The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
“It’s the highest level of competitive jet boat racing on the planet – the sport’s equivalent of the Olympics.”
That’s how World Jet Boat Races Race Director Shirley Ackerman describes the events that will unfold on some of Idaho’s most iconic rivers May 8-17, 2026.
What these race drivers and navigators face on these rivers at speeds of over 100 miles per hour (160 kph) may surprise you.
“Jet boat racing is like car rally racing — but on a river instead of a road. Drivers race high‑speed boats up and down real rivers, not on a closed track. Teams race against the clock, one at a time, and the fastest combined time over several days wins,” said Ackerman.
Ackerman is serving her fourth term as race director, though this is the first time the entire race circuit is taking place in Idaho.
I sat down with Ackerman to get the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to experiencing these races first-hand over the nine days of river action spread between the Payette, Salmon, Snake, and St. Joe rivers.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What is a race jet boat? How is it different from other boats?
A: A jet river race boat is a high‑performance river boat powered by a water‑jet propulsion system instead of a traditional propeller. That single design choice changes everything about how the boat behaves, where it can run, and why it’s the only thing that can survive the kinds of rivers used in world‑level jet boat racing.
Q: What about Idaho’s waterways makes them an ideal course for jet boat races?
A: Idaho rivers naturally create the elements race organizers usually have to manufacture elsewhere: from long straightaways for top‑end speed, tight corners for technical driving, narrow canyons that amplify sound and intensity, wide braided sections that force strategic line‑picking, and rapids that change character with water levels. Every leg feels different, and every mile tests a different skill.
Q: What are the World Jet Boat Races?
A: The World Jet Boat Races (also referred to as World Jet Boat Marathon Championship) is an international championship where teams from multiple countries race high‑performance jet boats over hundreds of river miles across several days. They bring together elite drivers from New Zealand, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. to race world‑class boats on some of the most demanding rivers in the world for a multi‑day, multi‑river, high‑speed endurance event.
Q: Now that we know a bit about the racing boats, what can I expect as a spectator?
A: People watch jet boat races because there is nothing else in motorsports quite like it. Jet boat racing happens on living rivers — fast water, rapids, corners, waves, rocks, and constantly changing conditions. Spectators get to watch boats hitting 100+ mph on water, drivers threading narrow canyons, hulls skimming inches above rocks. Spectators get incredibly close to the race action unlike other motorsports.
Q: If I want to come watch the races, what should I know?
A: The magic happens where drivers must thread a tight corner, hit a fast straightaway, punch through a rapid, or choose between multiple lines. These spots show off the skill, speed, and chaos that make jet boat racing addictive. All the racecourses are 20+ miles long, so fans can watch along the rivers in wide spots or designated viewing spots. Each race day has multiple legs, so pack lawn chairs, coolers for lunch and drinks, and enjoy the races!
Q: What is the best part of the World Jet Boat Races for kids?
A: This is such a family-friendly event! We encourage everyone to attend the free Boat Show and Shine along each stretch of the race. The racers will have their boats on display, and the race teams love meeting the fans!
Q: What are some other things to keep in mind for watching the races?
A: Enjoy the race action by being prepared for the possibility of varying weather conditions. Portable bathroom facilities will be available at each venue. Chat with the locals and ask where they like to watch the races.
Q: If I can’t make it to the World Jet Boat Races, is there another way to experience jet boat racing in Idaho?
A: Yes! St. Maries hosts an annual jet boat race on the St. Joe River in May called “Race the Joe!” In Lewiston, catch Thunder on the Snake held over Labor Day weekend. In Riggins, watch the Salmon River Jet Boat races each April.
Festivities kick off in Emmett on Friday, May 8 with racers hitting the Payette on Saturday, May 9. Check out the full race schedule and location viewing details on the World Jet Boat Races website. Other race locations include Horseshoe Bend, Riggins, White Bird, Lewiston, and St. Maries.
“It’s fast, loud, unpredictable, and incredibly exciting to watch,” Ackerman said. “No other motorsport uses a natural, moving, constantly changing course.”
Published on April 28, 2026