Leisure

Ad Specs:Long Beach Magazine (June 2010 Issue) Color3.562” x 4.562” (Includes Black Border)essential to the tour, because, according to Carl Tautenhahn, “youcan’t have a duck tour without a quacker!” Once everyone is set withtheir quackers, the tour begins with a drive around the lively Pikearea and a lesson of fun facts along the way, such as the history ofthe Cyclone roller coaster and Ferris wheel that distinguish the area.After touring the Pike area, the captain drives to the mouth of the L.A.River, where the tour begins its tour of the Harbor.One of the obvious wonders about the Rubber Duck Tour is how easilythe vehicle can go from street vehicle to floating ship in a matter ofseconds. According to Carl, this amphibious vehicle is only one of 43in existence globally, and is also one of the few that the Coast Guardconsiders “unsinkable” because it is foam-filled. “Over half the peopledon’t actually believe it floats,” he said.CMYCMMYCYThis fact is evident if one looks at the faces of guests as the vehicleapproaches the ramp to enter the water. Many guests look off thesides of the vehicle, curiously wondering how it will transform. Otherstake a different approach, preferring to look straight ahead and let thewonder happen with a slight anxiety. The brothers use their guests’curiosity to heighten the anticipation of this marvel, simultaneouslyteasing them and making a dramatic entrance as they enter the waters.CMYKOnce in the water, the tour takes a loop around the Long Beach Harbor,offering guests a unique perspective of the area and an interestinglesson of the city’s history. The tour ends with a drive down thebusy Pine Avenue strip, where guests can dance and quack to thecurious passers-by.“One of the highlights of the Rubber Duck Tour,” Gerald stated, “isthat you never see the same thing twice.”Although the hydra-terra vehicle is primarily used for their historicaltours, it is also a fully-licensed limousine and available for privatecharter for events such as weddings and birthday parties. The vehicleis not restricted to the Long Beach area, and can also be charteredfor service in Orange County. For now, though, the brothers statethat this city is where they want to keep their focus because of thearea’s diversity.“Long Beach couldn’t be a better location for this,” Gerald stated.“There is plenty to talk about and plenty to do.”Tickets for The Rubber Duck Tour should be purchased in advance,and are $26 for adults, $22 for military, seniors and students, $20 foryouth 5 to 17, and children under age 5 are free. nVisit rubberducktours.com for more information.longbeachmagazine.com 47