Probably the most solid design team on Campus is the UW Concrete Team. This design team does not satisfy themselves with one competition, but two. In the winter the team assembles a fully equipped concrete racing toboggan, with an aim to out speed all the competition. During the spring, the team creates a canoe made entirely out concrete to race against other schools. In order to learn more of this prolific team, the General Captain of the UW Concrete Team, Eric Merchant, agreed to answer our questions.
Q: What do you do in your design team?
A: Every year we design, build, and race a toboggan down a ski hill. The toboggan has a full roll cage with steering and braking capabilities with concrete skis as the running surface.
Our team also designs, builds, and races a concrete canoe. The canoe is a monolithic piece of concrete that not only handles just like any other canoe, but floats just like one too.
Q: What competitions does your team compete in?
A: With our toboggan we compete in the annual Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR) along with 15 to 25 other schools from across Canada. (see gnctr2020.com)
With our canoe we compete in the annual Canadian National Concrete Canoe Competition (CNCCC) along with 15 to 20 other schools. (see www.cscecompetitions.ca/en/home/cnccc/)
Q: How can people join your design team?
A: The best way to join any design team is to show up, jump in, and get busy doing something. We are always welcoming of new students whether they’re interested in leading a major design or having an occasional place to get away from their studies and get their hands dirty with some construction events. The best way to get in contact with the team is through the team email below.
uwconcreteteam@uwaterloo.ca
Q: What the most challenging/rewarding part of working on your design team?
A: I find the most rewarding part of working on the design team is coming up with an idea and going through the design and fabricating it yourself. Having a hand in the entire creation cycle and taking part in bringing your ideas into reality is an amazing feeling that is very fulfilling.
Another thing I have found very rewarding as one of the leaders on the team is seeing the skills of my teammates progress. Witnessing the people I care about grow makes any hardship worth it and makes me so grateful to be part of this team.
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