Annual Beaufort Water Festival Raft Races
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos courtesy of BEAUFORT WATER FESTIVAL
For decades, teams of locals have shown up at the Waterfront Park early Saturday morning after enjoying the Opening Ceremony the previous night. The reason? A fierce and fun competition on the water. Donning shirts of their team color and punny team name, they suit up with life jackets and paddles with the hope of seizing the bragging rights as Raft Race champions.
There are some long-standing rivalries, a little bit of trash talking, and a whole lot of fun-spirited competition as the teams of eleven board their rafts and try to be the fastest to paddle along the sea wall. Their goal is to be the first to pass the finish line buoy. As the morning wears on, the teams who win continue through the brackets, seeking overall victory.
With hundreds of spectators cheering them on, the battle is intense. Not only do the rafting teams have to muster enough strength to paddle, they must do so in unison and with good steering at the stern. Depending on the tides and the current, strategy is just as important as strength.
The Raft Races embody the spirit of the Beaufort Water Festival — camaraderie around the waterways and aquatic competition among friends, neighbors, and colleagues. There are plenty of memories to share from years past, from those who succeeded and those who gained hilarious “remember when” moments.
The competitors come from all walks of life, representing a variety of different groups and businesses in the Lowcountry. Do they practice and prepare for this moment? Probably not. The fun is in the unexpected and the long-standing tradition of being part of it.
These days, the rafts are high quality, inflated rubber, but back in the day, teams would paddle old wooden boats. The races are even remembered by Past Commodores as originating with the paddling of steel Navy lifeboats. As with many things Water Festival, the raft races have a long history and have evolved over time.
Simultaneously that morning, the Waterfront Park also hosts the Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament, Bocce Ball Tournament, and Badminton Tournament. There is something for everyone, especially the spectators who can enjoy them all and cheer on their friends.
While the raft races take place on the river, another unique Water Festival race happens in the heart of downtown later in the week. The Bed Races feature teams running down Bay Street pushing hospital beds, and while it takes place on land, it also involves a lot of water. Racers expect to be sprayed by the crowd along the sides of the street as they make their way to the finish line. As with raft races, the best time wins!
These events, just a few of many, are great examples of Water Festival’s effort to celebrate summer in this special Lowcountry town. Don’t miss this year’s Raft Races and other exciting moments when fun memories can be made. After all, the overall theme of the 67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival is “Tides of Lasting Memories,” and all are welcome!
