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High-speed races held on Biloxi's Back Bay

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Ten personal watercraft riders raced time trials on two separate buoyed courses during a competition Saturday on Biloxi's Back Bay.

The results of the first time trial race were:
First: Aaron Gaddis, 81st Security Forces Squadron, 44 seconds.
Second (tied): Bradley Jenkins, 81st SFS; and Johnathan Boone, 0:45.

The results of the second race were:
First: Boone- 1:01.
Second: Jenkins- 1:06.

The first course featured three buoys in a triangle formation to be circled in succession, and the second course added four buoys down the middle as a slalom.

"Each racer has a practice lap before being timed," said Tom Golden, community services flight chief for the 81st Force Support Squadron, sponsor of the event. "They leave from the dock, go around each buoy, and return."

Personal watercraft were provided by the racers, who had varying experience on the water. Both time trials relied heavily on the ability to make sharp turns around the buoys and gain top speed between them.

"The trick is in the turn," said Austin Rafferty, outdoor recreation employee and spectator. "The watercraft doesn't matter as much as the rider's sharpness around the buoys."

After each rider sped back from the last buoy, their time was announced to a crowded dock of friends and dependants.

Contestants racing against the clock ranged from younger dependants to the 81st Training Wing commander Brig. Gen. Brad Spacy. Most of the competitors were one or two seconds behind the first and second place winners during the first race, but Boone, who was visiting family on base, left everyone behind with his time in the second time trial.

"We had a lot of competitive spirit out there, but there was still a very laid back attitude," said Gaddis. "It was a great day on the water all around."

After the races, many of the contestants opted to stay on the water. Winners returned to the Marina for their prizes, which included various deals on outdoor recreation services.
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