The undisputed "best" river for floating near Austin is the San Marcos River, specifically the stretch starting at City Park. Unlike other Texas rivers that can get sluggish or murky, the San Marcos is fed by hundreds of springs, keeping the water a crystal-clear 22°C (72°F) year-round. It has a steady current that provides a perfect 1-to-3-hour float without much paddling required. For those looking for a more "party" atmosphere, the Comal River in New Braunfels is the shortest navigable river in the state and features the famous "tube chute" around the city dam. The Guadalupe River is also popular but is highly dependent on flow rates from the Canyon Lake Dam; during droughts, it can become a "rock crawl" rather than a float. If you want to stay within Austin city limits, you can paddle on Lady Bird Lake, though it lacks the moving current and "cooler-friendly" floating culture found in San Marcos and New Braunfels.