Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center’s Cardboard Boat Race

Think your boat-building skills are strong enough to keep you afloat? Find out next year!




Thank you for a successful and fun inaugural 2025 Cardboard Boat Race!

We had a blast building, racing, and raising awareness for drowning prevention at our inaugural Cardboard Boat Race! The event made waves in the community, spreading the word that we’re here to help kids and adults learn to swim and stay healthy.

Missed the fun this year? No worries! We’ll see you at the 2026 Cardboard Boat Race!

Proceeds from this year’s event supported drowning prevention efforts, adaptive swim lessons for all skill levels, health and wellness education, and facility improvements.

Thank you RAFC 2025 Cardboard Boat Race Sponsors!

Your sponsorship made huge waves in supporting drowning prevention and wellness programs.

Captain Level

Truist Logo
Luckys Lake Swim Logo

Chief Mate Level

Rosen Hotels and Resorts Logo
Greater Orlando Sports Commission logo
JA Uniforms logo
Nemours logo
Universal Orlando Resort

Navigator Level

Alma Swim Foundation logo
Dick's Last Resort logo
GCC Connect logo
KDB Logo logo

Life Preserver Level

Central Florida Strategies Logo

Download Flyer and Form

Cardboard Boat Race Sponsor FormCardboard Boat Race FlyerCardboard Boat Race Entry Form

Rules and Regulations

Permitted Supplies

  • Boats must be made entirely of corrugated cardboard
  • Duct tape
  • Stickers
  • Markers

General Rules

  • Boats must be made entirely of corrugated cardboard and propelled by human power using provided ping pong paddles.
  • Boats must be assembled at the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center on the day of event.
  • Will begin with the captain’s meeting at 12 pm on July 19, 2025, followed by no more than 1 hour to build.
  • The boat must be designed to float and carry participants.
  • Crew compartments cannot be fully enclosed to ensure easy escape in case of sinking.
  • Decorations are encouraged but must not aid in flotation or propulsion.
  • All boats must be staffed with one to two team members IN the boat. No towing, holding or using floating devices to hold the boat up.
  • Boats will have to maneuver 25-yards (approx.) across the lap pool.
  • Competitors must remain in the boat to complete the event.
  • All teams must completely dispose of their boats after the completion of the event in the outside waste container.
  • Physical contact between boats is prohibited and can lead to disqualification. Throwing water is okay.
  • Boats must fit inside of the 9-foot-wide lanes. No restrictions on length or height.
  • The races may be held in heats.