Get ready for an action-packed day at the Bideford Rotary Water Festival’s Cardboard Boat Race! This isn’t just about winning—it’s all about fun and spectacle. Decorate your boat in the main Steampunk theme, or, whatever inspires you. Paddle it against others, either on your own or with a crew. The crowd is eager to be entertained, so bring your creativity and enthusiasm. It’s a perfect chance to showcase your flair. There are prizes for the most entertaining, best-themed boats, best capsize, best submarine and more. Check out photos from previous years to get inspired. Make this event as entertaining as possible for everyone!

Don’t worry about sourcing cardboard, we’ve partnered with Smurfit Westrock Atlas Packaging to get plenty of free cardboard for everyone. Just get in touch with us to arrange collection or discuss delivery options.

Cardboard Boat Prizes

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• Solo Paddler
• Multi Paddler
• Youth Paddler
• Most Entertaining
• Best Survivor
• Best Capsize
• Best Submarine
• Best Steampunk Boat Design (as judged by the Mayor of Bideford)

Useful information

Registration: You need to register to enter the Cardboard Boat Race, you can do so here.

After you have registered, you will receive an email with a detailed “Entry and consent” form to be returned to complete your entry.

Registration deadline: All boats must be registered by 5pm on Wednesday 2nd September.

Entry fee: The fee to enter is just £20 per boat for adult paddlers or just £10 per boat for children paddlers, No children under 10 years (due to insurance).  Free cardboard included. Registrations need to be made prior to the day of the event. Payments preferred in advance, but may be made on the day (All event proceeds go back into the local community, find out more).

Construction rules: You can read our boat construction rules here.

Guidelines: You can find our boat building guidelines here.

Steampunk Style tips

• A raised stern or bow  for a Victorian-era steamship look.
• Paint the boat: Use metallic paints (copper, brass, bronze) for a mechanical look. Add rust effects with brown and black paint.
• Add gears and pipes: Cut gears from cardboard or use old clock/watch parts. Glue them to the sides or top.
• Create a smokestack: Roll cardboard into a tube and attach it to the back or side. Paint it black and add “steam” details with cotton or white paint.
• Add LED lights: Place LED tea lights inside the smokestack or under the “engine” area for a glowing effect.

Cardboard: Please contact us to arrange collection of your free cardboard.

Boat building workshop on 12th July.  Please contact us to book in.

All participants do so at their own risk.