You won't get any argument from me that performance boats are designed to go fast - and every season they get faster.

When we introduced our first poker run almost two decades ago, we wanted to provide a special place and create a never-before-seen event where power boat owners could get together and have fun. A very important part of our formula for success was - and still is - to make our events as safe as humanly possible.

This is one of the major reasons why we have full support from leading members of North America's marine industry. Eventually, it also led to the establishment of a poker run sanctioning organization called American Poker Runs Association (APRA).

Recently, I have heard from many poker runners concerned that speed trials and kilo races at poker runs are dangerous. There's absolutely nothing wrong with making radar or kilo runs an integral part of a poker run weekend - as long as safety is the primary focus. Event organizers should consider a very simple truth. All it takes is one unfortunate mishap to give poker runs a bad name, and possibly put the organizer out of business.

There's no guarantee in life, but one of the best ways to prevent this type of scenario is to make 100% certain every speed competition is expertly monitored and carefully controlled - and held in relatively calm, safe waters designed for kilo runs. ( Top )

Obviously, skilled performance boaters are capable of dealing with many potentially dangerous situations. But quite often tragedy strikes before you can even blink an eye.

We've always been proud of our longstanding accident-free track record. We believe that our non-stop efforts to promote safety - especially when we host radar runs - are largely responsible. Then again, we're also very selective about our venues.

Professional racers are fully aware of the risks they take when they compete in rough water. They also understand talent and experience are only two ingredients in the risks they take. Their risks are also very calculated - something poker run teams should consider before the next time they sign up for a flat-out speed contest at any poker run event. Is the event sanctioned, with proper insurance and safety guidelines in place? Is it a well-controlled course? Have the organizers taken all safety precautions humanly possible? Is the water you'll be "flying" over unpredictable and possibly life-threatening? Remember, a kilo run should be done on fairly calm waters to establish a serious speed record. Any change in water disposition, such as large waves, could send the boat airborne. I've covered many kilo speed trials, for such companies as Wellcraft Scarab, Fountain, Outerlimits, and many others, and the key factor of a safe event was the water.

As a former professional racer, I have learned that there are no definite answers. Fact is, I do prefer my risks to be calculated. It's only common sense. ( Top )