Cardboard & duct tape|Low-tech watercraft
Looking for a challenge or a good laugh? Both can
Cardboard Boat Races have a limited materials list for their construction. Looks like they stayed afloat for this short event. World File Photo
be found at the Lakeside’s Cardboard Boat Races at Tenmile Lakes.
Osprey’s RV Park encourages adults, teens and children to get creative and construct their own boats out of cardboard to race across the lake.
Osprey’s RV Park will host its 11th Annual Cardboard Boat Races beginning at noon on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Tenmile Lakes in Lakeside.
The races are separated into three divisions; Polliwogs, 7 years and younger;Youth, 8 to 11-years; Junior, 12-15 and Adults, 16 years and older. All divisions can participate in the different classes that are arranged according to the number of team members.
Cost is $5 for one class, or $10 for two or more. For details, contact Mike Smalley at Osprey Point RV Park, (541) 759-2801; Ringo’s Lakeside Marina, (541) 759-3312 or Tree Acres at (541) 759-3687.
While the concept may sound simple, construction of the boat is no easy feat. Construction materials are limited to cardboard, duct tape, plastic trash bags, plastic sheeting, and water-based latex paints. Glue, caulk, and waxed cardboard are prohibited.
World File Photo
‘Be careful in the design,” cautioned Mike Smalley, an experience cardboard boat craftsman.
‘Have plenty of reinforcement. You need to get creative in building them.”
If carpentry isn’t your cup of tea, there is still something for you to enjoy.
‘Everyone likes to watch them sink,” Smalley said.
‘Some boats are more efficient than they look. You never know, that’s the fun part.
‘It’s just light-hearted, inexpensive entertainment.”
By Nia Towne
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