The IJSBA World Finals have always been the proving ground for champions, but again this year, a day ahead of the full-on World Finals action is dedicated to the next generation. On Sunday, Oct. 5, thanks to the SBT World Finals Young Guns Action Plan and a brand-new slalom stipend, riders ages 8 through 17 will get their own full-throttle introduction to world-class racing.
It’s not just about piling kids on the starting line; it’s about giving them tools, confidence, and opportunities to grow. The program pairs hands-on training with the fun and camaraderie that makes racing a family sport. And with a stipend in place to encourage youth participation in slalom, the message is clear: the future of the sport is worth investing in.
The action starts early with check-in at Crazy Horse Campground, and by sunrise the pits will be buzzing with pre-tech inspections. Riders will gather for a livestreamed meeting at the bleachers—complete with pro announcers, interviews, and whiteboard walk-throughs of the course.
Then comes the fun part: breakout training sessions. Younger riders focus on slalom with the help of pro coaches, while the teens take to the closed course in moto format—complete with parade laps and practice starts. Later in the morning, the groups swap, giving everyone a taste of both disciplines and plenty of seat time to sharpen skills.
After a snack and hydration break, riders regroup for sponsor recognition, prizes, and plenty of applause. But the day doesn’t end when the skis come off the water—because there’s still the Kokomo’s pool party waiting, with Hot Wheels races, games, and more prizes to wrap up an unforgettable day.
This isn’t just a practice session; the Young Guns program continues IJSBAs investment in the next wave of champions, and pays homage to the legacy of Nedra Atwood. By creating a supportive, professional environment, the Young Guns Action Plan helps kids learn the fundamentals of racecraft while keeping the atmosphere fun and inclusive. The stipend for slalom riders adds another incentive, nudging young racers to expand their skills and explore a discipline that can sharpen their competitive edge.
For more information on the 44th IJSBA World Finals Young Guns – Youth Jetski Racing Development Day, visit app.iraceready.com/event/youngguns25, and see the full press release below.
2025 SBT World Finals Young Guns Action Plan And Slalom Stipend
IJSBA is proud to share the action plan from the organizers of the Young Guns youth program for the 2025 Short Block Technologies World Finals. IJSBA wants to encourage rider development amongst our young athletes and is offering a substantial stipend to all youth participants who would like to participate in the slalom portion of World Finals. More details will be presented at the Young Guns program on Sunday, October 5. Please see full event details below:
Here is the link to 44th IJSBA World Finals Young Guns – Youth Jetski Racing Development Day
Lake Havasu City, AZ ● Oct 5, 2025
1534 Beachcomber Boulevard
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
https://app.iraceready.com/event/youngguns25
Information
The IJSBA Promoters Council that consists of Nauti Water Racing, East Coast Watercross, RPM Racing and Wild West Watercross, together with the IJSBA, are proudly hosting the 2025 World Finals Young Guns Sunday, Youth Racing Development Day. We are pleased to announce the proposed schedule for this unique youth jetski race training opportunity at the 2025 IJSBA World Finals for ages 8-17 with all skill levels and variety of classes welcomed. (Sport and Rec. Lites, etc. are welcomed to attend) .- Bring your Holders. Starting line holders will be required for some parts of the training, therefore plan for your success and bring your holders to get the rhythm and cadence down. This training and coaching day is designed to promote youth jetski racing and serve as formal warm up to the IJSBA World Finals courses. This special day is made possible by the IJSBA and the Promoters that exhaust all efforts to provide the best opportunities to develop jetski racing for all racers, and especially the Young Guns competing in World Finals. . TOP Caliber Pro Riders with STACKS of World Titles will be Coaching and Training with all the Young Guns Racers and Holders, preparing them mentally and strategically for the races ahead. We will have Organized Practice with ‘on the track’ training for BOTH the IJSBA Slalom Course and IJSBA Closed Course. It will be a YOUNG GUNS SUNDAY you don’t want to miss. October 5 at Crazy Horse Campgrounds. Prizes, Guest Appearances, Celebrity Coaches, and preparation for the 2025 IJSBA World Finals. We will see you there!
ATTENTION ALL YOUNG GUNS RACERS ( Ages 8-17) All Skill Levels
Please register for the event @iraceready.com for the 2025 World Finals Young Guns Sunday. We look forward to practicing with all skill levels of the Youth racers ages 8-17 that are competing in 2025 IJSBA World Finals. When registering for the event, please select / provide the class of jetski that you would be practicing with on Young Guns Sunday, to allow for us to group the racer accordingly by age and by ski, and by skill level where applicable. If you are attending World Finals for the first time, please let us know during your check in process on Sunday Morning so we can ensure you have additional staff identified in case there are questions that may arise.
Sunday October 5
5:30am- 7:30am – Crazy Horse Campground Entrance2025 IJSBA World Finals Young Guns Racer Check In
“Holders” will also need to Sign Waivers and Get Wristbands.
T Shirts, Goodie Bags, All Waivers Signed , Parking Permit, Code of Conduct, Wristbands
Access only granted to Pits, Tech, and Training Sites with all credentials verified
6:00am- Pre Tech-Inspection Opens in Pits for all Youth Racers clearing Registration
Kyle Kennedy and Brian “Bubba” Smith , will be on site expediting tech with Rich Boelle
7:45am- LIVESTREAM STARTS with Charles Guinchard – Tyler Kennedy and Harley Ritchie will be Special Guest Announcers
Action Photography with 4F Adrian Fisk and Photographers from Pro Rider Magazine on Scene
INTERVIEWS: Announcers will be holding Interviews throughout the day with the goal to have an on camera/ livestream introduction with every Young Guns racer
8:00am- World Finals Starting Line Bleachers- YOUNG GUNS Riders Meeting Introduction of Volunteers, Promoters and Special Guests IJSBA Rulebook Q/ A…Address any questions
Explanation of Schedule of Events for Young Guns Youth Racing Development
Course Description, Layout, and Buoy Reviews – Whiteboards
9:00-10:30 am- Racers Break Out Sessions
Ages 10-13 Slalom Course Training ….with Pro Racers and World Championship Slalom Racers and Record Holders
Multiple Runs, Strategy and Clocked Run Times for every racer
Ages 14-17 Closed Course Training – In Moto format By Ski, By skill level Course Marshal led instruction and track parade laps Multiples of Race Starts!! Using the Light and Horn
Group Practice on the World Finals course – Learn the track, then adding speed. NO HARD PASSING.
10:30- 11:00- Switch of Racer Breakout Sessions
Water, Gatorade and Snack Break Provided for all Attendees
11:00- 12:30 – Rotate
Ages 14-17 Slalom Course Training and Coaching
Ages 10-13 Closed Course Training and Coaching
1:00 IJBSA World Finals Starting Line Bleachers
Sponsor Appreciation Recognition
PRIZES for the Young Guns Racers
3:00-6:00pm- KOKOMOS POOL PARTY
Hot Wheels Racing
Pool Games and Prizes
