Build Your Own Boat Competition

If you’ve ever had nautical dreams of become master and commander of a ship finely crafted with your own hands, here’s your chance. The 4^th annual Build Your Own Boat Competition & Race puts human-powered vessels to the test down our man-made whitewater channel featuring class IV rapids. Judging will be based on the creativity and seaworthy-ness of each boat, with the winning team’s name joining the ranks of past champions on the coveted B.Y.O.B. trophy.

Event Details:

• Date – Saturday, October 10, 2015
• Time – 12:0 p.m.

Registration:

• $30 – Pre-registration through October 8
• $40 – Race day registration (if available)
• *Note: There is a 60 boat cap for this event. First come, first serve during registration.

Register

Schedule:

Friday, October 9

• 4:00 p.m. – Mandatory check-in, boat drop off, float test, and style judging begins
• 8:00 p.m. – Mandatory check-in, boat drop off, float test, and style judging ends
  • Note that you do not have to show up in full costume but it is helpful in your score.
  • You will get wet during the mandatory float test

Saturday, October 10

• 12:00 p.m. – BYOB Competition begins
• 3:45 p.m. – Awards
• 4:00 p.m. – Live Music
• 6:00 p.m. – Live Music
• 8:00 p.m. – Live Music

COMPETITION INFORMATION:

• Drop off location: Kayak Center & Competition Channel river right (See schedule above for times)
• All boats will check in at the Kayak Center and proceed to assigned location
• Vehicular access is limited to the Kayak Center only. No vehicles will be allowed past the Kayak Center. 

TEAMS:

• Teams may consist of 1-4 people.
• All participants must be ages 16+.
• Boats will be ranked based on style. Funky, creative costumes and teams of four are encouraged. Remember, you must be able to swim in your costume (no masks).

SCORING:

• Style: Boats will be ranked based on creativity, design and theme
• Completion: Boats that are not able to navigate the entire length of the competition channel with the entire team “mostly on the boat” will not be eligible for the overall award
  • Boats that do not complete the competition channel are still eligible for the Style Award and the Fan’s Choice Award
• Fan’s Choice: Boat’s will be ranked based on fan’s reaction throughout the event

RULES OF THE GAME:

• All crafts must be human powered.
• Everything must float.
• Craft must not exceed 10′ wide x 10′ long x 5′ tall.
• Rope sections may be no longer than 18 inches and must be tied tightly/securely against some part of the craft’s structure (no open loops)
• No enclosures or compartments on the craft
• 150 lbs. maximum
• The following items cannot be used:
  • Metal objects
  • Sharp objects
  • Straps or devices that hold you to the craft (participants must be able to exit at any time)
  • Manufactured crafts designed for whitewater (rafts, kayaks, duckies, riverboards, SUP, etc.)
  • Wood (plywood, boards etc.) over 1/4 inch thick
• Pool toys, floats, etc. are okay.
• Participants must be prepared to swim the length of the channel unaided and must wear the PFD and helmet provided by the USNWC.
• Specific build questions should be sent to the Race Director at racedirector@usnwc.org.

Awards:

Will be given to top team in each of the following categories

• Overall Winner (based on style and completion as outlined in the “Scoring” section above)
• Style Award (based on creativity, design and theme only)
• Fan’s Choice Award (based on audience’s vote)

Sponsors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Event Info:

• Interested in volunteering? Please contact the Race Director at racedirector@usnwc.org.
• Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable
• All participants must sign the USNWC waiver before participating
• USNWC will provide paddles, PFDs and helmets to all participants.
• Safety gear must be worn throughout the entire race.
• All rafting rules and regulations apply.
• USNWC reserves the right to deny entry to any team and/or participants if materials or craft is unsafe.
• Participants must be able to swim in their costumes. No masks.
• Locker rooms are located at the main USNWC River Center
• Participants must be present to accept awards. Awards will not be mailed
• Event will proceed rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the Race Director
• All guests are required to pay a $5 parking fee at the USNWC unless guest has an annual parking pass. Annual parking passes are available through the USNWC for $40