Rotarian Rowdy River Raft Race

Germany's Largest Inflatable Boat Race

Since 2013, the Rotary Club Schweinfurt-Peterstirn has been organizing the Rotarian Rowdy River Raft Race on the Main River. In just over a decade, the event has become Germany's largest inflatable boat race: on the Gutermann Promenade, approximately 70 teams compete against each other in original Bundeswehr inflatable boats — companies, clubs, schools, and groups of friends. The organizer provides the boats and paddles; no prior experience is necessary.

Spectacle on the Main River

The race takes place along the Main promenade, with clearly visible start and finish areas for the several thousand spectators on the bank. The teams paddle in groups of nine to twelve people, often in custom-designed costumes and with club or company branding. Established teams — such as the Riedel Rafting Queens, the Bocksbeutel Allstars, or the Paddel Schweine — are regulars, and new teams join every year.

Charity with Substance

The entire event is designed as a charity event. The Rotary Club Schweinfurt-Peterstirn has donated over €150,000 to regional recipients since its inception: the Bahnhofsmission (railway mission), Kinderschutzbund (child protection association), schools, and clubs. More than forty different projects and institutions in the Schweinfurt area have been supported so far.

Family Festival on the Main Promenade

While the boats are racing, a family festival with free admission runs on the promenade from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Program: Amphicar rides, surf simulator, street soccer, lacrosse, photo booth, planet game scavenger hunt, live music, and food stalls. Premier sponsors include AOK, Bayerische Polizei (Bavarian Police), Stadtwerke Schweinfurt (municipal utility), and the Deutsche Zoll (German Customs).

New in 2026: MainSplash Challenge

A premiere for the 14th edition: The MainSplash Challenge is a free student boat race for grades 10–12, with attractive prize money for the class fund and team-building effect. Registration via schools.