Lakeway Cardboard Regatta

Join Lakeway Parks & Recreation for a splashing good time!

WHAT IS A CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA?

Participants will work in teams of 2 to build a boat and paddles using only cardboard and duct tape.

Boats will be built in advance of the event.

On event day, you will board your boat and race to the finish line!

AWARDS

Youth Class (Ages 7 – 14) 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place – Fastest Times

Adult Class (Ages 15+) 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place – Fastest Times

Creativity Award – Team Whose Boat is Most Creative in Design

Titanic Award – Team Whose Boat Sinks in the Most Spectacular Fashion

HOW DO I BEGIN?

Registration is OPEN! Click HERE to register your team.

Then build your boat and get ready to race!

There are many videos and websites dedicated to the art of cardboard boat making. Use your computer browser to search out helpful information on constructing your vessel.

Texas Tech created an informative slideshow. Click HERE to view.

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

• Boats must be pre-built. You can “fine tune” at the event site.
• Boat structure must be made ONLY of cardboard and duct tape. 
• Untreated cardboard tubes and blocks are permitted. 
• NO industrial or waxed cardboard is permitted.
• Duct tape with color and pattern print is permitted.
• Please DO NOT use paint in any form.  Use colorful duct tape in place of paint. 
• You may attach additional decorations with duct tape.
• Decorations should not be used as structural or flotation elements or contain paint.
• Cardboard cannot be sealed with paint or sealants. 
• Fastening material is to be duct tape only. 
• No wood, plastic, rubber, inflatable devices, Styrofoam, fiberglass, or plastic may be used for boat structure.
• No caulking, two part or mixed adhesives, glues, or epoxy.
• No electrical, gasoline, benzene, propane, or other chemical or electrical propulsion systems.
• Hull wrapping in duct tape is allowed.
• Costumes are encouraged.
• Design is left to the builders. Do not enclose the boat in a way that would impede exiting the vessel when in the water.
• Participants should also construct 2 paddles from cardboard and duct tape. Pool noodles may also be used. These are what will be used to propel you across the pool.
• Boats should be no larger than 60″ wide and 84″ long.
• Boats should be free of sharp edges, pointy objects, or anything else that could cause injury.

PARTICIPATION RULES

• Every crew member must wear a personal flotation device (PFD). You may provide your own or borrow one from Lakeway Swim Center for the event.
• Boats will race one length (75′) across the lap pool at Lakeway Swim Center.
• During the competition, crew must be inside the boat. No towing the boat, holding it between legs, swimming, or using the PFD to provide flotation of the vessel is permitted.
• The race must begin and end with the two-person crew intact. Any use of lane lines or sides of the pool for pushing or pulling your boat will result in disqualification.
• Participants arms and legs are to remain inside the boat at all times and should not be used to propel the boats.
• This is a fun event and participants are expected to maintain decorum at all times. Unsportsmanlike behavior is grounds for disqualification. 
• Throwing water on another boat is a reason for disqualification except in the event of incidental splash of paddles.
• Event judges have final decision in approval of boat construction, race completion times, and disqualifications.
• Sunken boats must be removed from the facility by participants or discarded in our designated trash receptacle.
• Please do not bring pets to the event.
• No residency restrictions, all are welcome to participate.

COST

• There is no cost to register for the event. Participants are responsible for acquiring all materials needed to build their cardboard boat and paddles.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Valerie Welch, Events Coordinator. valeriewelch@lakeway-tx.gov or 512.314.7532.