So when the boar hits you out of the portal, you have a moment where get control of Spyro back. Its temporary, but during that time its possible, though difficult, to reach Cleetus. Doesn't really seem fast.
btw I'm killing the boar because otherwise the camera follows him, and either out of personal incompetence or something on the game's end, I could never collect Cleetus without doing this.
I don't know if anyone's ever done this before. I'm asking around so if they have I'll redirect credit.