INFORMATION
What is the Rover Raft ChallengeThe Race Itself
Safety Requirements
Think This is Too Easy?
Camping and Costs
Who Can participate
How to Get There
Need More Information?
What is the Rover Raft Challenge?
You and your Crew are challenged to build a raft, out of wood, rope and any buoyancy, stable enough to carry a team of six Rovers, and be the fastest to travel over a fixed distance by human and paddle power only.
This comes only after constructing your Crews raft, and activities to test the durability and stability of the raft. Plan on getting wet. Real wet!
The main event shall commence at around 10:30am on Sunday the 4th of February on the River Murray itself. The start and the finish lines will be signified by two markers. Of course, the idea is to travel the distance in the shortest time possible, racing against the other assembled Challengers. If your raft can survive the distance, and the competition, and crosses the line first, you win. If not, well, we hope you don't sink too quickly!
Of course, prior to the main race there are a number of smaller events that are designed to test the strength, durability and speed pf your raft. These events start Saturday morning and conclude prior to the main race.
All we ask for you, as Rovers, is to commit to the weekend with common sense and responsibility.
In other words you must wear a PFD or lifejacket at all times on (or off) the raft when on the main River, your raft must have a minimum of two single bladed paddles on the raft at all times and lastly the raft must have a 20 meter long rope (not less than 8mm in diameter) attached somewhere on the raft body. This is to be used in an Emergency as a tow rope or a lifeline.
Obviously all of your knots to hold the raft together must be of sound enough quality to do just that, and you must have sufficient buoyancy to keep the raft reasonably afloat.
We will have a support boat on the water during the period of the race, and will have qualified first aiders and able swimmers on site to repair the wounded.
Each raft must have a team of 6 people on board
Well think again. The catch is that your raft must support a flagpole greater than 2 meters mounted vertically on the raft. The pole needs to be flying a flag of some description, but there is no size limit. The rafts are only allowed to be propelled by paddles, arms or legs. This means no mechanical power of any kind. And that also means no metal, nails, screws, bolts, wire or cable ties to be used at all in construction!
Construction (and repair) may commence on Saturday the 2nd of February but must cease on Sunday the 3rd of February at 10:30am. All testing will be conducted in the Roonka Billabong, out of harms way.
Prizes shall be awarded for Design and Durability (meet all the requirements), Flotational Prowess (most on a raft before it is submerged), Tug of War Knockout Champions, First Place in the Main Race and Last Place in the Main Race, Match Race Winner and All Round Champions.
Accommodation at Roonka is in tents, however all Crews have access to the common room and kitchen adjacent (included in your entry fee).
- $15 - Weekend Entry (Includes camping for weekend & use of common room/kitchen)
- $10 - Single Day Entry (Includes camping for one night/day & use of common room/kitchen)
- $5 - Day visitor (not camping)
- $5 - Hire of rafting equipment from Roonka (contact Roonka for details)
Your entry fee covers trophies, a new Glow in the Dark Soccerball, access to the air conditioned kitchen & mess hall and other administrative expenses. As for food, drinks and equipment, this is up to you.
As long as you are an insured Rover, that is you are a financial member, you're able to join in the fun!
From Adelaide, take North East Road to Gawler and take the Gawler bypass onto the Sturt Highway.
Keep driving through Truro towards Blanchetown. Turn left at the BP just outside of Blanchetown and look for the 'Roonka' signs.
So, see you there!
For more information, please contact us on our contact page by following this link
