Two weeks ago, the morning of Sunday, May 22 was calling for cooler temperatures and a day full of rain. There was no Plan B. Why should there be one, we asked our members to do the “rain dance” and pray for sunshine. With over a hundred riders longing for a favorable forecast on this fun filled day, the heavens must have listened! We awoke to sunshine, warm weather and glassy waters; a promising start to what would become one of Canada’s largest PWC enthusiast meet ups ever.
Up by 8AM at the Port Credit’s Lakefront Promenade, the boat launch was packed solid with eager participants who were ready to ride. Smiles beaming from everyone and positive excitement set the tone for the day ahead. After registration, riders launched their PWC into Lake Ontario meeting the balmy +9C (49′ F) water, and awaited the start of a perfect ride. Peel Regional Police were nice enough to keep an eye on the boat launch area to ensure everything went smoothly and safely.
By 9:30AM, we commenced riding. With a couple pace boats leading the pack, we set off towards the city, pausing at the Toronto Inner Harbour western gap. With a background filled with Toronto’s downtown skyline, Billy Bishop Airport, Hanlan’s Point and Ontario Place it was a natural scene to take some great group photos. On any other day, it is a requirement to obtain a Ports Toronto Powered Vessel Operator’s Permit to ride within the inner harbour.
Thanks to Toronto Port Authority, TorontoPWC was able to obtain a 1 hour permit allowing our group of participating riders to enter. For the first time in Canadian history, about 100 PWC entered the Inner harbour at the same time with the Toronto Police Marine Unit present to ensure everyone was on their best behaviour. We cannot express how thankful we are to receive support from the Toronto Marine Police Unit, Toronto Port Authority & Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation.
With the sun shining, the jets pumping, and the city of Toronto looking spectacular, we proceeded responsibly through the harbour. After 20 minutes of No Wake Zones, the riders were quick and eager to get back to ripping through the water in unison en route to the Scarborough Bluffs. It was quite a sight to be seen; a brigade of enthusiasts whose wake mimicked rolling whitecaps decorated the water like a synchronized swim team.
With toes in the best sand of the best beach in the city, TorontoPWC riders proceeded to fill the waterline with their beloved BRP, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki watercraft. It was time to enjoy the line up of activities, including Ski Wake Foot School Parasailing, FlyOntario, Flyboard/905 Rentals and Jetovator Tricks.
Thanks to @ghotsriderto, Got Ass Girls Canada showed up to support the cause. Alex from Big Boys With Cool Toys provided some awesome remote control boat demonstrations. DJ Twister was pumpin’ out the tunes as participants shred the water, exchanged jet ski banter and made new friends. Pickering Auxiliary Rescue Association (PARA) administered first aid to three cut toes and towed two skis to safety and their vessel. PARU performed a few figure 8’s giving riders a little extra wake to play in.
Our only hiccup was with the food truck. The rough terrain of the path made it impossible for the food truck to get to the beach, which meant a 5 minute walk for food. However, it proved worth the walk! Our monster truck thankfully was able to haul the gear for all the sponsors to the beach with no issues. TorontoPWC will be sure to make up for the food situation next time.
The support from the community, sponsors, the City of Toronto, and RideforDad.ca was mind blowing to say the least. TorontoPWC thanks every single person that participated; from permit providers to PWC riders. Thanks to our sponsors, we had much more to offer to our devoted attendees. T-shirts, decals, a raffle including Blue Jays tickets, hundreds of dollars worth of Jet Tribe apparel and even awards that ranged from farthest traveled to best in show. They were announced on the beach at the end of the day:
Congratulations to the following Awards Recipients
Loudest Sound System: @GHOSTRIDERTO (Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 + JL Audio System)
Farthest Distance Traveled: Courtney Guido Sea-Doo GTR 215 (Maryland, USA)
Most Modified: Justin Taylor from Maryland USA (Sea-Doo RXP-X Turbo)
Cleanest Classic: Scott Mancer (Sea-Doo XP)
Best in Show: Ski-Mazing Ski Wake Foot School (Parasailing)
Most Dedicated: Kyrill (Honda Aquatrax)
Our focus was not only to grow the jet ski community but to raise money for the Ride for Dad Foundation to fight prostate cancer. With the help of our generous sponsors – St. Onge Recreation, Northstar Marine Insurance, EZ Dock, Rocket Fireworks, 2BWired, 905Rentals, GTA Motorcars, Big Boys With Cool Toys, PARA Search and Rescue, Jettribe Racing and Big Butcher BBQ and all the proceeds from the raffle, T-shirt and food sales donated towards Ride for Dad – TorontoPWC managed to raise over $8000 this weekend.
Another year, another annual Toronto PWC season opener. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and the riders that keep our growing community alive! Summer, here we come!
