It used to be if you wanted to join in on a game of Texas Hold ‘Em or join in on a hand of Seven-Card Stud while on the water, you’d have to buy a ticket on a paddle wheel river queen. But not so for us personal watercraft enthusiasts! Poker Runs are basically a moving game of poker that instead of sitting around a table, we ride on our jet skis, and chase our croupier (ie. dealer) around the water to collect our cards.
This year, our friends at the JetSkiShop.com are joining in the fun by supporting the Queensland State of Origin Poker Run, a charity event that will be funneling all of its proceeds to the Welch Family Trust (Bec and Harper Welch), although each rider will finish with five cards in their possession, making them eligible for some pretty cool prizes for the best hand. And, as James Tod of JetSkiShop.com stays, “if you’re not happy with the hand you’ve been dealt, you can simply buy more cards to improve your hand.”
According to the State of Origin Poker Run website, “The QLD Poker Run participants will enjoy a fully organized event starting from the Main Beach behind Sea World, around Russell Island, then back to South Stradbroke to Tipplers Hotel for lunch. Players will enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at Tipplers Hotel. Lunch will be provided by the Hotel and included in your ticket price. Drinks are available at a cash bar.”
The run is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th, so you’ll need to hurry as places are limited to 20, with tickets costing $75 per person (including lunch and band at Tipplers, fully organised and safe event, and a $40 donation to the Harper Welch Trust). Earlier this year, Jai Welch, who, as James wrote, “was killed water skiing, and has left behind his 6 month old daughter, Harper, and his wife, Bec. All the money that we can raise in the State Of Origin Poker Run will go to the Harper Welch Trust.”
