PASS HOURS
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
COMPLETED
Build Your Own Boat Competition
Build Your Own Boat crashes back on Saturday, October 11. Come see if this year’s hand-crafted vessels can tackle the class II-IV rapids on the competition channel.
BYOB Competition
- Saturday, October 11, 2025
-
12:00pm-4:00pm BYOB Competition
Float Test
- Thursday, October 9, 2025
-
4:00pm-7:00pm Float Test at the River Center.
Float Test
- Friday, October 10, 2025
-
2:00pm-6:00pm Float Test at the River Center.
Gallery
Live Music
Capping off the carnage of the Build Your Own Boat Competition is a live set. Music starts at 4:30pm.
Race Shirts
Race Shirts are only available to purchase if registered by end of day Tuesday, September 30th.
BYOB Competition
-
October 11th
$40
Float Test
-
October 9th
River Center
4:00pm-7:00pm
Float Test
-
October 10th
River Center
2:00pm-6:00pm
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.
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: $12 per vehicle
Oversized vehicles: $25
Annual Parking Pass: $40 (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
2024 Results
School Division
Overall- Community School of Davidson
Corporate Division
Overall- Rubbermaid
Open Division
Overall- Mountain Dudes
Style- All Fun and Games
Fan Favorite- Mardi Gras Mambo
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
Event Sponsors
