UPDATE: 2016 Great River Raft Race Postponed
UPDATE: The Great River Raft Race has been officially postponed until September 10th 2016. Event Coordinators have been closely monitoring the water levels in the North Platte River, and have expressed concerns about the safety of our participants.
We’re not rich like trump, so we’ve dropped the price to fifteen bucks – you’ll get a commemorative team photo and a chance to win prizes. Elect a commander in chief for your team and then get creative for our 2016 theme "Hail to the Chief". Inflatables, canoes, kayaks, homemade rafts – if it floats, jump in and join the party.
When: RESCHEDULED for Sept. 10th, 2016
Start: Robertson Road Access Point [MAP]
Finish: Morad Park [MAP]
After Party: Morad Park - Following the end of the event.
Buy Tickets Here:
How to Register as a Team:
1. Purchase an individual ticket. (Purchase Above) ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST HAVE PURCHASED AN INDIVIDUAL TICKET to participate. “Teams” will be grouped together at the launch.
2. Get creative! This year’s theme is “Hail to the Chief”. There will be prizes awarded for the most creative homemade raft, and the most creative inflatable group.
3. There is no limit to the size of teams, as long as your vessel’s size is adequate to safely hold your entire team. Please see the maximum homemade raft dimensions below.
4. Captains: Bring your crew with their ID’s and your vessel to the Robertson Road Access Point. Each person on your team will need to show ID and sign a waiver at this time. Only those crew members who have purchased an individual ticket and had a wristband to verify age and have signed a waiver will be allowed to participate.
5. Launch your vessel between 10:00 AM-noon. Raft Race staff will be on-site as early at 9:30 AM, so arrive early to fill out your waivers!
Official Rules:
Raft Restrictions:
- Must be ready to launch at designated time. Launching will begin at 10:00 AM.
- The maximum size of the raft is 12 feet long by 8 feet wide, by 10 feet tall.
- No glass, Styrofoam or empty containers that once held toxic chemicals may be used to construct your raft. No nails or sharp items may be used below the water line.
- All vessels must be securely lashed as not to fall apart during the float. Vessels must be able to withstand the river currents. All items (Coolers, etc) must be also be secured to the raft.
- Inflatables, kayaks and canoes are permissible, but must have a current AIS Sticker (contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to see if you need a sticker)
- All vessels must have a garbage receptacle (bags are okay) secured to the raft.
- No electric or gas powered motors of any kind are allowed.
- Crew members may use paddles or human-powered propulsion
Crew Restrictions:
- Each individual participant must purchase a ticket for the event.
- Crew members must be over the age of 12. Any participants ages 12-18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Every participant must wear a properly fitted Coast-Guard approved Life Vest at all times.
- All participants must sign a waiver, and have a wristband to verify whether or not they are of legal drinking age. You may participate if you are under 21, however you may not drink alcoholic beverages if you are not of legal drinking age. The entire route, as well as the after party will be patrolled to curb underage drinking.
- A “’Dry Bag” with towels or blankets to sit on at the after party is recommended.
- Costumes are encouraged!
Environmental Restrictions:
- You must recover all pieces of your vessel, including those which sink- at your own expense.
- You are responsible for packing out all your trash.
- You are responsible for retrieving and/or disposing of your raft at the end of the race.
- The organizers of this event cannot be held responsible for any damage caused or any injuries incurred. Your team should ensure that they are covered by their own personal insurance.
- Race organizers have final say on all race participants. Any craft, team, or team member can and will be removed from the event by the Natrona County Sheriff’s Department or Casper Police Department for actions perceived to be dangerous to fellow race participants, event staff, volunteers or spectators.
- There will be a FREE SHUTTLE from Morad Park (end) back up to the Robertson Road Access point (start). There will be NO PARKING at Morad Park. The shuttle will run on a loop from 1130-330. The shuttle stops running at 330. Designated Drivers are encouraged.
- Parking is available at the Robertson Road Access. THERE IS NO PARKING AVAILABLE AT MORAD PARK. There will be a free shuttle available to take participants to the start so that they can get a vehicle to retrieve their raft.
- The Race ENDS AT Morad park, all vessels must exit the river at that point.
- NO WATER BALLOONS are allowed.
- Weather/Water Conditions may cause an Event Postponement- it will be rescheduled to a different weekend.
Vessel Inspection:
Prior to launching, your vessel and crew will be inspected for the following 8 things:
- All your crew members have purchased a ticket, been age verified and have signed a waiver.
- Vessel number must be clearly displayed (this will be given to you at the launch)
- Vessel does not exceed the maximum dimensions
- Cooler check- NO GLASS IS PERMITTED. Also NO WATER BALLOONS are allowed.
- Each crew member must be wearing a properly fitted coast-guard approved life vest at all times.
- All canoes and kayaks must have a valid 2015 AIS sticker from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
- All vessels must have a garbage receptacle secured to it.
- Vessel must be deemed sea worthy by the inspector, with no environmental or safety concerns.
The After Party:
- The after-party will be held at Morad Park, and will feature music by DJ Nyke.
- The party starts at noon, prizes awarded at 2pm.
- Teams must be present to win.
- Don’t forget to pick up your team photo!
- Food and beer vendors will be on site, selling food, drinks and beer.
- All ages are welcome.
Things to bring:
· Your ID
· “Dry Bag” with towels or small blankets to sit on at the after party.
· Garbage receptacle for your raft
· Sunscreen
· Snacks and water
· Cash to buy food at the after party
FAQ’s
Q- Can I bring my own food or drinks to the after party?
A- No. Food, drinks and beer can be purchased from our food vendors.
Q- What will happen in the weather is poor on race day?
A- We will reschedule the event for a later date.
Q- How are the winners determined?
A- Race staff and volunteers will determine the most creative homemade raft, and the most creative inflatable group.