Rookie Kyle Merrington admits he is still finding his feet, but he is doing it at full throttle.

The Cape Town shop owner made his debut in the 2026 F1 Powerboat National Championships at CR Swart Dam on February 21, diving headfirst into one of the country’s most demanding motorsport arenas under the guidance of reigning champion, Benonian Keagan Frankiewicz.

“It was my first time in the boat on Thursday afternoon. Huge learning experience. You have to get in, adapt and listen to what the guys tell you. After a few laps, you start feeling things,” Merrington said of his whirlwind introduction.

Though he has dabbled in powerboat racing before, he said this is a different beast altogether, adding that it’s faster, sharper and far less forgiving.

“Everything happens a hell of a lot quicker. You’ve got to be way more in tune with what’s going on. Don’t drive beyond your limits and keep it safe. At the end of the day, it’s someone else’s boat — you want to bring it back in one piece.”

For Merrington, the attraction is simple – engines, speed and the challenge of mastering something extreme. Strapped tightly into the cockpit, canopy locked, he described a surreal calm amid the chaos.

“It’s adrenaline and excitement, but major focus. Everything just goes quiet, and you zone in. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before.”

Having Frankiewicz in his corner has eased the transition. The champion’s message to him is grounded in patience and mindset.

“He started at the bottom and it took him seven years to get where he is. He grows you as a person first and a driver second. He’s not here to grow your ego,” Merrington said.

For now, Merrington’s goals are modest but meaningful.

“I just want to finish, stay out of the way and do justice to the sport. Keep the equipment safe, keep myself safe and make the guys backing me proud.”

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