Jetstream - The World Jet Boat Marathon

In 1981, the World Jet Boat Marathon was held in New Zealand, home to jet boat inventor Sir Bill Hamilton. Acclaimed cinematographer Graeme Cowley (Utu, Smash Palace, Mauri) takes the director's seat in this scenic and explosive documentary, following the week-long event as competitors from around the world take on nine New Zealand rivers. The first half unfolds in the North Island, where the Whanganui River's tricky rapids cause havoc for several teams. Title holder Max McKenzie takes an early lead, but the South Island leg throws up more twists and turns, with complex braided river systems demanding careful navigation.

It's quite a skill, reading a river. Noting the colour of the water, the way the current moves, or the shape of the waves and that particular ripple that may be hiding a snag — not big, but at eighty knots it's enough to rip the bottom out of your boat.

– Narrator John Callen on the essential skills needed to race on South Island braided rivers

Key Cast & Crew

John Callen

Narrator

Waka Attewell

Camera

Garry Hannan

Executive Producer

Steve Locker-Lampson

Camera, Assistant Director

John Reid

Commentary Writer

Graeme Cowley

Director