A NIU tradition is making waves again! Teams will build boats using only cardboard and recyclable materials, then race them across the water in a test of creativity, teamwork, and staying afloat. Will your boat sink or sail to victory?

Visit HuskieHub to register your team.  The deadline to sign up is Friday, Oct. 2nd.

The History of the Recycled Boat Race

The Recycled Boat Race began as a creative way to combine school spirit, sustainability, and friendly competition. The idea was simple but challenging: build a boat out of recycled or repurposed materials and see if it can float — and race — across the water.

What started as a lighthearted event quickly became a tradition, with teams of students, organizations, and campus groups putting their engineering, design, and teamwork skills to the test. Over the years, participants have crafted everything from cardboard canoes to duct-tape rafts, all showcasing Huskie ingenuity and campus pride.

The race not only celebrates fun and innovation but also highlights the importance of recycling and reusing materials in everyday life. After a break, the Recycled Boat Race is back at NIU! This revival gives a new generation of Huskies the chance to design, build, and race their creations, celebrating sustainability, creativity, and friendly competition. Whether your boat glides across the water or sinks spectacularly, the fun, camaraderie, and memories are guaranteed.

Learn More About the History

• Recycled Boat Race at NIU Video
• https://northernstar.info/tag/recycled-boat-race/