Program
Build-a-Raft Competition
Build a Raft Team Building Activity
This high-energy event will bring out your group’s competitive spirit as they work together to design, build and race their very own “seaworthy” vessel! Once their initial rafts are built, it’s literally sink or swim as each team takes to the water to test their craft in an effort to identify possible design flaws before the races begin! When the heats start, the excitement mounts—which crew will take home the gold? This dynamic team challenge will test each participant’s problem solving skills and creativity.
- 30 to 1,000+
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Indoor / Outdoor
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Build-a-Raft Competition
- Group Size
- 30 to 1,000+
- Per Team
- 10
- Length
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Setting
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Physicality
- High
- Space
- 30 sq. ft. per person
Ready to get your feet wet – literally? The Build-a-Raft Competition is one of our most dynamic and collaborative team building events. Combining creativity, competition, and water-based action, this program challenges your group to design, build, and race makeshift rafts using only the materials provided.
Perfect for a hot day or a spirited offsite, this program is sure to make waves.
Program Agenda
In this action-packed team building challenge, participants are split into teams of 10 and given a set of unconventional building materials, like PVC pipes, inner tubes, wood, float rings, pool noodles, and tarps. Their mission? To engineer a functional, floatable raft before time runs out.
The building phase isn’t just about structure – it’s also about spirit. Teams can earn extra points for:
- Demonstrating high energy and teamwork
- Designing a creative team flag
- Performing a hilarious sea chantey in front of the crowd
Once rafts are complete, teams transport their vessels to the starting line and prepare for the relay-style regatta. Each leg of the race involves 2–3 paddlers switching out with teammates and exchanging paddles and lifejackets. It’s a fast-paced, laugh-filled test of coordination, strategy, and balance.
At the end of the race, all efforts are celebrated, final points are tallied, and champions are crowned. Whether your group is paddling in a lake, pool, or ocean, this program delivers unforgettable moments and strong team connections.
Program Outcomes & Takeaways
- Strengthens problem-solving and time management under pressure
- Encourages collaborative engineering and creative thinking
- Boosts team morale with hands-on, shared challenges
- Promotes trust, laughter, and a little healthy competition
- Creates unforgettable memories through physical, high-energy teamwork
Program Customization
- Themed race variations (pirates, survival, Olympics, etc.)
- Custom award categories (best chant, most creative design, etc.)
- Adjusting physical requirements to accommodate all ability levels
Ready to make a splash with your team? Book your Build-a-Raft Competition today!
To ensure a great experience, aspects of this program may be modified for your group size, group makeup, time available, and other variables.
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What Clients Say About Build-a-Raft Competition
I had to pass along that our staff is still buzzing about the Build-a-Raft Competition. Everyone had a great time. The adventure was just outstanding, a real lifetime memory. Who would have thought that you could build boats out of the materials provided and then race them in the river. AMAZING!
Matt
Penske Automotive
More client comments
We were very pleased with your Build-A-Raft program! From the preparation to the finish, everything was handled in the most efficient and professional way! Our clients loved the program! I look forward to working more and more with Best Corporate Events and being able to offer our clients top-notch programs.
Barbara
Atlantic City Ambassador
The Build-a-Raft Competition you delivered for our client this week was in their own words – Epic! Creating the rafts was a great team builder and the races were really fun. Your lead facilitator was great! She was extremely flexible with on-site changes.
Erin
AlliedPRA San Diego
Our group liked the competitive aspect of our Build-a-Raft Competition and being outside and getting in the water. They enjoyed working together in their teams and building the rafts so they could compete against one another. The program was very organized and as whole, they loved the activities.
Quincy
OrthoSensor
Your lead facilitator was great! He ran a very organized Build-a-Raft program for our group. I thought the most fun was the icebreakers and the racing of the rafts and our group has a whole enjoyed all the activities very much.
Stacie
Elanco Animal Health
Our Build-a-Raft Competition was very organized. The best aspect of the program was seeing everyone engaged and working as a team. The most fun was watching the people in the pool 🙂 I think the majority, if not everyone in our group had a great time – and the medals were cute.
Helen
Foseco
Designing and building the raft was the best. Cheering on the boat rowers as they raced was fun! They loved it! Our facilitator was engaging, funny and clear. Huge success! Thank you!
Traci
Cisco
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