Program

Build-a-Raft Competition

Build a Raft Team Building Activity

30 to 1,000+
1.5 to 2 hours
Indoor / Outdoor

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Excellent5.0 out of 5

The details

How Build-a-Raft Competition works

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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

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Plan your Build-a-Raft Competition

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Prefer to talk? Call 800.849.8326

Get a same-day quote

Plan your Build-a-Raft Competition

We deliver anywhere. A planner will send a same-day quote.

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Prefer to talk? Call 800.849.8326

Photo gallery

Build-a-Raft Competition at real events

What's included

Everything that comes with Build-a-Raft Competition

All raft-building materials and tools
Event setup and breakdown
Safety equipment (lifejackets, paddles, etc.)
Professional facilitation and staffing
Prizes or medals for top teams

Great for

Communication
Friendly Competition
Fun & Engaging Interaction
Performance & Continuous Improvement

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

Client reviews

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!

MattPenske Automotive

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.

BarbaraAtlantic 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.

ErinAlliedPRA 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.

QuincyOrthoSensor

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.

StacieElanco 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.

HelenFoseco

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!