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Whitewater Center Hosts ‘Build Your Own Boat’ Competition

Author Phil Harris
A general view of the action during the 2009 Charlotte Open at the US National Whitewater Center on October 3, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

On Saturday, October 15th, the Whitewater Center’s Charlotte location is holding its annual “Build Your Own Boat” competition. If you’re not familiar with this one-of-a-kind test of ingenuity and bravery, the contest involves amateurs riding the class II-IV rapids at the Whitewater Center in their own hand-crafted vessels. If you’re a fan of fail videos, this is for you.

According to the Whitewater Center’s website, the competition capacity is 60 boats crewed by teams of 1 to 4 people, ages 16 and older. All boats must be human powered and all boat materials must float. That last part seems really important.

Maximum dimensions of the wonky watercraft can be no greater than 10′ wide x 10′ long x 5′ tall. Boat weight limit is 150 lbs. max. Rope sections may not be longer than 18 inches and must be tied securely against the structure. No enclosures or compartments are permitted.

The following materials are prohibited on the boats: Metal objects, sharp objects, wood (plywood, boards etc.) over 1/4″ thick, manufactured craft designed for whitewater (rafts, kayaks, duckies, river boards, stand up paddle boards, inner tubes, etc.), and no straps or devices that hold participants to the craft. That means people will be falling into the water.

The competitors must bring their boats for a float test on Friday, October 14th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The competition is on Saturday, October 15th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you want to see how the homemade boats fare in the rapids, get the rest of the details HERE. Should be fun! Here are some highlights from last year’s event:

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

7 Places to Have an Adventure Nearby Charlotte

There are adventures to be had. All you have to do is look for them. If you need some help finding things to do in North Carolina, I am here to help. Below is a list of some places I have visited and some on my list and recommend. Best of all, it won’t take you 5 hours to drive there.

Every time I leave the house, I have the urge to explore. I definitely attribute this to my upbringing as a child. When I was a child, my favorite activities were hiking, camping, and boating. Due to the favorable weather conditions in our area, I’m in the full force of desire to be outdoors again. If you are also bitten by the outdoor bug, I can offer some ideas to help solve that problem and encourage you to explore. Take a look at these seven places in and around Charlotte to find your own adventure.

  • 1. Swimming at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms

    We have an absolutely beautiful swimming hole just 40 minutes from Charlotte. By taking a day trip to his Quarry, you can have an adventure away from the city. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, it is a true hidden gem. A swimming hole will open in May of 2022, and registration is required. In addition, there is food service on-site so you can grab a juicy burger after a long day of swimming. You can see more on this adventure spot here.

  • Divine Llama Vineyard

    Okay, the drive is a little ways from Charlotte, but it is a true adventure. A cute llama is one of my favorite things. I mean, who wouldn’t love it? A llama farm in Georgia is one of the largest in the Southeast. Our llamas come in all fiber types, sizes, genders, and ages. Everything you need is here! A llama farm can be found in East Bend, North Carolina at Divine Llama Farm. It’s only an hour and thirty minutes from Charlotte, but the adventure is worth it. You can hike with llamas and get views of Pilot Mountain while exploring the beauty of nature. Divine Llama Vineyards’ tasting room offers wine tastings for an additional fee. Reservations are required for hikes. You can see more about the Divine Llama Vineyard here.

  • Lavender Oaks Farms

    Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is a magical place called the Lavender Oaks Farm. Lavender Oaks Farm is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The farm allows visitors to enjoy the smells, views, and relaxation aspects of nature. There are 4,000 lavender plants in 9 varieties, elegantly restored century-old timber frame barns, and a shop on this lavender farm. There is also a beautiful forest around it. Find more information about planning your trip here.

  • Book a Getaway House

    In North Carolina, you can get away in a literal Getaway House. I have never done one but a friend of mine has and she fully enjoyed it. You can enjoy a view through your house windows of nature and relax. Located in Ashboro you can get a one or two-person cabin. You can see more on Getaway House here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWmADmfFqBO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • Visit the U.S. Whitewater Center

    Located right in Charlotte, North Carolina is the U.S. Whitewater Center. Whitewater Center is a great place to experience adventure. Swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and more are all available. The options are truly endless. They also have live music and other events. You can start planning your trip here.

  • Linville Gorge & Falls

    You can take a little day trip to Linville and get outdoors. If you love waterfalls, this is a must-see in North Carolina. Linville Gorge is one of my favorite places. Whenever I visit, I play on the rocks for hours. The Linville Gorge is one of the most scenic and rugged in Eastern America, formed by the scouring action of the Linville River. This area is sometimes referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Eastern USA.” It is only about two hours away from Charlotte, and it is full of adventure. Linville Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 316.4, about 66 miles north of Asheville. Located in Burke County, Linville Falls drops 90 ft. into the 12-mile long Linville Gorge with cliffs towering above the river. You can see more on the falls here.

  • See Large Furniture

    What the heck…let’s end with something weird. Located at 508 North Hamilton St., High Point, North Carolina is the World’s largest chest of drawers. If you want to see some big wood then this is the spot. The Town landmark was built in 1926 and completely remodeled in 1996. Thirty-eight feet tall, accessorized with two giant socks hanging from one of its drawers. You can see more on this travel spot here.

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