Gallery: Introducing The 2022 Yamaha WaveRunner Lineup (Video)

August 17, 2021

To say that 2021 didn’t go according to plan would be an understatement. Logjams in international and domestic shipping; sudden winter ice storms freezing pipes at processing plants; and sweeping national shutdowns halting production delayed Yamaha’s production and delivery of its 2021 model line much to the chagrin of dealerships and customers alike.

Add to that the perfect storm of ever-increasing public demand and the reveal of a newly redesigned VX and GP lineup, Yamaha had more than its fare share to contend with in a single model year. So it came to us as a huge surprise that Yamaha didn’t just reissue last year’s models with some “bold new graphics”, but rather made major significant changes to the brand’s flagship FX line, as well as add a new machine altogether.

Above: Being recently redesigned, the VX models received only new paint and graphics as well as some price increases: VX-C (MSRP $9,449 –up $300); VX (MSRP $10,449 – up $400); VX Deluxe (MSRP $11,249 – up $400); VX Cruiser (MSRP $11,549 – up $400); VX Limited (MSRP $12,849 – up $400); VX Cruiser HO (MSRP $12,449 – up $400); VX Limited HO (MSRP $14,049 – up $500)

Above left: Changes to Yamaha aren’t immediately visible from even a few feet away, but when seen in person are demonstrative. Above right: Part gokart and part stunt craft, Yamaha’s newest addition to the WaveRunner lineup is an absolute riot.

“Consumers are looking to use their WaveRunners in all new ways on the water, whether it’s a touring adventure, all day cruising and lounging, watersports, or fishing,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s Watercraft Group.

He continues, “We wanted to create a WaveRunner line and related accessories that power our consumers’ passion for the water. […] Our new FX Series pushes the bounds of luxury, tech and performance. And our all new RecDeck offers a new level of customization for anything our customers can dream of doing on the water.”

Above left: Yamaha expanded its accessory offerings in a big way for 2022; new are the detachable, floating speakers for the EX Series. Above right: The GP1800R racecraft continue for 2022 in new eye-catching hues. Prices for the GP1800R HO (MSRP $13,149) and GP1800R SVHO (MSRP $15,349) increased $600 each.

Yup, you heard that right. Yamaha is going fishing. As we at The Watercraft Journal rightly predicted, Yamaha wouldn’t solely dedicate a single runabout to fishing. Rather, the option was to allow the entire range of redesigned FX WaveRunners access to the same accessories needed to enable any customer to custom-fit one-of-two JetFish packages, each using Yamaha’s all-new multi-function RecDeck platform.

Sold as its own accessory, the RecDeck ($999.99 USD) is a 6 sq.-foot flat platform featuring integrated tracks and four built-in, fold-flat cleats designed to accept a vast array of accessories with nearly limitless arrangement possibilities. Covered in CNC-cut MarineMat carpeting, the RecDeck also features a stellar full-length reboarding ladder that tucks up beneath the platform.

Above: Yamaha’s new RecDeck is versatile, modular and useful in as many ways as you can think of.

The RecDeck can be mounted to any 2019-and-up FX WaveRunner, and surprisingly, can be removed to return the FX to normal use in a few minutes. (Support struts replace the factory swim step, and two small receivers permanently mount to the footwells.) A separate Multi-Use Rack ($599.99 USD) is used to rigid-mount the Premium JetFish package, as well as the Lounging Package’s folding 25″ wide rear-facing Folding Bench chair, cup holders and saddle bags ($499.99).

The lower-tier JetFish package forgoes the Multi-Use Rack, strapping the cooler down with motorcycle-style straps, but includes the same Engel 45 JetFish-branded cooler, rod holders, cup holders, and tow eyes. Although part of the accessory group, the massive Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 63cv 6” Fishfinder/GPS (with an Ultra High-Definition Scanning Transducer), and extra rod holders are separate from the two JetFish packages.

Above left: Equipped with Yamaha’s Premier JetFish package atop the new RecDeck, this 2022 FX HO can be stripped of its rearward accessories within minutes, or reconfigured to carry a near limitless array of accessories. Above right: The Tow Package and the RecDeck make for a perfect pairing.

Above: Changes to the FX Series also include some considerable price increases for 2022 compared to 2021: the FX HO (MSRP $14,299 – up $500), FX Cruiser HO (MSRP $14,799 – up $500), FX SVHO (MSRP $16,799 – up $1,000), FX Cruiser SVHO (MSRP $17,499 – up $1,000) and FX Limited SVHO (MSRP $19,099 – up $1,400).

Lastly, the Towing Package includes a single-rider tube (yellow or grey), a 12V pump, towrope and bungee hold-down ($199.99). In testing it, we found it more fun to simply dive from the RecDeck and reboard using the 3-rung ladder very obviously taken directly from Yamaha’s boat division. The fold-flat cleats will receive any number of bungees or straps to tie down extra fuel, a cooler full of drinks, or a small camping grill (don’t think we haven’t thought of it).

Of course, all of these will work great for Yamaha’s refreshed FX lineup. Changes to the full-sized segment are so significant that it’s sure to upset those who waited extra long for their 2021 model to show up. From 10-feet away, most won’t notice the changes as few are so drastic; but upon closer approach they reveal themselves in a big way – in a big, 7-inch wide way.

Above: Changes to the FX lineup are dramatic – even without the massive upgrade to the infotainment system. The reshaped ride plate brings the FX to plane quicker; the relocated sponsons bite stronger in a hard lean-in turns. The SMC fiberglass hull absorbs the surface chatter, mutes the bumps and reduces vibration in a big way. All stellar changes.

For all SVHO-equipped (Super Vortex High Output) FX WaveRunners, Yamaha has upgraded the touchscreen dashboard with a high-response, glare-resistant glass 7-inch display. This full-color touchscreen dashboard provides audio controls, phone and text notifications (when synced via Bluetooth to your smartphone), GPS mapping and Yamaha’s Drive Control functions (first featured on the 2021 GP1800R models). All standard High Output models receive all of the same functions but with a smaller 5-inch display.

Both the 5 and 7-inch systems feature GPS mapping with geo-fencing. This means that with the optional GPS map card installed (each card is sold separately for a $199 one-time fee), the operator can input GPS waypoints, follow tracks, and “geofence” a riding area where the watercraft can be operate. With geofencing activated, a virtual fence is created and will sound an alarm telling the operator that they have ridden too far – ideal for young or first-time riders. …and it also means a true GPS speedometer.

Above left: The EX Series continues unchanged except for new accessory offerings. Above right: Both the HO and SVHO-powered GP1800R WaveRunners remain some of Yamaha’s most popular.

Sharing with last year’s redesigned VX and GP series, the FX is available with a factory-installed, digitally-integrated audio system. Featuring twin 4.5-inch 50-watt waterproof marine speakers, an integrated two-channel amplifier, and a low-voltage regulator to protect the battery. Like the VX and GP, the system is operated through a control pad, found beneath the steering column. When synced, a visual prompt will appear on the the Connext touchscreen.

Equally, you can now receive incoming calls and view incoming text message notifications on the Connext screen. There’s even a noise-reducing microphone (found above the audio controls) allowing you to make phone calls using the voice command button and your phone’s AI assistant (be it Siri, Alexa, HAL, SkyNet, etc.). Note that the audio package comes standard on the FX Limited SVHO, and as a factory-installed option on all the other FX series models ($800 USD) – it can’t be added later by the dealer.

Above left: The switch from NanoXcel2 to SMC fiberglass adds 40-pounds to all SVHO-powered FX runabouts. The added weight isn’t a deterrent though, as the extra heft improves the hull’s engagement with the water and straight-line tracking in chop. Above right: The VX, GP and FX all share the same sound system.

The entire control console has been redesigned for 2022, including the return of cast-in cup holders – the RAM mounts are now fixed to each bottom. The FX Series also inherit similar sleeker adjustable handlebars and control pods from the GP series, including the single On/Off button and relocated Cruise Assist control. This time, Yamaha has integrated dual hoops into the steering neck, making tying up at the dock easier.

The FX also receives a new glovebox. Dimensionally, it’s the same as before, but the lid is spring-loaded, rising up on its own. Gone is the rubberized latch, now with a sturdy plastic one instead; and inside the FX receives the same LED lights, 12V socket and USB port, as well as the cell phone pocket as the aforementioned VX and GP models.

Above left: Yamaha made several changes to the FX glove box; the door is spring-loaded, the latch is made of durable plastic (not rubber). Inside are LED lights to illuminate a cell phone holder, as well as a 12V socket and USB port. Above right: Yamaha resculpted the center console to bring back the molded-in cup holders. The RAM mounts are found at the bottom of each cup holder.

But if you think that’s it for the FX Series, you’d be waaay off. Below the bondline is where things get really interesting. First, Yamaha looked very closely at what aftermarket tuners were doing and radically tweaked the ride plate. The center surface is angled up 3º on an extended runner, raising the bow up reducing drag and that wet ride. The plate’s flanks were shaved down with deep skegs that provide knife-like rails for added tracking.

On the sides, Yamaha moved the sponsons forward 50mm (nearly 2-inches) to reduce hull packing, particularly in corners. But the biggest change goes completely unsung: no more NanoXcel hulls. That’s right, all FX WaveRunners now have SMC fiberglass hulls. While NanoXcel and NanoXcel 2 will continue in Yamaha’s decks, all full-sized runabouts will ride on thicker, traditional fiberglass hulls, as explained to The Watercraft Journal by Product Development Manager, Martino Ruggiero.

Above: Colorations for 2022 are vivid, and welcome a warm, summertime feeling.

As SMC far outweighs Yamaha’s Nano materials, the development team created a lighter inner liner to stave off a bit of the weight gain. Regardless, all FX HO models increased by 4-pounds (for example, the 2021 FX HO weighs 836lbs.; 2022 FX HO weighs 840lbs.) while those SVHO-equipped FX models gained 40-pounds across the board (ex. 2021 FX Cruiser SVHO 820lbs.; 2022 FX Cruiser SVHO 860lbs.).

While some might decry the switch to SMC, the decision – at least, in our view – is brilliant. SMC fiberglass is denser, which absorbs vibration and chatter better. It distributes the force of impact with far less damage. There’s less flexing, cracking and overall failure to boot. And more importantly, it’s easier (and cheaper) to repair – all things which the long-term owner will appreciate.

Above: The GP1800R HO is all the lightweight, race-inspired raucous fun of the SVHO but without the high-octane requirement of the supercharged engine.

With the new year also come new colorations and prices: FX Limited SVHO (MSRP $19,099) in Black with Lime Yellow; FX Cruiser SVHO (MSRP $18,299 with sound; $17,499 without) in Torch Red or Black with Titan Gray; FX SVHO (MSRP $17,599 with sound; $16,799 without) in Cyan; FX Cruiser HO (MSRP $15,599 with sound; $14,799 without) in Carbon with Mint or Lime Yellow; FX HO (MSRP $15,099 with sound; $14,299 without) in White with Mint.

For those concerned about the sportier models, the GP1800R SVHO and its naturally-aspirated sibling, the GP1800R High Output do not change in weight or power output – only their colors, namely the SVHO being offered in either Cyan or Black with Titan Gray, and the HO in Cyan or Black with Lime Yellow. Equal too are the VX and the EX Series…well, except for one major change.

Above left: Just because the EXR left the lineup doesn’t mean you can’t push the EX to its limit. Above right: The JetBlaster enjoys the same TR-1 HO producing 110 and NanoXcel2 hull and deck as the outgoing EXR.

Gone is the EXR, the lightweight 110-horsepower, NanoXcel 2-hewn Rec-Lite rocket. Instead, Yamaha has rechristened our favorite little EX the JetBlaster (MSRP $9,999). Bathed in Cyan with Lime Yellow splatter-paint graphics, the new 2022 ‘Blaster takes the fight to its competitor with angled, padded foot chocks, an open-neck steering system with wider handlebars; and custom-configured electric trim ideal for wake jumping and powerslides.

The TR-1 HO provides plenty of grunt to get the ‘Blaster up to speed, enough to lay the WaveRunner hard on its rail and powerslide its NanoXcel 2 hull 10-to-20 feet across the water. It’s super-squirrelly and hyper responsive to body English. So snapping the tail loose, roosting friends, and spinning 360’s are child’s play – the ‘Blaster makes it easy. Weighing in at 549-pounds, the JetBlaster joins the 4-stroke SuperJet in Yamaha’s new “Freestyle” category.

Above left: The JetBlaster is perfectly capable of submarines, power slides and sloppy 360s. Above right: Remember all that talk about not jumping wakes? Yeah, forget that.

Above: The SuperJet sees a small price increase of $300, from $9,499 to $9,799. No changes apart from some optional storage accessories and an adaptive bracket to fit two small EcoXgear speakers were made for 2022.

Again, when you sorta wouldn’t blame Yamaha if they chose to take it easy this year and just to let the dust settle, they go and totally surprise the market with some major upgrades to its full-sized FX runabouts, threw in a ton of new accessories and features, and even introduced a new freestyle WaveRunner. So yeah, you can kinda forget that whole “taking it easy” thing – Yamaha’s charging hard into 2022 with a full arsenal of killer watercraft…not like you needed a reason to camp out in front of your dealership already.

1 of 93

Gallery: Introducing The 2022 Sea-Doo Lineup (Videos)

Kevin Shaw

August 12, 2021

“They did it again!” screamed one commenter as Sea-Doo’s José Boisjoli smiled across the screen. Wednesday’s digital reveal of the brand’s 2022 lineup introduced enthusiasts to several new and exciting products certain to lure in first-time and returning customers; but what caught the ire of this viewer (and definitely several others) was the few-yet-significant tweaks and additions to existing models that had only just been released a year or two before.

Ranging from the mundane to the magnificent, these improvements were worked into the 2022 batch to better refine and polish the product line. Although chatter speculated on the redesign of the now 8-year-old Sea-Doo Spark (MSRP $5,699), it returned as-is for 2022, save for some smartly reconfigured coloring: Lava Red and Orange Crush or Reef Blue and Manta Green; and a bold Lava Red and Black combination or new Dazzling Blue and Deep Black for the Trixx (MSRP $7,899).

For 2022, the GTI family of Recreation segment watercraft adds to the platform’s already impressive versatility with the addition of the optional iDF (Intelligent Debris Free) system. In fact, the iDF technology, which reverses the pump’s thrust in a 12-second burst in order to clear clogged intakes, has found its way into nearly every Sea-Doo this year (but more on that later). Of course, all 130 and SE-equipped GTI’s can be optioned with the 100-watt BRP Premium Audio system too.

Colorings for the GTI 90 (MSRP $9,299) and base GTI 130 (MSRP $10,299) are Reef Blue on White as the GTI SE 130 (MSRP $11,099) and GTI SE 170 (MSRP $11,699) can be purchased in either Coral Blast and Eclipse Black or bright Neon Yellow. Segueing into the Tow Sports segment, the Wake 170 (MSRP $12,499) returns as-is save for its new Neo Mint livery. Equally, the full-sized Wake Pro 230 (MSRP $16,499) comes in the same hue, but also can be optioned with iDF and the app-compatible 7.8-inch wide full-color display, which can sync to your smart phone via the BRP GO! app.

The cause for the initial outburst we witnesses was the announcement of the aforementioned panoramic 7.8-inch wide, full-color LCD display, now optional on all RXT-X 300 (MSRP $17,499) and RXP-X 300s (MSRP $16,099) for 2022. The infotainment dashboard has been highly sought after as a retro-fit for other units, and Sea-Doo’s announcement only rubbed the proverbial salt in the wound. Making matters worse, was the reveal of the absolutely sinister Premium Triple Black color scheme for the two X-series machines.

Millennium Yellow does carry over for both models as the standard color as well as being the sole offering for the GTR 230. No other changes were made for 2022, which is fine considering the RXP-X goes 0-50mph in under 3 seconds and the RXT-X still rockets from 0-to-60mph in just 3.6 seconds. Yet, if you want the inked-out look with less frills, Sea-Doo’s GTX lineup returns in Eclipse Black all optional with the BRP Premium Audio sound system and the push-button iDF system.

All three iterations – the naturally-aspirated GTX 170 (MSRP $13,399), the supercharged GTX 230 (MSRP $14,399) and the everything-but-an-X-Series GTX 300 (MSRP $16,099) can be dutifully equipped with enough options to make a luxury car blush. But it’s the new GTX Limited 300 (MSRP $18,299) that really gets the king’s ransom with standard features like iDF, the 7.8-inch full color LCD app-ready display, the organizer bins for its 25.3-gallon (96 L) central cargo compartment, and its Metallic Sage and Liquid Titanium coloring.

And in a normal world, that would be enough for most folks…but Sea-Doo isn’t like “most folks” and instead chose to create a whole segment from its single Fish Pro. Now there’s three levels of PWC fishing supremacy available to the enthusiast: the 2022 Fish Pro Scout 130 (MSRP $13,899) in White and Gulfstream Blue; the Fish Pro Sport 170 (MSRP $15,899) also in White and Gulfstream Blue; and the top-of-the-line Fish Pro Trophy 170 ($17,799) in Shark Grey and Orange Crush.

Each of these comes standard with the iDF Intelligent Debris Free pump system, a 13.5-gallon cooler, a specially-designed Fishing Bench Seat, a unique “trolling mode” set into the Intelligent Throttle Control software allowing each units to toggle through trolling speeds up to 8mph; and a multifunctional Garmin ECHOMAP GPS & Fish Finder with accurate marine navigation, bright and clear display, mid-CHIRP technology, and more.

While the GTI-based Fish Pro Scout employs a Rotax 1630cc producing 130-horsepower, the larger ST3-based Fish Pro Sport 170 and Trophy 170 also include a few more features, namely angled gunwale footrests; front rod holders and cup holders; and an extended rear platform providing another 11.5 inches of length and a second set of LinQ attachment points. The Trophy 170 comes with all FishPro Sport 170 features, as well as a quick-connect live well and integrated washdown, an all-new Modular Swivel Seat, an anchoring system, a new advanced battery system, and the 7.8-inch full-color LCD display (optional).

So we’re done right? That wraps it up? Nooope. Sea-Doo just rolled out its whole new segment of Switch Series of Sea-Doo pontoons. These jet-driven tri-hull pontoons offer platforms ranging from 13-footto 16, 18, 19 and 21-feet in length. Made using BRP’s Polytec2 material, the center hull encases the 1630cc ACE engine, producing either 100, 170 or 230-horsepower. At speed these vessel ride on the center keel, the outside pontoons acting like outriggers.

While this is super-cool in its own right, the ultra-adaptable modular deck allows for customized seating and accessory integration. Literally comparing it to Lego bricks, BRP demonstrated how the deck can be fitted with a variety of benches, tables, captains chairs and every LinQ accessory in the catalog – each securing firmly to the deck using the new 16-inch Modular LinQ Tiles. You literally can design and construct your own custom configuration – truly making your Switch pontoon your own.

Three tiers of the Switch are available: the base Switch (MSRP $17,999) comes in at either 13, 16 or 18-feet in length, and produces 100-horsepower. The Switch Sport (MSRP $23,999) comes in at either 13, 18 or 21-feet in length, and can be optioned with either 170 or 230-horsepower, and comes equipped with a quick-attach inflatable holder for tube storage, rearview mirror and Sea-Doo exclusive Ski Mode; available in either Caribbean Blue, Neon Yellow, Coral Blast. Lastly, the Switch Cruise package “takes the party up several notches” with included additions like a collapsible Bimini top, swim platform, sound system, navigation and more seating and tables.

The Cruise (MSRP $26,999) is available in either 18 or 21-feet lengths, as well as a choice of powertrains: 100-horsepower (18-feet), 170-horsepower (18 and 21-feet), and 230-horsepower (21-feet); and is also available in Caribbean Blue, Neon Yellow, Coral Blast. It’s also important to note that every Switch pontoon is equipped with a Sea-Doo-inspired handlebar setup, which includes BRP’s iBRP brake-and-reverse system, iControl and innovative iDF pump-clearing system. Oh yeah, and every Switch comes with its own trailer if you were needing that extra nudge off of the fence.

All of that is to say that Sea-Doo was not planning on resting on its laurels any time soon. Rapidly expanding its Fish Pro line into a series of three machines, integrating advanced infotainment systems (and the GO! phone app) into a wider selection of runabouts and of course, flipping the recreation pontoon boat market on its ear seems to be “all in a day’s work” for Sea-Doo.

Please see the complete photo gallery below. All new product videos are beneath:

1 of 86

Gallery: 3rd Annual Belly Buster Ride in Lavonia, GA (Video)

Kevin Shaw

August 10, 2021

I’m not gonna lie. I was really not feeling like going to the 3rd Annual Belly Buster Ride. I mean, I wanted to go, but man, I was just wiped out. Having just made made the 11-hour drive home from the 2021 Mudbug PWC Rally less than 4-days earlier, I kinda wanted a break.

Thankfully, the “Chattanooga Fish Pro” himself Michael Brandt wouldn’t let me back out. “C’mon man, it’ll be fun,” he promised. I knew he was right but I was dragging my feet. “Drive down to the shop,” he suggested. “We’ll load your ski onto my trailer and I’ll drive the rest of the way. You can sleep. I don’t care.”

Now feeling guilty, Mike had me on the ropes. So I packed up the 2021 Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 again and headed south to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Besides being an avid fisherman aboard his 2021 Sea-Doo Fish Pro, Michael is also a talented metal fabricator and owner of Garage Bound, LLC. Whether it’s basic metal repair, custom welding or fabricating one-off off-road chassis for 1940’s Cadillacs (no, I’m not kidding), Michael pretty much does it all.

With a house butting up to a quiet shady finger of the Tennessee River, Michael started documenting his fishing adventures from his Sea-Doo to Instagram. Soon his “Chattanooga Fish Pro” account was chocked full of shots of bass and catfish, and getting the attention of American PWC fishermen. Although his boxer, Tiggy is perpetually at his side (even on the Fish Pro), he would be sitting out this adventure.

Using his forklift and a custom skid that Michael fabricated, we hoisted The Watercraft Journal’s 2021 Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 onto his trailer, fueled up his massive rig and began the roll into Georgia towards Lavonia.

Put on by the Carolina Watercraft Club (with a lot of participation with Pro Watercross), the Belly Buster Ride is an annual charitable event that draws in recreation riders from several states around to enjoy the beauty of Lake Hartwell as well as take in some exciting PWC racing action.

Sharing the weekend with the official Lake Hartwell stop of the Pro Watercross National Tour; the Belly Buster Ride temps enthusiasts with a gorgeous location, an awesome half-day ride, and an incredible 600-pounds of BBQ pork ribs severed for dinner.

If that wasn’t enough to lure you, the Belly Buster crew hosts a huge raffle giving away thousands of dollars in prizes including a one-of-a-kind custom built Sea-Doo XP. Of course, all of this is to fuel an amazing charitable effort that during this weekend, raised over $5,400 for the Frank Trottier Foundation.

Arriving at the Tugaloo State Park, we pulled into the race venue to check in. The pits were packed with massive race trailers, rigs and team tents; Farthing Racing, Snyder Built, and Broward Motorsports just to name a few.

Michael, anxious to get a little water under his hull, insisted we circle back around to the access ramp and launch our skis. Only slightly familiar with Lake Hartwell, I agreed that we should probably burn a little fuel just to get our bearings and opted for a northwestern route up the winding lake.

Lake Hartwell sits right on the dividing line between Georgia and South Carolina; in fact, this stop on the Pro Watercross Tour is likely the only race to have spectators watching in-person from two states simultaneously.

Our route took us from Gumlog, where the race course was set, above where the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers meet, up towards the Traveler’s Rest historical stagecoach inn and plantation home built back in 1815 hidden in the nape of the Appalachians. The surrounding hills encroached as the lake narrowed to a river. We passed by thin islands sprouting walls of high grass until we reached Tugaloo Bend less than a mile below Yonah Dam.

The Tugaloo had thinned into a wide stream, and we could see trout swim in the crystal clear water below us. The current was strong and pushed us south as the creek bubbled over large rocks above. “We’ve reached the end of the line, Michael,” I yelled and he agreed. Massive oaks and leafy holly trees lined the river, blanketing us in cool shade as we journey back the route we came.

I stopped at the crumbling pylons of a long dismantled trestle running alongside Prather Bridge, once connecting Stephens County, GA and Oconee County, SC. It was mid-afternoon when we spotted the brightly colored buoys of the Pro Watercross racetrack. Michael’s naturally aspirated 170-horsepower Fish Pro was far more miserly on fuel than my supercharged RXP-X, so we opted to splash a few gallons of fuel into the purple Sea-Doo’s tank.

We eyed some other watercraft milling about and asked what was going on. “We’re thinking about making a quick fun run up to the waterfall, you guys wanna join?” one of the Carolina Watercraft Club members invited. “Sure,” I accepted knowing Michael would be more than happy to go out again.

Humorously, our route took us almost exactly the way we had just come, only that prior to veering left to follow the river upstream, we peeled right into a grass-lined dead-end. Rather than turning around, our guides took us up Longnose Creek, beneath the River Road Bridge all the way up to Longnose Falls.

Once the site of an old grist mill, all that remains today is the collapsed tin roof and a grindstone. Pipe can still be seen at the top of the falls where water was diverted to operate the mill. Although I couldn’t find it, the stone chimney from the old home is said to be still standing nearby.

What we didn’t know was that Longnose Creek Falls sits on private property, that is until the owners met us at the top of the falls to shoo us away. After a little swimming, we loaded up our small group of skis and re-entered the Tugaloo. The sun was beginning to dip under the western mountains and the orange sky cast long shadows over the water and we needed to head back into town.

The next day meant preparing for the main group ride; so we refueled both Sea-Doos, as well as the giant Fish Pro cooler with ice and waters. The meeting spot was a grassy cove, and riders filled the shoreline. Expecting Saturday’s ride to venture south, I was surprised to hear, Hey! We’re going to go up to the waterfall! So off we went, a third time up the lake.

This time, our group was significantly larger – well over 35 skis, including a handful of brand-new RXP-X 300s identical to ours. Knowing the route blindfolded by now, I cut wide far outside of the wash made by the group and raced along the opposite side of the channel markers. Fuel really wouldn’t be an issue as the 18.5-gallon tank was topped off that morning and the route was pretty brief (I estimated 42 miles).

A few other supercharged Sea-Doos tried to give chase, but I wanted to get ahead of the pack to grab a few shots. Capturing the passing herd, I leapt from the broken remains of the Highway 123 bridge (now a fishing pier) and followed behind. Sure enough, we wove through the brush and tall grass up Longnose Creek toward the falls – still as impressive as the day before.

Most mingled in the shade, content to chat and socialize. Few waded out into the brisk pond at the base of the falls, fewer hiked up to the top. Having already seen the view from the top of the falls, thought I’d see the view from behind the falls and scrambled up the mossy rocks and peered from behind the backside of water.

Contented and ready to return, we all rode back to the Gumlog Launch to take in some professional jet ski racing. The Pro Watercross Tour provides venues for these athletes from Wisconsin to Florida throughout the season, and it’s incredible to see what these racers can do out on the water. (And make sure to head over to The Watercraft Journal to read our full race recap.)

With that, the Carolina Watercraft Club served up plates of BBQ pork ribs as well as raffled off some amazing prizes to those participated in the ride or who donated to the charity. Michael came home with some goodies, including an official Sea-Doo towel, which was immediately stored in his Fish Pro for future use.

With Father’s Day being that Sunday, we made off early the next morning back to Chattanooga. After swapping the RXP-X back over to my trailer, I bid goodbye to Michael and headed back home – grateful that I didn’t back out. The Belly Buster Ride isn’t just a great day on the water with awesome people, but a genuinely special event that donates its proceeds to a worthwhile charity. If you can’t go but want to help, please visit the Carolina Watercraft Club on Facebook to learn how to participate.

Additional images and footage by Michael Brandt of Chattanooga Fish Pro

1 of 25

Gallery: Pro Watercross National Tour; Racine, WI

Jessica Waters

August 5, 2021

The 2021 Pro Watercross National Tour is technically over; the next race on August 28-29 in Lake Charles, LA, is billed as the Championship round, the culmination of the season’s six tour stops. With double points at stake, and event champions to be named, and season-wide tour-point standing champions to be crowned, the anticipation is bound to ramp up between now and late August.

Racine, the furthest north of the Pro Watercross tour stops, is a great race site, and normally a fairly well-attended, popular stop on the tour. This year, however, despite a decent turnout, bolstered by a good showing from local and regional racers, there were some missing faces – many of whom are tour champion contenders, if not points-leaders in their classes.

Despite the notable absences, though, the Racine weekend provided plenty of race intensity, some condition switch-ups that kept things interesting for spectators and racers alike, and some strong showings from some of the newer names to the game.

The Pro-Am Ski GP class staked down the largest lineup of the weekend, with nine racers set behind the band, despite the absence of three of the four points-holders in the class. Headed into Round six, Deven Farthing led the pack with 208 points, a lead he held onto with a third-place overall finish at Racine (2, 6, 2) to bring his tour points to 319. However, following the Hartwell race, Matthew Richuk as close on Farthing’s heals with 199 point, followed by Jimmy Wilson with 187.

Neither Richuk or Wilson attended the Racine tour stop, and Camden Powell, who now holds 206 points following his 6, 7, 3 weekend at Racine. Richuk held onto their place in the tour points chase, and much of the attention that was focused on the competition between Richuk and tour veteran Jimmy Wilson at Hartwell shifted to the battle at Racine between Mike Klippenstien (3, 2, 4) and his young protege, Ryder Wildeboer (1, 1, 1) With Double points on the line in Lake Charles, the Pro-AM Ski GP 2021 Champion is far from settled.

Pro-Am Runabout Box Stock was another class that put up some tough racing, with some great racing by both Arnold Martinez, who took the overall top podium spot for the weekend, and Brad Bohat, who landed on the second podium step even after two first-place finishes with a rough Moto 2.

However, all three of the top tour points holders were absent at Racine, with Troy and Tory Snyder, as well as Seth Nama, missing from the lineup. Season-long tour point standings heading into the National Championship, however, remain unchanged from the post-Hartwell trio of Tory Snyder (300), Troy Snyder (260) and Seth Nama (140) due to both Bohat and Martinez having missed out on most of the 2021 tour stops.

In Pro-Am Ski Stock, all three of the weekend’s motos posted up matching results, with Ryder Wildeboer (1, 1, 1) taking the weekend’s top spot, Jeb Zarzour (2, 2, 2) taking second, and Alex Anderson (3, 3, 3) taking the third spot. Headed into the National Championship, sporadic and low turnout for the class leaves Tour Points leader Zarzour with only 113, followed by Wildeboer and Richuk tied at 60 points.

Sport Stock was again one of the most attention-grabbing classes, and none of the top tour point holders were missing from the lineup. The weekend’s racing ended with Jake Zier (5, 1, 1) taking the top podium spot, Sammy Nehme (1, 2, 4) taking second), and Talan Farthing (3, 4, 2) sneaking past his brother, Deven (4, 3, 3), to take the third podium spot. Tour points in the class stand at Deven Farthing, 319; Sammy Nehme, 215; Talan Farthing, 203.

For complete results from Racine, and up-to-date tour points standings, visit prowatercross.org. Visit www.watersedgephoto.online for additional race images from Racine and prior tour stops.

1 of 35