Kayak Relay - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Kayak Relay is a drinking game in the Outdoor Games category for 4-12 players that takes about 15-30 min with a hard difficulty level.

Relay race in kayaks with drinks

Equipment Needed

Setup

Find a calm body of water like a lake or large pond and set up a designated start and turnaround point using buoys, flags, or visible markers. Each team will need one kayak, a paddle, and a sealed drink for each participant. Players should line up on the shore, with their kayaks ready at the water's edge and drinks placed inside the kayak or securely on their person.

How to Play Kayak Relay

  1. Set up the game according to basic rules
  2. Players take turns or play simultaneously
  3. Penalties result in drinking
  4. Success means assigning drinks
  5. Continue until winner emerges
  6. Loser faces final penalty
  7. Winner earns bragging rights
  8. Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Make sure the drink is in a securely sealed container, like a Nalgene bottle filled with beer, to avoid spillage during paddling. Practice efficient kayak turns to minimize time lost navigating the turnaround point. If you get penalized, try to chug your drink while the next teammate is getting into the kayak to save time. Wet hands can make it hard to open bottles, so twist the cap loose before starting your leg of the relay.

Variations

Double Relay. Drink Station Checkpoint. Reverse Relay

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a player falls out of the kayak?
The player must climb back into the kayak, retrieve their drink if it fell out, and resume paddling from the point they capsized.
How are penalties assigned in this game?
Penalties include drinking if you drop your drink in the water, cross into another team's lane, or fail to tag the next teammate before they launch.
Can we play this game without access to kayaks?
No, kayaks are essential to the game's mechanics. Consider a land-based relay alternative like wheelbarrow races if kayaks aren't available.
What is the final penalty for the losing team?
The losing team must drink a full round together while the winners watch and chant their team name for added humiliation.

Players: 4-12 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: hard

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