Developed from the late 50's into the late 60's, at two opposite sides of the world, welded aluminum jet boats (also known as jet-sleds) made possible the upstream navigation of powerful, usually shallow and rocky river systems. Extreme whitewater included. These boats are powerful, versatile and tough. They are built for the rough pounding of the river.

River Jet Boating - running perfectly good boats on shallow, rocky rivers. That's the way one friend describes river jet boating. It is a simple description, and it is to the point. There is a bit more risk and a lot more thrill to running a river rather then taking our power boats down to the local reservoir or lake. Rocks, narrow operating environments, sand and gravel bars, unpredictable currents and big whitewater a some common hazards to expect on the river. To tell the truth it is a little foolish. Yet I would have to ask what other reason is there to own a boat if not to run a river? It would not be worth it!

Fishing and hunting are a couple of very popular reasons to own a river jet boat, because you can get to places few others can while covering large distances in short amounts of time. You can also get into deep, beautiful canyons on wild river systems quickly while carrying large loads of people and gear. This is an incredible experience.

I have a lot of friends who first bought their boats with the intention of using them primarily for fishing and hunting. Yet I see them spending lots of time repeatedly cruising up and down the rivers burning gas, bouncing through rapids then turning around to do it again. But seldom do I see them actually fishing or doing much of anything else.

The thrill of white water and learning how to navigate a river system safely is another reason all its own and what I like best about river jet boating. There is always more to learn.

These boats also float on lakes and most people do buy them for use on deep flat water. So many of these boats will never, ever get on a river. It boggles my mind! If that is what you are into great. However I don't cover to much of that here. Unless it is to take the kids tubing or to do a little bit of mellow trolling I find lakes a tad on the boring side of things. It cannot compare to being on a river.

At the Jet Boater Journals, I try to bring together some fun and interesting articles about river jet boating. There is no shortage of river adventure to share about in this sport and there is always a lot of learning going on. Hope you enjoy the site.

Index of river jet boating articles
available on JBJ

Fuel Management: Installing a FloScan Fuel Monitoring System
by: Lee A. Richards, Ph. D. New 5-26-08

Jet Boat Racing (by Jeff Schlagel)

A Day in Hells Canyon

The Worst Mistake a New Jet Boat Owner Can Make

Resurrection - Adventure on the Payette River

Challenging Rapids - Vinegar Creek on the Salmon River

Bliss Dam - Snake River Access Points

King Hill - Snake River Access Points

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Video from the Payette River in Idaho. Filmed June 2008

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Useful Links

Western Whitewater Association
Dedicated to protecting river access for the river jet boater and to foster interest in safe whitewater jet boating. Boise.

WWA- Portland Chapter
Portland and Pacific Northwest chapter of the Western Whitewater Association.

Whitewaterextreme.com
Some really great, extreme white whatr jet boating can be found here

River Flows

Idaho Rivers - USGS Streamflow Gauges

Idaho and Oregon Rivers - Idaho Power Gages

Oregon Rivers - USGS Streamflow Gauges

NW River Forecasts - NOAA River Forecast Center

Snake River - Hells Canyon Recreation Area
Probably the most popular river jet boating destinations in the North West, this stretch of the Snake River offers one of the most incredible boating experiences one can find. Mellow and scenic to the most extreme white water can be found in Hells Canyon. This link will take you to the official HCRA web site where you can find river maps and information on camping, where to launch and about the regulations concerning Jet Boats in Hells Canyon. Remember this is a very technical river with lots of hazards. If you are not an experienced boater on this stretch of river it is highly recommended to first go with someone that is experienced with this river in jet boats.