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Children sail in their homemade cardboard boat at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the Lindon Aquatics Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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A competitor participates in the hammer throwing competition at the Utah State Hammer Championship and Highland Games on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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Children fire water guns at each other during the Swamping Competition at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the Lindon Aquatics Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald file photo

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A competitor throws a bucket of water during the Swamping Competition at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the Lindon Aquatics Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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A competitor participates in the caber toss at the Utah State Hammer Championship and Highland Games on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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A competitor participates in the weight throwing competition at the Utah State Hammer Championship and Highland Games on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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Children sail in their homemade cardboard boat at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the Lindon Aquatics Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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Competitors sail in their homemade cardboard boat at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta held at the Lindon Aquatics Center on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Ashtyn Asay, Daily Herald

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It was splashing good fun at the Lindon Days Cardboard Boat Regatta Saturday as children of all ages set sail in their homemade boats at the Lindon Aquatics Center.

In order to compete, participants attempted to complete a full lap in the pool in two-person boats made solely of cardboard and duct tape, with the fastest lap time taking home the gold. Participants whose boats survived the race then competed in a swamping competition — spraying water at one another until only one boat was left floating.

Brianne Phillips’ children have competed in the Cardboard Boat Regatta with their friends for six out of the seven competitions that Lindon City has held. What keeps them coming back is the fun and creative spirit of the event.

“It’s always fun to see what everyone else creates and does, and then just to go out there and have fun,” she said. “It’s fun if they tip, they sink, or if they race really well — whatever happens, it’s fun.”

Boats of all shapes, sizes and themes were present on the water this year. Phillips’ kids designed their boat like the folded paper boat from the 2017 movie “It.”

“Sometimes we come up with ideas and then the kids say stuff and it makes everybody start throwing out things,” she said.

Just eight miles north from the landlocked regatta, Utah County residents donned their kilts to showcase feats of strength.

The Highland Games took place in Heritage Park Saturday to honor the heritage and strength of the Scottish immigrants who first settled in the area.

The games featured traditional Scottish events, such as the Caber Toss, Weight for Height, Stone Put, Weight for Distance, the State Hammer Championship and the Sheaf Toss for Height — all while sporting colorful kilts.

According to Julie Beckham, one of this year’s participants, some competitors train all year long for this week. While Beckham initially began participating in the Highland Games on a dare, she has since found a community in her fellow participants.

“These are the best people,” she said. “It’s so supportive, even though we’re all competing, everyone supporting each other and cheering each other on, and it’s the best group of people.”

In addition to the friendships she has made, competing in the Highland Games has given Beckham an opportunity to honor her Scottish heritage.

“It’s kind of fun to feel like I’m drawing on the strength of my ancestors to help me throw all the heavy things, since I’m not super large myself,” she said.

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