From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Hamilton - New Zealand

Hi there everyone.

In a NZ first Tim (Mitlem) is going to turn one of his pumpkins into a boat and paddle around the lake here at our local gardens.

Seeing as none of us have done this before, we need all your advice, tips and anything else to make this successful.

Many thanks
Sam

3/18/2014 6:34:15 PM

Jericho Vermont

Here are a lot of photos of our second regatta in 2009.....

http://vermontgiants.tripod.com/2009_regatta/index.album/2009_regatta?i=0

We turn the pumpkins over and carve the bottom using firewood to block the pumpkins so they don't roll. One of the hardest thing is to guess where to cut the hole to have it balance in the water. Remember the hole can get bigger so start small. We also used sand down at the water as ballast if the pumpkin wants to roll in one direction. Remember rule #1, it must be fun!
Good luck
john

3/18/2014 7:40:10 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

Thanks for that info

3/18/2014 8:27:21 PM

Concord, CA.

GPNZ,
Float the pumpkin in the water and let it tell you which side is up. Like VTJohn said, start with a small hole and get comfortable. You may have to adjust the hole when you get into it in the water in an effort to find your center of gravity.

3/18/2014 9:08:49 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Sand bags in the bottom for a ballast is a must

3/18/2014 9:15:33 PM

Concord, CA.

Post an email address. I'll send some pictures of the fun at the Elk Grove, California regatta this last October.

3/18/2014 10:48:13 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

contact@giantpumpkins.co.nz thanks heaps for the info everyone.

3/19/2014 4:42:25 AM

Rhode Island

a sound life preserver is a must.toilet paper is optional as well.

3/19/2014 11:13:19 AM

Mcminnville, Or. (oregonangler@comcast.net)

Best to start with a fruit long & flat. Get the fruit floating in the water, turn it over a couple of times to determine where the center of gravity is and which side is more stable. Like "Pap" says, wear a flotation device. However, Make sure you carve a hole that has PLENTY of room around you. The life preserver will be sadly ironic, if you are stuck in the kin upside down. This has happened!

3/19/2014 8:32:53 PM

Hamilton - New Zealand

Life preservers will be worn, and yes I wouldn't want anyone being trapped upside down in a pumpkin, so we will make the hole plenty big enough. Thanks for the great advice guys.

3/20/2014 2:41:33 PM