A few weeks ago I had only heard of Ice boat racing... A sport where they reach freeway speeds while skimming across the ice.

Years back I saw a photo, my wife's friend spouse did it, and meet another man who had a boat. Intrigued I was but the opportunity to see it in person was never presented itself. That is until I was on my way home from a trip and my phone notified me of a text saying that the North American championship for the DN Class Ice Yacht Racing Association was coming to a lake near me.  ... IDNIYRA for more info ...

This was not just a weekend day race but the whole North American Championship and the hundreds of competitors that participate.  

What's a guy to do who has been intrigued for years now.  Remember they go freeways speeds on ice!  One's got to clear the schedule and go take pictures... Right?  Thanks to you who allowed me to reschedule...

Not to bore you with the rest of the details but during the event I shot a drone video that was called "the best the sport has ever seen".  The video soon took on a viral following and next thing I know an invitation was offered for me to join the American delegation as they travel to Sweden for the World Championships.

After a outpouring of support from friends and total strangers I was on my way to Europe.  On a personal note I can't even begin to thank you all.  I am truly grateful!!

What an adventure, what an experience... Pretty cool for an independent photographer from the Middle of Nowhere, Montana

But I'm not a writer so I'll quit trying but I do take pictures and what do they say?  Something about a picture is worth a thousand words...  So grab a cup of coffee and zone out for a few.  

Here is the Drone video of the final Gold Cup race that started it all...

Here's a slideshow of the photos from the North American Championship ... full gallery here

And here's a slideshow of the World Championships ... full gallery here

From the Middle of Nowhere to the Worlds and back again...  what an amazing way to start 2020.