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We are is proud to announce the induction of Nelson Brinson into the Jet Boat Racing Hall of Fame — a long-overdue recognition of a true pioneer, champion, and lifelong ambassador for our sport.
Nelson Brinson’s racing career began in the 1970s, a time when jet boat racing was still carving out its identity. What started as a passion quickly became a lifelong commitment to the sport, the community, and the wild rivers that define us. Now, nearly five decades later, Nelson remains an active and inspiring presence in the world of jet boat racing — a testament to his unbreakable spirit and enduring love for the water.
This year, Nelson will be celebrating his 80th birthday, and there’s no better way to honour his milestone than by looking back on the legacy he’s built.
In 1978, Canada hosted its first-ever World Jet Boat Championships — a landmark moment in Canadian racing history — and Nelson Brinson was right there in the thick of it. Prior to that, he had already been making waves on the international stage, racing in Mexico and earning respect for his skill and tenacity.
That same year, Nelson and his team captured a major victory, winning the Inflatable Class at the World Championships. It was a defining moment in Canadian jet boat racing, and Nelson’s name became forever etched into the foundation of the sport.
Nelson’s contributions go far beyond trophies and podiums. He has mentored new racers, shared decades of knowledge, and kept the spirit of competition alive with every story, engine tweak, and launch into the current. His presence at races — whether on the water or cheering from the banks — continues to inspire racers young and old.
For a sport built on grit, horsepower, and heart, few embody the values of jet boat
racing better than Nelson Brinson. His journey spans generations, his victories echo
through our history, and his character remains a guiding force for what it means to be a true racer.
Nelson, your name now stands among the legends — where it has always belonged. From the early river runs of the 1970s to the World Championships and beyond, your dedication has shaped this sport. It is with immense gratitude and pride that we officially welcome you into the Jet Boat Racing Canada Hall of Fame.
Here’s to a lifetime of racing — and to the stories still left to tell.