Speedboat racing clips from the 1950s and 1960s show the drivers riding almost like jockeys through the trees and inlets in central Florida. These fast races used ramps and fallen trees to perform all kinds of tricks at the Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven Florida, between Orlando and Tampa.

Via/ State Archives of Florida

The route for the race was pretty intricate and the racers certainly put their lives on the line for these daring moves. Speedboat races like these certainly still go on on today, but these old clips with their narration make it seem all the more exciting! The course was only about 12 minutes, but man what a ride it must have been. Have a look in the fun video below.

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