Cardboard on the Water: Return of the Rec Recycle Regatta
By Frank Otto
Once again, sea-faring Dragons will take to the Daskalakis Athletic Center’s pool to race their cardboard boats a perilous 25 meters in the Rec Recycle Regatta.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Bryan Ford, director of recreation in Drexel’s Department of Athletics.
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 22, boats made from just cardboard, duct tape, paper tape, calking and hope will embark from one side of the pool to the other, manned by two Drexel students, faculty or staff.
Registration and inspection of the fragile frigates will take place an hour prior to competition. Rules for the competition can be found under the event listing here.
Although it may not be easy to make cardboard float under the weight of two people, competitors continue to amaze Ford.
“It’s the creativity. We have people who not only build their boat out of nothing but cardboard and tape, but they generally have fun with the event as well,” he said. “They name their boats, wear costumes and have a competitive yet fun nature while racing their boats across the pool.”
Awards are given out for fastest trip across the chlorinated expanse, best design, and best teamwork.
And if your creation turns out to be less of a man o’ war and more of a submarine, there’s even an award for that, aptly named after the Titanic.
Begin building now and any questions can be directed to intramurals@drexel.edu.