Many times, PWC discussions – whether in the pages of The Watercraft Journal, or on social media other PWC forums – can be divided into two categories – those who are involved in the race side of the PWC lifestyle, and the rec-ride faction of the PWC world.
But in slightly more than 65 days, Greenhulk PWC Performance and Nauti Water Racing are holding the PWC equivalent of the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup – combining racing and recreational riding to create an event that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Held from March 26 to March 30, the 5-day event combines a MudBug PWC Rally and a Nauti Water’s Outlaw WaterX Series Closed Course racing in Morgan City, Louisiana.
Over the weekend, WCJ spoke with GreenHulk PWC Performance Store owner Greg Gaddis and PWC racer and Nautiwater photographer/livestreamer Charles Guinchard about the event.
Gaddis, whose Greenhulk PWC Performance Store and forum have been a huge part of the PWC community for more than 20 years, selling performance parts for jet skis and hosting group rides, said the event is part of an effort to take that involvement to the next level.
Gaddis described how MudBug PWC Rallies came about and what they involve.
While high performance and speed is definitely where the MudBug started, and still remains an important aspect of the several MudBug events held each year, Gaddis said that the event is open to everyone.
Next, Guinchard talked about the Nauti Water outfit and their expansive race efforts, and his involvement with the organization.
Guinchard talked about the blend of competitiveness and camaraderie that marks Nauti Water events and lends to their popularity,
Guinchard talked about the idea to bring the MudBug Rally and Nauti Water racing events together.
Guinchard talked about his enthusiasm for what he sees this combined event – and the permanent buoy practice course they’ve set up at the site – doing to grow the PWC community in the Morgan City region, not just for this specific event, but in a year-round, permanent fashion.
He talked about how this event can encourage crossover interest between recreational riding and racing, and gave advice to racers who are looking for ways to grow the PWC community in their area.
Gaddis talked about the intent to make this event a unique weekend, with more of a PWC festival atmosphere
Gaddis and Guinchard explained that there is no registration necessary for the MudBug portion of the event – riders can just show up and join the excursions (You can find information about, and see footage from previous MudBug rides in Morgan City here, here, and here ) and said that registration for the closed course racing is not yet open. However, they stressed that the event is confirmed, and Guinchard encouraged those interested to book now for their stay at Lake End Park or the Holiday Inn Express in Morgan City.
Guinchard highlighted the event that will take place on Friday, March 28 – a slalom race that will serve as a bridge between the Mud Bug rides earlier in the week, and the closed-course racing that will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
He added that Greenhulk is providing a special purse for the slalom race, specifically those who put in at least 100 miles in the MudBug ride.
He said the slalom will also be an IJSBA slalom, so even those that did not put in the 100+ miles during the MudBug are still encouraged to sign up for the slalom race on Friday.
WCJ will provide updates on the event when registration becomes available.
