Trails Open TODAY
COMPLETED
returns 2024

Build Your Own Boat Competition

See if your boat building and maritime skills can withstand the Whitewater Center’s challenging rapids. Put your hand crafted vessels to the test down class II-IV rapids on the competition channel.

Schedule

BYOB Competition

  • Saturday, October 14, 2023
  • 12:00pm-4:00pm BYOB Competition

Float Test

  • Friday, October 13, 2023
  • 4:00pm-8:00pm Float Test at the River Center.

Gallery

  • BYOB 2022 - Wes Maxwell
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Wes Maxwell
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022 - Sean Richard
  • BYOB 2022

Race Shirts

  • 2023_BYOB_TSHIRT-2

BYOB Competition

  • October 14th

    $40

Registration Closed

Float Test

  • October 13th

    River Center

    4:00pm-8:00pm

Race Policies & Information

Additional Information

Rules

  • Event Capacity: 60 boats
  • Teams may consist of 1-4 people
  • Participant Age Requirement: 16 years or older
  • All boats must be human powered
  • All boat materials must float
  • Maximum Dimensions: 10′ wide x 10′ long x 5′ tall
  • Rope sections may not be longer than 18 inches and must be tied securely against the structure
  • No enclosures or compartments are permitted
  • Boat Weight Limit: 150 lbs. maximum
  • The following materials are prohibited:
    • Metal objects.
    • Sharp objects.
    • Straps or devices that hold participants to the craft.
    • Manufactured craft designed for whitewater (rafts, kayaks, duckies, river boards, SUP, inner tubes, etc.).
    • Wood (plywood, boards etc.) over 1/4″ thick.

Scoring

  • Overall: Scored based on style and completion. Boats failing to complete the entire channel will not be eligible for the Overall Award.
    • Boats that do not complete the competition channel are still eligible for the Style Award and the Fan’s Choice Award.
  • Style: Boats will be ranked based on creativity, design and theme.
  • Fan’s Choice: Based on crowd applause and reaction.

FAQ's

Is there a fee to attend Build Your Own Boat?

No ticket is required to attend the Build Your Own Boat event.

The Whitewater Center charges a parking fee for all guests who enter the facility by automobile.

Daily Parking Fee: $6 per vehicle
Oversized vehicles: $18
Annual Parking Pass: $60 (valid From January 1 – December 31 each year)

Can I bring my own food and beverage?

Outside food and beverage is not permitted on Whitewater Center property including the parking lots.

What is your pet policy?

Pets are always welcome at the USNWC and must remain on leash.

Can I bring a blanket or chair to sit on? What about a canopy or share structure?

Blankets and chairs are permitted.

Canopies and shade structures are permitted as long as they are staked down and do not obstruct the view of other guests. Shade structures are not permitted on Belmont Abbey College Island.

Results

2023 Results

Overall- Ben Hur-ry Down the River

Style- Mario Kart

Fan Favorite- PD Chargers

2022 Results

Overall- Boatload of Karen’s

Style- Wave Runner

Fan Favorite- Los Bomberos

2021 Results

Overall – Wave Digger

2019 Results

Overall Winner – ShipFaced

Style – Great Scotts!

Fan’s Choice – The Plumbers

2019 Brewery Results

Overall Brewery – Legal Remedy Brewing

Brewery Style – Suffolk Punch Brewing

Fan’s Choice – Suffolk Punch Brewing

2018 Results

Overall Winner – Owensby Boatworx

Style – Owensby Boatworx

Fan’s Choice – The Pip Heads

Brewery Edition – Hyde Brewing

2017 Results

Overall Winner – Brother’s Boenisch

Style – The Beatles

Fan’s Choice – The Jenny

Upcoming Events

Tuck Fest

Event Sponsors