2026 Cardboard Boat Race Information

The Atholton Swim Club Cardboard Boat Race returns! ASC Commodore David Anderson has reimagined and redesigned the rules and regulations for this year’s Cardboard Boat Race! Register as either a solo paritipcant or in the team contest (2+ people in the boat).You can design your own boat. Innovate and experiment with different ideas at your will… just make sure it’s strong enough to survive the race!

RACE DISTANCES: 25m & 50m

BOAT CLASSIFICATIONS: Solo or Team

Ready to register? Review the below rules and regulations and complete the form below!

Rules & Regulations

Only the following materials may be used in your cardboard boat. Boats with materials other than those below will be disqualified.

  • Cardboard (cannot be waxed or plasticized)
  • Cardboard tubes (cannot be capped or coated in plastic)
  • Duct Tape
  • Packing Tape
  • Hot Glue
  • Rope
  • String
Construction & Race Guidelines
  1. You may not use: Any type of plastic cap, cover or coating; wax coated cardboard; inflatible or foam flotation devices; soluble glue.
  2. Only permanent markers may be used to decorate your boat. Boats that feature paint, stickers or any other coating that may come off in the water will result in disqualification.
  3. Tape may ONLY be used to reinforce the bottom and joints of the boat; covering the whole boat structure in tape will result in disqualification.
  4. You may use your own paddles, oars, or plastic shovels for propulsion.
  5. Propulsion systems like paddle wheels or propellers are allowed but they can only be made from the permitted materials and cannot be motorized.
  6. Rafts or flat boats that use legs for propulsion are not permitted.
  7. No external structures like fans or people pushing the boat, can be used for propulsion.
  8. If your design is closed in any way, you MUST have a reliable exit point that can be used at all times. Head and shoulders must always be visible while in your boat, at all times. Safety is the first priority at the ASC Cardboard Boat Race; boats deemed unsafe will not be permitted to participate.
  9. Boats are to be constructed and stored at home and should be brought to the pool the day of the race. Boats may not be constructed or stored at ASC.
  10. Any participant in the boat must be wearing a bathing suit.
  11. Any participant who leaves the interior during the race of their boat will cause the boat and its crew to be disqualified.

2026 ASC Cardboard Boat Race

Boat & Race Details

Boat Classification(Required)
Race Distance(Required)

Participant Details

Partipant #1 Name(Required)
Partipant #2 Name(Required)

AGREEMENT

By clicking submit, I understand and agree to the rules and regulations of the 2026 ASC Cardboard Boat Race. I certify that my boat meets the requirements set forth and only contains the permitted materials. I understand that if my boat does not meet the requirements, I may be disqualified from the race and not permitted to participate.