, this is what inspired the Schlitterbahn. My 14 year old son after a day at America’s favorite water park (we got waited in line for the MasterBlaster for 1:43 minutes starting at 10:26 am and we were off the ride at 12:11) and a day on the Guadalupe pronounced the Comal his favorite.

For more information about family adventure travel visit advenquest.com

Website: advenquest.com

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With less than a week remaining until the commencement of the waiting period for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by SNICKERS, the greatest assemblage of surfing talent in history has congregated amidst Victorias iconic righthanders for the second stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour.

Running from March 30 through April 10, 2010, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach culminates the Australian leg of the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, and the best surfers on the planet are primed for battle.

Joel Parkinson (AUS), 28, 2009 ASP World Runner-Up, was one of the form surfers at the opening event of the season, before going down to a rampaging Dane Reynolds (USA), 24, in the Quarterfinals. However, Parkinsons Equal 5th place finish to open up 2010 puts the talented natural-footer in an excellent position to make a run at an inaugural ASP World Title.

“I was actually really happy with the way I surfed at Snapper,” Parkinson said. “I just had the misfortune of walking into Dane (Reynolds) in that heat. The one thing I really worked on last year was consistency and not having bad heats. I lost at Snapper, but I didnt have a bad heat. That averages out in your favour over the course of a whole season, youll win more of those heats than youll lose.”

Defending Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner, Parkinsons rapport with the roping righthanders is near unrivaled amongst his peers and over a decade of experience at the break will serve him well against the ASP Top 45.

“Having a good run here last year doesnt count for much this year.” Parkinson said. “That said, I never really feel too much pressure paddling out at Bells, its one of those places thats always felt like a home away from home. Its the kind of wave that takes you a few years to get your head around. Its a wave Ive surfed since I was 14 and a wave I love to surf it. I havent been near a wetsuit in months, and I actually enjoy getting down there and paddling out in a steamer. Its such a contrasting surfing experience to being at home, and thats what I love about it.”

Despite Parkinsons comfort level at the venue, the Australian powerhouse is quick to recognize Bells ability to shake things up amongst the worlds best surfers.

“I think anyone whos won before out there will be the favourites for sure,” Parkinson said. “There are a lot of multiple winners when you look at that trophy. But in saying that, the event always throws up a surprise contender, and at Bells, its often the guy you least expect – look at Robbo (Adam Robertson) last year. He was a wildcard, but he was a guy who knew that wave intimately and he made the Final as a result.”

Parkinson will face compatriot Chris Davidson (AUS), 33, and one of the wildcards in Round 1 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

Kelly Slater (USA), 38, former nine-time ASP World Champion, posted some of the highest-scoring waves in the opening event of the year, but was halted in the Quarterfinals, finishing Equal 9th.

“It wasnt the result Id love to start with based on how I started the event,” Slater said. “I was tentative on my buckled board against Jordy (Smith) and you just cant make those choices in those situations. Im feeling pretty good overall with my surfing, though I struggle with focus sometimes when I see friends off tour getting such good waves!”

With nearly twenty years of experience at the regions historic waves, the iconic Floridian knows the venue inside and out.

“I feel best when there are good low tide bowl waves,” Slater said. “The wave is generally flat and you have to pick the right ones. You have to be patient on it as well and not try to over-surf and save your legs for the end section.”

Slater will take on Mick Campbell (AUS), 35, and Marco Polo (BRA), 28, in the opening round of competition.

Jordy Smith (ZAF), 22, current ASP World No. 2, has long been heralded as the future of the sport. Although results havent necessarily correlated with potential thus far, Smiths Runner-Up finish at the opening event of the year put the remainder of the ASP Top 45 on notice.

“My biggest change this season is me just being me,” Smith said. “In years previous, I was too concerned about what other people were thinking and not how I felt. My surfing hasnt changed much Im just more comfortable with all aspects of my surfing now. Im very comfortable at this level but its all about timing. It would be good to have Top 5 finish at the end of the year. Im not trying to get ahead of myself though.”

Finishing Equal 3rd at last seasons event, the well-built South African is comfortable with Bells ample canvases and looks forward to slicing up some massive maneuvers.

“Bells is a wave that suits bigger guys because we can draw out our turns a bit better,” Smith said. “It gives you the opportunity to think more about your turns and offers a bigger range of variety.”

Smith will battle Patrick Gudauskas (USA), 24, and Jay Thompson (AUS), 27, when the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach commences.

The Rip Curl Womens Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Fiesta, featuring the ASP Top 17, will run in conjunction with the Rip Curl Pro from March 30 through April 5, 2010.

OFFICIAL RIP CURL PRO PRESS LAUNCH
WHEN: 12pm – 1:30pm Monday, March 29, 2010
WHERE: On-Site at Bells Beach
WHO: Mick Fanning, Steph Gilmore, Taj Burrow, Joel Parkinson, Silvana Lima, Andy Irons and Owen Wright

RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH ROUND 1 MATCH-UPS:
Heat 1: Dane Reynolds (USA), Andy Irons (HAW), Nate Yeomans (USA)
Heat 2: Damien Hobgood (USA), Luke Stedman (AUS), Matt Wilkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Bobby Martinez (USA), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
Heat 4: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Tiago Pires (PRT), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA), Mick Campbell (AUS), Marco Polo (BRA)
Heat 6: Adriano de Souza (BRA), Kekoa Bacalso (HAW), Blake Thornton (AUS)
Heat 7: Taj Burrow (AUS), Daniel Ross (AUS), Neco Padaratz (BRA)
Heat 8: Mick Fanning (AUS), Kai Otton (AUS), TBA
Heat 9: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Chris Davidson (AUS), TBA
Heat 10: Bede Durbidge (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS), TBA
Heat 11: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Patrick Gudauskas (USA), Jay Thompson (AUS)
Heat 12: Taylor Knox (USA), Michel Bourez (PYF), Adam Melling (AUS)
Heat 13: Tom Whitaker (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), Brett Simpson (AUS)
Heat 14: Kieren Perrow (AUS), Ben Dunn (AUS), Dusty Payne (HAW)
Heat 15: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Owen Wright (AUS), Drew Courtney (AUS)
Heat 16: Dean Morrison (AUS), Luke Munro (AUS), Roy Powers (HAW) girlracer.co.uk
 
 

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The weekend’s just around the corner and you’re wondering how you can spend those free hours a little differently. If you’re craving for novelty and excitement, we have three words for you: Rogue River canoeing! which of Which: rogue river or Rogue River?

If you search online for the words Rogue River 14 Canoe, you might find the results a bit confusing. The term “Rogue River” is particularly ambiguous so we’ll break it down into its two definitions to help you understand it better.

Rogue River is a place. It’s a beautiful river located in the southwestern part of Oregon and a very popular tourist spot. There are numerous activities one can enjoy in here like stream fishing, winter snowmobiling and of course, canoeing. Rogue river canoes on the other hand are just another term for whitewater or river canoes. Hence, you can use a rogue river canoe on the Rogue River.

What Does it Look Like?

The number 14 simply stands for 14 inches and the length of the unit. It will comfortably seat 2 people but there are also three seater ones available in the market. A rogue river 14 canoe has no keel. A keel is a piece of board that’s attached to the lowest part of the hull. Keels provide increased stability and control on steering. The rocker of this watercraft is also increased or improved for greater maneuvering control. This is important since whitewater canoeing can be very dangerous when river currents are strong and unpredictable. Thirdly, the hull is always made of extra durable material for increased strength, again, this serves as better protection against river currents. Some unit may resemble a kayak but they basically belong to the one-paddle-variety of boats.

How Stable is this unit?

The absence of keel naturally makes the canoe more unstable, but they are still easy to handle if its users are properly trained. When using them, you should always remember to keep your center of gravity as low as possible. Communicate constantly with your partner and you’ll do fine.

If you are using a two-paddle unit, you and your partner will be paddling on opposite sides. In most cases, the left hand is used as a pivot while the right arm provides support.

Gunwale Bobbing – This is a trick that allows them to move or propel forward even without a paddle. It requires the canoeist to stand on the gunwales of the canoe then squat up and down to make the canoe move. This is not a safe method to use. Take a repair kit with you at all times. Most repair kits are specifically designed for a boat made from a particular material – Polyethylene or fiberglass, for instance – so make sure you know what your unit is made of first before buying anything.

Always have a float plan with you and registered properly. This SOP can save your lives in emergency situations.Lastly, wear a life jacket at all times. Even the best of swimmers don’t mind extra protection so why should you?

The weekend ahead is as good a time as any to give your watercraft its debut. Have fun!

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