"Visit with hydroplane racers results in unforgettable ride" -- July 15, 2006

By Caleb Breakey

The Olympian (Column)

I drove to Capital lake Friday to write an advance story for the hydroplane races that take place today and Sunday. Little did I know that hydroplane racers are welcoming and friendly.

I shook hands with half a dozen hydroplane enthusiasts within minutes and was taking a tour of the many types of hydroplanes.

I couldn't help but ask what driving a hydroplane is like as my eyes examined each boat with its beautiful design.

Sure enough, I was prompted to get inside the craft and get a feel for the steering wheel and throttle. Then someone popped a question I thought would never be addressed to me.

"Want to ride one?" one of the racers asked me.

I figured this racer was joking, because I was fully clothed in a collared shirt and slacks. Not taking the inquiry too seriously, I tried to just shrug it off. But the words came again, this time in detectable earnestness.

My mind went blank as I slowly realized that I might be able to ride a hydroplane, but then I remembered my attire. Just as I looked down at my clothes, the same person said:

"I have some clothes you could borrow."

That was it. I was sold. And I was nervous.

Layered in hydroplane gear worth close to $1,000, I stood alongside Capitol Lake for about 15 minutes. When my turn came, I walked like a tin man toward the craft because hydroplane gear fits tightly.

I got into the water, where another hydroplane racer guided me through some basic controls. He had me rev the engine up, and a grin slowly swept across my face.

Once inside the hydroplane, I grabbed the steering wheel with my right hand and clutched the throttle lever with the other.

It was "go" time.

The man helping me yanked on the hydroplanes' starting cord, and the engine roared. I launched like a bullet toward the first buoy of Capitol Lake's circular course.

Even though the helmet I wore was too big -- partially impairing my vision -- I still saw a glimpse of competitive hydroplane racing.

And I wasn't disappointed.

The water seemed to be nothing more than a mirror as I sliced through the wind at about 60 mph. Top-notch hydroplanes reach upwards of 100 mph --and beyond.

It was a ride I'll not soon forget.