Paddle!
Picnic!
Enjoy Plainsboro Pond!

 

 

Cardboard Canoe Race
General Rules

  1. Each team will consist of one or two people. Registration is limited to approximately 25 teams. Each team will construct a boat to be paddled by one member of the team.
  2. Each team will be provided with the following:
      1 78" by 120" sheet of corrugated cardboard
      55 years 2" mylar packing tape
      1 razor knife
      1 life preserver (PFD)
      1 canoe paddle
  3. Each team will have one hour to construct a watercraft from the material provided.
  4. Only the materials provided are permitted—no other tools or materials of any type may be used. This includes pens, pencils, measuring devices, string, wood, plastic…Teams may not share materials.
  5. While participants are encouraged to make drawings, models, or prototypes, none may be brought to the race or consulted during the building period.
  6. There are no requirements as to boat design. The PFD must be worn by the paddler. The canoe paddle need not be used, but must be carried by the paddler.
  7. There will be a design judging period at the end of the building period. Boats will be judged on aesthetics and functionality of design.
  8. The race will be conducted in timed heats, with the overall winner determined by the best time.
  9. Heats will be organized by boat number, and start from a designated launching area on shore.
  10. The team member who is not paddling the boat may assist in launching
  11. The course will be clearly marked on Plainsboro Pond. All boats must cross the designated finish line, although they may be waterlogged and/or submerged.
  12. In the event that an entrant is judged to have intentionally interfered with another competitor, his or her team will be disqualified.
  13. Drowning is prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
  14. There will be prizes for the top finishers, the winners of the design competition and for the most spectacular sinking. Bragging rights can be exercised throughout the year by displaying the dazzling winner's trophy.
  15. In the event of a question concerning the rules, the judges’ interpretation will be final. Participants are encouraged to seek interpretation in advance, to avoid misunderstandings.


Race Day Schedule

  1. Tech inspections will begin at 10 a.m. at the picnic area at Ponds End, and the race will begin when the inspections are complete. The tech inspectors reserve the right to disqualify any entry felt to present a hazard!
  2. As long as the weather is not considered hazardous, the event will take place, rain or shine. The Plainsboro Rescue Squad will be on hand, and the water will be tested for safety.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that this event is intended to be fun, yet competitive. No hindering of other teams will be tolerated and such offenders will be disqualified. (Splashing will not be considered hindering.) The winners will be acknowledged by having their names engraved on a plaque. Said plaque will be kept on display in the Plainsboro Public Library. Each year the names of new winners will be added to the trophies.

Sponsored by the Science Center at Plainsboro Public Library in collaboration with the Plainsboro Recreation Department, the Public Works Department, The Fire Department, the Rescue Squad and Boy Scout Troop 168. Special thanks to Bill Daniels forbeing the original co-conspirator in originating this zany community event! For additional details, queries, ad hoc rules and unabashed cheerleading, call the Library at 609-275-2897.