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Lisa Nault, FX Division, Red Deer, AB
FX39 – Fun Bags
After watching a woman compete in the MX Class at the “Race the Joe” in St. Maries, Idaho, Lisa Nault knew she had to try jet boat racing for herself.
“The door opened for me this past year when Dale Whiteside, my other half, introduced me to the sport. Given his life and passion revolves around jet boats, it sparked a curiosity in me,” said Lisa.
As an avid barrel racer, Lisa is no stranger to speed. She thrives on adrenaline rushes and is always up for a challenge. When the opportunity to compete in jet boat racing appeared, she rose to the occasion.
“The next thing I knew, Dale had an FX boat in the yard that Eagle Performance had built years ago, and he told me I was entered in the 2023 Peace River Gold Cup,” said Lisa. “I honestly thought it was a joke but decided to go ahead and try it out.”
With only two practices under her belt a mere five days before the race in Peace River, Lisa was coached through her lessons with Dale by her side and quickly prepared for her first race.
“Now, I can say after competing in one race, I have the bug to try it again,” said Lisa. “It has been the most exhilarating experience I have ever endured.”
Throughout Canada, entries into the FX Class have slowly been diminishing, so Lisa felt extremely grateful to be a part of it in Peace River. As the only woman driver in her class, she was hopeful that it would spark some conversations and get more people involved again.
“I’m not one to like the spotlight but if it opens doors to ignite the FX Class again and to persuade more woman to try, then I’m game,” said Lisa.
When it comes to giving advice to other women who may be interested in racing, Lisa explained that it’s not as scary as it looks, and that there are two things everyone should consider when entering the world of boat racing.
“It’s essential to have a partner that knows the inside and outside of a boat, as well as how to read water and navigate,” said Lisa. “Plus, you need to trust the process and always have your listening ears on.”
With a newfound love for racing, Lisa has found that the enjoys the fast-paced sport for more reasons than one. Not only is it something that her and her partner can do together, but it has also given her a greater appreciation for community, learning and competition.
“I love the camaraderie that the racing family has. They are always there to help each other despite it being a competition,” said Lisa. “Learning about motors and boat parts is fascinating as well, and I find the competition drives me to become better at the sport and allows for more personal growth.”
When it comes to memorable moments, Lisa was able to accumulate a few from her weekend of racing. Not only did she leave the CX boats in the spray behind her during the circuit race, which is something she’s quite proud of, but she was also able to cross the finish line with words of encouragement from her fantastic partner.
“Hearing Dale’s voice as we approached the final finish line will stay with me forever,” said Lisa. “He told me how proud he was of me and how great of a job I did, and that was the absolute best moment of the weekend for me.”
Not only did Lisa experience a successful weekend of racing, but she also felt a sentimental pull to being on the water and what it would have meant to her late father, who she lost four years ago to lung cancer.
Lisa’s father was a captain of large ships for 53 years, where he pushed barges up the Mackenzie River from Hay River to Tuktoyaktuk.
“It’s comforting to find my full circle moments and following in my father’s footsteps as I learn more about rivers and water, just at a higher rate of speed,” said Lisa. “I know he is looking down on me with pride, and while we didn’t get to share this experience together, I know he is sharing it with me now.”
As for future goals, Lisa has a few that she would like to obtain with her boat, “Fun Bags” during next year’s racing season.
“I’d like more seat time, the chance to become more familiar with my boat and learn how to read water better so I can feel more prepared than I did this year,” said Lisa.
For a first-time driver, Lisa was able to learn a lot in a short period of time and she wants other new drivers to know that they can too.
“Life is short! Take new chances, be open to new opportunities and find someone to partner with that you can trust,” said Lisa. “Spend time in a boat and learn as much as you can from others, and you’ll be set.”