Will you make a champion splash!?
Grab your wellies, round up the kids and jump right into the North East Puddle Jumping Championships this February half-term – part of WWT’s Big Splash!
No matter what the weather or your puddle-jumping abilities, we’re urging families to get outdoors and have a go at producing a prize-winning splash in special competition puddles – with efforts being judged on the enthusiasm of the jumper, the creativity of the jump and the height of the splash.
Leanne McCormella, WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s marketing manager, said: “We know that children – and big kids! – love nothing more than to splash about in puddles, so we’re giving them the chance to channel their inner splasher while competing to become the North East Puddle Jumping Champion in a friendly competition.
“We also know that children who love puddles often grow up to be adults that love the outdoors, so through the Big Splash we’re gently nurturing a love that may help protect wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them for years to come.”
As well as the main puddle jumping competition area, there will be a practice zone set up to help entrants perfect their splashing techniques ahead of their big moment.
Visitors will compete across the half-term week and every contestant will receive a sticker to acknowledge their puddle jumping skills. Daily winners will be announced immediately after each day’s competition (registration from 2pm followed by puddle-jumping) and the lucky ‘super-splashers’ will receive a fantastic water-themed prize.
At the end of the week, the North East regional champion will be selected from WWT Washington’s daily winners to go up against those from WWT’s eight other UK wetland centres – and then the Big Splash ultimate winner will be crowned! Both the regional and overall winners will receive further splashtastic prizes.
TV wildlife presenter and regular contributor to BBC’s The One Show Miranda Krestovnikoff is a keen fan of WWT’s Big Splash.
“This will be brilliant fun. I’d love to have a go and I know my kids would too,” she said.
“There’s nothing like splashing about in puddles and making it a competition adds an exciting new dimension to this well-loved British tradition. It is also a fantastic way to get children outdoors and engaged with our most important natural resource – water.”
In addition to creating spectacular splashes, families can also:
Get close to amazing wetland wildlife including otters and flamingos (daily feeds 11.30am/11.45am and 3pm/3.15pm).
Take part in crafts (1.30-3pm daily, small costs apply).
Have fun at Playscape wet adventure play area.
Watch early spring arrivals like grey herons from lake-side hides.
Eat delicious home-cooked food in Waterside Café.
Browse our fantastic gift shop.
Follow #wwtbigsplash to join in the splashtastic fun!
