There was also in the introduction of the "Kukri Sofa Cross" which saw 80 competitors race down the course at Holme Pierrepont on inflatable sofas. While the competition takes up the daytime schedule of the Rodeo, most students attend for the parties that take place on the Friday and Saturday night in the rugby club and marquee. While Friday night sees most of the universities arriving on site around 8PM, there is still plenty of fun to be had, and the bars stay open until 2AM. However, Saturday is the big party organised by River Legacy, and sees all of the participants in their fancy dress finery attending. The festival atmosphere and legendary parties earn the Rodeo its place as the best student kayaking event of the year. Other highlights of the weekend include 'Up-time': the time of day when all competitors are woken up from their slumbers (normally with the aid of a megaphone) to make sure that they attend their heats and fit into the hectic schedule that results from the fact that the organisers must fit in time for nearly 700 competitors to have at least two runs down the course. Long-term sponsors of the NSR include PGL, Desperate Measures canoe and kayak shop, Palm Equipment / Dagger Europe and Pyranha. Many of the sponsors donate hugely both in terms of money and prizes for the events, as well as providing food for the volunteers, supporting equipment for the Safety team, and essential supplies for the First Aid team. Due to its growing size and reputation, the media presence surrounding the event has also evolved. For example, in 2007 the event was trailed online with several humorous videos which can be found here. The 2008 event was filmed by Liquid Satisfaction and was sold as a DVD. This has since been released as a free podcast and both can be found at maxbilbow.com. The event has also been covered by Canoe & Kayak, Kayak Session, and The Paddler magazines. Local news broadcasters have also covered the event - one such report can be seen here.  1999 - ??  1998 - ??  1997 - Arran Stephenson and Rachel Sutton  1996 - Arran Stephenson and Paul Shelly