A group of students getting lined up for their cardboard boat race

Cardboard Boat Regatta

Register your Team Today!

Saturday September, 30

2 - 4 pm

 

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 Sept. 30 starting at 2pm. Is building a boat, not your style? Come and cheer on the teams and enjoy free food! Sign up your team on the form at the end of this page.

Need supplies to build your boat? Join us on Sept. 28 from 7-9pm at the Burge Union to build your boat. Follow us @suaevents for any updates! Check out more of our events at suaevents.ku.edu! 

Need help building?

Limited supplies will be provided on Thursday evening from 7-9pm on Daisy Hill or in the Student Union Activities (SUA) office but 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.

Rules of the Event

Only one rider inside the boat at a time. 

Rider may use one single-ended paddle to drive the boat that will be provided.

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). 

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 itself must be built using cardboard (corrugated sheets, cardboard blocks, cardboard tubes, etc.) and duct tape only.  

Cardboard cannot be waxed or pre-treated.  

Boat cannot be completely wrapped in duct tape.  

Varnish, paint, or polyurethane may be used to waterproof the boat. 

The following are not allowed when building boats:

  • Wood
  • Styrofoam
  • Rubber
  • Plastic Bags
  • Metal
  • Staples
  • Motors
  • Electrical Parts
  • Clamps
  • Wax
  • Caulking
  • Two-Part adhesives

 All materials must be removed from Potter Lake and surrounding areas at the end of the race. 

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.