Amphibious Tours in Wisconsin Dells: Behind The Wheel of A Seven-Ton Original Wisconsin Duck
Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (PRWEB) July 26, 2013 -- It’s one of the most sought-after jobs in Wisconsin Dells, being a Duck Driver for Original Wisconsin Ducks. The popular land-and-water tours use the authentic World War II vehicles to take passengers on an adventure to see the scenic side of this Midwest family vacation spot. It’s the perfect way to traverse the rugged wooded canyons and trails and then splash down into the Wisconsin River to see the area’s famous sandstone cliffs up close. But the Duck vehicle itself is only part of what makes this tour unique.
“Being a Duck Driver takes a lot of charm and personality,” said Dan Gavinski, general manager of Original Wisconsin Ducks. “We recruit people who not only can handle the big lumbering vehicles, but who are also engaging with our passengers and help them have a good time.”
Becoming a Duck Driver is competitive as well. Each year, approximately 100 people apply but only about 50 make the cut. Many tour operators work their way up through the ranks with many candidates working a year in the maintenance shop before deciding to put in for a driver’s position. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Because the high season is usually June through August, college students on summer break are a natural fit as drivers.
Training is very rigorous as well. After all, it’s a huge responsibility to take the wheel of the seven-ton vehicle and maneuver the winding Duck trails with 20 sightseers onboard. Original Wisconsin Ducks training involves extensive written and practical testing both internally and with outside agencies. For example, drivers take first aid training through the Red Cross, get a Commercial Driver’s License and have to pass the Department of Natural Resource’s Boating Safety class. It’s a six-week process, so a driver must truly be dedicated to take on the role of amphibious Duck tour aficionado.
The vehicle itself is quite a beast. At 31-feet long, 8-feet wide and 10½ -feet tall, it’s a lot to handle. About half of this fleet of WWII Ducks is still outfitted with original double-clutch transmissions, which requires skill and patience to master.
After honing basic Duck operation skills in an empty parking lot, training proceeds to the woods where the driver learns to maneuver the Duck along miles of winding Duck Trails surrounding the Dells and the Wisconsin River. Only after recruits have perfected the narrow trails are they teamed with a senior, experienced driver to complete their first week of tours through the spectacular sights of Wisconsin Dells.
Apart from good driving skills, tour operators must also have a knack for public speaking. It’s a one-hour guided tour, meaning they don microphone headsets along with their driving gloves. The narrated excursion includes extensive details about the history of the vehicles themselves as well as interesting facts and lore about the Wisconsin Dells region. Add in some natural charisma and an outgoing personality and a Duck Driver has what it takes to make a tour on an Original Wisconsin Duck a truly unique experience.
With more than 90 vehicles, Original Wisconsin Ducks is the largest “flock” of amphibious tour Ducks in the United States. There are about a dozen Duck tours nationwide, with only about 300 operational Ducks combined. Original Wisconsin Ducks’ 2013 season runs mid-March through early November (weather permitting). Tours run every few minutes during the peak summer season. For more information about Original Wisconsin Ducks, please call (608) 254-8751 or visit wisconsinducktours.com.
Andrea Novotny, Novotny Communications, (608) 575-7739, [email protected]
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