Corporate / Businesses

This division is full. Registering your team will add you to the waitlist for this event. 

For-profit businesses, corporate-sponsored teams, entries promoting a brand, product or service. 

If your entry represents a business or promotes a brand, you must enter this division. 

All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to the event. 

BOAT BUILDING RULES & REGULATIONS

• Boat dimensions may not exceed 10 feet in length, 5 feet in width or height.
• Only corrugated cardboard is allowed (any thickness is permitted) to create the entire hull, superstructure, and seating of all boats.
• Only seams and joints may be taped, not the whole boat.
• One homemade paddle may be used; cardboard and tape only, not to exceed 3 feet in length.
• The boat design may not completely enclose any body part. Passenger compartment should be of open-air design to allow riders an unrestricted exit.
• All boats are subject to an inspection for compliance with these rules. Violations may be fixed and re-inspected before entering the water. Event staff has final say on what will be allowed for boat construction.
• Prohibited Items: Electrical components, tar-based substances, water-resistant coatings, two-part varnishes, fiberglass resin, epoxy glue, any other two-part substances, Corrugated cardboard thats bonded to any material or fasteners such as nuts, bolts, staples or nails
• Thru the Chute is a family-friendly community event. All boat designs, decorations, themes, signage, costumes and props must be appropriate for all ages and reflect the inclusive spirit of the event.

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

• No more than 4 crew members are allowed in any boat. (This number may be reduced by City staff if deemed necesary due to river flow rate, etc.)
• All boat occupants are encouraged to wear a USCG approved life jacket. Life jackets are required for participants under the age of 12. Life jackets are available at the Tube Chute.
• Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian. Participants under the age of 18 must also be accompanied on boat by an adult over the age of 18.
• Please cheer on other teams and be supportive of all in attendance. Any unsportsmanlike conduct could result in disqualification of a team.
• Alcohol is not permitted at Prince Solms Park, Hinman Island or the Tube Chute. 
• Any alcohol consumption or display by team members before, during, or after the race on City property is cause for disqualification and removal from property.
• Glass is not permitted in any City of New Braunfels park or in the waterway. 
• Event takes place “rain or shine.” However, in the event of lightning or severe weather, the event will be moved to 4/18/26.

BOAT RUN INFORMATION

• You will be assigned a lineup number by email prior to the day of the event. At boat check-in, staff will assist with boat placement. Staff will prompt you when you may enter the water with your boat.
• After your boat has completed your run throuth the tube chute teams must collect all boat debris from the water.
• Stay with your boat. Your team will assist Parks team members in transporting your boat to the dumpsters.
• All boats are subject to post-run inspection. Any prohibited construction materials will result in disqualification.
• Rules subject to change with river conditions.

JUDGING AND AWARD CATEGORIES

In this division, awards will be given in each of the following categories: 

• Judges Choice (Best overall business entry): Awarded to the team that best balances creativity, execution and brand presence while embracing the nature and spirit of the event. 
• Best Brand Integration (Most creative and tasteful use of branding): Recognizes entries where branding enhances the theme or experience without overpowering the design.
• Best Team Spirit (Outstanding employee or team engagement): Awarded for enthusiasm, costumes, coordination, and overall group energy.
• Most Creative Concept (Best theme or idea): Honors originality and storytelling in concept, design, and presentation.
• Rookie Row (Top first-time corporate entry): Recognizes a business or sponsored team participating for the first time.
• Epic Fail (Most entertaining corporate crash out): Awarded for a spectacular attempt that didn’t quite go as planned—but delivered maximum entertainment.
• *Crowd Favorite: Chosen by spectator vote. Open to all entries across both divisions. This award is determined by public voting and is not judge-scored.