Services – 3D Sculpting, CNC
Location – UK
Each year, a tight-knit community on the English south coast gathers for its eagerly awaited wooden duck race. During the event, participants carve and decorate their own wooden ducks, bringing creativity and craftsmanship to every entry. In addition, the atmosphere mixes fun with genuine competitiveness, and strict rules keep the race fair for everyone. Because of this, some contestants have even faced disqualification for pushing the boundaries.
Moreover, ducks earn points for decoration and speed, which keeps the stakes high. There is a prize for the best-looking duck and, of course, a trophy for the fastest. Most importantly, all proceeds—from entry fees to on-the-day fundraising—support a local charity, making the event both meaningful and memorable.
The beloved wooden duck race soon faced closure when the supply of hand-carved ducks dropped, leaving organisers without enough entries. As a result, the tradition came under real threat, especially as skilled carvers became scarce. Participants also struggled to create their own ducks, which placed even more pressure on the event.
Consequently, locals worried about losing a tradition that combined fun with essential fundraising for charity. Without a solution, the future of the race looked uncertain, and the community called for help to keep their cherished event afloat.
Studio Sowow stepped in with a practical and creative solution that saved the event. To begin, the team designed and produced high-quality wooden ducks that maintained the spirit of the originals. Using advanced 3D sculpting software, they modelled a design that honoured the hand-carved aesthetic while giving every duck consistent form and balance.
Afterward, each duck was CNC-cut from a single timber block, preserving the natural wood grain and giving the ducks the strength needed for racing. As a result, Studio Sowow produced the ducks efficiently without compromising craftsmanship. Ultimately, the team breathed new life into the event, ensuring the tradition could continue for years to come.
