All photos: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
If there’s one event that defines the start of summer for ACE members, it’s SchlitterCon — and 2026’s event certainly lived up to its “Full Throttle” theme. SchlitterCon XXII, hosted by Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, on May 23 and 24 and presented by the ACE South Central region, delivered an action-packed Memorial Day weekend filled with ERT, new attractions and a wide range of activities.
The weekend’s theme set the tone from the start. Attendees enjoyed two full days of park admission. Storms on Saturday morning kept general crowds away, resulting in significantly shorter lines than those on a typical holiday weekend. That evening, guests checked in and received gift bags that included an event T-shirt and a surprise complimentary Schlitterbahn beach towel before gathering for a Tex-Mex-themed dinner.
Justin Loehr, park manager, and Hailey Burgess welcome the group to the event at the Saturday night dinner.
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After dinner, the group headed to Blastenhoff for the first ERT session. Many took advantage of multiple rides on Master Blaster, while others relaxed in the Bamboozle Bay pool. Ice cream with toppings was available, and guests could also enjoy complimentary adult beverages at the swim-up bar.
Breakfast burritos were a welcome start to Sunday.
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Sunday brought perfect weather for a full day at the waterpark. The morning began in Surfenburg with hearty breakfast burritos, followed by the event’s first organized activity. Staying true to the Full Throttle theme, attendees participated in races around the Crystal River, with separate divisions for juniors, adults and seniors. Winners in each category received complimentary Fast Lane passes courtesy of Schlitterbahn.
Boogie Bahn competition was open to all ages.
After the races, guests had the option to enjoy additional ERT in the Crystal River or take part in the annual SchlitterCon tradition — the Boogie Bahn competition. This year’s event featured impressive tricks, wipeouts and plenty of fun. Winners across multiple categories were announced during Sunday’s dinner.
Torrent River.
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Attendees enjoyed a BBQ dinner at Bavarian Hall.
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Boogie Bahn winners: adults (above) and children (below).
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After a full day exploring everything Schlitterbahn has to offer — from the Torrent River to The Falls, as well as the park’s various tube chutes and slides — guests gathered at Bavarian Hall for a Texas BBQ dinner. During the meal, Boogie Bahn awards were presented, and the ACE South Central team thanked attendees and the Schlitterbahn staff for another successful event.
Attendees enjoyed Waserbahn Racers, Schlitterbahn’s new attraction for 2026.
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Following dinner, the group moved to the Wunder Pool area for relaxation and another ERT session. Guests experienced a newly modified version of The Cliffhanger tube chute and the park’s new 2026 attraction, Wasserbahn Racers. This three-lane mat racer quickly became a crowd favorite, offering high-speed, headfirst competition along a course built into the hillside above the Comal River.
The evening concluded with a family movie night featuring Pixar’s “Cars.” Guests enjoyed desserts and, once again, complimentary adult beverages, all while relaxing in and around the Wunder Pool, enjoying time with friends, old and new.
As the credits rolled, attendees said their goodbyes and reflected on a memorable weekend. The ACE South Central team extended its gratitude to the entire Schlitterbahn staff — especially Serenity Fetherson for planning the event and Hailey Burgess for stepping in on short notice to make sure everything ran smoothly.
— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative
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