Cardboard Races at the Aquatic Center

Registration deadline for the Cardboard Boat Races is June 25. Youngsters team up to build their best cardboard boat and attempt to ride in their boats for as long as possible before the boat sinks. Boaters are tasked with building a functional craft with only cardboard and duct tape.
Boat check-in is 10 a.m. June 27, with the first launch at 11 a.m.
Each boat must have two passengers, ages 6-16. Rules are on the Hannibal Parks & Recreation website, and available at the HPR office, 320 Broadway.
Trophies will be awarded to winners in the following categories:
• Fastest Boat
• Titanic Award
• Best Decorated
• Crowd Pleaser
• Tom and Becky’s Choice

Rules & Regulations For All Boats
1. Boats and team members must be registered (fee paid, registration form and waiver completed) to participate in the event.
2. Good sportsmanship is expected of all team members and spectators. Please cheer on other teams and be supportive of all in attendance. Any unsportsmanlike conduct will not be allowed and could result in disqualification of a team.
3. Boats must be made BEFORE the race.
4. The entire boat, superstructure and seating of all boats must be made entirely of cardboard.
5. Only cardboard is allowed (any thickness is permitted).
6. Only seams and joints may be taped, not the whole boat. The bottom of the boat may not be wrapped in plastic, duct tape, shrink wrap or anything else.
7. Absolutely NO use of the following items: Tar-based substances, two-part varnishes, fiberglass resin, epoxy glue, and other two-part substances, or cardboard that’s bonded to any material.
8. Decorative materials (No Paint) are encouraged as long as they do not aid in the floatation of the boat.
9. Boats must be propelled by use of hands or two (2) total homemade paddles may be used; cardboard and tape only.
10. Fasteners such as nuts, bolts, staples, nails may not be used.
11. Boats must be free of sharp edges, pointy objects or anything else that could cause injuries.
12. No electrical components are allowed.
13. The boat design cannot completely enclose any body parts whatsoever. Meaning, passenger compartment should be of open air design to allow riders an unrestricted exit upon capsize.
14. No more than two people allowed in any boat. Riders must be 6-16 years old.
15. Teams are responsible for transporting their boats back to the starting point for multiple runs.
16. No pushing of boat or off the edge of pool to begin the race.
17. Both crew members must be significantly above water at the time he/she has reached the established finish line to have a valid completed run.
18. A heat is paddling your boat the length of the pool and back, one crew member’s hand must touch the side of the pool, and then turn 180 degrees before heading back to the finish.
19. To qualify as a finisher in any heat, both crew members must be IN your boat, no towing of any kind.
20. Boats must be taken home or disposed of properly at event.
21. This race is purely for fun. Our judges do their best to make the race safe and fun for each team.