  Castaway
on Canada Day!
The 2nd Annual Sooke River Raft Race will take place on July 1, 2009, at the Sooke Flats.
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$40 per team, first prize one-half of proceeds.
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Additional prizes for best costumes, best decorated raft, most unique raft design
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Teams needed!
Company boss and staff teams
High school student teams
Groups & associations
Rules and Regulations
The entry is open to any business, club or group in or around the Sooke area, who might want to show the weekend spectators who they are. Banners, flags, emblems, or whatever works is encouraged.
Because this event is to be a challenge as well as load of fun, the rafts must be constructed by means of some simple restrictions and guidelines. It can be floated on various objects such as empty plastic drums, jugs, inner tubes, Styrofoam, but no pontoons or dock floats.
Each raft must have a 3 to 5 person team. Participants must be at least 10 years or older. All raft paddlers must have their own paddle and PFD which must be worn throughout the race. The race will begin at the west shore of the Sooke River, travel across the river to a designated point and return to finish at the west side starting point.
Registration fee is $40.00 per team. The winning raft will take home first prize which will be 50% of the registration collected. Proceeds will go to the Canada Day Society. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, best looking raft and most unique design. Teams are to register by June 24 th.
- All rafts must be homemade.
- No commercially manufactured hulls. Nothing manufactured as a water craft (e.g., canoe, kayak, inflatable raft etc) can be used in the construction of your raft.
- The raft may be constructed off site before the race day.
- All rafts must be self-propelled, (i.e., by poles, oars, paddlewheels, sails, etc.) or any combination thereof. No engines are allowed. All rafts & paddles must be of home-made construction.
- Minimum size is 4' x 6' as measured at the waterline. Maximum size is 6' X 8'.
- The deck must measure at least 4' x 6' and be capable of supporting the weight of the crew.
- The use of nails below the deck line is prohibited.
- The deck must be securely fastened to the frame and the frame securely fastened to the hulls/flotation devices.
- All open hulls (hulls with no bulk heads) shall have styrofoam flotation affixed to the underside of raft deck.
- Aftermarket marine rigging is acceptable.
- Teams should comprise a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 5.
- All team members must be over the age of 10 years. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- All raft members must have a Coast Guard approved life jacket in their possession. These jackets must be worn at all times during the race.
- The raft must be able to be carried by its crew, without outside assistance. Handles are recommended.
- Team members must be competent swimmers and are required to wear a lifejacket at all times while on the water.
- Each raft must be equipped with one 50' length of 3/8 min. diameter tow line, secured to the raft at all times.
- The team members are to be clearly identifiable by clothing, flag, or other means.
- Racing requires all your powers of concentration, so please, no alcohol. No Glass Containers!
- No mechanical devices or tubing shall be used to propel water balloons. Under no circumstances is the throwing of objects permissible by teams participating in the race. Toy water cannons are encouraged.
- All members shall wear sneakers or other appropriate footwear.
- All sheet metal raw edges to be turned over and taped. The raft must not have sharp objects, or dangerous fittings. All decorative items must be fixed securely to the raft.
- All protruding long bolts to be sawed off, filed, and taped.
- All entries to be inspected prior to launching and will be subject to disqualification at the discretion of the Committee.
- Each team is responsible for ensuring that their raft (or debris from it) is removed from the water immediately after the race.
- Any team not complying with the rules may be disqualified.
Please note: These rules are subject to change without prior notice. The final version of the rules for the 2009 raft race will be available on June 25. Questions and Answers
1. What can I build my raft out of?
Any suitable materials may be used to build your raft. However, you must ensure that the materials used in the construction of your raft will in no way pollute or contaminate the river and surrounding environment. In addition, residues of chemical pollutants and irritants and all oil-based products must be completely removed from any plastic or metal containers that are to be used in the construction of rafts.
2. I'm using old oil drums - is that OK?
Yes you are permitted to use old plastic drums or plastic containers. However, all residues of chemical pollutants and irritants and all oil-based products must be completely removed from any plastic or metal containers that are to be used in the construction of rafts.
3. Can I add a motor?
No motorised power is allowed on rafts entering the race. However, any form of human powered propulsion is allowed whether this be through pedal driven paddles or screw propeller or merely crew members with individual paddles. Alternatively you can get off and push (this usually happens when you discover that you design is not as good as you thought).
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