Very recently, IJSBA (International Jet Sports Boating Association) officials met to discuss the final review of data available regarding the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R and the overall direction of ski racing for the next two years. Included in this important meeting was World Finals Race Director Peter DeSmet. IJSBA approached the whole situation with the following four firm goals in mind: protecting existing classes that enjoy strong participation, protecting the investments existing competitors have made in their equipment, protecting the strong aftermarket innovators who support IJSBA Racing and enhance the enjoyment and competitiveness of watercraft, and to allow the development and growth of new OEM PWC products.

IJSBA began the meeting and following press release reiterating an early statement released that the new Kawasaki SX-R simply cannot be integrated into most existing Ski classes. They have worked hard though at allowing the new SX-R to partake in some events and as such, it will be separated where possible. In some cases, it’s just not possible to separate the new SX-R into an individual category. IJSBA decided the best plan of attack was to focus on preserving the two dominant divisions of existing Ski categories; Lites and 2-stroke based Mod/GP classes.

It’s also been decided that at the 2017 World Finals, the existing GP Class will drop to 1300cc for all naturally aspirated PWCs regardless of whether they are powered by a two stroke of four stroke engine and forced induction four stroke engines will be limited to a maximum displacement of 900cc. Plain and simple. For Ski Mod classes, the displacement for naturally aspirated four stroke engines will be 1500cc and the maximum displacement for forced induction 4-stroke engines shall be 1100cc with possible boost control requirements to be announced at a later date. PWCs competing in the Mod category which have four stroke displacements above 1100cc, must utilize OEM hulls only.

All GP class eligible units may compete in Ski Mod classes and after many discussions; IJSBA has found the need to create an individual Stock division which focuses on the new SX-R. Speed control devices absolutely will be a requirement on the 2017 Kawasaki SX-R in some but not all classes.

Classes That Allow The 2017 SX-R:
Pro Classes
Pro Ski Modified
Pro/Am Classes
Pro/Am Ski Stock
Expert Classes
Expert Ski Stock
Expert Ski Mod
Amateur Classes
Veterans Ski Stock (2 Stroke Limiteds May Be Allowed)
Novice Classes
Novice Ski Stock
Unclassified Classes
Womens’ Ski (2 stroke Limited/Four Stroke Stock)
Masters Ski Stock (2 Stroke Limiteds May Be Allowed)
Junior Classes
10-12 Stock
13-15 Stock

Classes That DO NOT Allow the 2017 SX-R:
Pro Am Classes
GP Ski (1300 CC N/A Limit 900cc Forced Induction Limit)
Ski Lites

Expert Classes
Expert Ski GP
Expert Ski Lites
Amateur Classes
Amateur Ski GP
Amateur Ski Lites (2 Stroke Only)
Amateur Veteran’s Ski Lites
Amateur Veterans Ski GP

Novice Classes
Novice Ski Lites
Novice Women’s Ski Lites (May become Amateur Women’s Ski Lites)

Junior Classes
Junior Ski 10-12 Lites (Stock Rules 2 Stroke Only)
Junior Ski 13-15 Lites (Stock Rules 2 Stroke Only)
Junior Ski 13-15 Limited (Final Year)

All Skill Level, Pro Ranked Competitors Must Petition To Participate
Classic Ski Two Stroke Limited (Limited Class Rules, Two Stroke Only)
Master’s Ski GP
Vintage Ski (Two Motos- Combined Score For Overall.)