Race Format

The starting gun fires. You and fellow Floaters run to a pile of wooden pallets, plastic tarps, spring clips and duct tape. Time to assemble your raft. After a frenzied few minutes, it looks good enough. You haul it to the water’s edge, toss it in, and climb on.

Course

Schedule

10:00am – Arrive at race start; street parking available along Boston Ave

10:30am – Starting gun

11:00am – All rafts & racers should be in the water

1:00pm – Deadline: take-out at race finish

1:15pm – Van departs finish with racers & rafts

1:15-2:00pm – Pick up shipwrecked racers/rafts at designated bail points

2:00pm – Van and rafts arrive back at race start

Unofficial afterparty at Shoes & Brews!

Rules

• You are responsible for gathering your own raft materials and transporting them to and from the race start. Transportation for rafts/racers WILL be provided back to the start.
• Raft materials allowed:
  • Wooden pallet (min. 48″ x 40″, max 48″ x 96″). Note 48×40 is extremely difficult to keep afloat; see pallet selection below.
  • Plastic tarp (Home Depot – $10)
  • Clips, clamps, screws, staples or other fasteners (Home Depot – $1)
  • Duct tape
  • Decorations
• Tarps must be separated from pallets before the race starts; tarp assembly is part of the race.
• To prevent runaway debris, ALL items on the water must be tethered or attached to yourself or your raft.
• Pack it in, pack it out! Losing items in the creek or leaving materials behind at start/finish will lead to disqualification.
• The race follows a popular section of the creek with many other users. Be courteous and put the safety of everyone around you first.

Also see FAQ

Not Sinking

Some tips:

The Creek

• Even during peak flow in May-June, the St Vrain Creek is a little guy. As a rafter, you’re much more likely to suffer from too little water than too much. Design your raft for minimal draft, and be prepared to step out and carry it or “walk the dog” through shallows.
• There are at least ten water features along the course (see named rapids on map). Each involves a water level drop of about a foot, and can be avoided with a short portage.
• The creek has some slow, deeper sections; and some places where it flows quickly on one side and eddies on the other. A paddle or pokin’ pole will help you keep moving (and navigate to safety if you want to skip a rapid).
• Check real-time flow rates above and below Longmont.

Pallet Selection

• Go big! A standard 48″x40″ pallet is the bare minimum size and will take on water easily if your weight isn’t perfectly centered, or if the water gets choppy. Pallets come in all different sizes. If you can find something around 48″ x 75″ or larger, you’re much more likely to stay afloat.
• Remove unnecessary planks to reduce weight.

Tarp Selection

• It’s tempting to use that tarp you’ve had over your lawnmower in the sun for the past few years. You really don’t want holes in this tarp. Buy a new one.
• Doubling up tarp layers seems like a good idea until water gets in between the layers. Best stick to one layer, and use duct tape to patch holes as they arise.

Assembly

• A standard pallet is about 4.5″ tall. Your life will be much easier if your tarp extends a couple inches above the pallet top, helping keep out incoming water. Consider building a short post at each corner of your raft, and stretching the tarp between the posts.

Optional/Recommended Gear

• Paddle / pokin’ stick
• Water shoes or old sneakers
• Gloves (splinters)
• Helmet and PFD
• Bailing device, like a dustpan or milk jug with bottom cut off
• Foam pad to sit on
• Drybag or ziplock
• A cord attached to your raft for lining it down shallow sections, AKA “walking the dog”

Registration

Email info@longmontlogjam.com to get started! Include your full name and cell phone number.

FAQ

Can 2+ racers go on one raft?

Sure! Just remember more weight = more bottom-scrapin’, unless you’re also increasing the raft size.

Can I get help assembling my raft?

Yes, family and friends can help prep your raft before you put it in the water.

Can I modify the pallet before the race?

Yes, you’re encouraged to make whatever changes you want to the pallet. Just keep in mind the list of allowed materials, and do not attach the tarp to the pallet until the race starts.

What does it cost? What do I win?

It’s free! Eternal glory (or shame).