A NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS
PROMOTING THE SPORT OF JET BOATING
WE ORGANIZE RACES, RALLIES AND SOCIAL EVENTS FOR BOATERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
MEMBERSHIP & SUPPORT
NOTIFICATIONS
ATTN MEMBERS: Any notifications will be posted here.
2022 EVENTS
MEETINGS
SOCIAL EVENTS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, May 4 at 7pm at Green Gables in Whitecourt
MEMBERSHIP
$20/yr
Effective Jan-Dec
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
- Have a voice at our Association Meetings
- Receive discounted rates at some of our events.
- Helps keeps the Association healthy and active.
- You can meet other jet boaters to share skills and knowledge of the rivers.
- Keep up to date on Annual Events.
- Take part in family-oriented Rally’s and social get-togethers.
- A united voice to protect the interests of jet boaters, and to ensure regulations and restrictions are equitable for all river users.
- Get to know who to call upon for help on the river.
- Get advice on keeping your boat in top running order.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
HOW TO PURCHASE A MEMBERSHIP
EMAIL & PAY BY E-TRANSFER
Email your information to the club and eTransfer payment to:
whitecourtriverboat@hotmail.com
IN PERSON
Purchase your membership in person at a club meeting or event.
RACING
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The World Jet Boat Championships rotate on a four-year cycle between Canada, United States, New Zealand, and Mexico. When in Canada the races are sanctioned by the Western Zone Racing Association, the Canadian Boating Federation and the Union Internationale Motonautique.
The event in Canada is organized by the four riverboat Associations in the respective communities.
- Whitecourt Riverboat (1982) Association
- Grande Prairie River Rats
- Peace River Boating Association
- Peace Country River Rats
The Race is a multiple day event covering a predetermined distance per day on different rivers, with overnight stops. The winner is the boat which takes the least elapsed time in covering the total preestablished distance. The minimum length of a Marathon Race is 600 km in a maximum of seven days of racing.
CANADIAN SERIES
During those years when the Worlds Marathon are not in Canada, each community hosts its local races. Races typically begin with Grande Prairie in June, followed by Peace River in July, Whitecourt in August and Taylor in September. Each of these races is a two day event. Racers compete for individual recognitional at each event as well as earning points that go towards the Canadian series points championships which is awarded by the Western Zone Racing Association.
SANCTIONING BODIES
Western Zone Racing Association
Established as the overseeing rules committee for all Canadian Jet river Racing. The executive is supported by members from the various clubs provide for the coordinated planning and hosting of both the World Championships and the Canadian Series. It receives its sanctioning from the Canadian Boating Federation.
Canadian Boating Federation (CBF)
The Canadian Boating Federation (CBF) is a non-profit organization for the promotion of all forms of boating in Canada. The CBF is controlled by a Council whose members are appointed by the individual Clubs and Associations from across Canada. The CBF is the recognized National Authority in Canada by the Union of International Motorboating, in Ghent, Belgium.
Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM)
Established in 1922, the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the world governing body for all Powerboating activities. The UIM has oversees upwards of 60 member nations worldwide. The UIM´s General Assembly is made up of one delegate from each country’s sanctioned national authority.
RULES & REGULATIONS
All four of the Countries hosting World Marathon Race Events maintain their own National Rule Sets which operate under the U.I.M Racing Rules during a World’s Event.
RECREATION SITES
RIVER BOAT PARK
Located in Whitecourt at the confluence of the Athabasca and McLeod rivers.
Features: boat launch, picnic area with a large shelter and cook-house, playground
The road and concrete launch were constructed in 1981 by Association members, made possible through donations from the business community. In subsequent years, a large shelter building, a cook-house, and a playground were added. The site is a partnership between the Town and the Association, with the Town looking after all maintenance for the park grounds and washrooms, and the Association looking after the upkeep of the buildings. The land is held by the Town under a Recreational Lease issued by the Alberta Government.
ATHABASCA RIVER RECREATION SITE
Located 58 km (36 miles) upstream from Whitecourt on the north bank of the Athabasca River. N.E. 1/4 -30-60-16 W5
Features: ---
In 2011 our Athabasca recreational site was constructed and is maintained by members of the River Boat Association. The site is open to all river travelers for both day use, and overnight camping.
CONDITIONS FOR USE
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK
The Whitecourt Riverboat (1982) Association and its Officials shall not be liable for injury to persons or for property loss/damage. Users assume full responsibility and liability for their actions.
PACK IT IN AND PACK IT OUT!
Users shall clean up after themselves including the packing up and hauling out of their own garbage.
FIRE SMART
All camp fires (when permitted) are to be contained within the steel receptacles. Ensure fires are properly extinguished before leaving the site. Soak it. Stir it. Soak it again.
USE RESPECT!
Please help with the upkeep and preservation of this site.
EXECUTIVE
President: Richard Grant
Vice President: Karey Crawford
Secretary/Treasurer: Elaine Grant
WHITECOURT RIVERBOAT ASSOCIATION
- We are a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Act in Alberta.
- We were founded in 1982 and are the oldest Jet Boating Club in Canada.
- We are a group of volunteers who donate their time to promote the sport of Jet Boating.
- We organize races, rallies and other social events for boaters and their families.
- We are a resource for Federal, Provincial and Municipal Agencies, assisting with search and rescue or environmental activities associated with the local rivers.
- We promote and partner with other local volunteer organizations when hosting events.
- We work to build and maintain the community’s river boat launching facilities.
- We actively promote Whitecourt / Woodlands as a Jet Boating tourism destination.
- We promote safety and the responsible use of all waterways in Alberta.
- We believe in and promote shared access for all river users.
CLUB HISTORY
River boats came to Alberta in the 1960’s and became popular during the 1970’s.
A small group of boat owners in Whitecourt formed the Whitecourt Riverboat Association in the early 70’s with a goal of growing the sport.
By 1979 the Whitecourt Association had a vision to develop a boat launch and recreational area. The Mayor of Whitecourt, Al Drumm was also the president of the Riverboat Association at that time. Working together, the Town made application to the Provincial Government for the recreational land and the Riverboat Association managed its construction. The project was accomplished through the work of its volunteers and funded by donations from the local business community. Their shared vision resulted in the construction of Riverboat Park.
The 1981 World Championship River Boat Races begin in Whitecourt. From then on, the racing action became a yearly spectacle.
Today we are over forty years strong.
VOLUNTEERING
Without volunteers, the Association would not exist and without the Association, our river boat facilities would fall into disrepair. We are continually searching for volunteers to assist in a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Opportunities range from helping out at a race or rally event, building and maintaining our recreational facilities, to positions on a special committee.
If you’re interested in helping please get in touch! No matter how large or small your support is appreciated. Email --
Email --
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Whether it’s putting on a World Championship Marathon Race, a Family Rally or maintaining our facilities we depend on sponsorships and donations. The Associations volunteers can organize and run the events but depend entirely on sponsors for financial expenses.
In addition to our volunteers, we gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the businesses who donate resources, materials, and funds towards supporting our goals.
Help support our members who in turn support the community.
CORPORATE HONOUR ROLL
Thank you to all of you for your generous contribution.
List of corporate supporters....
To come
RACING SANCTIONING BODIES
Western Zone Racing Association
Dale Whiteside 403-357-9969
Tim Greber 780-831-5240
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Grande Prairie, AB
Grande Prairie River Rats
Peace River, AB
Peace River Boating Association
OTHER RESOURCES
River boats came to Alberta in the 1960’s and became popular during the 1970’s. A small group of boat owners in Whitecourt formed the Whitecourt Riverboat Association in the early 70’s with a goal of growing the sport.
By 1979 the Whitecourt Association had a vision to develop a boat launch and recreational area. The Mayor of Whitecourt, Al Drumm was also the president of the Riverboat Association at that time. Working together, the Town made application to the Provincial Government for the recreational land and the Riverboat Association managed its construction. The project was accomplished through the work of its volunteers and funded by donations from the local business community. Their shared vision resulted in the construction of Riverboat Park.
The 1981 World Championship River Boat Races begin in Whitecourt. From then on, the racing action became a yearly spectacle.
Today we are over forty years strong.
© copyright 2021 by Company.com / All Rights Reserved
CORPORATE SUPPORT
Whether it’s putting on a World Championship Marathon Race, a Family Rally or maintaining our facilities we depend on sponsorships and donations. The Associations volunteers can organize and run the events but depend entirely on sponsors for financial expenses.
In addition to our volunteers, we gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the businesses who donate resources, materials, and funds towards supporting our goals.
Help support our members who in turn support the community.
CLUB HISTORY
River boats came to Alberta in the 1960’s and became popular during the 1970’s. A small group of boat owners in Whitecourt formed the Whitecourt Riverboat Association in the early 70’s with a goal of growing the sport.
By 1979 the Whitecourt Association had a vision to develop a boat launch and recreational area. The Mayor of Whitecourt, Al Drumm was also the president of the Riverboat Association at that time. Working together, the Town made application to the Provincial Government for the recreational land and the Riverboat Association managed its construction. The project was accomplished through the work of its volunteers and funded by donations from the local business community. Their shared vision resulted in the construction of Riverboat Park.
The 1981 World Championship River Boat Races begin in Whitecourt. From then on, the racing action became a yearly spectacle.
Today we are over forty years strong.
Year-by-Year History/Timeline
VOLUNTEERING
Without volunteers, the Association would not exist and without the Association, our river boat facilities would fall into disrepair. We are continually searching for volunteers to assist in a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Opportunities range from helping out at a race or rally event, building and maintaining our recreational facilities, to positions on a special committee.
If you’re interested in helping please get in touch! No matter how large or small your support is appreciated. Email --
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Your Family Membership provides the following benefits:
- Have a voice at our Association Meetings
- Receive discounted rates at some of our events.
- Helps keeps the Association healthy and active.
- You can meet other jet boaters to share skills and knowledge of the rivers.
- Keep up to date on Annual Events.
- Take part in family-oriented Rally’s and social get-togethers.
- A united voice to protect the interests of jet boaters, and to ensure regulations and restrictions are equitable for all river users.
- Get to know who to call upon for help on the river.
- Get advice on keeping your boat in top running order.
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
$20/yr
A 'Protection of Personal Information Statement' and 'Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk' must be filled out for each member.
In arcu est, porta
Family Membership Benefits
- Have a voice at our Association Meetings
- Receive discounted rates at some of our events.
- Helps keeps the Association healthy and active.
- You can meet other jet boaters to share skills and knowledge of the rivers.
- Keep up to date on Annual Events.
- Take part in family-oriented Rally’s and social get-togethers.
- A united voice to protect the interests of jet boaters, and to ensure regulations and restrictions are equitable for all river users.
- Get to know who to call upon for help on the river.
- Get advice on keeping your boat in top running order.