Cardboard Boat Races 2026

Event Summary

Big Sioux Recreation Area Cardboard Boat Race –

Saturday of Labor Day Weekend 12:00-2:00

Looking for a fun Labor Day weekend activity? Grab your friends and join us for the first-ever Big Sioux Recreation Area Cardboard Boat Race! Build your own cardboard boat, dress up in costumes (optional but encouraged), and see if your creation can make it across the course without sinking! Rules Below!

Join us for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and friendly competition! Whether you cross the finish line or sink in spectacular fashion, or come to spectate and vote, it's sure to be a memorable event! Participation is FREE and admission to Big Sioux Recreation Area is free for both participants and spectators during the event. Pre-registration is encouraged for planning purposes but will be accepted day of. 

Event Schedule

• 12:00 p.m. – Team Check-In & Boat Inspection at beach parking lot

• 1:00 p.m. – Race Begins (approximately) on the beach.

Boat Construction Rules

Approved Materials

• Boats may be constructed using only corrugated cardboard (flattened boxes) and standard duct tape. Boats must be built prior to arrival on race day. Important: You may use duct tape for seams and reinforcement, but wrapping the entire hull in duct tape is not allowed.

Prohibited Materials

• Anything other than corrugated cardboard, or standard duct tape is NOT allowed. Prohibited materials include but not limited to items like: waxed or treated cardboard, wood, gorilla tape, gorilla duct tape, metal, plastic, styrofoam, shrink wrap or plastic wrap, fiberglass, tar-based sealers, epoxy resins, liquid rubber, staples, nails, screws, or other metal/wood fasteners. 

Boat power

• Boats must be human-powered only. No motors or mechanical propulsion. Paddles may be made from approved cardboard and duct tape materials. Paddles are optional. No outside swimmer may push, pull, or tow the boat during the race.

Teams (2-6 people)

• Minimum of 2 max of 4 water crew members in each boat.

• Up to 2 additional land crew members may assist with launching and recovery. Land crews are optional.

• No age requirement (participants should be capable swimmers). 

Land Crew Responsibilities

• Help launch the boat at start of race. They may enter the water no further than knee depth while assisting.

• Help land the boat at end of race. They may enter the water no further than knee depth while assisting.

• Assist with recovery and clean up after the race has completed.

Water Crew Responsibilities

• Launch the boat at start of race. They may enter the water no further than knee depth before entering boat.

• Paddle the boat from start to finish in a seated or kneeling position inside the boat during the race. If any crew member leaves the boat OR water reaches chest level inside the boat, the vessel will be considered sunk. 

• Land the boat at end of race. They may enter the water no further than knee depth while exiting boat.

• Recover and clean up after the race has completed.

Safety & Attire

• U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are required for all participants. 

• Costumes are optional but highly encouraged. 

• Participants may not be intoxicated.

• This is a family-friendly event. Profanity or inappropriate language or attire is not permitted.

Race Format

Race Conduct

• Participants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship.

• No blocking another boat • No hitting or ramming another boat 

• No puncturing or damaging another vessel 

• No unsportsmanlike conduct

The Launch (5 minutes):

• First horn: A 4-minute warning for teams to move from check in location to the Start/Finish line with their boat. 

• Second horn: A 1-minute warning before the race begins. 

• Third horn: Race Starts!

The Race:

1. Water Crew, assisted by optional Land Crew, will travel from starting line to water edge to launch vessel. No team member may go in the water past knee depth at any time.

2. Water Crew will paddle to the designated turnaround marker, turn around and return to the water edge.

3. Water Crew, assisted by optional Land Crew, will remove vessel from water and carry it across the finish line! No team member may go in the water past knee depth at any time.

4. Fastest completion time wins 1st Place Award!

Awards

🏆 1st Place Award – Fastest boat to finish the race

🌊 Titanic Award – Most dramatic sink during the race

🎨 People's Choice Award – Favorite boat & crew (voted on by spectators)

Cleanup

Each team is responsible for:

• Removing their boat from the beach immediately following the race.

• Cleaning up all cardboard and debris associated with its vessel both in the water and on shore.

• Leaving the race area clean. 

Entry is FREE!

• Free admission to Big Sioux Recreation Area for participants and spectators during the event. 

• Free registration for the Cardboard Boat Race. Canoe Races to Follow this event!

Category

Special Events