When you walk into RideNow Chandler, it doesn’t take long to figure out the crew really loves what they do. And now, Sea-Doo has made it official — naming the Arizona dealership Sea-Doo’s 2025 U.S. National Dealer of the Year for personal watercraft and pontoons.

The announcement came during BRP’s Club BRP dealer event in Boston, where top retailers from across the country gathered to celebrate a year of record-setting sales and service. For RideNow Chandler, though, this one meant a little more.

“This one really feels good because it shows the effort our whole crew puts in,” said General Manager Jon Lester. “We’ve got a team here that shows up every day ready to take care of people — whether that’s helping them pick out their first Sea-Doo or making sure their gear and service are spot-on.”

Over on Instagram, the Chandler team summed it up simply: “We are pleased to announce that we were named the BRP National Sea-Doo Dealer of the Year! We’re truly honored by this …” And for good reason — this isn’t just another plaque for the wall. It’s recognition of excellence across the board: sales performance, service training, aftermarket growth, and customer experience.

If you were roaming the pits or soaking up the vibes at last year’s IJSBA World Finals, there’s a good chance RideNow Chandler caught your eye — not just as a manufacturer dealer, but as a community hub. In December 2024, RideNow Chandler hosted the very first Personal Watercraft Owners Convention, organized by the IJSBA.

Originally, the Owners Convention had been slated to take place alongside the 2024 World Finals at Lake Havasu, but when the Arizona heat got the best of that plan, IJSBA moved it to RideNow’s indoor facility in Chandler — about 200 miles east of Havasu.

The event itself was a smaller, more intimate gathering of riders, racers, and industry pros. Held inside RideNow’s spacious showroom, it was designed explicitly as a planning session for the 2025 Owners Convention — a brainstorming space for the competitive and recreational sides of the sport to come together, trade ideas, and help shape what future PWC community events should look like.

IJSBA described the day as a “bridge” between racers and everyday riders, with local clubs, vendors, and brand reps joining in. RideNow kept things relaxed with refreshments and swag, while sponsors like Hot Products kicked in prizes. Attendance was modest, sure — but for a first-time event pulled together at the tail end of the season, it set the tone for something that’s now taking root at this year’s World Finals in Havasu.

Fast forward to today, and the 2025 IJSBA World Finals are officially underway. Many of the ideas first floated at that Chandler convention — like improved owner amenities, hospitality areas, and organized recreational activities — are showing up in this week’s programming. In that sense, RideNow Chandler didn’t just host a meeting; they helped chart the next chapter of how the PWC community connects.

And really, it’s that same spirit of involvement and community focus that likely helped earn RideNow Chandler its newest distinction as Sea-Doo’s 2025 U.S. National Dealer of the Year — proof that when a dealership invests in its people and its riders, the results ripple far beyond the showroom floor.

For dealerships, being crowned Sea-Doo’s “Dealer of the Year” isn’t just bragging rights — it’s a calling card. Customers see that logo on the door and know they’re walking into a shop that does things right. It builds trust, helps new buyers feel confident, and gives longtime owners another reason to keep coming back.

It also opens a few behind-the-scenes perks. Often, award-winning dealers can see increased manufacturer support, marketing collaboration, and access to promotional opportunities. Beyond that, the honor tends to provide a morale boost across the team.

RideNow Chandler now joins an elite lineup of previous Sea-Doo Dealer of the Year winners like HK Powersports in New Hampshire, who earned the title last year. HK made waves around the Lakes Region by building its reputation on customer relationships, reliability, and community involvement — proof that this award isn’t just about selling units, but about doing right by riders.

And that’s really the takeaway here: when Sea-Doo recognizes a dealership, it’s rewarding more than just numbers. It’s about consistency, attitude, and a culture that puts customers first.

For RideNow Chandler, this recognition is the latest milestone in a long run of success. As part of the larger RideNow network, they’ve already built a name for themselves in the Phoenix-area boating community. The award just puts a spotlight on what regulars already know — that this team is the real deal.

And while RideNow Chandler was honored as Sea-Doo’s U.S. National Dealer of the Year during the Club BRP dealer event in Boston, north of the border, Banner Recreation and Marine in Kelowna, British Columbia, received the same prestigious accolade for Canada. This recognition underscores Sea-Doo’s commitment to excellence across North America and celebrates dealerships that exemplify the brand’s values and dedication to the PWC community.

Banner Recreation and Marine’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by the Canadian market’s seasonal nature. Operating in a region with a shorter riding season, Banner has excelled in providing exceptional service, fostering community engagement, and maintaining strong sales performance throughout the year. Their success story mirrors that of RideNow Chandler, demonstrating that regardless of geography, a focus on customer satisfaction and community involvement can lead to outstanding results.

Both dealerships’ recognitions highlight Sea-Doo’s overarching strategy to support and celebrate its dealer network, ensuring that top-performing dealerships are acknowledged and empowered to continue their excellence. These accolades not only honor the dealerships but also reinforce Sea-Doo’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaged PWC community across North America.

So if you’re in the area and thinking about a new ski or gearing up for next season, chances are the Sea-Doo National Dealer of the Year has exactly what you need.

If you’ve ever been to Kachemak Bay, you know it’s one of those places that feels almost too wild to touch — steep green cliffs, glassy water, otters bobbing in the kelp, and a whole lot of Alaskan quiet. For more than twenty years, though, there’s been one sound you wouldn’t hear echoing across the bay: the braaaap of a jet ski.

That changed in a big way this fall, when the Alaska Supreme Court struck down a lower court ruling that had kept personal watercraft (PWCs) out of the bay’s critical habitat areas. In plain English: the state’s highest court just said, “Yes, jet skis are allowed in Kachemak Bay.”

The backstory goes way back to 2001, when Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) banned PWCs in Kachemak Bay and the nearby Fox River Flats, citing concerns for wildlife and sensitive habitat. Fast forward twenty years, and the machines themselves had changed dramatically — cleaner, quieter, less intrusive. Under Governor Mike Dunleavy’s administration, ADF&G revisited the ban in 2021 and decided it no longer made sense to keep it.

That’s when the legal tug-of-war began. Environmental groups sued, claiming the state didn’t have the authority to lift the ban and that doing so would violate the laws protecting those habitat areas. As covered by WCJ, a lower court agreed with them in 2023, putting the brakes on again. But in September 2025, the Alaska Supreme Court reversed that decision — and did it unanimously.

The justices said the department not only had the power to create the ban, but also to change or repeal it as conditions evolved. They even pointed out that technology and science had come a long way since the early 2000s, and it’s perfectly reasonable for an agency to adjust its rules to reflect that. In other words, state rules aren’t meant to be frozen in amber throughout the decades.

To riders across Alaska, this felt like a long-overdue win — not just for access, but for common sense. To conservationists, it was a worrying signal that long-standing protections could be undone too easily. And to everyone watching, it was a reminder that jet skis have always had a complicated relationship with environmental policy.

Not The First Battle Over PWCs — And Definitely Not The Last

This isn’t the first time PWC access has been fought out in courtrooms or council meetings. Similar debates have popped up all over the map. California’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary still keeps PWCs out, citing wildlife and noise concerns. Up in Washington State, San Juan County’s long-standing ban has held since the late ’90s. On the flip side, lakes and recreation areas elsewhere have eased restrictions as cleaner four-stroke engines replaced the smoky, noisy two-strokes that gave jet skis their bad reputation decades ago.

Some places, like Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, only ban older engines. Others, like Lake Austin in Texas, limit jet ski use on major holiday weekends when boat traffic is chaotic anyway. The pattern isn’t “ban or bust” anymore — it’s more nuanced.

That shift says a lot about where things are heading. Instead of blanket bans, we’re seeing rules that adjust to reality: engine type, waterway use, wildlife behavior, and public tolerance. And frankly, that’s not a bad thing.

Fewer Bans, More Balance

Five or ten years ago, it seemed like every conversation about PWCs and the environment started with restrictions. Today, the tone has mellowed. While there are still a handful of local or seasonal bans being discussed, there’s no major wave of new prohibitions sweeping the country. In fact, cases like Kachemak Bay suggest a slow but steady shift toward moderation.

There are a few reasons for that. For one, modern personal watercraft are simply better neighbors. They’re cleaner, quieter, and far more fuel-efficient than the rowdy two-strokes of old. That means the data that once justified outright bans doesn’t always hold up anymore.

Public attitudes have also evolved. Instead of a “keep out” mentality, many communities are trying to strike a balance between recreation and conservation. Parks departments and wildlife agencies are increasingly looking for ways to manage access responsibly — with distance buffers, speed limits, or no-wake zones — rather than forbidding PWCs altogether.

And even as interest shifts back toward stand-ups — with riders restoring classic two-stroke skis or falling in love again with that light, nimble style of riding — the burden’s on the community to make sure that passion doesn’t undo the progress that has been made. Jet skiers themselves can play a big role here: by self-regulating, being considerate on the water, and staying mindful of environmental impacts, the PWC community can show that responsible riding and habitat protection can coexist. Working with local authorities and environmental groups, rather than against them, helps keep the conversation open and the water accessible.

Finally, there’s a broader political movement pushing for less regulation in general, especially in outdoor recreation. The Alaska decision echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that agencies should have flexibility to update their rules as technology and society change.

Why This Ruling Matters Beyond Alaska

Even if you never plan to ride in Alaska, this decision could ripple far beyond the Last Frontier. The court’s reasoning — that agencies must have the authority to revisit old rules as conditions change — might influence how similar cases play out elsewhere.

For riders, that means bans set decades ago might not be permanent if modern evidence supports lifting them. For regulators, it’s a reminder that any rule change, whether tightening or loosening restrictions, needs a solid, science-backed record to stand up in court.

And for conservationists, it’s a wake-up call: environmental protection laws can’t just rely on inertia. They’ll need to evolve alongside technology and recreation trends if they’re going to hold up in the long term.

The Takeaway

It’s not a free-for-all, and it’s not the end of environmental oversight. But the trend is clear: we’re moving toward smarter, more flexible regulation — not blanket bans.

Expect to see more lakes and coastal regions adopt middle-ground policies: specific zones for PWCs, seasonal restrictions during nesting or migration, and continued phasing out of older, polluting engines. The goal now is to keep waterways open, clean, and safe for everyone — otters and riders alike.

And if the Kachemak Bay decision proves anything, it’s that the conversation around PWCs is still evolving. The machines have changed. The science has changed and the rules may be starting to catch up.

Reputation Rehab

This kind of ruling — restoring access, recognizing changing tech, respecting both nature and recreation — can help shift public perception of jet skis from being part of the problem to being part of the solution. But — and this is a big but — that shift only sticks if riders avoid the kinds of headlines that feed the worst stereotypes: reckless riding, ignoring safety zones, harassing other users (or wildlife), hit-and-runs, etc.

Recent news shows that it’s now always forward momentum on that front:

• In Mission Bay, San Diego, a 12-year-old girl, Savannah Peterson, was killed when she was struck by a jet ski going far above the speed limit in an area meant for slow or no-wake travel. Her family’s lawsuit highlights how signage, enforcement, and separation between swimmers/paddleboarders and faster watercraft might have prevented the tragedy. NBC 7 San Diego+1
• In Lake Grapevine, Texas, an 18-year-old kayaker, Ava Moore, was struck and killed by a PWC over Memorial Day weekend in what’s being investigated as a hit-and-run. The operator fled the scene with another person; there’s anger, grief, and outrage — and it’s exactly the sort of case that reinforces fears that jet ski operators can act irresponsibly. Midland Reporter-Telegram
• There have been numerous local complaints (for example in Lake Clarke Shores, Florida) of jet ski operators ignoring speed limits, making excessive noise, getting too close to swimmers or docks, and harassing other boaters. These kinds of reports may not always result in fatalities or legal cases, but they shape the narrative. Lake Clarke Shores, FL

If the PWC community can clean up the worst behaviors — stay out of swim zones, respect speeds, avoid harassment, don’t flee after collisions, watch for wildlife — then rulings like the one from Alaska might do more than just change laws: they might begin to change hearts and public trust.

Broward Motorsports, with multiple locations across the region and a reputation for excellence that stretches from Miami to Palm Beach, has built themselves into a true powerhouse in the personal watercraft world. Their Ft. Lauderdale store in particular has long been a hub for riders who want the best machines at the best prices, and right now, they’ve got something special lined up for the fishing crowd: a brand new 2025 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy 170.

Sea-Doo’s FishPro line has carved out its own little subculture in the PWC world, and the Trophy 170 sits at the top of that pyramid. Powered by the proven 170-horse Rotax 1630 ACE, it’s got all the muscle you need to run offshore or cruise the inlets without breaking a sweat. But what makes it truly shine for jet ski anglers are the little details: a tricked-out fishing cooler that converts into a livewell, a modular swivel seat so you can get comfortable while you wait for that bite, and a factory-rigged Garmin 7-inch touchscreen with GPS and fish finder built right in. It’s the kind of setup that makes chasing snapper, grouper, or even mahi off the reefs less of a guessing game and more of a guaranteed adventure.

And here’s the kicker: Broward Motorsports of Ft. Lauderdale has this 2025 FishPro Trophy 170 priced at just $17,715—that’s a savings of nearly three grand off retail. For anyone who’s been eyeing the FishPro but waiting for the right deal to strike, this is it. While here at The Watercraft Journal we’re more often leaning into the smaller, sportier machines that bring back that old-school, responsive energy, we can’t deny the advantages of a ski like this for serious anglers. For the fishing faithful, it’s purpose-built perfection.

Beyond the sales floor, Broward backs up every ski they sell with strong after-sales support. From factory-certified service and repairs to parts, gear, and accessories, they make sure your investment stays on the water and out of the shop. Financing options and trade-in opportunities also make it easier than ever to get yourself into the right machine, whether you’re upgrading from your current ski or starting fresh.

Of course, the Trophy isn’t the only deal Broward has on deck. Their Ft. Lauderdale showroom is stocked with a wide spread of new and pre-owned skis, and their other locations—Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Tequesta—each carry their own inventory and special offers. So whether you’re chasing fish offshore, craving high-speed thrills, or looking for a solid second-hand ski to get into the sport, Broward Motorsports has you covered.

When it comes to squeezing every ounce of performance out of your Yamaha, GreenHulk Performance has long been the trusted name for riders who demand quality, precision, and real-world results. From performance parts to expert advice, they’re the first stop for serious PWC enthusiasts. Now, GreenHulk is offering the FuelTech Cast Oil Pan ($699), a rugged, high-performance upgrade for Yamaha HO, SHO, and SVHO 1.8L and 1.9L engines.

Riding hard in a high-output Yamaha can put extreme stress on your oiling system. Stock oil pans are adequate for everyday use, but they can flex, warp, or even crack under the demands of aggressive riding, high RPMs, or added aftermarket modifications. That’s where the FuelTech Cast Oil Pan comes in.

Developed in collaboration with elite racing teams, including the builders behind Jose Luis’s record-breaking 142mph jet ski, this oil pan is engineered to solve one of Yamaha’s biggest performance hurdles: oil cavitation at extreme horsepower and RPM.

Crafted from precision-cast aluminum, this pan is engineered for strength, durability, and heat management. Its thicker walls and reinforced design resist warping, and its internal baffles help maintain consistent oil flow. The result? Your engine gets the lubrication it needs, exactly when it needs it.

Even minor lapses in oil delivery can cost horsepower—or worse, damage a high-performance engine. The FuelTech Cast Oil Pan ensures your Yamaha stays fed with oil under every condition, from choppy lake runs to top-speed runs on the open water. For riders pushing the limits with performance mods, a reliable oil pan isn’t just an upgrade—it’s peace of mind.

KEY FEATURES:

Boost Capacity: Holds up to 10 quarts for longer oil life and rock-solid levels at high RPM.

Advanced Design: Endurance-tested directional flaps + 90° high-volume suction tube = consistent oil supply when you need it most.

Built to Last: Heavy-duty cast aluminum construction doubles as a structural reinforcement for high-horsepower stress.

Easy Maintenance: Bottom drain plug allows for complete oil removal during changes.

Read the full release below:

Most of the time, when we talk about riding personal watercraft, it’s about speed. It’s about power, acceleration, snap-you-back holeshots, and who’s the fastest through the buoys. Especially right now — when the countdown to the most competitive, no-holds-barred race in the U.S. is in full swing — the conversation is all about prep, tuning, and finding every last ounce of performance.

But every once in a while, this sport reminds us that it isn’t always about learning something new, passing on the hot tech tips, or chasing down a few extra miles per hour. Sometimes it’s about something completely different. Sometimes it’s about peace.

We were reminded of that while watching a video from Mark Forrest Adventures on YouTube, where Mark takes his ski up Ontario’s Magnetawan River. The footage isn’t about screaming revs or checkered flags — it’s about gliding through glassy water, weaving between tree-lined banks, and soaking in the kind of scenery that feels worlds away from the usual chaos of race prep.

The Magnetawan winds through the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, and it’s one of those stretches of water that feels purpose-built for PWC exploring. Long, calm channels connect with quiet bays. Towering pines and rugged Canadian Shield granite frame the shoreline. Wildlife stirs in the background while the river twists and bends, always teasing you with what’s around the next corner. It’s the kind of ride where you could drop the pace down to a cruise and never get bored, because the scenery is the thrill.

And that’s what makes this sport so unique. A jet ski isn’t just an adrenaline machine. It’s a passport to adventure. It can be as much about serenity as it is about horsepower. It can get your blood pumping on the race course one day, and then carry you into some of the most peaceful corners of nature the next. Few machines blur that line so perfectly.

So while the throttle jockeys are wrenching hard and chasing tenths of a second, it’s worth remembering there’s another side to what we do. The quiet side. The scenic side. The side that reminds you why you fell in love with being on the water in the first place.

If you haven’t yet, go check out Mark Forrest’s ride up the Magnetawan River on his channel here. And maybe this weekend, carve out a ride for yourself that’s not about speed or competition—but about slowing down and seeing just how much beauty your ski can unlock.

Jet ski fans, your movie night just got an upgrade. Hot Water—the action-comedy that splashes jet skiing onto the big screen—is now streaming free on Tubi. Part drama, part comedy, and packed with water-blasting stunt work, it’s the closest Hollywood has come to capturing the wild energy of our sport, even if, like many ‘underdog’ sports comedy films, it plays things bigger, louder, and a little more dramatic than real life.

The story follows Billy Burnett (Glenn McCuen), a young racer with big dreams and no sponsor, who tries to hustle his way into the Pro Jet Ski Tour. Along the way he collides with rival racers, family drama, and a romance with the reigning women’s champ—all while chasing that shot at glory.

For our corner of the world, what makes Hot Water stand out is where it was filmed and who shows up on screen. Lake Havasu City, Arizona — the mecca of personal watercraft racing — served as the backdrop for much of the shoot. Locals might spot Springberg-McAndrew Park, Rotary Beach, Body Beach, (the former) Octane Wine Garage, and even the IJSBA World Finals venue at Crazy Horse Campground. Filming kicked off back in 2018, and the Havasu community embraced it, with businesses, extras, and local talent helping bring the movie to life. Second-unit footage for the film was also captured when the crew visited Miami for a P1 AquaX race.

And then there are the riders. This isn’t just actors on borrowed skis; real pros show up, too. Chris MacClugage stepped in as stunt double for Billy Burnett;  multi-time world champion and freestyle star Mark Gomez was among those who lent their skills to the stunts and cameos; and Tera Leho also contributed to the stunt work on the film, reinforcing Hot Water’s connection to real PWC talent on both sides of the camera and adding an extra layer of authenticity. Footage from the World Finals also sneaks into the film, giving the racing sequences a little more grit and realism.

And in the director’s chair was a name many of us already know: Larry “The Ripper” Rippenkroeger, a former pro jet skier turned stuntman turned director. He’s long carried a passion for telling a cinematic tale of the sport he loves, and Hot Water was his dream project.

Hot Water was set to be in full production during the 2018 World Finals, and Rippenkroeger, along with the film’s stars, made appearances during the World Finals, mingling with the community and filming on site as part of the production’s live-event integration.

So now’s your chance: Hot Water is streaming free on Tubi. And if you’d rather add it to your collection, it’s available to buy or rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.

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

Lake Havasu City may be hot in early October, but Václav “Iceman” Žáček is once again keeping things cool with the 2025 U.S. Freestyle Championship, which kicks off Saturday, October 4. 

Right off the bat, there are two important notes about the event:

First, if you’re a rider with dreams of making it to the IJSBA World Finals at Crazy Horse Campground the following week  – this is your last chance to qualify in the freestyle class.  

Second, if you’re not planning on joining the fray on the water, the event is free to watch. Pack a cooler, grab a spot along the channel, and get ready to see some of the most breath-catching US watercraft action you’ll find.

The gravity-defying main freestyle competition starts at 1:30 p.m. under the London Bridge, featuring spins, flips, and tricks. 

And, at 3 p.m., the Jettrim Best Trick Competition kicks off, calling to mind some lyrics that resonate with some: Look, if you had one shot or one opportunity. To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment. Would you capture it or just let it slip?  In the Jettrim Best Trick competition, some of the top freestylers in the country have one chance to do one trick, no do-overs, no second chances to claim the championship and bragging rights. 

From rookies to veterans, the lineup has a spot for everyone:

Main Competition: Beginner Freestyle / Vintage Freestyle / Freestyle 800 / Freestyle 900 / Freestyle 1200

Best Trick: Beginner Freestyle / Vintage Freestyle / Freestyle 800 / Freestyle 900 / Freestyle 1200

Sub-Classes: Junior Freestyle (15 & under) / Ladies Freestyle (women only) / Veteran Freestyle (45 & up)

Competitors can register now at www.PWCfreestyleUSA.com. Fans can get hyped and follow along on social media:

• Facebook: /pwcfreestyleusa
• Instagram: @pwcfreestyleusa
• Hashtags: #USFC2025 | #PWCfreestyleUSA

Need a sneak peek? Check out the official teaser video to see just how wild it’s going to get.

So whether you’re a rider chasing that final World Finals berth, a veteran ready to throw down old-school style, or just someone who wants to see the Iceman bring the chill to Lake Havasu’s heat, make plans to be under the Bridge on October 4.  

Spectator Tip

The Bridgewater Channel is one of the best natural amphitheaters in the sport. Bring a chair or blanket and stake out a spot along the shoreline for a front-row view of the action. Parking fills up fast near the London Bridge, so plan to arrive early, especially if you want to catch the main freestyle round. Local vendors and shops nearby make it easy to grab food and drinks between heats—so you can soak up the full Havasu vibe while the riders soak up the spotlight.