Story behind the jet-boat story - part 1

The story behind the jet-boat article that appeared in both Whitecourt and Grand Prairie was that my car nearly served as a boat. If I had tried to ford the river that used to be a road, I would have sucked water into my engine.

It would have worked if I was in a jet-boat but not so good for a car.

First things first. I got to the boat launch at 8a.m. caught the last support boat going out. It was over-cast and the river was full of size-able logs and choppy waves.

Wasn't too worrisome except for the owner of the 20ft boat swearing about the amount of debris he was sucking into his jet intake as we stalled three or four times. We drifted backwards on the 20km/hr river current as another guy kicked at the propulsion grate to clear debris.

Noticing my white knuckle grip on the rail, the cap't asked if it was my first time on a jet-boat. I've been on destroyers, submarines (moored to the dock), schooners and ferries in rougher weather. Not a river jet-boat though.

That was something different. It was only going 40mph but felt like so much more. Especially with the logs whipping past and the waves buffeting up at the prow.

Could have sworn the skipper was having almost fun dodging around drifting logs and the other guy and I were holding on for dear life in the back.

He radio'd we'd arrived and that the photographer from the newspaper might need new boxers as he had brown-shorts. I protested it wasn't too bad to amiable laughter. We were in position along the race-course to assist in case a boat got into trouble. Biggest thing was to raise a yellow or red flag to warn other racers to slow down or to stop and wait until the troubled boat had been dragged off the course.

The cap't and his navigator sat up on the bow and got ready to clock times of boats passing and keep watch. We waited for 45 minutes to find out the race was delayed until the weather got better and the debris stopped coming so rapidly. One boat had sunk in those conditions the day before, skidding out of control and hitting the river bank.

Did a few interviews with the race marshal and some of the race leaders and got them talking about their boats and crew supports. It was really neat talking to true gentlemen sailors who graciously answered my beginner questions and calmly explained about spinning out at 100mph.

Slammed back some yummy deep fried chicken nuggets, fries and gravy from the concession and got back to the jet-boat. Had to help push the boat out because I was wearing boots and hopped aboard.

My second ride was a bit smoother as they had re-mapped the race for the other river that was less wild and debris-free. We sat and waited for the race to start.

We heard jet-boats engines might roar before we saw them.

To be continued...