Subteams
Aesthetics
The aesthetics team is responsible for developing the theme for each year across all aspects of the canoe. On the digital side this includes making the design for the boat itself, creating several pages of the project proposal, and collaborating with the logistics team on occasional social media posts. On the more physical side of things, aesthetics members help design and assemble our product display and race stands for competition day, ensuring an obvious connection to the theme. Throughout the year the aesthetics team works with different teams to create a design that is not only eye-catching, but physically possible. Aesthetics is a great place for anyone looking to share their artistic talents in a unique way.
Construction
Construction is in charge of the physical construction of the canoe. The main tasks that the construction team completes are the construction of the canoe mold, preparation for placing day, placing the canoe, sanding the canoe, and building displays for competition day. Members of the construction subteam will be trained on power tools. Construction makes the work that the other subteams do come alive. This subteam is a great fit for students interested in hands on work.
Design
The design team is responsible for creating the hull and structural design of the canoe and for its implementation. This includes designing the hull shape, performing stability checks, creating construction drawings, doing structural analysis, and implementing structural design using post/pre-stressed concrete design. The team works both in and out of the classroom to ensure the viability and success of the canoe prototype, and does hands on work holistically throughout the school year to educate all members on everything “concrete canoe design”. Students looking to get deep into the engineering, math, and science that makes CC@UW work are a great fit for the design team.
Logistics
The logistics team is in charge of the business and management side of Concrete Canoe. This includes club finances, sponsorship, operational research, outreach, quality assurance/quality control, and competition preparation. Throughout the year, the logistics team will write and revise the project proposal, plan club events, attract sponsors, update socials, and make sure the club runs smoothly and efficiently. Through their work, the rest of the club can focus on engineering the best canoe possible. Students interested in combining business and engineering are a great fit for this subteam.
Mix Design
The mix design team works on the concrete part of Concrete Canoe. We use an iterative testing method to create a concrete mix with desired chemical and mechanical properties that will allow it to meet competition standards. We focus on creating a low density, high strength mix with sustainable materials. We do the bulk of our testing in the fall, then work on preparing and testing competition samples in the winter, and do short research projects in the spring going in more depth with questions leftover from fall research or trying new ideas. This is a great subteam for students interested in research and development, chemistry, materials science, or anyone with a passion for concrete.
Paddling
The paddling team practices once a week at the Waterfront Activity Center to prepare for the regional and national competitions. New paddlers learn different strokes and gain endurance paddling throughout the year. We practice in old concrete canoes and non-concrete canoes. Paddling is an amazing opportunity to get out on the water and showcase the hard work the design and construction teams put in during the year!