Lions Raft Race

Raft Design

There are many various designs which can include survivor (basic), mechanical (paddles or screws), novelty (a theme such as Magic Roundabout) or Formula 1 which are racing rafts.

There are no secrets behind raft design but commonsense and attention to detail is important.

We insist that certain design criteria are adhered to and these points are:

1.    Rafts must comprise of two or more hulls that are held in position by struts or a platform.  Use of tyre inner tubes is permitted.  A canoe design is NOT permitted.

2.    To ensure stability and prevent rafts overturning, the distance between the outer hulls MUST be a minimum of one metre.  The minimum overall length of the raft should be at least 3 metres.

3.    Crew members MUST be able to affect an immediate escape from the raft and must not be restricted in any way.  Particular attention to this requirement must be taken into account in the design of “Mechanical” and “Novelty” class rafts.

4.    To ensure the safety of other raft crews, rafts must be designed in such a way that they do not have any dangerously protruding or sharp parts and must be constructed from non-toxic materials.  Any barrels or containers must be completely clean both inside and out.

5.    Glass fibre is not allowed other than for the superstructures of “Mechanical” and “Novelty” class rafts.

6.    When outriggers are used, they must at all times be in full contact with the water along their whole length.

7.    The rafts must only be propelled by paddles or poles.  The use of oars or rowlocks is not permitted.  All paddles must be home made and be of a single blade design.  The use of commercially designed paddles in not permitted.

8.    For safety reasons paddles must not be attached to crew members.

9.    For safety and timekeeping reasons it is important that the race marshals are able to identify all rafts at all race checkpoints.  See point 10. below.

10.    The allocated identification number of the raft must be visible from the front and both sides.  It must be clearly displayed above the water line in figures that are at least 230mm (9 inches) high.  The figures must not be affected by water.

11.    There must be 4 metres (12 feet) of 1/2” thick rope securely attached to the rear of the raft to allow the race safety divers to assist you when your raft passes over the two weirs.

12.   The crew must be able to manoeuvre their raft into the river without any additional external assistance.  Also, the weight of the raft must be considered with regard to its removal by its crew at the finish.