A story and video from the Sea-Doo X Uncharted Society highlights an adventure with Paulina Dao and her friend, Jenny Simacek. The two women lacked experience on the water and adventure was never part of their lives, so it was a big deal when they boarded flights to California. Furthermore, they booked a guided tour with the Uncharted Society to make the nearly 60-mile-round-trip-ride to Catalina Island.
This was way out of their comfort zone, and we were impressed by their desire to take that kind of risk. Anyone who has made the grueling ride to Catalina Island knows it’s not for the weak. The two women met with a guide at the docks and got a crash course in handling personal watercraft.
Soon after, they took off on a couple of Sea-Doo GTX Pros. Encountering dolphins and sea lions along the way made the trip extra special. The women not only made the ride to Catalina, but they also went snorkeling, jumped some waves, and gained a huge amount of self-confidence.
“It was kind of terrifying at first when I noticed the shore was gone, but it was really freeing and felt really cool,” said an excited Simcek who was stoked to share this awesome bonding experience with her good friend Dao.
It’s amazing to think that in the last two and a half years, 54-percent of all new personal watercraft sales have gone to first time buyers. These are people who have never owned a personal watercraft before – and in many case, have never owned a boat either. So what we’d like to provide are some simple tips that will help those neophytes the most stress-free experience possible when it comes to launch your new personal watercraft.
With YouTube channels dedicated to filming mishaps at popular launch ramps, it’s bound to seem a little intimidating at first – especially if you’re not comfortable backing your truck or SUV by itself, not to mention with a trailer. While this won’t cover how to operate your vehicle with a trailer, we’re focus here on getting your ski in the water without many hiccups. Lastly, not everything covered here will be exact for your application so we’re going to try to keep most of these pretty generalized.
Step One: Staging Lane
Nobody wants to be “that guy” who holds up the ramp as he routes around inside of his truck for a dock line, or is fumbling to cram a towel in his ski’s front storage bin. Thankfully, most all launch ramps offer a dedicated lane for “staging” or getting your personal watercraft ready for launch. This lane is often marked by a large unbroken line where a vehicle can safely pull in, open its doors and begin preparing a boat or watercraft for launch.
If you find yourself at a ramp without such a lane, do not pull into the line to launch and begin your preparations there. The line will move faster than you’re able to jump back in and pull forward. Rather, find an open parking spot and complete your preparations there. Sure, it’s a little inconvenient but it’s better than holding up the flow of the queue. Plus, you won’t feel rushed, and mistakes happen when you’re in a rush.
Step Two: Double Checks & Preparations
Before anything, get down on a knee and take a look at your hull for damage, as well as your pump inlet for debris. It only takes a second for a weed or a piece of wood to get in there. Now, unlash the tie-downs holding your watercraft to the trailer – except the front winch. Unless you have a friend aboard the PWC as you launch it, who will ride it off of the trailer and tie it up to the dock for you, you’ll want to keep that winch hooked to your bow eye. Nobody wants to chase a wayward watercraft.
Next, verify that your drain plugs are tightened firmly. Even though most modern PWC come standard with one-way check valves in the drain plugs, you’ll want to tighten these down. Finally, you can remove your fitted PWC cover and stow it either in the bow compartment or in your vehicle. Personally, we at The Watercraft Journal are split whether you should drive with a cover on or off, as we’ve seen detriments first hand for both arguments.
Step Three: Packing & Provisions
Your immediate need for a few items should take priority here. The first item should be your dock line. Since you are launching at a ramp (in this scenario) you should expect to tie up at a dock cleat. A good rule of thumb is to place your dock line somewhere immediately accessible, like in the footwell or even on your dashboard – careful that it isn’t dangling in the water where it could get sucked up into the pump. Equally, place your PFD (life vest) in the footwell or drape over the seat so its within reach.
If you plan to visit a beach or sandbar in your ride, it’s a good opportunity to pack an anchor in the front bin. We’ve had good luck with Sand Docker anchors as they are lightweight, affordable and American-made. Now you can begin packing other items such as sunscreen, an extra bottle of water and snacks, your wallet (at minimum ID, credit card and/or cash), and your smart phone. Many runabouts offer waterproof boxes these days, but if not, try to keep your phone in a durable, watertight case.
Step Four: Backing Up & In The Water
Getting used to backing up your vehicle with a trailer may take some time. We’ve suggested practicing in an empty parking lot before. Although many cars feature backup cameras, we suggest getting familiar with using your mirrors to align your trailer so you can back up straight without the use of a camera (in case the lens is obscured or in low visibility). Equally, dropping the tail gate of your truck (or opening the rear hatch of your SUV) is an easy way to back up while looking over your shoulder.
Knowing how deep to set your trailer into the water is often dependent on the type of trailer you own, the kind of PWC you’re launching and the tide level. If you’re too shallow, the watercraft will struggle to slide off of the bunks. If you’re too deep, the PWC will lift from the bunks and try to float away. It’s OK to get out, check the depth, and if necessary to get back in and pull in or out a little. Better that than make a since trying to wrangle a runaway runabout.
Step Five: Launch Control
Back the tension off of your winch and unhook your bow eye. Winch up the slack and attach your hook on a lip so it won’t drag on the ground or flop around. If your trailer is backed in “just right” you should be able to move your PWC a little without it slipping off of the bunks. Carefully climb up on to your watercraft either from the side (many trailer fenders have steps on them) or walking down the runway between the bunks (if you have a 2-bunk trailer).
Once aboard, put on your PFD (most ramps require this for safety), attach your lanyard to your person (this is by law) and fire up your watercraft. Give it a few seconds to warm up and begin circulating coolant/water through the engine and exhaust before backing off of the trailer. Most new PWC have “smart reverse” systems, but if not, pull the reverse handle and give your ski a little throttle (not too much!) – just enough to pull off of the bunks. Switch to the forward position and idle up to the dock where you’ll tie to a cleat.
Step Six: Pull Out, Pack Up and Play
With your PWC tied to the dock, you can hustle back over to the ramp and pull your vehicle out of the water and into a parking space. Make sure to lock up, as there may be some unsavory folks around. Place your keys in the glove box or another safe storage compartment. Here you can put on your PFD, sunscreen and glasses, as well as arrange your items as you see fit. If you’ve got a sound system, it’s a little easier to sync your phone or Bluetooth device here than out on the water.
Once you’re all squared away, you can untie your dock line from the cleat, store it in either a wet storage bin in back (common for Yamahas and Kawasakis) or in your front (or center, if a full-sized Sea-Doo) storage bin. And with that voilà, you’re all set for a great day out on the water. Again, launching a PWC might feel overwhelming at first – particularly if its a busy day – but with a few practice runs, it’ll become second nature like pulling into your home garage.
This year’s Kings Cup was definitely one for the record books! With Covid peaking its head into the event we found ourselves having to be tested at the race site before you could even enter the event. Every three days each person went through a rapid AT test and if you passed, you received a wrist band that allowed you into the event. Even as you came into the event they took your temperature and sprayed your hands with alcohol. These protocols made many feel safe at the races. Masks were also required when not on the race course and the racers, crews and spectators followed the rules.
Racing started on Wednesday and some classes had qualifiers to make the four moto format. A full production crew was one site to film the event, allowing for enthusiasts around the world to watch the fast paced action live! The race was on live TV around Thailand and Eurostar networks. With over 100 PWC racing and from many countries around the world, it was surely an outstanding event. Class A and B races followed a two day, four moto format that made it so anything was possible!
At this event there was Junior ski and Spark classes. They each ran the track one at a time for lap times, and each one ran it over a few days for a total of three runs. With lap times around a minute and a half, it wasn’t bad to watch and each spectator could see the time on the large timer that was on the starting tower. This is a great way to get younger racers into racing and is very safe as they are on the track alone.
Pro-am Runabout was another large group that had to qualify for the motos. In years past, we’ve seen Yamaha win the upper class in this race but this year with the new Sea-Doo T3R hull (RXP-X) they took the top three positions. It will be good to see this year’s racing and see how the two manufactures compare as we move forward. Nuttakorn Pupakdee from Thailand took first while Permphon Teerapatpanich (also from Thailand) took second with Mattias Siimann from Estonia taking the third spot on the podium.
Pro-am Women ski stock was also a great race to witness as many from around the world showed up on the line! After the four motos where completed, we had Jasmiin Ypraus from Estonia take the top spot with Lullana Duangphophim from Thailand taking second and Mami Kaneko from Japan rounding off the top three.
Valentina Lezcano shared, “Triple Crown Jet Ski World Series was one for the books! From traveling to Poland for the first round to then going to Havasu for the second round, and finally ending the tour in Thailand – and winning the Pro 1100 Open class Triple Crown! The race venue was by far the most well organized race I have ever been to and the hospitality was like no other. The race course was one of the toughest tracks I’ve been on but so worth it! I’m proud to say I was able to bring home some nice hardware for Team USA!”
Pro Ski GP started with Quinten Bossche taking Moto 1, and then Kevin Reiterer taking the second moto followed by Quinten taking the third moto giving him 168 point to Kevin’s 166, making Moto 4 the deciding moto. Quinten hole shotted and kept the lead until a small mistake separating him from his craft allowed Kevin to pass for the lead. When the checker flag came out it was Kevin taking Moto 4 and the overall win. Quinten finishing 3rd in that moto was enough for a second overall and Raphael Maurin taking the third spot on the podium.
IJSBA World Champion Tory Snyder told The Watercraft Journal, “[It was a] great week with my family in Thailand. Not the outcome we wanted but we still came out with the World Series trophy. We learned a lot and are ready to come back next year even stronger.”
Runabout GP was incredible with these large runabouts that run big turbo motors and full carbon fiber hulls – so they are like the F1 of the water! Consistency was the winner of this race. With many of the top seeded racers having minor issues from broken steering cables to electrical issues allowing the more reliable crafts take the over all at the end of Moto 4! Marcus Jorgensen took the top spot with Mohammad Burbayea second and Mohammad Albaz rounding the top three!
Mohammed Burbayea, Runabout GP Triple Crown winner, told us, “The championship was great! I was happy I had the chance to participate. The procedures of the organizing country was outstanding; the proper approach and cooperation with the contestants, and a special thanks to those who were the reason of the race success. [I am] so happy I won this race, and got the title of this championship twice!”
Liqui Moly, a name synonymous with high performance engine lubricants and fuel additives, has announced its support of Full Throttle WaterX. The Liqui Moly sponsorship will help the west coast tour build its series to another level and continue to grow.
This is another boost to the watersports industry and the growth of PWC racing. Big things are happening in watercraft racing this season and we are glad to share another big announcement with our readers. Check out the complete announcement from Liqui Moly below:
LIQUI MOLY, manufacturer of high-performance engine lubricants and fuel additives, has expanded its support of PWC racing. It is now the 2022 title sponsor of Full Throttle WaterX. Gary Driver, LIQUI MOLY USA business development manager – marine, made the announcement. It also supports the Pro Watercross Tour & World Championship.
Taking place in California and Arizona, LIQUI MOLY Full Throttle WaterX is the West Coast’s premier PWC racing series. Owned and operated by racers for racers under the auspices of the non-profit Pro Watercross organization, it emphasizes fun, affordable and safe competition. With 25 entry classes, the tour begins March 25–27 at Havasu Landing Resort & Casino in Needles, California. The website is www.ftwxracing.com.
“LIQUI MOLY is a global company that sponsors many premier motorsports races and teams. With their support, we’re going to grow PWC racing to new levels,” said Deegan Newton, Full Throttle WaterX owner and event organizer. “Gary Driver and the LIQUI MOLY marine team have been super helpful in getting our series going. We’re excited for the upcoming season and the future of our partnership.”
Wow, 2022 is shaping up to be a full year of racing! We are stoked to bring you the latest racing announcements and schedules. It feels like old times. Check this out, we received the P1 AquaX 2022 Race Calendar reveal yesterday. The promoters of AquaX have scheduled five stateside venues for the regular season and the Bahamas are on tap for the National Championship.
Pro Enduro and Am Enduro will race together with a Junior Enduro series. In other notable news, the P1 crew will partner with Jaymi and Brad Bohat of Great Lakes Watercross to develop the Indiana Series. We look forward to watching the P1 AquaX continue to grow. Read all about it in the complete announcement below:
P1 AquaX USA Unveils 2022 Race Calendar
• 5-venue National Championship gets underway at the end of April • Riders will head north to Indiana in July for two race events • Bahamas World Championship at the Atlantis Resort confirmed for November
International personal watercraft racing promoter P1 AquaX has released plans that will see it stage a 5-month programme of free-to-watch racing in Florida and Indiana together with the return of its World Championship in The Bahamas in November. The 5-venue P1 AquaX National Championship will feature Pro and Am Enduro racing together with a Jr Enduro series.
Kissimmee/St. Cloud in Central Florida will kick off the season at the end of April with racing at East Lake Tohopekaliga, and the riders will join the P1 Offshore powerboat teams at the 37th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix on July 2-3. The action heads north the following weekend when Michigan City and La Porte will host events in the Indiana Series.
The National Championship returns to the Sunshine State’s Atlantic Coast in August with Daytona Beach welcoming the AquaX racers, and the final stop in early September will be St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast. For the first time, P1 AquaX is adding a Jr Enduro class to its championship for riders aged 14-15. This racing will run under Sprint Spark/EX rules with riders competing for 20 minutes on a modified AquaX course, depending on entry numbers.
Unveiling the calendar at P1’s race headquarters in Orlando, P1 USA Championship Manager Michelle Petro said: “Outstanding locations and host venues contribute enormously to our event offering. This season we are delighted to collaborate with Jaymi and Brad Bohat at Great Lakes Watercross, the premier closed course buoy racing and freestyle tour for personal watercraft in the Midwest, to develop the Indiana Series and build the region for racers, venues, sponsors and fans. Brad commented: “We are excited to be partnering with P1 AquaX to host closed course racing alongside two world class PW endurance events.”
Due to unavoidable calendar clashes with another pwc racing promoter, AquaX will introduce a ‘drop round’ format this season by removing the lowest scoring round for each racer when calculating the overall points. Petro added: “We will be announcing further details of our race season next month, including television coverage and live streaming, a new title sponsorship agreement and qualification for The Bahamas World Championship.”
2022 Race Calendar
P1 AquaX National Championship – Race To The Bahamas Kissimmee/St Cloud, FL – April 30/May 1 Sarasota, FL – July 2-3 Michigan City, IN – July 9-10 Daytona Beach , FL – Aug 12-14 St Petersburg, FL – Sept 3-4 Bahamas Pro Enduro World Championship – Nov 4-7 Bahamas International AM Championship – Nov 4-7
Michigan City/La Porte Indiana Series Michigan City, IN – July 9-10 La Porte, IN – July 30-31
For more information on this release: Roy Mantle / Head of PR T:+44 (0)20 7935 4977 Powerboat P1 Management Ltd Queen Anne Mansions 86/87 Wimpole Street London W1G 9RL https://p1aquax.com
Kawasaki has released a new video promoting the new for 2022 Ultra 310 Jet Ski line up. Published on the official Kawasaki USA YouTube channel, the video features action shots and closeups of the new models, set to the obligatory high energy sound track.
Without a doubt the new styling and colors are conveyed more naturally in video shot in real world surroundings when compared to studio press release photographs, which are shot in artificially lit environments to add impact and highlight detail.
Various new features are displayed in the video, including the (very) long awaited Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration, or KSRD. Close ups of the controls are included, and their effect on the machine in the water confirms the vital importance of this addition to the Ultra 310.
The vastly improved 7 inch TFT full color display with reverse camera are detailed, as is the new 4 speaker setup on the LX model, and the new deck and reboarding step on both the LX variants.
The release of the new video is timely, considering recent news of the production delays and substantial reductions of essentially the entire Kawasaki Jet Ski lineup except the Ultra 310 line. In fact the top of the line Ultra 310LX will see over 90 percent of it’s originally intended production, and the mid level Ultra 310LX-S and base model Ultra 310 X will both be produced at close to 80 percent for 2022.
This is in stark contrast to all 3 of the STX models and the SX-R, which will be produced at less than one tenth of original forecasts, and even the naturally aspirated Ultra LX will not see half of its 2022 production estimates.
Watch the new 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310 video below, and get your order in now!
Jet Jam keeps getting better and that’s good for the PWC racing community. The organization has partnered with RPM Racing Enterprises, and together they have put together a 6 round Best of the West Series.
Ross Wallach is on board with the IJSBA as the sanctioning body of the closed course racing. With this experienced team leading the way, the sport of jet ski racing can only grow and attract more racers.
The Best of the West series kicks off in March and you can check out the 2022 series schedule below. We are stoked about this series getting underway.
Things are feeling almost normal, and we are overjoyed at the prospect of moving forward and covering more jet ski racing again.
2022 Schedule of Events
Round 1 & 2 March 19 & 20 – “2022 Best of the West Series Kickoff” – Crazy Horse Campground, Lake Havasu, AZ
Round 3 & 4 April 9 & 10 – “Nedra Atwood/Gary Hart Memorial”- La Paz County Park, Parker, AZ
Round 5 May 7 & 8 – “3rd Annual Huntington Beach Moto-Surf & Freeride”- Huntington Beach, CA
Round 6 & 7 June 4 & 5 – “Race for Cure” – Crazy Horse Campground, Lake Havasu, AZ
Round 8 & 9 August 20 & 21 – “The Lake Elsinore Open of Water X” – Launch Pointe, Lake Elsinore, CA
Round 10 & 11 September 16 & 18 – “The 2022 Anderson Powersports & Hot Products Best of the West Series Championships” presented by Jettrim & Impros – Crazy Horse Campground, Lake Havasu, AZ
For More Information, please visit www.rpmracingent.com or Jet Jam Racing or like us on Facebook and Instagram. Questions, please contact RPM Racing Enterprises (310) 318-4012 or Jet Jam Racing (360) 349 1341
Despite making major efforts to reduce the quantity of externally resourced materials and components after a year of setbacks, delays and reduced production numbers in 2021, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA announced early February 9th, 2022, that the total remaining production run of 2022 model WaveRunners will be reduced by 30-percent.
In a letter addressed to Yamaha WaveRunner dealerships, the industry’s second-largest manufacturer of personal watercraft cited low supplies of raw materials, heightened shipping costs and compounding shipping delays, along with a shortage of external suppliers as causes for the prolonged manufacturing and ultimately, reduced number of total units being produced this year.
This news comes on the heels of a similar letter issued by Kawasaki Motor Corp., stating that its total production of 2022 JetSkis will also be heavily reduced in an effort to shore up supplies for a full production run in 2023. Meanwhile, Sea-Doo production continues at a slowed but steady pace with fewer units arriving at dealers requiring further assembly.
The original email issued to dealers read as follows:
Dear Yamaha WaveRunner Dealer,
Like most manufacturing sectors on the US economy, we continue to be challenged by the Coronavirus pandemic and its effect on our supply of raw materials and parts at our WaveRunner manufacturing facility.
Although there are mitigation plans in place to reduce those production disruptions that we can control, the fact is the supply chain, and overseas shipping, have yet to recover at the speeds necessary to keep up with the our production demands.
Unfortunately, this means that we will be unable to fulfill your remaining orders in total.
We project that this will impact 30 percent of the remaining WaveRunner orders, varied by dealer due to model mix. We expect to have more information soon and order reductions completed in the next 30 days.
Please know that we will do everything possible at our manufacturing facilities to make up these losses; and that we continue to seek alternative suppliers and other means of shipping to minimize production downtime. Our number one priority is to deliver as many WaveRunners to your dealership as quickly as possible.
We will continue to provide you with the most accurate information on what to expect in what remains an unpredictable and dynamic situation. In the meantime, thank you for your patience and ongoing support for the Yamaha brand.
Let the fireworks begin! The Anderson Powersports Hot Products Best of the West Series is back! Dust off your skis and get ready for round one! The racing kicks off in Lake Havasu City, AZ and runs March 19-20 at Crazy Horse Campgrounds. You can pre-register at a discounted rate until March 13th. This is an IJSBA World Finals Qualifier so check the status of your IJSBA membership. You must be a member to race. On site memberships will be available as well so no sweat if you forget.
See the full press release below. It includes everything you need to know about this exciting event:
The Anderson Powersports-Hot Products “Best of the West” Series Presented by Cometic Gaskets, Klotz Lubricants, Jettrim, Impros
March 19 & 20, 2022 Crazy Horse Campgrounds 1534 Beachcomber Blvd Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
IJSBA World Finals Qualifier Presented by:
Mohave Mortgage, Worx Racing, Kommander Ind, Yamaha, K-river Investments, M&M Powersports, Rb Components, Moto Option, 321 Kawasaki, Sharq Skinz, Vintage Jetski, Bomber Eyewear, Jettribe, Blowsion, Works H20 Designs, Kawasaki, Oakley, Jc Racing, 3D Design Concepts, T.C. Freeride, Pro Watercraft, Ultimate Watercraft, West Coast Watercraft Club, Throttle Junkie Tv, Pro Rider Magazine
There is a multi class discount for the Best of the West Series events.
Note: Pre-Registration discount ends SUNDAY MARCH 13TH!! All entries received thereafter will be charged $25/class late fee. No late fees will be charged if entry form is received prior to Sunday, March 13th.
This is an IJSBA sanctioned event and a World Finals qualifier. IJSBA memberships can be purchased on-site (preferred method to maximize license -12 mos. from date of purchase). Or visit https://ijsba.com/join-ijsba/ to join.
Host Hotel: The Quality Inn, 271 Lake Havasu Ave, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (928) 855-1111. Must use group code – “Jet Jam” to get the racer rate of $85/night + tax when booking to receive a discount. Rooms are on a 1st come; 1st served basis.
Pit parking is on a1st come; 1st served.
CAMPING: There is a limited number of camping for Friday and Saturday night. Contact us to secure a spot.
“The best laid plans,” I murmured to myself as I squinted at my phone in the dark. I had been in bed for two days now, laid out with what I thought was the flu. In another day, I would discover that no, influenza was not attacking my body but a severe case of covid pneumonia. Peering through the darkness at my dimmed screen, I was conversing with Billy Duplessis and Ricky Johnson on a group chat relaying the bad news. I wouldn’t be able to attend The Watercraft Journal’s second long-distance endurance ride.
Titled “The Battle Back to N’awlins Ride,” the route Duplessis and Johnson had mapped out was well over 270-miles, leaving from downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, cutting through Lake Ponchartrain (passing two ancient military forts along the way), on to the Barrier Islands off the Mississippi Coast – consisting of Cat island, Ship Island, Horn island, and Petit Bois Island – into Alabama to our final island, Dauphin Island. To say I was disappointed to report the news to them is an understatement.
Being the super solid guys that they are, they wished me a speedy recovery and vowed to take whoever arrived out on the ride regardless of my absence. As Friday, December 17th approached and news of my illness spread, the number of attendees began to thin. With the magazine unable to attend, so went the promise of handing out giveaways and the few prizes I had as well. Johnson shared, “[It was] very disappointing that others didn’t even show from surrounding states to take us up on the endurance ride challenge.” Citing the lack of “bait” to bring them in.
Even so, 11 hardy adventurers filled the launch ramp well before daybreak. With the promise of a full day’s ride, few knew what Mother Nature had in store. Duplessis recalled, “We faced challenges all the way up to the day of the event. Most were out of our control, including you getting sick days before. From foggy conditions until the early evening hours, cooler temps than predicted and rougher open water conditions.”
Johnson echoed Duplessis’ report, “What did affect the […] ride was shutout fog lasting well into mid-morning and me having to slow us down to 35mph relying mostly on GPS for direction with marine traffic present. The fog was so thick it was literally soaking us and you had to keep wiping it from your face.” Cutting the pace from 55-60mph to 35 crushed the original plan of 270-plus miles. With zero visibility, safety over speed was the goal.
“With two experienced leaders,” Duplessis added, “we overcame those challenges and made the hard decisions, some of which was best for the current situation and for the group.” Hitting the planned fuel stop prior to exiting out into the Gulf, the group faced seas were the other variable that distanced them from making their goal.
Johnson continued, “We experienced 15-20mph winds, tide going out, causing 2.5–to–3.5 foot seas with a wave period and direction [so] far apart that [it] wouldn’t allow us to stay on top and left us falling in the troughs.” The going was slow and brutal to say the least – then disaster struck. One of Johnson’s stainless steel marine-grade ratchet strap snapped, jettisoning his 18-gallon fuel tank.
Several lunged for the quickly-sinking tank, but it was gone within seconds. Johnson blocked off his Yamaha’s vent lines allowing for normal operation. Soon after, a second auxiliary tank slipped off of another rider’s transom, but was gratefully saved at the last moment. The turnbuckle was re-tightened and the tank reattached. The seas were simply beating the group apart.
Throughout the trip, whenever Duplessis and Johnson found a strong enough signal, they would pass along updates and images. From my sickbed the distressing reports looked dire, like the dispatches coming in from the RMS Titanic’s radio room. I honestly felt I had setup my friends to fail and there was nothing I could do. In my fevered delirium I was convinced that this was all my fault.
Despite the flogging, the group soldiered on. “We didn’t stop for lunch to regain our strength,” Johnson recounts. “The only stop we made was at Cat Island so Billy and I could talk about conditions before presenting it to the group for a vote, while everyone indulged on wet sandwiches from water bottles busting in their coolers.”
A new abbreviated route was agreed upon, and the caravan continued fulfilling a 10-hour day with 3 fuel stops comprising of 240-miles. In the end, the duo convinced me that the ride was anything but a disaster – and was, in fact, quite successful given the hurdles in their path. Duplessis boasted, “We still managed to pull out an amazing trip. I believe the ones who made the event ride would completely agree.”
Johnson joked, “We compiled over 240 miles with nearly half [of it] being in open water with nine middle-aged men. Given the weather conditions we consider it a success. If anything, that’s a testament to the endurance ride we had planned, most must have been too scared to even show [their] faces. I don’t know many that would even take on a 240-plus-mile ride on a 90-degree, bright and sunshiny day, while riding in calm flat water conditions.”
All photography provided by Billy Duplessis and Ricky Johnson
Jet Jam keeps getting better and that’s good for the PWC racing community. The organization has partnered with RPM Racing Enterprises, and together they have put together a 6 round Best of the West Series.
