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GoFundMe Setup For Lake Havasu PWC Monument

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As the World Finals get underway at Lake Havasu this week, some members of the community have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a PWC monument. The monument is set to symbolize the history of personal watercraft racing and the positive impact at Lake Havasu.

According to the page, the city officials are onboard with the monument however the donations will add some desired features and to ensure that the monument is built and installed properly.

Donors will be rewarded for their generosity per level tier of donation made. You can read the full gofundme monument description below.

We are raising funds to build a PWC monument in Lake Havasu. This monument will symbolize the love we all have for the sport. Our goal is to educate people that do not realize the deep history this sport has positively impacted Lake Havasu.

The city officials are supporting this monument but we need your support to build it the way we want it. Large steel structures, bolted together will create a 550 standup with a rider (dimension will be a little larger than life). We also want to add a scoring tour with a brief history of the sport in Lake Havasu and the 30+ years the World Championship has been in this town.

We will be offering up different levels of donations tiers:

Gold level: $2000 receives a personalized “brick” around the monument with a thank you and a quote (with approval). Also included is an official letter framed for your generosity paired with a “Gold Level size” 3D replication of the monument as a thank you.

Platinum level: $1000 receives an official letter framed paired with a 3D replication of the monument.

Bronze level: 1‐$999 will receive a thank you email, attached with a file for you to print and hang up to show your efforts of support. All of our supporters are important to us and the info about the monument will be on www.golakehavasu.com on this page we will list all names that have donated.

Videos: Enjoy These POV Lake Powell Canyon Rides

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Many people know that there are opportunities for recreation or organized rides through the Lake Powell and surrounding canyon areas in southern Utah and into Arizona. One such example is the WCWCC annual ride.

For those who have never ventured here or aren’t sure what the ride will be like, there are some YouTube channels which are posting POV videos of the types of experiences you can have when riding through some of these canyons.

One of these channels posted many recent videos on their channel. As seen, you can get a variety of riding conditions from narrow and twisty canyons to open river and lake conditions.

The exposure gives a good view point of what can be expected and just how narrow or shallow some areas can get for the inexperienced destination-seeker. Some warning though, a few of these videos have some explicit language seemingly when the riders encounter a few unknowns.

This ride location is a prime example of one of the nation’s most unique areas and the views alone are staggering. Add in the demanding conditions with narrow walls and crevices, and you have ride experience like no other.

BRP Wins Big At Good Design Japan Awards for 2019

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BRP continues to win award after award this year. 2019 has not been wrapped up yet without BRP scooping up more design awards, this time through the Good Design Japan ceremony.

Once again, the Fish Pro is being praised for its excellent design that offers both adventure and utility. The new Can-Am Ryker road powersport vehicle has also been awarded for design and innovation, in part due to its high level of user customization.

See the whole press release below for more information.

Valcourt, Quebec, October 3, 2019 – Once again, the hard work and passion for innovation of BRP’s teams have been recognized at the Good Design Japan awards. BRP received two prizes in the Automotive and Transport category for outstanding design and innovation. The winning models are: 

  • Sea-Doo FISH PRO
  • Can-Am Ryker

“We are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years and being recognized by Good Design Japan is extremely rewarding for all of us at BRP. This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of design at BRP,’’ said Denys Lapointe, Senior Vice President, Design, Innovation and Creative Services at BRP.

Comments from the Good Design Awards Jury

  • Sea-Doo FISH PRO

“The Sea-Doo FISH PRO is a combination of adventure and utility. It is a personal watercraft with the utility of being a solo fishing water scooter. It combines excitement and versatility in one package. The Fish Pro is full of features designed carefully for fishing. It comes with a fish finder and hook-ups for fish rod holders. The two storage units, one for the fish catch and another for personal belongings including a water proof compartment, adds to the functionality in addition to the possibility of a third storage unit being added. The side footrest design and attention to stability make it possible for the rider to assume any position while fishing. It is true to its function and delivers unique value.”

  • Can-Am Ryker

“Smaller than the conventional products of this brand, its handles and steps can be adjusted without tools, so even shorter people can handle it. While giving a powerful feeling, the frame with an edge gives a sense of agile movement. Part of the body panel can be easily replaced, and attention was also paid to the high level of customizability that allows you to create your own car.”

Potential for another record year in terms of awards for BRP
Last year marked a record year with 15 design awards, and in 2019 BRP has already received three Good Design Australia awards and seven Red Dot awards.

Gallery: Introducing The All-New 2020 Kawasaki STX-160 Lineup

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This is a day that we are more than happy to help ourselves to a heaping serving of crow. Initially, spy photography of the new STX-160 that was leaked to The Watercraft Journal didn’t give us much to get all that excited about. Sure, ergonomics had improved as well as the possibility of Kawasaki’s Jetsounds audio system on the smaller runabout, but apart from that and a few other speculative features, we just weren’t all that jazzed.

Now with the final rollout of Kawasaki’s entirely-redesigned STX platform and the reveal of three new tiers of watercraft, there is a king’s ransom-worth of news to share – all of which is certain to make you strongly reconsider Kawasaki’s Recreation-segment machine. First and foremost, Kawasaki replaces the once 17-year-old STX-15F with either the STX-160, the STX-160X or the STX-160LX.

Beginning from the ground up, the new STX-160 platform is completely redesigned. No, it’s far more than we had predicted and we’re happy to announce that! The reshaped hull is made from lightweight gel-coat finished, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) that features “an integrated floating cell structure.” Sporty yet intuitive, the new hull strikes a balance of old STX and Ultra.

Integrated into the shape is Kawasaki’s Triple Splash Deflector designed to minimize splashing, with aggressive strakes running the near entire length of the craft and sharp-angled chines to improve straight-line stability. The new deck includes a newly-expanded rear platform perfect for re-boarding and carry larger items (like wakeboards or rafts) with ease.

Ergonomically, riders enjoy a taller, more natural riding position with greater room at the knees thanks to a more pinched saddle. Seat designs vary per their respective trim levels: STX-160 has a single-tone, simple shape; the STX-160X is a sportier, black-and-silver bench with lumbar support; and the STX-160LX features a high-backed, heat-resistant stadium-style seat – all of which feature Kawasaki’s new hinged “Slide-and-Lift” rear seat hiding 4.4-gallons of storage.

Speaking of storage, the newly expanded bow stowage grows to 30.1 gallons, as well as a newly redesigned glove box includes a small waterproof compartment perfect for storing smartphones, while two cup holders have been molded into the upper deck, just forward of the steering neck, similar to the previous generation Yamaha FX WaveRunners.

All of the steering necks and handlebars have been redesigned with sleeker, more narrow housings, with the X and LX models featuring new pistol-style hand grips and re-angled bars that taper outward, making for a more natural riding position. New wider-set rear view mirrors provide the rider a larger field of view.

All STX models debut a new large LCD dashboard that is comprised of a speedometer with a bar graph-type tachometer; fuel and instantaneous fuel consumption is clearly visible, as are the hour meter, outboard water temperature and external temperature, maximum speed history, and economic riding indicator – all very welcome additions for 2020.

Kawasaki sought to make every inch of the new STX platform usable space, and in doing so allowed for the new runabout series to swell its fuel capacity from 16.4 gallons to a whopping 20.6 gallons – giving it the largest capacity in its class. Combine that with the STX’s new use of Kawasaki’s electronic throttle actuation system, and you’ve got a full-day’s ride ahead of you.

Typically coined as “fly-by-wire,” Kawasaki’s ETV (Electronic Throttle Valve) removes the mechanical connection between the massive 60mm throttle body and throttle trigger, which reduces fatigue over long trips, and provides a clean, crisp throttle response every time. Best of all, it allows for precise cold-engine idling control, and better fuel mileage.

And prepare to be excited, because Cruise Control comes as standard equipment on all three models. After setting your desired speed, Up/Down toggles allow the rider to adjust their speed on a whim. Equally, all STX’s include Kawasaki’s one-touch 5 mph mode so you can avoid churning up a wake without touching the throttle.

Lastly, all JetSkis include Smart Learning Operation (SLO) Mode, which limits engine rpm to 5,800 rpm, reducing maximum speed 30 percent. Albeit a great option for less experienced riders, it’s also a great tool for maximizing your fuel efficiency. When the Economical Riding Indicator “ECO” symbol lights up you’ll know when you’re operating within the ideal perimeters for optimal fuel consumption efficiency.

The engine itself is a naturally-aspirated version of the superior 1,498cc DOHC, 4-cylinder 16-valve engine powering both the supercharged Ultra models and what was inspired by the Ninja motorcycles. Featuring chrome composite plated (KP) cylinders, they’re lightweight, durable, and quickly dissipate heat away from the combustion chamber.

The 1.5-liter includes an extraordinary semi-dry sump oiling system with proprietary oiling for the most sensitive bearings, and dual under-piston oiling jets. Equally, a unique crankcase venting system prevents oil from entering the intake tract if ever the ski is capsized. A double-walled, water-cooled exhaust manifold helps reduce noise, operating and engine compartment temperatures.

Speaking of engine compartment, the redesign also allowed for a far larger, more voluminous compartment helping lower engine temperatures and to give the conspiracy theorists enough room to speculate whether the 310X’s Eaton TVS supercharger and intercooler could fit inside [no comment –Ed]. There’s also a system that can clean the engine-cooling path with the engine room closed to help reduce the noise during maintenance.

While our reveal of the Slide-and-Lift rear seat came to fruition, the absence of an electronic braking system is a little disheartening. Rather, the lever has been moved to the left, and the injection molded plastic reverse bucket deploys traditionally, pivoting manually from the “high-performance” ride plate.

Ranging between the different trim levels, the LX is noted by its Ebony/Candy Lime Green coloring, two-tone CNC-cut traction mats, and of course, Kawasaki’s 60-watt Jetsounds system as standard equipment, consisting of an 40-watt, 4-channel amplifier, an audio controller, and two 30W speakers placed under the mirrors.

Now connectable via Bluetooth, the USB, and AUX ports are installed in the waterproof storage in the glove box, as the audio controls are integrated into the handlebar pad. Standard for all STX’s, a new rear grip with two grip sections for convenient re-boarding, an automatic siphon bilge system, and Kawasaki’s theft deterring  immobilizer function returns.

The standard-trim, entry-level STX-160 (starting at $9,599 – a staggering $100 cheaper than the previous SX-15F) is available in Gelcoat Crystal White and Sunbeam Red while the Jet Ski STX-160X (with a listed MSRP of $9,999) comes in a very fetching Ebony and Riptide Turquoise livery.

In all, Kawasaki surprised all of us with a complete “white page” redesign of the STX model. While all of us were left in anticipation to see how Kawasaki would revise its longest-running runabout, those at the Big K were certain to make the right changes to unify the JetSki lineup, bring in “just enough” DNA from the Ultras without the STX losing its soul, and introduce a Recreation segment lineup that will hopefully pull the brand back up into the fight.

The Total Package: 2020 Sea-Doo GTR 230 (Video)

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For 2020, Sea-Doo looked to redesign its Recreation segment from the ground up, beginning with a blank canvas from which to start from. Certainly there were things that needed to be included – specifically innovations that first hit the scene on the ST3 platform two years earlier.

While increased stability; integrating the versatile LinQ storage system; and Sea-Doo’s industry-leading Ergolock seating design were all high on the list, research showed that increased storage was first in demand. With all of this in mind, an entirely new GTI platform was designed from square one that would meet the needs for all of the different models – and at top of that list was the supercharged GTR 230.

A quick way to pick up performance is to cut weight, and Sea-Doo eliminated 30-to-40 pounds across six models by making the switch to a second-generation Polytec hull. Durable, repairable (thanks to a new service program rolled out by BRP, more information soon-coming) and completely removable like a Spark, the new hull material surprised many at the 2020 reveal in Las Vegas, this past August.

Next came an all-new powerplant: the 1630 ACE. Replacing the 1500 ACE, the new 3-cylinder produces the same 230-horsepower but does so without having to work so hard thanks to its larger displacement and superior cylinder head port/quench/flow efficiency. An updated version of iBR (Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse system) is super responsive, and offers even better maneuverability in tight spaces. Lastly, a four-and-a-half inch digital display is easy to read and glare resistant.

Available only in Eclipse Black and Neon Yellow for 2020, the new Sea-Doo GTR 230 comes in at 130.6-inches long, making the new GTR surprisingly 2-inches shorter than the previous year’s model (that came in at 132.6-inches long); it’s also nearly an inch taller, and is 49.2-inches wide versus the previous 48.5-inch width. But fear not! The GTR 230’s dry weight of 774-pounds makes it a whole 33 pounds lighter than the previous GTR’s 807-pounds.

And for your all-day riders, you’ll be happy to hear that the new platform increases its “usable space” by 36-percent as well as the GTR swelling its cargo capacity to 42.5-gallons of storage – increasing by 30-percent over the prior 30.8 gallons – a large portion of that gained in the massive glove box, which includes the same padded-and-watertight phone box found in the full-sized ST3 runabouts.

Although not standard equipment, the same 100-watt BRP Premium Sound System has now been repackaged to fit all GTI and GTR models – just as they do for the full-sized machines. The thumb pads too are direct carry-overs from the ST3s, providing easy-to-navigate controls to adjust the dashboard settings, brightness, and selecting the iControl engine tunes – including the innovative SLO mode.

SLO mode acts as a sort of “No Wake Zone” setting, letting the rider toggle up and down from 1mph to 9; all without having to squeeze the throttle trigger. SLO mode also lets you set a maximum top speed, which is great for riders who aren’t as accustomed to a supercharged Sea-Doo as you might be. And of course, ECO and SPORT mode are just two clicks away. Simply press the “MODE” button on the left to select SPORT mode and hold it down a second to confirm your selection – WHAM! off you go!

Small details abound on the new GTR 230 including the redesigned nose guard that includes integrated grips to make pulling your Sea-Doo up onto the beach all the more easier. Molded-in loops near the steering neck make tying up to the dock a cinch; and a hard-mounted tow-eye at the rear is perfect for towing a raft. And if you’re looking to use your GTR for tow sports, all of Sea-Doo’s redesigned Recreation segment watercraft include its complete LinQ mounting system, including the port for the LinQ Retractable Ski pylon.

So whether you’re looking to haul extra gas with Sea-Doo’s 4-gallon fuel caddy, pack a cooler with drinks and snack, or just tote some extra gear to the sand bar, the GTR 230 can do it with ease. This also means that like the larger ST3-based supercharged watercraft, you can remove the backseat for true one-up riding – or use the large rear deck for sunbathing or relaxing, if that’s your sorta thing. And now with two more LinQ options – including a soft-sided dry bag and a new hardcase, as well as the Fish Pro cooler – the GTR, as well as all GTIs, can haul it all.

But for us, the GTR 230 was meant to do one thing: boil water! The new supercharged-and-intercooled 1,630cc ACE motor produces a true 230-horsepower and does do so while running on 87 octane thanks to its lower compression, cast pistons (versus the forged slugs used in the 300-horsepower models).

The larger displacement 1630 ACE – over the outgoing 1500 ACE – gives the 2020 GTR 230 superior initial acceleration, ratcheting up the torque curve to meet right when the boost kicks in – at around 42-miles-per-hour. With half of its 15.9-gallon fuel cell full, we clicked off a peek top speed of 63.1 at 7,700rpm but weren’t able to replicate it again.

If that sounds slower than normal, you’d be right. During The Watercraft Journal’s test session, Sea-Doo’s R&D Project Manager, Kim Ross informed us that these machines were pre-production units and were detuned by 300-rpm across the engine map. When finally ready for the public, we would see a maximum of 8,000rpm and consequently another 2-to-3 miles per hour on average. So don’t panic, you guys.

For us, what made the GTR 230 “the total package” was the integration of Ergolock into the driver’s seat. The narrowed saddle and deep footwells naturally place you up and over the handlebars, ready to snap off a full speed turn. While retaining some playfulness, the new GTR hull is nowhere near as loose as the outgoing shape.

We were wowed with how naturally this Sea-Doo tracked in rough, wind-blown afternoon lake chop. Never once did we feel the nose start to hunt or wander; the machine went wherever we pointed it. This natural tracking characteristic was easily one of its best attributes, together with sharp lifting strakes that run the length of the hull, helping bring the GTR rapidly up to plane.

Interestingly, the bow of the GTR’s hull is convex, curving outward, instead of concave like that of the ST3. This lets the GTR roll gradually into large, sweeping turns as well as navigate through rougher water far more predictably than the larger runabouts. In fact, all of us who piloted the watercraft over the two days of testing parroted the same feeling – and voiced our unilateral preference toward this hull shape over the larger platform.

Of course, the biggest surprise was how well the revised Polytec hull behaved. Given the larger size and 230-horsepower from the 1630 ACE engine, we expected to find the hull wrought with all sorts of unusual behaviors – yet, this was absolutely not the case. Any flex in the Polytec hull was almost entirely undetectable. No unusual sounds, reverberations or rattling was heard either.

As BRP Global Product Specialist Manager, James Heintz explained, was due in large part to the second-generation Polytec’s use of fiberglass stringers running the length of the inside of the hull (what Sea-Doo likes to call a fiberglass “inner skin”), as well as Sea-Doo’s doubling of the Polytec’s overall thickness – from a quarter inch to half an inch thick throughout the entire ski.

This reinforcing effort gave the GTR the much-needed robustness to handle the big increase in power and resistance against torsional forces required while throwing such a machine into the kind of turns we were executing these two days. If the use of Polytec was hindering the GTR’s ability to perform, we simply didn’t see any signs of it.

With an MSRP of $12,399, the 2020 GTR 230 remains one of Sea-Doo’s most competitively priced race-ready machines – it is the lowest entry in their performance segment, after all. Yet, unlike other segment-dedicated runabouts, the GTR 230 is the hot rod that the whole family can enjoy – whether its zipping around the lake, lounging in a cove or traversing down the shoreline for the day – and that’s saying a lot.

How To Ensure You Don’t Order Incorrect Parts For Your Watercraft

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You might know the feeling when you open up an item of clothing that you ordered online only to find out that it does not fit correctly. In today’s world of online shopping, it can sometimes be hard to order the exact item you are looking for.

The same thing is true when ordering parts for your watercraft online. Inspired by a recent projetski article, here is a quick guide to making sure you identify your ski correctly when shopping online for those replacement or performance parts.

Unless you have a special limited-run watercraft model, chances are your make and model name are carried over for many years or decades. Even though the name remains the same, design changes and updates every few years makes it important to know exactly what watercraft you own.

 

For example as we recently pointed out, Yamaha made some unannounced changes to the pump design for 2020 SVHO models. This changes the catalog part numbers for certain items if you are accidentally searching for 2019 and prior model years.

Furthermore for 2020, we know that Yamaha has made some model name changes which may be confusing to some customers. For example, the outgoing VXR name is now the GP1800R HO and the GP1800R will be officially known as GP1800R SVHO.

Those who are shopping for their GP1800R HO will need to be especially careful if they simply do a search for “GP1800R” since this is what the graphic display is on the upper deck portion of the ski.

As a general rule of thumb in order to properly identify your ski, the make and model will be in your owner’s manual. If you do not have an owner’s manual, look at all identifying graphics on the ski and lastly you can search online for the ski which has your particular color scheme and graphics package.

The year of your watercraft is also important and this should be identified either in your owner’s manual or by the HIN (hull identification number) plate affixed to the outside portion of your hull. Generally, the last two digits indicate the year.

Of course, if you have any doubt, you can always consult your local dealer or directly call the parts vendor you are ordering from.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Appoints New President And CEO

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Leandro Iraola, Presidente Grupo Iraola shown with new President and CEO Eigo Konya

“They say change will do you good…” as the song goes, and it’s looking like some big changes are happening at Kawasaki Motors Corp USA. After a little over three years of service as the President and CEO, Yoshi Tamura has returned to KMC’s parent company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan.

This move made it possible for then-General Manager of Kawasaki Motors Shanghai, Ltd., Eigo Konya to fill the position. Konya, a seasoned salesman and strategist himself, expressed his praise for the recent sales growth KMC has been enjoying and looking to dramatically increase its market share in several avenues, including personal watercraft.

Foothill Ranch, CA – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) welcomes Mr. Eigo Konya as President and CEO effective immediately. After three and a half successful years leading KMC to industry-leading retail and market share growth, Mr. Yoshi Tamura has returned to Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan.

Mr. Konya first joined KMC from 2001 to 2007 contributing to record sales revenues in the U.S, which led to his appointment as General Manager of Kawasaki Motors Shanghai, Ltd. Mr. Konya led the team that built the Kawasaki brand in mainland China, establishing the company, developing the sales structure and strategy, growing the dealer network and emerging annual revenue over a five year period.

Returning to KMC, Mr. Konya is excited to continue the success the company has achieved in recent years and looks to continue growing retail sales and market share in the U.S.

“It is a very exciting time to return to KMC,” said Mr. Konya. “Kawasaki has seen fantastic retail growth in the United States thanks to the best dealer network in the industry and new, exciting models each year. I look forward to leading such a top-tier company.”

Mr. Konya will address the U.S. dealer network at the Kawasaki Dealer Business Meeting, October 7-12th, 2019 in Palm Desert, California, where Kawasaki will launch multiple new models for 2020.

Intrepid Cottager’s Tips For Cold Weather Means Warm Clothes

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For many of us, winter is quickly approaching and the temperature is dropping. While the prime conditions for riding a PWC is in warm weather, you can still ride in the winter if you are wearing the proper attire. Here are a few tips from The Intrepid Cottager that you can use to extend your riding season.

One of the first things to keep in mind when riding in cooler temperatures is your exposure of skin. The more skin you cover up, the warmer you will be. This is due to the amount of wind your body experiences when riding. On a nice sunny day, the wind can be nice but after a few minutes of riding in the winter, you are going to want to head back in.

Starting from your head to your toes, wearing a beanie cap or mask will keep your overall body warm and reduce the amount of wind hitting your face. For your body and legs, as with hiking or doing any other exercise, dressing in multiple layers has proven to provide the most warmth. Dressing in layers allows you to take off a layer or two if you begin to sweat. The goal is to have minimal sweat because the wind will quickly make that sweat cold. Leaving you wet and cold.

One crucial piece of footwear you should invest in is wetsuit booties. They act as a wetsuit and will actually keep your feet fairly warm. They are much like a thick sock, which means your feet will still have traction when riding and going into turns.

The last layer you should put on is a hard shell jacket. This hard shell jacket should be windproof and waterproof. Even if you aren’t going to be riding hard, you will still get some mist from gliding across the water. If your jacket is not reflective, consider using a reflective safety vest. In the event of you falling off or becoming stranded, it would allow anyone looking for you to quickly spot you.

A good idea if you are planning on going out riding for a while is to bring a backpack with a thermos of hot coffee. There is nothing better than being out on the water when it is cold, drinking some hot coffee.

Stay Cozy With a New The Watercraft Journal Hoodie This Fall

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Can you believe that it’s October already? Where has the year gone? And while the leaves might be changing to ambers and ochers, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve gotta pack up your PWC – you just gotta start dressing a little warmer. Thankfully, The Watercraft Journal loves you, appreciates you and thinks you’re perfect just the way you are. And that’s why we thoughtfully considered your needs and whipped up this super comfy premium hoodie for you.

Available in four different wintry color options (black, charcoal, azure and navy) you can wear it to and from the dock, or heck even while you’re riding if you’re not planning on getting too wet. With thick white drawcords you can cinch up the hood over your ears, and the thick, open kangaroo pocket works great to warm up your hands after a few hours speeding around the lake. Priced at $39.99, you can pick up your The Watercraft Journal hoodie exclusively at our new TeeSpring apparel store HERE.

And if you’re still enjoying warm temperatures and want to support your favorite personal watercraft magazine that slaves day-in and day-out to provide you the best industry news, reviews, event coverage and more – all at zero cost to you – then try out one of our new WCJ T-shirts. Available in two men’s cuts (Classic and Premium), two women’s cuts (Women’s Classic and Women’s Comfort Tee) and even kid’s sizing, it’s offered in nine colors and priced between $19.99 and $24.99 depending on your choice. They too are sold exclusively HERE.

These make for great gifts too! Shipped directly from TeeSpring, you don’t have to wait for EIC Kevin to get off of his butt to pack ’em into an envelope and drive over to the post office anymore! And they’re made exclusively to order, so we won’t run out of sizes or colors either! Just click the one you want, and there you go! Oh yeah, and we ship internationally without any stupid penalties! We’re international, baby!

Gallery: Broward Motorsports Florida Keys Rec Ride

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With a year of planning and preparations from Adam Williams, Parts Specialist Broward Motorsports Racing/Florida PWC Riders, Sam Nehme Owner Broward Motorsports, and Danny Ayala General Manager Broward Motorsports of Fort Lauderdale, hundreds of riders from all around the state of Florida and surrounding areas were able to experience the Broward Motorsports Rec Ride. The event took place in the beautiful Florida Keys, starting in Key Largo, riding North through the Card sound to North Key Largo, cutting across to the Atlantic to Carys Fort Reef Lighthouse and then back.

The festivities started on Friday with a Meet and Greet. More than 30 riders from various groups drank, ate, mingled, and won tons of giveaways from Broward Motorsports, including anything from Shirts, ShockStraps, Al3rt GPS, SureCan Gas Cans, and BMS lifejackets.

Once past Gilberts Resort, after respectfully honoring the No Wake Zone, now hundreds of skis were able to open throttle and start their journey on choppier waters toward the famous, and stunning Carys Fort Reef Lighthouse. Once there, they were given over an hour for exploring, snorkeling, mingling with friends, and meeting new people. Then it was time to return. But not before grabbing some grub! Riders now made their way back to Gilberts Resort Tiki Bar where they tied up to other skis, enjoyed some seriously good food from Gilbert Resort Tiki Bar.

Safety was of the utmost priority for this ride. Broward Motorsports supplied an aid boat that provided extra fuel, first aid kit, water, and a film crew to document the historic event. There was heavy United States Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife presence throughout most of the route. This was thanks to the collaboration between Broward Motorsports and both agencies, who seamlessly worked together in the best interest of public safety and the protection of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

With close to 100 skis and over 100 people have participated in this unprecedented ride, it can be safely said that the 2019 Broward Motorsports Rec Ride was a huge success. The event was an amazing opportunity to bring riders together to explore new areas and bring commerce to the Florida Keys. PWC riders from all over Florida participated and experienced the beauty, and wildlife the Florida Keys have to offer.

Adam wrote, “Aside from the groups’ hard work and dedication, this event was also possible thanks to our main sponsor Tony Tarell from Al3rt GPS. We also wanna thank Krash Industries, Strong Island Jetski, SureCan, And ShockStrap for their contributions to the Broward Motorsports Rec Ride. To those that attended to the 2019 BMS Rec Ride, Broward Motorsports and Florida PWC Riders, hope you had the time of your lives. And mark your calendars because we will be back again in less than 365 days!”