KU student racing their groups cardboard boat across Potter Lake

Cardboard Boat Regatta

Register your Team Today!

Friday, October 2, 2026

 

About the Event

Have you ever wanted to row a boat on Potter Lake? Now is your chance! Join SUA in a cardboard boat race on Oct. 2 starting at 5pm.  Sign up your team on the form at the end of this page.

Need supplies to build your boat? Attend the CBBR Build Night on Wednesday, September 30 from 6 to 8 PM in the Jayhawk Room, Kansas Union, Level 5. Contact us at sua@ku.edu with any questions.

Follow us @suaevents for any updates! Check out more of our events at suaevents.ku.edu! 

Need help building?

Limited supplies will be provided in the Student Union Activities (SUA) office, Kansas Union, Level 4, just behind the Coffeehouse and during the Build Night. We encourage reusing cardboard that you bring from home or that can be found at large stores such as Walmart or Target. Just ask an employee, and they will usually be able to give it to you.
How to Build a Cardboard Boat How to Build a Cardboard Boat
Do's and Dont's of Building a Boat Do's and Dont's of Building a Boat
SUA Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules SUA Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules

Rules of the Event

See all Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules here.

  • Up to three members per team.   
  • Only one rider inside the boat at a time.   
  • Rider may use one single-ended paddle to drive boat, these will be provided. 
  • Rider must know how to swim.    
  • Rider must be wearing a life jacket and shoes at all times when on the water, life jackets will be provided.   
  • Rider must be visible inside the boat and cannot be seated below the top of the boat (no overhead covers).   

See all Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules here.

  • Boat decorations are encouraged and can be made using any material as long as they do not aid in the floatation or functionality of the boat.   
  • Boat must be built using cardboard (corrugated sheets, cardboard blocks, cardboard tubes, etc.) and duct tape only.   
  •  Cardboard cannot be waxed or pre-treated.   
  • You may not use the following items: 
    • Wood 
    • Styrofoam 
    • Rubber 
    • plastic bags 
    • Metal 
    • Staples 
    • Motors 
    • electrical parts 
    • Clamps 
    • Wax 
    • caulking or two-part adhesives 
  • Boat cannot be completely wrapped in duct tape. 
  • Varnish, paint, or polyurethane may not be used to waterproof the boat. 
  • All materials must be removed from Potter Lake and surrounding areas at the end of the race. 

See all Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules here.

  • You may not use the following items: 
    • Wood 
    • Styrofoam 
    • Rubber 
    • plastic bags 
    • Metal 
    • Staples 
    • Motors 
    • electrical parts 
    • Clamps 
    • Wax 
    • caulking or two-part adhesives 

See all Cardboard Boat Regatta Rules here.

  • No drinking or drugs in the vicinity of the event.   
  • People may not enter the water while not racing.   
  • Lifeguards and a police officer will be on duty. 
  • Distance from start of race to finish: approximately 150 ft.   
  • Maximum depth of lake along race line: 8 ft.