The concrete is actually lighter than water and is comprised of glass bubbles and ceramic microspheres, which are both extremely lightweight materials. In other words, the concrete floats. The concrete is applied to a foam form in five thin layers and reinforced with polypropylene, a strong, non-degradable, lightweight mesh that is used in a variety of commercial applications. The construction of a concrete canoe typically takes about 2,000 hours, and much of the time is spent sanding the concrete to create a smooth, glass-like finish. The finish is critical to the canoe's aesthetics and performance.
Teams compete on the water in five races combining both speed and maneuverability.
The team placed first in the recent regional competition. This is a real boost in getting ready for nationals. Team motivation is high and we are determined to bring the national title to Clemson for the first time.