Vinnie at Ride the Ducks Blogs about Seattle

It's the Most Fattening Time of the Year!

2011-11-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right! You know the song?! Sing it with me (to the tune of Andy Williams): It's the moooooost fattening time of the year! It's also the most fun time of the year, once you get past the stress of finding the perfect gift for a loved one or figuring out what to do with those in-laws. So, here's Ride the Ducks' list of 5 things to make your holiday season brighter, more cheery and full of laughter!

1. Ride the Ducks' Holiday Lights Tour! It's a 40-minute sleigh ride on wheels! Adults: $15; Kids: $5, plus tax. Departs nightly from Westlake Park through December 30th (closed 24-25th).

2. Gift certificates! This holiday season, give the gift of laughter and fun! Purchase online or over the phone at 206-441-DUCK(3825).

3. Cinderella Duck! The classic story of Cinderella is featured this holiday season at the 5th Avenue Theatre! For groups of 10 or more, get a Holiday Lights Tour with tickets to the show!

4. Wine and Lights! Nothing says HOLIDAY CHEER like a nice glass of wine! Ride the Ducks has partnered with Evergreen Escapes to bring you a night of festivities, food and wine! Public tours offerred on December 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 23 and 30th. OR, book for a group of 8 or more any day through December 30th (closed 24-25th).

5. The Original Land and Water Tour! Don't worry! Our original, wacky land and water tour departs daily through January 1st from two locations! In-laws driving you nuts? Here's a great way to get rid of them for an hour and a half.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Thank you!

2011-11-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and here at Ride the Ducks, we'd like to say "Thank You" to everyone who plays a role in making Ride the Ducks of Seattle one of the most fun attractions in the city.

First and foremost, our team! We have an amazing team of Captains, Mechanics, Customer Service staff and office members who work tirelessly throughout the year to make sure that Ride the Ducks of Seattle is the safest, most fun attraction in the city. Backstage and front of house, we appreciate everything you do for our guests and our company. You are the best!

And of course, let's not forget, our dancin' in the aisles, grinning from ear-to-ear guests! You are the reason we do this day in and day out every year! It makes us happy to see you happy. Whenever you visit Seattle or have guests in town or are just looking for something to do, thank you for spending 90-minutes with us. We *heart* you!

Last, but not least, our partners and vendors throughout the city and across the country. What would we do without you? There are far too many to list, but from the east coast to our own backyard, we appreciate the re-designs, the education on new products and services, the quick shipping, the weekly check-ins, the quarterly check-ups and everything in between. We work with you because you make our jobs easier and our products better. Thank you!

This Thanksgiving weekend, we hope you feel as lucky as we do to be surrounded by great people throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Aren't the leaves of fall beautiful? The city looks so different in each season!

2011-11-08T16:15:00.001-08:00

Aren't the leaves of fall beautiful? The city looks so different in each season!

Ducks Donate 100% of Ticket Price to Starlight!

2011-10-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

R ide the Ducks of Seattle will donate 100% of ride sales
on October 15, 2011
to Starlight Children’s FoundationNorthwest.

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, Ride the Ducks of Seattle will donate 100% of ticket sales to the Starlight Children’s Foundation up to $10,000. Guests can reserve tickets in advance or walk-up to purchase tickets at either 5th Avenue & Broad Street, across from the Space Needle or Westlake Center, in the heart of downtown Seattle. Buy tickets now!

Ride the Ducks started a partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation Northwest in 2008. This annual event has raised $30,000 over the past three years and Ride the Ducks is excited to be able to continue this tradition.

In the spring, Ride the Ducks donates three of their WWII “Ducks” for a tour for Starlight children and their families. The Ducks will pick up the children and their families and depart from Swedish Hospital. After seeing all the sights of Seattle, the Duck will SPLASH into Lake Union to see Gasworks Park and a breathtaking view of the skyline.

“It’s incredible to watch the children’s faces light up when the Ducks splash into Lake Union. To be able to be a part of this is really heart-warming for the entire staff,” says Brian Tracey, President of Ride the Ducks. “We are excited to be able to partner once again with a great organization. Starlight lets kids be kids and have some fun – and that’s what we do, we sell fun!”

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Northwest

Starlight Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization providing education, entertainment and family events that improve the quality of life for children with chronic and life threatening medical conditions before, during and after treatment. Starlight Northwest touches the lives of over 7,000 children and their families each month through over 90 in-hospital programs and various outpatient events in Washington and Oregon. To volunteer, support, or learn more about Starlight, contact 425-861-7827 or visit www.starlight-northwest.org.

Retired Videographer Gets Kicks from Elaborate Home Movies

2011-08-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today, we received a letter from Brian Neff from Cleveland.

"I am a retired video documentary maker, but still getting my kicks from making elaborate home movies. My family and I were in Seattle last year and had the great pleasure to take one of your Duck Tours led by Captain Whynn D. Whether. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed riding the Duck and putting this video together."

Check it out! What a great video!

Packers WIN, Jubal loses bet!

2011-02-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Jubal Flagg, from Seattle radio station Movin' 92.5, may rethink his love of the Steelers in the future. His fate was sealed when the clock wound down to zero and the Green Bay Packers won Superbowl XLV. Jubal bet DJ Mayhem, a die-hard Packers fan, that the Steelers would win and what was on the line? Control of their Facebook page and washing a listener's car in a bikini.

Good thing the Ride the Ducks' employees listen to Movin' in the morning!

Yesterday, Jubal, DJ Mayhem and Brooke stopped by Ride the Ducks to watch as Jubal put on a two-piece and started scrubbing! Check out the photos and videos!

The SeattleInsider was here too!

National Rubber Ducky Day Marks the Start of the 2011 Season!

2011-01-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 13th is National Rubber Ducky Day and Ride the Ducks is partnering with The Children's Museum to celebrate!

Ride the Ducks will kick-off its 2011 season with tours on January 13th from 11am to 3pm from our location at 5th Avenue and Broad Street, right across from the Space Needle and The Children's Museum at Seattle Center.

Plus, The Children's Museum will be hosting a series of family-fun activities including a Ride the Ducks Parade (including the famous duck Quackers!), Rubber Ducky races, Rubber Ducky story time and more! Visit The Children's Museum calendar for more information!

Ride the Ducks will kick-off 2011 on National Rubber Ducky day on Thursday, January 13th and offer daily tours through Martin Luther King Day (Monday, 17th). Tours start at 10am and depart frequently until 3pm.

January 13th through February 12th, we'll have tours open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. After that, we'll have daily tours through the end of the year!

Ride the Ducks voted a Must Visit for College Students!

2010-12-08T12:54:00.001-08:00

Awesome! Thanks for the recognition! College students, kids of all ages and the young at heart always have a blast on the Ducks!

Ride the Ducks to offer Holiday Lights Tours!

2010-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Quack, laugh and sing-a-long with your Wacky Captain on 40-minute land only adventure tours of the downtown Seattle holiday light displays!

The most fun holiday lights tour in Seattle is now at Ride the Ducks! Starting on Friday, November 26, you can grab a pair of holiday bells and hop on board a WWII amphibious landing craft for a 40-minute land-only tour of the holiday light displays in the downtown Seattle core.
Guests will clap and sing along with their Wacky Captain as they belt out songs like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and “It’s the Most Fattening Time of the Year” as the Ducks tour the holiday lights in downtown Seattle. Guests will see light displays at Westlake Center, Toyland Village at Pier 57, Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market and the downtown shopping district.

“We’re excited to add a new tour that can be the perfect addition to your family’s trip downtown to enjoy the holiday festivities! We have purposefully made this very affordable to entice entire families to join in on the fun,” says Brian Tracey, President/CEO of Ride the Ducks of Seattle.

Tours will depart nightly starting at 5pm from Westlake Park, near the Holiday Carousel, at 4th Avenue and Pine Street from November 26 through December 30th. Ride the Ducks is closed on December 24-25th. Adults: $15; Children $5, plus tax.

Ride the Ducks will continue to offer their original land and water tours during the day departing from two locations: 5th Avenue and Broad Street and Westlake. Tours depart seven days a week through January 1st from 11am to 3pm Monday through Thursday and 10am to 3pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended; walk up tickets are available.

Ride the Ducks Makes Dreams Come True!

2010-10-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

"When you're asked to make a wish, we expect most of you to ask for the world: cars, trips, money. But one woman just wanted to take a ride with some very special kids," Josephine Ching from King5 TV reports with Meeghan Black on Evening Magazine!

Thanks so much to First Place School for an awesome Duck Tour!

Top 5 Things to Do in Seattle

2010-10-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

Brandon Rudd, author of Cooper's Pack Travel Guide shares Cooper's Top 5 Things to Do in Seattle! Check it out on New Day NW with Margaret Larson!

Seattle Fire Department had a DUKW!

2010-09-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

DUKWs were originally used in WWII to transport cargo from ships at sea to troops on shore, but after the war, they were used for a variety of functions. Besides fantastically fun tours of Seattle, they've been used by police departments, rescue units and our very own Seattle Fire Department even had one they used in the early 1970s!

Thanks to Captain Bob La Blah for finding these photos online! When he's not quacking, laughing and blah-blah'ng through the streets of Seattle, Captain Bob La Blah volunteers with the Last Resort Fire Department in Seattle! Their website says their roots go back as far as WWII, but the Last Resort Fire Department officially began in 1969 and now has the largest collection of antique motorized fire apparatus in the Pacific Northwest, as well as great collection of old photos! Including... an old DUKW!

The Last Resort Fire Department is a non-profit organization dedicated to the acquistion, restoration, preservation and display of classic antique motorized fire apparatus. Their fundraising activities include fire prevention displays, birthdays, weddings, retirement parties, parades and other community events!

Although you won't see an old DUKW, for more information or to see some of their classic fire trucks, visit their museum at 1433 NW 51st Street in Ballard! It's open Wednesdays from 11am to 3pm with additional hours during the summer. Admission is free!

Thanks to the Seattle Fire Department for great photos of the many uses of amphibious DUKWs!

Starlight Day is TODAY!

2010-09-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today, Ride the Ducks of Seattle is hosting Starlight Day! This is our 3rd Starlight Day since we began a partnership with the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington!

For today only, 100% of our ticket proceeds will benefit Starlight and we're hoping to raise $10,000 for this great organization.

Starlight helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through education, entertainment and family activities - just like Ride the Ducks!

Give us a call to make reservations at 206-441-DUCK or just come on down! You can ride from either our 5th Avenue and Broad Street location or our location at Westlake Center! If you'd like to pre-purchase, click to buy tickets online!

Hope to see you soon!

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Highlights Captain Beau Dayshush!

2010-09-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

Each year, the Seattle Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon to review the year.

On September 17, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting of its membership with featured speaker US Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke! Secretary Locke discussed the Obama administration's agenda for job creation and economic growth.

In addition, the outgoing Chamber Chair Kirk Nelson shared the progress the Chamber has made over the last twelve months and incoming Chair Maud Daudon discussed the plans for the future.

This year, the Chamber also highlighted its membership and Ride the Ducks was happy to host a photo shoot for one of our favorites: Captain Beau Dayshush! Captain Beau is a new addition to our team this year and customers love him!

Thanks to Kim Sklar-Fowler and the Seattle Chamber for great photos!

Starlight Day 2010! Help Us Raise $10,000 for Starlight!

2010-09-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Do you want to have some wacky fun and support an awesome organization? Here's your chance!

Next Wednesday, September 29, Ride the Ducks will be donating 100% of ticket sales to the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington! Starlight helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities! We're hoping to raise more than $10,000 for Starlight, so buy tickets now or call 206-441-DUCK (3825) to make reservations today! Click here for more details!

Ride the Ducks of Seattle has been a partner of the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington since 2008 and it's one that we value and love to support. Volunteers from Starlight will be on-site to share stories and answer any questions that you might have about Starlight. Plus, Starry, the furry, purple, smile-maker will be on-site to pose for photos and give hugs!

Remember, all donations to Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington helps children and families here in Washington. For more information about Starlight, visit their website at www.starlight-washington.org.

Buy tickets now or call 206-441-3825 to make reservations today!

Ride the Ducks volunteers for KCTS!

2010-09-25T22:12:00.001-07:00

Broadcasting on digital channel 9 from Seattle, WA, KCTS is the Northwest's premier public television station. Did you know 76% of its funding comes from donations and pledges from viewers and supporters? Tonight, Captains and staff of Ride the Ducks of Seattle volunteered on the phone banks to take pledges for KCTS 9. It was a blast and if you'd like to help support KCTS and help them continue with quality programming, please visit www.kcts9.org.

Cooper and Elliott Visit Seattle!

2010-09-16T15:00:00.001-07:00

Cooper's Pack Travel Guide to Seattle was just released this month and look who he visited! Cooper and his pal Elliott visited Seattle and took a Duck tour! What fun!

Cooper's Pack is a kid-friendly travel guide to some of the best cities in the world! Cooper and his pals travel the world and want to hear about your adventures. You can submit photos online, play games, download free photos and lots more! Buy the Cooper's Pack Travel Guide in our gift shop or buy it at Amazon!

Way to go Staff!

2010-08-26T15:43:00.001-07:00

We received this email recently and wanted to share it with everyone. We get great feedback daily regarding our customer service staff, but this one was especially great! Way to go!

I just wanted to thank everyone who helped me today when I ran out of gas right in front of your building. Your employees pushed my car out of traffic, helped me to park it and then took my cell # while I got gas a few blocks away just in case. Then, when I got back, one of your other employees helped me put the gas can filter together and put gas in my car – he even wiped it off for me!! It is nice to know there are still good Samaritans out there and I will be sure to spread the word of how caring your company was.

I hope to “Ride the Duck” soon to say thank you!!

- Angela

Stoplight, Spotlight: KOMO News Reports!

2010-08-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

Stoplights are a lot more fun when Javon Cudjoe is around, reports Lindsay Cohen of KOMO 4 News!

Amphibious Ex-Army Vehicle: A Travel Blogger Shares Her Experience in Seattle

2010-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Shared via TravelPod: jennykelly's trip to Seattle

We were up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready for another day of sightseeing in Seattle. Melissa had advised us to do the Duck ride, so we booked that first thing when we arrived into town. It was a wild thing, the vehicle is a modified ex-army amphibious vehicle, Guns taken out, seats installed. The Captain, Captain Lunachick, was a very animated young lady, with a different hat and piece of music for every occasion. She had us singing YMCA and dancing the Saturday Night Fever dance from our seats. There were no windows, so plenty of room to spread our wings. After the city tour, Captain Lunachick took us down the boat ramp and into the water! Wow, this was cool. We cruised through the harbour and saw the floating homes, built on logs many years ago. Washington has lots of trees, so lots of buildings are made of timber

This travel blog photo's source is TravelPod page: Amphibious Ex-army Vehicle - Seattle, United States Travel Blog

That's about the best real estate you can get, on the edge of the water in the bay on Lake Union. We had a load of fun during the whole trip and I think the Captain Lunachick managed to break down the inhibitions of most of the passengers. Judging by her handfuls of tips, she was an excellent Captain and tour guide.

For a fun slide show of JennyKelly's photos from her trip to Seattle, click here!

New Day NW on King 5!

2010-08-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

This morning, Brian Tracey and Captain Phlip Dover visited Margaret Larson at King 5 TV to chat about Ride the Ducks on her show New Day NW! What a blast!

Ducks and Love!

2010-07-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

We received this letter and photo of Captain Phlip from a proud Mother-in-Law-To-Be! Congratulations to the happy couple!

"My husband and I took our son and his girlfriend on a Duck Ride on June 20 with Captain Phlip. On June 23, our son popped the question to his girlfriend and presented her with his grandmother's engagement ring after taking many of the comments to heart. Congratulations to the Captain on a job well done! Laurie and John have not yet decided on the specifics for their wedding, but I think Ride the Ducks should be involved since it was at the Captain's instigation that the proposal was finally made and accepted!"

Congratulations!

Second Location: NOW OPEN!

2010-07-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Ride the Ducks now has a second location open at Westlake Center!

You can now buy tickets and depart from the Ride the Ducks ticket booth at 5th Avenue and Broad Street, across the street from the Space Needle OR our kiosk at Westlake Center at 4th and Pine Street, in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Both locations offer the opportunity to walk-up and purchase tickets, pick-up pre-purchased tickets at Will Call and board the most fun tour in Seattle! The tour routes are equivalent and you'll see all the same sights of Seattle, including the Seattle waterfront, historic Pioneer Square, the downtown shopping district and Pike Place Market. Then, you'll SPLASH into Lake Union to see the Sleepless in Seattle floating home, Gasworks Park and a breath-taking view of the Seattle skyline! It's a party on wheels that floats!

When you make a reservation over the phone at 206-441-DUCK or purchase tickets online, be sure to specify which location you're interested in!

Randal Nelson - Never make fun of or be disrespectful to the flag

2010-07-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Randal Nelson - Never make fun of or be disrespectful to the flag

When you're the driver and guide for one of those Ride the Ducks "party on wheels" tours, a little pizazz doesn't hurt. A couple of years ago, Randal Nelson, 50, of Covington, was working as a carpenter and in construction. Then the economy tanked, he got a job for a while in sales, and then found his calling as a Ducks driver. He goes by "Captain Clem Chowder."

Read more about Captain Clem Chowder's Fourth of July hat!

"Ride the Ducks" tour brings out kid in adults - Busy Mama - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

2010-07-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Ride the Ducks" tour brings out kid in adults - Busy Mama - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Fun.

Loud.

Rowdy.

Those words pretty much sum up our family, which is why I couldn’t help but giggle when my husband and kids decided to book a “Ride the Ducks of Seattle” tour as part of my birthday extravaganza in the big city. “You better buy me a Wacky Quacker,” I warned, referring to the bright yellow duck bill-shaped noise- makers that the tour company sells as souvenirs. ... Read more about Busy Mama's birthday experience at Ride the Ducks of Seattle

Do you have an experience that you'd like to share? Let us know by commenting on this blog, writing a review at www.TripAdvisor.com or emailing us at ducks@ridetheducksofseattle.com!

Oliver DeRhode

2010-06-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Jian Golder of Green Light Press! For all our Chinese guests, this will give you a great overview of Ride the Ducks!

Click here to read a review of Ride the Ducks!

Seattle's Child offers a great review!

2010-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

"Maybe you've seen them already - the boats on wheels driving around Seattle, filled with raucous passengers, driven by a microphone-wearing tour leader. Our family decided to be tourists in our town and Ride the Ducks! Ducks are World War II amphibious vehicles that reach a top speed on land of 38 miles per hour and motor effortlessly on Lake Union.

Our captain was “Oliver D. Road,” and he was a fast-talking, easy-laughing driver, tour guide and mischief instigator. Whenever he pointed out a Starbucks, our response was to yell “Lattes!” as loud as we could. Touring on a duck means that the information you learn is always a little off-kilter. For example, I had never before put two and two together and noticed that the heart of Pioneer Square is actually a triangle. The tour goes from downtown to Fremont, into the Lake, and back for about a 90-minute trip. Our captain went through six silly hats and one wig in that time."

To read the full review by Machelle Allman, click here! Visit www.seattleschild.com for great information about living in Seattle with a child.

Travel Promotion Act

2010-03-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, President Obama signed into law the Travel Promotion Act, the first-ever national travel promotion and communications program to attract more international travelers to the United States!

For more information about the Travel Promotion Act, visit www.ustravel.org, or check out the CVB press release here!

Ride the Ducks is a blast for international travelers and we are excited to see more friendly faces from around the world soon!

Cheap Seattle Flights

2010-02-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

CheapOair.com is the 7th largest online booking travel site and offers one of the best values in solutions for today's savvy traveler! Check out their latest blog on Ride the Ducks of Seattle!

Visit them at www.CheapOair.com for Cheap Flights to Seattle!

2010: Year of the Duck?

2010-02-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Q13 Fox Reports:

Our condolences to Captain Phil Harris' family and friends

2010-02-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Today, Seattle says goodbye to one of our favorite fisherman: Captain Phil Harris. Captain Phil, star of Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch and captain of the Cornelia Marie, died this morning. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

Harris started working on fishing boats at age 7 and started work 10 years later on a crab boat. When Harris turned 21, he ran a fishing vessel out of Seattle, making him one of the youngest to captain a vessel in the Bering Sea. Click here for the full AP story.

Captain Phil visited Ride the Ducks of Seattle in the summer of 2009 and his laughter and energy brightened the day of our employees and guests. He will be greatly missed.

Grand Opening of the Rockettes!

2009-12-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

Opening night of Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Seattle's Paramount Theatre on Saturday, December 12, 2009. The Rockettes arrived in style by the Duck and were escorted by US Marines!

Radio City Rockettes Arrive at The Paramount Theatre! from STG Presents on Vimeo.

Ride the Ducks raises more than $1200 wrapping gifts!

2009-12-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

On December 17, volunteers from Ride the Ducks visited Pacific Place to support the Forgotten Children's Fund. We wrapped more than 250 gifts to raise more than $1200 for the Forgotten Children's Fund. This program raises money to buy toys, coats and bikes for children in need. The gifts are delivered by Santa Claus himself (and his holiday elves!) on December 24th and 25th to families across Puget Sound.

A BIG THANK YOU to Louise Avery at the Westin for organizing the gift wrap station and helping us throughout the day! We couldn't have done it without you!

You can help the Seattle hospitality industry by letting us take care of your packages from now through Thursday, December 24, at Pacific Place near the Barnes & Noble entrance on the Concourse Level. All proceeds benefit The Forgotten Children’s Fund!

The Nutcracker visits Ride the Ducks!

2009-11-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

"The thrill of the children both in the audience and on stage is contagious." —The Seattle Times

This Friday, the Pacific Northwest Ballet will kick off the Nutcracker with shows running through the end of December. Ride the Ducks was visited by the Nutcracker earlier this week as he toured the city. Check out the video and keep your eyes peeled for the NutQuacker!

Cooper Visits Ride the Ducks

2009-11-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Cooper, the stuffed travelling dog, came to visit Ride the Ducks yesterday as he and his pack of friends explored and adventured through Seattle to create the next best children's travel guide!

You too can follow Cooper and his pack of friends as they visit the major cities of the world including London, Paris, New York, Cape Town and coming soon, SEATTLE! Each Cooper's Pack book features an interactive education and activity section, plus look for hidden secrets or buried bones! Perfect for 4-11 year olds, gifting, education, fun, and anyone who loves traveling - stuffed or otherwise. Remember, traveling stuffed animals have more fun!

Cooper's Favorite Things Are:

Foods: T-bone steak, milk

Color: Navy blue

Places: Hiking, Pacific Ocean, Grandpa's house

Books: A Separate Peace

Artist: Marcus Bausch, Jr.

Teacher: Mr. Axling (Geography)

Class: Geography

Music: Phish, Pete Droge

Sports: Soccer, skiing, hackysack, boating

Hobbies: Map collecting

Sayings: "Top Dog"

Nicknames: Coop

13 Chinese Journalists Get a Taste of Seattle area During Visit to Prompt Tourism

2009-11-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

Thirteen Chinese journalists who departed Monday after a five-day Puget Sound stay came for a lot more than Washington wine, and local officials say showing off the state to to journalists can influence thousands of other travelers to come visit and spend money.

Jack Broom, Seattle Times staff reporter, writes about the adventures of 13 Chinese writers, editors and photographers were on a "familiarization tour" for overseas journalists hosted jointly by Washington State Tourism, Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Port of Seattle.

Riding "the Duck," the amphibious World War II landing craft that takes riders around town and into Lake Union, was a big hit. "We thought a bus was coming to pick us up," Liu said, "When all of a sudden, with the horn blowing and pop music going, a Duck boat appeared in front of us. ... It was hilarious."

Click here for the entire article published on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

Ride the Ducks of Seattle - Many Hats...

2009-10-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

SeattleTravel.com blogs about their tour

with Captain Clem Chowder!

"How many feet deep is Lake Union? Where can you find a cigarette-burned guitar originally owned by “Layla”’s Eric Clapton? In what part of Seattle did the first pioneers settle? What are the names of the sculptures decorating the Space Needle’s lawn? And where in Seattle can you find the country’s largest butterfly exhibit? You’ll find out all of this, and much more during one of Seattle’s Ride the Ducks sea and water tours—and all to the tune of The Bee Gee’s, MC Hammer, Frank Sinatra, and more."

Wow! What a fun tour! Click here to read more!

Starlight Day was a success!

2009-10-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who helped make Starlight Day a huge success!

Yesterday, we raised more than $6,000 for the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington!

Starlight Children's Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families deal with pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Ride the Ducks is excited to partner with an organization whose goal aligns with our own: create smiles! Plus, every dollar raised stays right here in Washington.

On September 30, 2009, Ride the Ducks offered free admission in return for a $10 donation to the Starlight Foundation. Sharpshooter Imaging, a partner of Ride the Ducks, also offered souvenir photographs for a discounted price of $10 with half the proceeds donated to Starlight.

Ride the Ducks is proud to have partnered with Starlight for two years and has raised more than $10,000 this year alone for the organization.

2009-2010 ESPN Winter Gear Guide

2009-09-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ski and snowboard product testing, taken to the streets.

This is a test. Each fall, thousands of hardgoods, softgoods and accessories hit retail outlets worldwide, destined to fulfill the aspirations of 14.8 million folks, from novices to pros, young and old, male and female, who participate in a snow sport each season.

But how do you pick the best stuff? Well, first you take a staff of four editors with 100-plus years of combined lifetime on-snow experience and let them decide, because it's their job to do the legwork for you. Then, for the real test, you bring the gear to people who've never seen it before, to places it's never been, to do things that were never in the blueprints during their creation. Then you wait and see what happens. ESPN hit the streets in four snowy epicenters of the country to determine the best gear for each location.

Here, Captain Rocky Bottom from Ride the Ducks models the new ThirtyTwo Boots. The lightest boots in the industry, ThirtyTwo has been perfecting foot fit and comfort since 1995 and with the Sole Tech Institute, they have the world's only action sports research lab to prove it. Would their floatability aid in a Duck Boat water rescue? "Probably not," says Captain Rocky Bottom, "But they do match my outfit nicely."

Yes, Rocky, they do match your outfit nicely.

Seattle THEN and NOW

2009-09-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Paul Dorpat reminds us of the many ways people have explored Seattle over the last 100 years with his recent article published this past weekend in the Pacific Northwest section of the Seattle Times!

THEN: By 1907, it was possible to bump about Seattle on spring seats visiting its favored attractions for a fee.

NOW: Just beginning to dip its skirt into Lake Union, a captain-driver takes his decorated Duck and passengers for a little swim along the north shore of the lake.

Photos courtesy of Lawton Gowey and Jean Sherrard. Please visit www.pauldorpat.com for the whole story!

OR, if you'd like to explore Seattle for yourself, click here to buy tickets to Ride the Ducks of Seattle!

2009-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Always wanted to Ride the Ducks,
but never found the time?
Here’s your chance!

It’s $10 for one day only! AND, it all goes to charity!

Next Wednesday, September 30, Ride the Ducks is offering FREE admission when you make a $10 donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

(Okay, maybe it’s not free admission, but it’s only $10 and every dollar goes to charity, so it’s a win-win for everyone!)

It’s our way of giving a big THANK YOU to our customers, friends and industry partners, while helping an awesome, non-profit organization where all donations stay right here in Washington.

Please pass this along to the rest of your organization or forward to anyone who would like to experience a fun-filled, wacky-quacky Duck adventure and support the Starlight Children's Foundation!

We'll have FREE coffee, tea and Wacky Quackers, so please come be our guest next Wednesday! Volunteers from Starlight will also be on-site to share stories and answer any questions you might have about the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington!

Click here to make reservations online or call 206-441-3825 for more information!

Q13 Fox Seahawk Text Alerts!

2009-09-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

If you want to be the first to know the latest on the Seattle Seahawks, sign up for Q13 FOX Hawks Alerts. Just text the word "HAWKS" to 71313 and you'll get the latest breaking football news on the team sent right to your cell phone!

STAR 101.5 and Trans Siberian Orchestra team up to support the Starlight Foundation!

2009-09-17T10:00:00.001-07:00

STAR 101.5 proudly welcomes the Trans Siberian Orchestra to Key Arena on Saturday, November 21, 2009. $1.00 from every ticket sold goes to the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington State.

Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster for the Saturday, November 21, 3pm show or the 8pm show, and use the promo code: star. This presale is in effect now through Friday, September 18th (at 10pm).

Ride the Ducks has partnered with the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington since 2007 and we're excited that STAR 101.5 and the Trans Siberian Orchestra share our passion for supporting this great local organization. Ride the Ducks also supports a variety of other great organizations throughout the year. For more information, visit our website!

The Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

Give us 60 seconds and KSTW will give you the Pulse on Seattle!

2009-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Pulse by KSTW

Looking for something different to do this weekend? Welcome to the Pulse – your guide to the hippest…the hottest…the coolest that Puget Sound has to offer.

Each week the Pulse takes you to the places and events around the Puget Sound that aren't widely known and might just be the best kept secrets in town. Nightspots…restaurants…festivals…the Pulse will take you there.

Give us sixty seconds and we'll give you the Pulse!

KOMO 4's Shomari Stone reports: Has the Hammering Man Lost his Zeal?

2009-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

KOMO 4's Shomari Stone Reports and Features Ride the Ducks in News Story:

Has Seattle's Hammering Man lost his zeal?

Seattle's Hammering Man is supposed to take a break on Labor Day. But this year, he stopped work about a month early - and he's still goofing off. ... What's up with that?

Ride the Ducks is looking for Seahawk fans!

2009-09-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

-- Do you want to be in a TV commercial?

-- Do you have a Seahawks jersey?

-- Are you available on Tuesday, Sept 8th at 5pm for approximately two hours?

If you answered YES, then we want YOU to be part of the new Seahawks promotion!

Q13 be filming on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 7pm. You'll be required to meet at a location on Westlake, sign a talent release and then, cheer, chant and holler as you and Blitz ride around the city.

If you're interested, please contact Randy Davis at Q13 Fox at r.davis@tribune.com by Friday at 3pm. The first 35 people to confirm will be eligible to be in the commercial.

Go Hawks!

Top draft pick Dustin Ackley takes swings at Safeco Field before Riding the Ducks!

2009-09-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

By Larry Stone
Seattle Times staff reporter

Dustin Ackley took batting practice at Safeco Field.
Let the record show that Dustin Ackley's first swing as a Mariner produced an opposite-field line drive — a clean single into left.

OK, it was batting practice, but it still made Ackley feel good.

"That first swing, I didn't know where the ball was going to go or if I was even going to hit it," he said with a laugh after taking a round of BP before Monday's Mariners game. "It was a relief."

Ackley was in Seattle to officially sign his five-year major-league deal with the Mariners, worth at least $7.5 million.

As part of the day, Ackley donned a Mariners uniform (No. 13, his college number at North Carolina), held a news conference and schmoozed nervously in the clubhouse with current Mariners. It's the typical routine for a top draft pick, but this one had a little more scrutiny than usual because of Ackley's status as the No. 2 overall pick.

After his press conference, Dustin and his family came to Ride the Ducks and had a blast with Captain Matt Agascar! Welcome to Seattle, Dustin! We're happy you're here!

Roberto and his friends had a blast this weekend!

2009-08-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

@robertohoyos rode the Ducks with his friends this weekend and check out his cool video!

Thanks for posting!

Starlight Day at Ride the Ducks!

2009-08-25T15:36:00.001-07:00

The photos are in from Starlight Day at Ride the Ducks! Ride the Ducks has supported the Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington since 2008 and this past April, Captains Rocky Bottom, Matt Agascar and Whoo Wa took three Ducks to Swedish Hospital to pick up more than 100 seriously ill children and their families for an afternoon on the Ducks! Check out the photos to see how much fun they had! Thanks to Mark Best for the awesome photos!

Starlight Children's Foundation of Washington is a non-profit with a mission to help seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

Ride the Ducks is proud to support a great Washington organization where all donations stay here in Washington. A few weeks after this event, Ride the Ducks donated $5 of every ticket to the Starlight Foundation and raised almost $5,000 for this great organization.

To find out more about how Ride the Ducks supports Starlight, visit our website. Or, to donate to Starlight directly, click here.

Ride the Ducks is a Lil' Getaway for Seattle residents!

2009-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Q13 Fox News Anchor Lily Jang takes you on a tour of Seattle on Ride the Ducks in her Lil' Getaways! On land and on water, you're sure to see some of the most interesting sights and sounds of this amazing town.

http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/

Deadliest Catch!

2009-08-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, why it's Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie from the Deadliest Catch! He stopped by to visit his pal Captain Davey Quackett at Ride the Ducks and enjoyed a fun tour this week!

Although it was not as action-packed as a day on the high seas, he said it surprised him how much work it is to be a Duck Captain! Davey Quackett responded by saying, "It's all in a day's work. The passengers make it easy to smile and show them the city all day!"

The Deadliest Catch is a reality show featured on the Discovery Channel. If you'd like to see Captain Phil Harris in action, tune in Tuesdays at 9pm.

The bodacious Blue Angels are here!

2009-07-31T13:34:00.001-07:00

What's that noise?! WAHOOOOOO! The Blue Angels are here again!

Seafair is my favorite time of year! I get to see blue and yellow fighter jets loop around the Space Needle and if I crane my head, I can see them in the flying in formation over on Lake Washington!

I heard a fun fact from Captain Barney Kohl today about the Blue Angels. Did you know that the pilots fly the jets to each show site? How cool would that be? No lines at security, no need to wait for a pilot... just hop on and you're off. Zoooom! Mach 2 to Seattle! I thought that was cool, but then I talked to Captain Oliver de Rhode (on left) and he told me that the F/A-18s can reach speeds of about 1400 MPH! That's twice the speed of sound!

I took this photo. Do you have any good pictures of the Blue Angels that you'd like to share?

Thanks!

Vinnie

Hot Hump Day Special!

2009-07-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hey dudes and dudettes!

It's hump day and it's hot! Whew! I just put out some water and lemonade for guests of Ride the Ducks because wowsers, I am totally sweating up a storm! It is hot, but it's not too hot to have fun! And it is gorgeous out on the water!

Today Ride the Ducks is having a Vinnie Special: 20% off when you mention me, Vinnie, for tours today!

That's awesome! Enjoy your ride!

Vinnie

Seattle Tourism is UP!

2009-07-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

Coolaphonic man! Deborah Feldman from King 5 News is here! Hey buddy, Tom Norwalk is here too! He’s the boss man at Seattle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They do all kinds of bodaciously awesome stuff for us!

I overheard them talking about the bummer economy, but it sounds like some Seattle attractions, like Argosy Cruises, the Space Needle and Victoria Clipper are doing well. Seems to be pretty busy here, but with this great weather, who wouldn’t want to Ride the Ducks? They interviewed one guy from Seattle who brought his friends from San Diego – dude, the surfin’ in Diego is awesome, man.

Sounds like Deborah put together a rockin’ news clip! Seattle Video News Video TV Video KING 5 News KING5.com

Click here to read the article!

Downtown Seattle loves the Ducks!

2009-06-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Guess what? Pat Cashman, local television and radio personality, called today and as part of the Downtown Seattle Association's Downtown is Golden 50th Annual Event, he's visiting a few of Seattle's most colorful businesses to gain a better understanding about what makes Downtown Seattle unique. Check out the resulting video vignette of a spin on the Ride the Ducks tour with CEO Brian Tracey.

Happy Dad's Day, Pops!

2009-06-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dude, Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there in Seattle and around the world!

Today, I’m hangin’ ten for you dude. Thanks for being a true bro. Sometimes you gotta be the tough guy and you might get a bum rap for that, but I still love ya Dad.

EagleRider comes to Seattle!

2009-06-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

DUDE! I’m so pumped! EagleRider just opened a new location in Seattle at the Waterfront Marriott! What a cool hotel!

In 1992, EagleRider pioneered the Harley-Davidson® motorcycle rental concept and the guided motorcycle tour business. Today, they are the world's largest motorcycle tourism company specializing in rentals of Motorcycles, ATVs, Dirt Bikes, Scooters, Snowmobile, and Watercraft. EagleRider understands the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure travelers; we offer a huge selection of perfectly maintained Harley, Honda and BMW motorcycles and allow one-way rentals or guided tours between franchise rental facilities located in the most desirable tourist destinations in the world.

AND, when you Ride the Ducks, you’ll get a coupon for 50% off a Harley or Vespa rental. (Subject to terms and conditions, of course.) That sounds like fun! I wish I had a motorcycle endorsement...

Sounders FC home stretch

2009-06-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yo! Tonight the bodacious Sounders FC soccer team will play San Jose at the start of a long home stretch. Five out of their next six games are at Qwest Field! How far out is that, dude? Those bros play some killer football. Right on!

EMP - My neighbor!

2009-05-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

You know what I heard today? I heard it cost $240 million to build EMP/SFM. Wow, Paul Allen has a lot of money. EMP/SFM is pretty rockin’ though. It’s two bodacious museums in one, right across the street from me! It’s a music museum on one side and a science fiction museum on the other. All for one pretty nectar admission price: 15 big ones.

Dude, did you know? Right now they have a new Jim Henson exhibit called Fantastic World. It features more than 100 original artworks, plus puppets and movie props. Kermit the Frog is a radical dude. I wonder if he’s hanging out over there?

Thanks Governor!

2009-05-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yes! Thank you Governor Gregoire! We appreciate you vetoing the line items that effect tourism! Check out this article for more information on what was cut and what was saved from the 2009 Washington State budget! Rock on, dudes!

Tourism Matters!

2009-05-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Tourism Matters! Yeah man! Did you know that here in Seattle the tourism industry employs almost 150,000 people, generates total direct visitor spending of $15.8 billion and generates $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. At Ride the Ducks, tourism creates a million smiles a year! That’s a rough estimate though… I lost track at eight when I ran out of fingers.

Did you know? A few years ago, our state tourism budget ranked 47th in the nation. The state started moving in the right direction when the Washington State Tourism Commission was created and funded. However, the proposed state budget plans to cut the tourism commission’s budget by 65% and take $22 million from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center’s capital budget. This would be a significant blow to Washington State’s fourth largest industry and me and Tom Norwalk at the CVB are hoping that Christine Gregoire will veto these line items on May 19, 2009.

Just to show our support, one of my Ducks left today with a group of people from the Seattle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to go to the Tourism Matters rally at Westlake Center! They were hootin’ and hollerin’ and waving signs to show our support of tourism in the state of Washington.

A big thanks to Scott Squire from NonFiction Media for the awesome photos!

Mariner's Home Opener is TODAY!

2009-04-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Sweeeettttt! Baseball season is here and there’s only one thing better than riding the waves, riding the Ducks and eating burritos: Baseball!

The Seattle Mariners have their first home game tonight against the L.A. Angels! I hope the Angels are total weak sauce tonight. I want those boys to have a better season than last year! Click here for a Mariners schedule.

Sounders WIN their 1st game!

2009-02-22T16:17:00.000-08:00

Wowza! Did you know that Seattle has a bodacious new professional soccer team? Far out, man! Seattle Sounders FC had their first home game at Qwest Field last night and beat the Vancouver Whitecaps four to zero.

The Sounders are 5-1 now, so who knows, maybe we’ll have another championship here in Seattle! It was so cool when those Storm ladies won a few years back. I wonder if I’ve met any of their gnarly crew?

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-02-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Whoa man, look at it pour! I should have checked the weather this morning, before I brought along my sunglasses. Don’t worry! The Ducks are just as much fun in the rain as they are in the shine! Come on down and see what we’re all about! Corner of 5th and Broad, across from the Space Needle. Don’t forget to say hi to me on the roof!

Happy Heart Day!

2009-02-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day! Ride the Ducks is now open seven days a week! I know, it seems early to be out duckin’ in Seattle, but I’m tired of the rain and the snow and I’m ready to see some sunshine again!

Anyone know where Valentine's Day started?

The USCG declares the Seattle Ducks are ready for another season!

2009-01-31T16:10:00.000-08:00

Our awesome maintenance team has completed their annual inspections of all fourteen of our vehicles and the honorable United States Coast Guard (Who-WA!) has inspected and certified each of our vehicles, so they’re ready for you to come on down for a safe and fun ride!

Ride the Ducks is Hiring!

2009-01-15T16:03:00.000-08:00

Man, I heard the rumors and they’re true: Ride the Ducks is hiring totally sweet people to be Captains! It seems like every year I see a lot of new faces driving my Ducks around town and even with the bummer economy, we’re looking for some cool cats to be tour guides!

All our Captains are licensed by the United States Coast Guard with at least a 25-ton Master’s license, so you have to have some boating experience, as well as a valid driver’s license. We can train you to be able to drive a DUKW and to get a CDL. My bodacious crew here at Ride the Ducks has put together a training program that allows you to obtain both licenses, but like I said, it requires you have at least some boating experience. You’ll have to ask Megan for more specifics – I just hang ten and watch the fun.

If you’re interested in a position, you can call Megan at 206-441-4687 or email her a resume at megan@ridetheducksofseattle.com for more information.

We're open!

2009-01-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Quack! 2009 is here and after a total wipeout of snow in December, the Ducks are open again! I see fun-lovin’ tourists and locals here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they all look like they are having an awesome time on the Ducks!

Hey, I know they seem crazy, but those wacky Captains aren’t totally kooky! They know you want the windows up to protect you from the elements! And, Ride the Ducks has sweet blankets to keep you warm!

Vinnie at Ride the Ducks Blogs about Seattle

It's the Most Fattening Time of the Year!

Thank you!

Aren't the leaves of fall beautiful? The city looks so different in each season!

Ducks Donate 100% of Ticket Price to Starlight!

Retired Videographer Gets Kicks from Elaborate Home Movies

Packers WIN, Jubal loses bet!

National Rubber Ducky Day Marks the Start of the 2011 Season!

Ride the Ducks voted a Must Visit for College Students!

Ride the Ducks to offer Holiday Lights Tours!

Ride the Ducks Makes Dreams Come True!

Top 5 Things to Do in Seattle

Seattle Fire Department had a DUKW!

Starlight Day is TODAY!

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce Highlights Captain Beau Dayshush!

Starlight Day 2010! Help Us Raise $10,000 for Starlight!

Ride the Ducks volunteers for KCTS!

Cooper and Elliott Visit Seattle!

Way to go Staff!

Stoplight, Spotlight: KOMO News Reports!

Amphibious Ex-Army Vehicle: A Travel Blogger Shares Her Experience in Seattle

New Day NW on King 5!

Ducks and Love!

Second Location: NOW OPEN!

Randal Nelson - Never make fun of or be disrespectful to the flag

"Ride the Ducks" tour brings out kid in adults - Busy Mama - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

Oliver DeRhode

Seattle's Child offers a great review!

Travel Promotion Act

Cheap Seattle Flights

2010: Year of the Duck?

Our condolences to Captain Phil Harris' family and friends

Grand Opening of the Rockettes!

Ride the Ducks raises more than $1200 wrapping gifts!

The Nutcracker visits Ride the Ducks!

Cooper Visits Ride the Ducks

13 Chinese Journalists Get a Taste of Seattle area During Visit to Prompt Tourism

Ride the Ducks of Seattle - Many Hats...

Starlight Day was a success!

2009-2010 ESPN Winter Gear Guide

Seattle THEN and NOW

Always wanted to Ride the Ducks,but never found the time?Here’s your chance!

Q13 Fox Seahawk Text Alerts!

STAR 101.5 and Trans Siberian Orchestra team up to support the Starlight Foundation!

Give us 60 seconds and KSTW will give you the Pulse on Seattle!

KOMO 4's Shomari Stone reports: Has the Hammering Man Lost his Zeal?

Ride the Ducks is looking for Seahawk fans!

Top draft pick Dustin Ackley takes swings at Safeco Field before Riding the Ducks!

Roberto and his friends had a blast this weekend!

Starlight Day at Ride the Ducks!

Ride the Ducks is a Lil' Getaway for Seattle residents!

Deadliest Catch!

The bodacious Blue Angels are here!

Hot Hump Day Special!

Seattle Tourism is UP!

Downtown Seattle loves the Ducks!

Happy Dad's Day, Pops!

EagleRider comes to Seattle!

Sounders FC home stretch

EMP - My neighbor!

Thanks Governor!

Tourism Matters!

Mariner's Home Opener is TODAY!

Sounders WIN their 1st game!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Happy Heart Day!

The USCG declares the Seattle Ducks are ready for another season!

Ride the Ducks is Hiring!

We're open!

Always wanted to Ride the Ducks,
but never found the time?
Here’s your chance!