RESTON RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Cardboard Regatta at Lake Anne: Reston’s DIY Race Day
A practical guide to the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta—where teams build life‑size cardboard boats and race to a buoy and back—useful for anyone planning to participate or spectate.
Cardboard Regatta at Lake Anne: Reston’s DIY Race Day.
The Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta turns Lake Anne Plaza into an improvised shoreline arena: teams of all ages construct and decorate life‑size cardboard boats, then launch in timed heats to row out to a designated buoy and back amidst cheering crowds. The event is a growing community tradition, staged rain or shine and drawing residents, businesses, and visitors from across the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Plaza Full of Spectators
Lake Anne Plaza swells with thousands of spectators who cheer on the homemade boats as crews set off in timed heats—part festival, part competition.
Timed Heats to a Buoy and Back
Crews row their handcrafted cardboard vessels out to a designated buoy and back to the docks at Lake Anne Plaza in timed heats, testing design and teamwork.
Creativity Meets Competition
The regatta brings together residents, businesses, and visitors, with teams building and decorating life‑size cardboard boats—a community event that has grown each year.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a lively community event: teams arrive with handmade boats, the plaza fills with cheering onlookers, and competitors launch in back‑to‑back timed heats—rowing out to a buoy and returning to the docks—over the course of the day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits—and who should take caution.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event runs approximately 5 hours.
Gather at 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.
Pre‑registration and registration are nonrefundable.
No specific gear requirements are provided in the event information.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is the event held rain or shine?
Yes—this Regatta is staged rain or shine.
How long does the event last?
The event duration is approximately 5 hours.
Where is the meeting point?
Participants gather at 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.
Are registrations refundable?
Pre‑registration and registration are nonrefundable.
What is the course layout?
Teams row from the docks out to a designated buoy and back to the Lake Anne docks in timed heats.
Is there an age minimum for crew members?
All crew members must be 10 years or older.