AP Boat Race

The Boat Race is an annual competition that takes place at Woodhaven High School between advanced placement college courses. For AP classes, the typical education year is shorter than a typical high school course would be. AP tests take place in April and May. Once AP tests are completed, students are no longer being prepared and taught to the extent they were before. This fun competition has likely emerged from the free time between college courses. Although the competition is fun, it is much more challenging than it seems. As a student who took AP classes throughout high school, I can confidently say that my senior year was the only truly successful year. Getting the boat to float is not the challenge; the challenge is getting the boat to withstand the constant shift in forces as the weight of humans rocks and shakes as they paddle to victory. It seems dramatic; however, it is very true that out of all the boats in the competition, fewer than ten boats, including my team’s, made it to the finals. That is one of the fun aspects of the competition; there isn’t a solution, at least not a designated one. Each year, the boats that won were nothing short of completely different. Anybody can compete, and anyone can win. Although, as a boat race veteran, I do find the pontoon style to be superior. I’m glad my last year participating in one of my favorite Woodhaven traditions was a good one, and I’m proud of those who succeeded with me. I would recommend to anyone who takes AP classes to get involved if you haven’t, challenge yourself to be outgoing and inventive to make memories with your classmates, as in the end, that’s what really matters. There is plenty of time remaining until the next competition, so get to thinking about what your design will be, and it wouldn’t hurt to save cardboard and duct tape.