Dodging ducks for fifty years

While advanced design and technology lead the sport in a direction of high performance and elite skill, the popularity of casual racing remains exceedingly alive and well during the warmer months with mid-week competition.

Often referred to as beer can racing, the long days of sunlight in the Pacific Northwest are being celebrated in 2024 with the 50th year of the Duck Dodge on Lake Union in Seattle, WA. Held Tuesday nights from May to September, the rules keep the vibe loose and fun, covering conflicts such as the ducks (must avoid) and cannabis (not permitted on federal waters).

Ron Lloyd, co-founder with Mike Rice and Bruce Gilbert, recalls how the original name was actually the Tenas Chuck Duck Dodge as Tenas Chuck is the native American name for Lake Union (chuck means ‘water’).

“The original handbill announcing the first (technically second) Duck Dodge in 1974 actually has a sub-title of Lake Union Beer Can Regatta,” Lloyd recalls. “This was included because a friend of mine was worried that people wouldn’t ‘get it’ if we just called it the Duck Dodge.”