Went to the cardboard boat races today. It’s been going on for years and this is the first time I’ve gotten over there. Should you ever decide to go there, a few observations…
– There is a PITA chokepoint getting in and parking because they do charge for parking for the event. I spent 20 minutes traversing an length of road that normally would take 1 minute… The parks department might want to think about throwing an extra body at parking $$ collection
– Bring a nice picnic lunch. Even though there are food vendors, they’re just not quite ready for prime time. Not very long lines, but slow as all get out.
– The spectators are kind of vicious. There is as much, if not more cheering for capsized boats as for the winners.
– The range of boats is pretty spectacular, from a bunch of cardboard boxes taped together with packing tape, to a space shuttle.
– It’s really worth the $4 parking charge and the bit of a wait - very fun and I’d do it again.
Scavenged cardboard: $0
Paint & Magic Markers: $15
Being able to say, “We did it ourselves!” AND winning your heat? Priceless.
Boat: Swordfish
I’m fairly certain the little one on the right was the one I heard later saying, “Dad! The boat tipped over and we fell out! Did you see it?! It was AWESOME!!”
More pics after the jump
How this did not result in 4 capsized boats is beyond me.
I’m not sure Dad’s idea of a fun family project included pushing the boat.
Old School.
These guys lasted about a minute before it all went downhill very quickly.
Seems there is nothing in the rules to say you can’t get out of the boat!
I’m still surprised standing up in the boat didn’t make it tip over.
Airplanes do not make particularly good boats.
Just how many kids can you fit in a very small boat?
Spectators:
