Tubing to increase on Guadalupe River

NEW BRAUNFELS (KXAN) - Summer is prime time for lazy days on the river. Record drought conditions last summer cut profits for many businesses including tube rental operations along the Guadalupe River.

River flow was so low at times tubers would have to get up and walk. Angie Row, with Whitewater Sports, said business dropped by about half.

“It was pretty rocky,” said Angie Row, business manager for Whitewater Sports and Music . “It was taking people floating the horseshoe two to four hours. So it was a slow flow.”

Recent rain has dramatically improved the Guadalupe River flow. Upstream, Canyon Lake ’s water level is just above 909 feet above sea level. That’s its normal elevation and guarantees minimum flows on the Guadalupe River.

“With all this rain, we will have minimal flows all throughout the season so it’ll be a great recreational flow,”

Better flow means more people and more business. On a normal summer day, Row said 500 to 1,200 people will hit the river.

Just down the road near Canyon Lake, Kenny Norris says more people on the Guadalupe River means more business at his restaurant, Lucky’s.

"Whenever this area doesn’t have any water, of course the river doesn’t have any water,” said Lucky's Kitchen and Cocktails owner Kenny Norris. “The tubers and tourists don’t come in the multitudes that they normally do."

He is optimistic that the recent rain will make for a profitable summer.

"I’m hoping this is a godsend,” said Norris. “I’m hoping it’s going to bring us a good summer. With the down economy and a lot of forces working against us right now I hope this is going to be a little bit of a blessing."