www.DurhamMountainSports.org.uk

On sunday 18th November, approximately 20,000 little yellow ducks will get tipped into the river Wear and race to the finish with cheering crowds lining the river banks - all in a good charitable cause.

Our task (should we choose to accept it!) is to guide the little ducks that get stuck in the reeds etc during the race, and then to collect them all at the end.

Why Well, it's in a good cause, you'll get free use of kayaks and equipment, some instruction if you are a beginner, and to be part of a fun day out. You might even get your picture in the papers (we did last year!).

You will need lots of warm clothes - a wetsuit, or warm thermals and fleeces, with a windproof/waterproof cag and trousers on top, shoes that can get wet, and a complete change of warm clothes for the end of the day.

You'll also need a packed lunch and flask of hot drink. We'll meet at 11am to get ready, paddle up to the race start, have our packed lunch and the race starts at 1pm. We'll be fishing ducks for about an hour - depending on how many of us there are!

This is a joint venture with Durham Kayak Club, and Durham University Kayak Club (in association with the Prince Bishop's Shopping Centre!).

Let me know if you are interested, and we will arrange a meeting point.

Hi Linz,

yes i'd be interested in helping out but i've no kayaking experience nor do i have a wet suit, do you have a spare or can i hire one from somewhere.

regards.

Chris.

Thanks Chris, we'll be able to lend you some stuff to keep warm, and I'll take you through the basics on the day so you'll be fine. If you have some woolly gloves (like the cheap stretch magic ones) and wear them under a pair of washing up gloves - that is the best cheap solution for cold hands!!!

It should be a laugh!

Hiya, sounds like fun, count me in with my open.

Hi Linz

yes I will be there - as discussed I have spent a few days in a canadian canoe so that would be best for me if poss

I have my own warm layers and life jacket

Great stuff - Nick, how about you have Jenny as your co-pilot / duck fisherperson?

If you guys have anything resembling a fishing net, it might be useful, and Chris - don't forget those Marigolds!!

Sound good, don't have a net though. Maybe we should get a few of those kids bamboo fishing net things, if they can be bought this time of year
I've asked a friend (well actually my boss from the centre) if he'd like to join us with his open and he's hoping to if we've no groups staying and it's ok with you

Don't worry about buying nets, we'll manage, especially with more open canoes to chuck the ducks into!

Great if your friend can come, the more the merrier!

Last year the race organiser said he was absolutely thrilled when we all paddled into view - like the cavalry come to the rescue!!

More details about the duck race activity day:- here's the official blurb:

Northumbrian Water’s adopted charity WaterAid, which provides clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education in Africa and Asia is one of the good causes that will benefit from the race.

The owner of the winning duck ticket, on sale at £1 each, will win £1,000, and the second and third placed tickets will win £300 and £200 respecitvely.

Race ducks can be bought by mobile phone by texting ‘Duck’ to 60999. Tickets are available from the Durham Tourist Information Centre, the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, the Durham Students Union and Clayport Library. Sellers will also be on the streets of Durham on the day of the race.

Our bit: So far, from DMS we have Vittoria, Jenny, Chris, Rob, Nick + friend on the water, and Debbie and Caroline are offering to provide bank support and photography. Any one else who feels like joining in - you are more than welcome!

How about coming back to mine afterwards for soup or hot chocolate to thaw out and look at the photos?

Nick, i'll private message my mobile number to you, so we can arrange where to meet on the morning.

Please everyone remember to dress warmly, and bring your picnic and flask.

some soup/chocolote to thaw out after sounds good to me linz

looking forward to it (hope its fine!)

Right then equipment to bring; marigolds (blue!), fishnets , er no thats fishing nets!
Warm clothing and flask of tea.

Thanks for the intro to kayaking last night Linz i think i needed it!

As for the weather , well i've got loads of warm layers/waterproofs and i'm going to need them.

See you Sunday !


Chris.

You did great Chris, a model pupil

Just looked at Metcheck and decided to add another few layers to my planned outfit! Minus five and sleet first thing on Sunday morning - what's that about?!

As Billy Connolly said 'there's no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothing!'

linz wrote: Just looked at Metcheck Minus five and sleet first thing on Sunday morning -

Keep your fingers crossed for the river being frozen, it will make the ducks so much easier to collect!

Hi lindsay, sunday sounds like fun, count me in!! although i might regret it when i see the weather!! As you know i'm a beginner so may need a little guidance!

Laura x

Brilliant Laura - since you know where it is, can you meet us at the kayak club at 11?

Phil, can you come to mine at 10 and i'll sort you some kit, nick will be able to take you down from there. I might have a wetsuit to fit you, but just in case, wear lots of warm thermal stuff and a waterproof/windproof layer on top.