Cardboard boats slipped into the water, some gliding forward while others quickly collapsed beneath the surface, drawing cheers and laughter from spectators at the 51st annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.
Held at campus lake on April 18, the annual event challenges students and community members to build and race boats made primarily of cardboard, combining competition with creativity in one of the university’s longest-running traditions.
Teams launched their vessels one by one, paddling to stay afloat as they raced across the water. Some boats held together long enough to reach the finish line, while others began to sink mid-race, forcing participants to paddle harder or abandon ship altogether.
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William Stearns, aquatic director at the Student Recreation Center at Southern Illinois University, said the unpredictability of the race is part of what keeps people coming back.
“I mean, everybody that comes out, it’s always a great time. I mean, you’ve built a boat out of cardboard and then see how it does, and it’s one of my favorite things that I get to do as part of my job,” Stearns said.
Spectators lined the shore, reacting to each launch and wipeout, as races continued throughout the event. Volunteers remained nearby to retrieve sunken boats and assist participants, helping keep the competition moving smoothly.
The regatta attracts students, alumni and community members, who gather each year to watch the race.
Staff Photographer Amilia I. Estrada can be reached at [email protected]
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