The challenge — construct a boat and oars for two people made from Duct Tape and cardboard – then keep the craft afloat while paddling the length of the swimming pool at Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness in Polson.

MVAF program manager Morgan Zimmer said the idea came from a fun activity the center had done with middle school students. They thought it might be entertaining and challenging for everyone else, too.

Four groups of competitors, including rowers, pit crews and cheering sections, brought their watercraft to MVAF at noon on Sunday to test their boats. Judges examined the vessels and paddles to make sure only Duct Tape – which helps sponsor the challenge – and cardboard were used in their construction.

The Ksanka Kids, Irissa Kenmille and Jarren Big Beaver, made their rainbow-striped boat during their after-school club in Elmo. It has a standing arrow, representing the Ksanka Standing Arrow Pow Wow, on the bottom.

The Jolly Roger, sporting two cardboard rolls, was the Kleffner family’s entry. It took four or five hours to build, according to dad Josh who constructed most of it. Daughter Bailey taped the bottom, while mom Cassie and daughter Ashley piloted the boat.

Tobi Agliano and Mycheal Booth were rowers for the Search and Rescue craft, the SAR-Mobile.

“It was a team effort yesterday to build the boat … It took four hours,” Agliano said.

The SAR team was stressing safety first and doing public outreach; they were kitted out in orange safety vests as well as life vests.

“Every time you get in a boat, you should wear a life jacket,” Agliano stated.

Carrying in a sleek black craft with 50-ish fenders, Mission Mountain Empowerment boaters were MME executive director Lauren Oliver and Destiny Manuel, a member of the medical team.

At stake were bragging right, trophies and rolls of duct tape. But first the races. Each craft needed to reach the far end of the pool, touch the edge, and then return to the start.

All boats went into the pool, and pit-crew members helped the paddlers in and gave the boats a push. Oars or paddles of all shapes and sizes splashed and pushed.

MME finished first followed closely by SAR, with Booth pulling like he was rowing crew for Harvard.

The Kleffner family boat made its way more slowly, followed by the Ksanka Kids. SAR, since they are rescuers, headed back to cheer the rainbow boat on to shore.

After another race, all boats sank. But no lifeboats were needed, and everyone had a good time.

Results were: Best boat and crew — Ksanka Kids; Community Stewardship — SAR; Titanic — (best dramatics as your boat sinks) — Jolly Roger; and Overall race champions — MME.

    The Ksanka Kids, Jarren Big Beaver and Irissa Kenmille, paddle for the edge of the pool during Sunday's Cardboard Boat Races in Polson. The duo were named Best boat and crew for their hard work. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    True to their mission, the Search and Rescue crew of Tobi Aglioni and Mycheal Booth helped the Ksanka Kids, Jarren and Irissa, back to shore during Sunday's Cardboard Boat Race. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)