Brandon Jordan gives his fans what they want and this time he has outdone himself on a brand new 2019 supercharged Yamaha SVHO Cruiser equipped with a four-cylinder, 4-stroke, Super Vortex Output Yamaha Marine Engine. A video posted December 3, 2018 on YouTube features him preparing to head out on an unnamed lake in Florida. Jordan tells us that the water is deep, 15-25ft and 50ft in some areas. He’s out for big bass and he handles them like a boss.
Jordan named the Yamaha WaveRunner “Blue Bae 2.0.” The SVHO is equipped with Yamaha’s Multi-Mount system, which is how the Hummingbird GPS Fish Finder easily installed. The Fish Finder sits in the mount where it’s easy to view and operate. The Yamaha also has standard dual mirrors and many more accessories. The blue machine has sturdy rod mounts as well and Jordan raves about them. He has his GoPro mounted on the bow in order to catch good footage of himself and his surroundings.
The Yamaha SVHO shames some other well known fish ski setups. This machine is a beast. Jordan easily maneuvers it over large chop on the lake in Florida. Though the sun is shining, the wind is blowing at a good clip, which creates the two foot chop. Jordan’s ability to handle the power of the Yamaha SVHO Cruiser helps him deal with the rough waters fairly easily. The SVHO is a powerful machine with a wide hull and it can easily motor through waves. The PWC is also equipped with a No Wake Mode, making it easy to troll for fish.
Jordan’s excitement grows with every fish he catches. He also digs the easy to reach extra large watertight cargo storage, especially when one of the bass swallows the hook. He quickly reaches into the glove box and grabs his needle-nose pliers to pull the hook out of the fishes mouth. Jordan doesn’t skip a beat. He releases the fish and away he goes.
Reading the comments, we found out just how happy Jiggin’ with Jordan’s fans really were. Most were thrilled to see him on Blue Bae 2.0. Why wouldn’t they be happy? It’s always fun when we’re Jiggin’ with Jordan, especially when he shows how well the new Yamaha SVHO adapts to all conditions.
The text message came in at dinnertime, just about a month ago. I normally try to keep my phone off – or at least out of reach – when at the dinner table, but it so happened to be sitting right next to me this night. “Did you hear?” the message began. “There’s a memo going around Kawasaki saying 2022 will be the last year.” I choked down my food and snatched up the phone. What? I typed. Are you serious? After a long pause and an icy glare from my wife, the reply came: “Yeah, it’ll be on Kawasaki’s 50th anniversary. They’re going to make a big deal of it at [World Finals] and then…that’s it. They’re out. No more JetSkis.”
Shocked with what I had just read, I closed out the screen, the phone flicking to black. I dumbly put it down and went back to having dinner with the family. The words they’re out kept clacking inside of my mind like the teeth of gears failing to mesh. That night we exchanged quips about what we thought could save the brand or what we would do if we were in charge, but as is with all conversations like these, it was pointless. I felt like I had just received word that a good friend was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The doctor had issued a “get your affairs in order” timeline and there was little else that could be done.
Is No News Really Good News?
With all of the new products pouring out of Sea-Doo and Yamaha this past August, it’s easy for the dyed-in-the-wool Kawasaki loyalist to feel a little left out. Yes, the build up leading to the new 2017 SX-R reveal was some pretty big news and shined a favorable light on the brand. But that’s really been it – that is, since the 2014 refresh of the Ultra 1498cc powerplant, bringing it up to 310-horsepower. Released simultaneously was Kawasaki’s smartly-executed Jetsounds speaker-and-head unit package. Yet, the industry’s first factory sound system has remained the sole property of the top-of-the-line 310LX JetSki since.
Upgrades to the Ultra JetSki have been consistent, upgrading every 2-3 years, increasing the ever attractive horsepower number with each step. Yet, 2019 marks 12 years since the platform’s introduction in 2007. Considering that Sea-Doo and Yamaha maintain a 8-to-9 year life cycle, the added 4 years can feel like an eternity to some. And not to belabor the point, but the STX-15F is now 16-years-old. Then again, there’s quite a bit for Kawasaki loyals to boast about. There have been no claims of cracked or splitting hulls, intake grates or ride plates tearing from their mounts, failing fuel systems or snapping timing chains. By all observations, there are little to no mechanical failures to speak of.
It’s just that the Kawasaki lineup of JetSkis can feel a little…stale. Worse of all, the data backs up the claim: Although increasing by 11-percent in new product sales in 2018, Kawasaki’s growth couldn’t outpace the growth by its two competitors, resulting in a half-point loss in total market share – from 6-percent to 5.5. This steady decline in market share over the years has been felt by dealerships, who have reduced their annual buys or ceased flooring Kawasakis altogether. In private discussion with two key Floridian dealers, representatives noted a lack of incentive programs and a palatable absence of features on the craft themselves as major deterrents for customers. Both dealers joked that while current model sales were staid, deeply discounted, unsold units from the previous year always moved.
So What Does Sell?
Unlike the previous years following the financial crash of 2009, 2018 showed the personal watercraft industry what people are truly interested in when “times are good.” Going off of the numbers presented to The Watercraft Journal for late July 2018 (concluding the end of the third financial quarter), the Top 3 selling personal watercraft models were the 2018 Yamaha VX Cruiser HO, the 2018 Sea-Doo Spark 3-seater (“3-up”), and the 2018 Yamaha GP1800. Besides the Spark, both Yamahas MSRP well above $11,000 – not to mention one of those being a supercharged, performance-oriented race craft. Add to this the revelation that Yamaha and Sea-Doo both are enjoying massive gains in first-time buyer purchases, and we’ve got some marketable data to work with.
Beginning with the most obvious, Sea-Doo’s Spark is squarely responsible for opening up the Rec-Lite segment. Looking to access a younger, first-time audience, the Spark was the trailblazer into a market that otherwise didn’t exist. Yamaha followed three years later with the EX runabout, and likewise, has seen major gains in the younger and first-time-buyer demographic. Both manufacturers offer their Rec-Lite entries with easy-to-operate braking and reverse systems, a bevy of optional accessories, colors and attachments, and moreover, both the Spark and EX are demonstrably affordable (ranging between $5,199 and $9,299). While long-time customers are great, the future is appealing to new, first-time buyers.
Waitaminute! Slam on The Brakes!
So what is Kawasaki to do if anything at all? Frankly, I had my ideas and most of which required very little in development cost. But like so many times before, it looks like I’m wrong. Just as the text message that started this essay, a phone call just before the end of the year radically flipped everything on its head. “I was fishing off of Dana Point and saw two guys in black wetsuits riding a weird jet ski,” my eyewitness began. “They were the only ones out there because it was so cold. I recognized both Kanamori and Fuzzy. As they loaded up the ski into a truck, I saw it was a little runabout – like a Spark. It must’ve been a prototype.”
Let’s read that again: two of Kawasaki’s best minds – Minuro Kanamori and Craig “Fuzzy” Boyd – were spotted testing a possible prototype Rec-Lite entry runabout. Unfortunately, my source couldn’t snap a picture in time. Now before we fire up the rumor mill any further, it does bear noting that the racks in Kawasaki’s warehouse are full of prototype vehicles that will never see the light of day. That being said, the logic of developing a Rec-Lite entry doesn’t jive with the aforementioned “doomsday notice.” Why spend the money in shaping and testing a new runabout if you’re 3 years from closing up shop? The math didn’t add up – and I’m happy it didn’t.
Here’s the kicker, I knew Kawasaki was already up to something – I just didn’t know when. Years back, during our exclusive press introduction to the 2017 SX-R JetSki, then Kawasaki Product Manager Dave Oventhal hinted towards Kawasaki’s attention on the Spark as well as developing an on-water braking/reverse system. This was back in April of 2017, some 18 months ago. In the interim, Sea-Doo released the Trixx (and now Trixx 3-up), and Yamaha its new EXR giving Kawasaki quite a bit of catching up to do if they wish to compete with the other two Rec-Lite entries.
Hope Springs Eternal
Now, the biggest outlier for us in contemplating a possible Rec-Lite runabout from Kawasaki was where the engine could come from. It’s no secret that the SX-R borrows heavily not just from the STX-15F but from a wide swathe of Kawasaki’s parts bin. What would go into this unit? The current 1498cc is simply too big, too heavy and admittedly, and too powerful (at 160-horsepower) for a proper Rec-Lite entry. Rather, a naturally-aspirated 998cc, 112-pound 4-cylinder four-stroke shared between the H2 and H2R superbikes seems like a good idea – except that it’s making 140-horsepower as-is.
The likeliest candidate may also be one that hasn’t been considered until now. Kawasaki also has a DOHC 812cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 3-cylinder making 47-horsepower and 47 foot-pounds of torque at 5,500rpm – a number well below the entry-level Spark. But a supercharger can quickly bump that to 90-horsepower. Similar to Yamaha, we also expect Kawasaki’s Rec-Lite unit to also be made from traditional SMC fiberglass. That places the unit above the Spark and its PolyTec composite hull and deck in total weight, but lends itself to a lower, more stable ride.
Of course, this is entirely conjecture given that I know little to zero hard information concerning this would-be Spark-fighter but we’re happy to see Kawasaki still in the fight. As the American dollar continues to build strength, fuel prices continue to decline and lower taxes continue to let working Joes keep more of the money they earn, the personal watercraft industry will continue to thrive – and that means more opportunity for Kawasaki to wrestle back some of that market share through new and exciting product. I don’t know when it’ll happen, but I’m encouraged by the idea of new JetSki models hitting showroom floors. Best of all, I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
Wanting to rapidly spread the stoke, Yamaha WaveRunners Australia put together two of their best racers – Matt Brunt and Stock & Limited Class Australian Champion Mitch Wayt – on a matching pair of EXR’s and let the two rip. The action was recorded, cut and edited into the video you see below and frankly, everything you’d expect yourself to do when equipped with a 110-horsepower, 540-pound bottle rocket.
Yamaha WaveRunners Australia posted the following with the video, which we included below, saying: 2019 Introduces this Race Ready Pocket Rocket to the already formidable racing line-up of WaveRunners. We let 2 of Australia’s finest PWC Racers take them to the water and tell us what they think.
Getting caught in the roiling white wash of on-coming surf is no joke. Unfortunately, a 54-year-old man died after falling off his personal watercraft into the surf at South Stradbroke Island near the Gold Coast. At the time, the beach was populated, and several persons witnessed the accident, according to a report by NBC News Australia.
Identified as a resident of Hope Island on the Gold Coast, the man was “taken to shore by witnesses who tried to perform CPR but he could not be revived.” Emergency crews were called after reports came in of a man had been pulled from the water with critical injuries. Senior Sergeant Jay Notaro declared that the man had done nothing dangerous and was accompanied by three friends when he fell into the water.
“At that time he was conscious — his friends got into the water because he started to struggle in the water … they managed to pull him to shore,” Notaro said. “He went into unconsciousness. They performed CPR for more than half an hour but he passed away. Members of the public also stopped and provided assistance. I guess this is just a tragic set of circumstances I can’t see anything that would have saved this man’s life.”
The individual was said to be properly adhering to designated go-slow rules and no anchoring for designated areas and has been absolved of any wrongdoing.
We hate to be the ones to say, “We told you so,” but yeah, we totally told you so. Krash Industries is pushing hard to become not only a major, mainstream manufacturer of jet skis, but also break into the recreation market in a way unlike anything we’ve seen in like, y’know 40 years.
To really hammer in the point that Krash is serious about getting you on a new EPA-approved, 50-state legal 2-stroke (yes, you read that right) jet ski, they are now for our Aussie friends, is offering financing as low as $80 per month. That’s cheaper than your cell phone plan, guys.
Krash Industries writes, “The standup jet ski that enthusiasts have been waiting decades for. Completely assembled, ready-to-ride and yours for just $15,500 – finance available from just $80 a week. Send us a message to chat to our team today, and find out when a demo day is happening in your area.”
And since its the dead middle of summer in Australia, Krash Industries is welcoming tire kickers and test riders out every since Thursday evening all month long to try out the latest ready-to-ride jet skis! Here’s the official announcement:
Come and join the Krash Industries team each Thursday evening for our Australian Summer Demo Days!
Test our range of Krash Models to find the ideal PWC for you. Our specialist team will be on hand to answer all your questions.
Demos in Melbourne, Sydney & Gold Coast – locations are weather dependent so please call ahead to book your spot. Please call 03 8595 0922 to book now! Don’t miss out!
It’s difficult to properly project the future, but as one might find, looking back and tracing the trajectory that lead us to where we currently stand is quite easy. History has a way of clarifying how ripples made at one end of the pool can cascade into waves at the other end.
As we spend much of this New Year’s holiday reflecting back on the year and contemplating the future, we also want to take a look back at the personal watercraft industry as a whole; to trace back to those particular makes and models that truly changed the course of the industry, aftermarket and the sport, for that matter.
Obviously, Clayton Jacobsen’s first 1968 Sea-Doo could be included here, but again, we’re looking at impact. Those early Sea-Doos were seen as kitschy toys, not a whole new industry. Likewise, the first Yamaha WaveRunner and Sea-Doo runabouts could be seen as “missing in action,” and to a degree you’d be right. Again, we’re looking at how specific models changed the course of the industry.
Certainly, there will be models that many feel are missing and that is likely true. Yet, we selected these particular machines for their impact both at the time of their release and for the generations that followed. Hopefully, many of you will agree with our selections.
1982 Kawasaki JS550
First introduced in October 1972, Kawasaki’s WSAA and WSAB “JetSki” models were powered by modified 400cc 2-stroke twin cylinder engines. The JS400 was succeeded by the JS440 in 1977, offering more power and performance, and enjoyed popularity for well over a decade. Yet, it was 1982’s JS550 that truly placed Kawasaki’s JetSki on the map. The redesigned “mixed flow” pump spun by more powerful 531cc engine, which came with an industry-first automatic rev limiter – pretty advanced stuff for the time.
These features catapulted the JS550 into the spotlight of performance enthusiasts and the newly created sport of “jet ski racing.” Although a budding series in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, jet ski racing opened up to the widest audience and welcomed the sport’s greatest racers with the JS550. The JS550 continued to improve into the 1990s, when it was finally discontinued.
1993 Yamaha WaveBlaster
Five years into it’s first foray into personal watercraft, the Yamaha Motor Corporation introduced the 1993 WaveBlaster. Contrary to claims that the ‘Blaster was a response to Kawasaki’s X2 single-seater “runabout” first introduced in 1986, Yamaha borrowed more from its SuperJet standup and motorcycle line in developing the “muscle craft.” Powered by a Marine Jet 700TZ, a 701cc two-cylinder, 2-stroke producing 63-horsepower and pushing the craft upwards to 44mph.
The WaveBlaster’s ability to perform acrobatic maneuvers with precision, as well as outpace other runabouts around buoys earned the Yamaha legendary status. The WaveBlaster was only produced between 1993-through-1996 (with an extended production run for Australia until 1998). This is particularly surprising given the ski’s popularity that continues even today, with a vast aftermarket and presence in the racing industry.
1997 Sea-Doo XP
By the time of its introduction, three previous generations of Sea-Doo had worn the XP name. Equally, a previous HX model had first debuted Sea-Doo’s articulated, suspended seat technology. Yet, it was the culmination of these features as well as the redesigned “dolphin-inspired” Coke bottle-shaped hull and deck that gave this particular Sea-Doo it’s iconic status. In fact, much of the XP’s styling carried well past its 2004 conclusion, continuing onto the 2004 RXP (and eventual RXP-X) all the way until 2011.
Many found the hull impressively responsive, fun, playful and most importantly, aggressive, leading to its strong presence on the race course. Moreover, the “Direct Action Suspension” worked to not only soak up shock but also compress during tight turns. Albeit a substantial 90-pounds heavier than its predecessor, its 110-horsepower 782cc engine was a direct carry-over.
2002 Kawasaki STX-R
Possibly the single-most important runabout ever built by Kawasaki, the STX-R was as close as a manufacturer got to selling a truly race-ready machine to the general public as possible. Powered by a 145-horsepower 1,176cc 3-cylinder engine (lifted from the Ultra 150) is fed by triple Keihin CDCV 40 carburetors and a single fuel pump, and features a water-jacketed exhaust system designed to separate cooling water from the expansion chamber, allowing exhaust gases to “flow dry and free from water vapor.”
This, all sitting in the belly of a hand-laid fiberglass hull (borrowing from the 1100 STX DI), the STX-R was stripped down and lightened for greater acceleration and aggressive “race-style” sponsons for more precise handling. All of this made the 2002 STX-R the fastest production-built watercraft on the market – rated conservatively at 63mph. The success of the STX-R has carried on to today – almost completely untouched – as the STX-15F, a testament to the craft’s hull design.
2002 Yamaha FX140
It had truly come down to the wire. Pressures from outside forces were squeezing the PWC industry to either clean up their act or shut down completely. Despite chirping from Honda that a 4-stroke watercraft was soon coming, Yamaha and Sea-Doo were in a neck-and-neck race to announce their 4-stroke runabout first. Both manufacturers learned of each other’s release date and scurried to unveil their 4-stroke watercraft on August 20th, 2001. Media were dumbfounded as to how to attend both events simultaneously.
In the end, beating out Sea-Doo’s GTX 4-Tec by merely a month, the 2002 Yamaha FX140 was first to the market, claiming itself as first. The FX140’s MR-1 was initially based off Yamaha’s successful four-stroke R-1 motorcycle engine, and cut emissions by 75-percent over carbureted two-stroke models of similar horsepower (140). The MR-1 entered the market as a fuel-injected, water-cooled 4-cylinder with double overhead cams, 20 valves (five per cylinder) and independent water-jacketed exhaust manifolds.
2004 Sea-Doo RXP 215
“It’s the first of the real muscle craft,” Greenhulk’s Jerry Gaddis admonished. Although the first supercharged 4-Tec 4-stroke belonged to the GTX SC, bumping the naturally-aspirated 155-horsepower up to 185 thanks to an increased 5-pounds of boost; Sea-Doo turned up the wick for the 2004 RXP. The increased boost pushed the all-new RXP above 200-ponies – a first for the industry – to 215. The two-seater configuration wasn’t fooling anyone, and an optional number plate cover was available shortly thereafter – squarely making it a one-seater.
With a 2.2-second 0-to-30mph acceleration time and a conservative 65.5mph top speed, the 2004 RXP was the catalyst that not only spurred the aftermarket to wholly accept digital fuel mapping, forced-induction and 4-stroke technologies otherwise ignored. This craft, covered in its Candy Apple livery, sparked the creation of the industry’s largest online forum (www.greenhulk.net) but modern PWC drag racing.
2007 Yamaha GP1300R
It was the end of an era. Marking 30 years since the first WaveRunner, the final 2-stroke Yamaha runabout was also one of its most terrifying. There were few watercraft more successful, more speed-hungry than the GP1300R. From 2003 to 2007, the GP1300R reigned as Yamaha’s nuclear option, raking in regional, national and world championships again and again. In fact, the legacy of the GP1300R continues today, not just in the modern GP now carrying its namesake, but also as a darling of aftermarket tuners.
To many, the hull resides atop the pantheon of the best designs from a factory. Slight changes marked the model years; 2003-04 made 165-horsepower and employed power valves. For 2005, power was increased to 170-horsepower and the power valves were dropped as well as welcoming a new jet pump. All were electronically fuel injected and came with bilge pumps. Although slightly heavier for its final year, the GP1300R still reached a GPS-reported top speed of 69-plus-mph.
2011 Kawasaki Ultra 300X
There was a time when the phrase, “It’s Kawi water” was significant. When introduced in 2007, the redesigned Ultra JetSki wielded an industry-leading 250-horsepower and rode atop a truly deep-V hull that broke and bashed its way through waves like a Coast Guard Cutter. A brief horsepower-war ensued between Kawasaki and Sea-Doo, requiring the Big K to up the ante significantly for 2011. Kawasaki worked closely with Eaton to create a true TVS twin-screw, roots-style blower pumping out 17 psi of boost. That’s 54-percent more than was pressed down the throat of the 260-horsepower 260X engine a year earlier.
To produce a true 300-horsepower, the 1,493cc plant also gained new hardened valves, a stronger cam chain, a revised exhaust camshaft and a new double-row oil cooler. Add to that a new 160mm jet pump (replacing the previous 155mm pump) and a new intake grate. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the 300X being Kawasaki’s first JetSki to feature electric jet nozzle trim control and a fly-by-wire throttle body.
2014 Sea-Doo Spark
Perhaps to recent in our collective memory to truly be appreciated for what it is or the impact it has made on the PWC industry, the introduction of the Sea-Doo Spark in 2014 was a major watershed moment. Prior to the Spark, there was no such thing as the Rec-Lite segment. The Spark created that. Previously, the idea of a 90-horsepower, 400-pound 2-seater for $5,000 from the world’s largest manufacturer of PWC was unheard of.
Now, the Spark continues as one of the top 3-selling watercraft year-after-year, and almost exclusively responsible for ushering in a whole new demographic of first-time PWC buyers. Made from a lightweight proprietary PolyTec polymer composite and powered by a marinized Ski-Doo ACE 900 engine, the days of “two skis and a trailer for $10,000” were actually possible.
2017 Yamaha GP1800
We at The Watercraft Journal have heaped quite a bit of praise upon the Yamaha GP1800 and now, GP1800R (the latter of which earning back-to-back Watercraft of The Year awards). Of course, no quantity of accolades from us could match the vast number of podium finishes and world titles that this ski has racked up in its short two-and-a-half years. Add to that, absolutely stellar sales (particularly for a supercharged performance ski), and the GP seems unstoppable.
The hull and platform was designed as a fail safe if the economy were to tank (again like in 2009); meaning all other segments would be shut down and this one hull would have to “do it all” until things got better. Amazingly, through the use of Yamaha’s NanoXcel2 paired with its 1.8L SVHO engine, it pretty much can. We haven’t seen all that the GP1800 can do on the race circuit or on the showroom either, as the new “R” is sure to give the this platform another strong 5-to-6 years.
The short answer is no. Not just no, but ugh, nooo.
Being an international publication, we’ve had to wise up on some various holidays and customs from across the globe; most notably Día de Los Inocentesor Day of The Innocents in English. The Spanish holiday, taking place every December 28th, is akin to the English-speaking April Fool’s Day, wherein the unsuspecting are tricked into believing one thing or another. We at The Watercraft Journal are very fond of April Fool’s and have a long-standing traditionoof publishing a prank article annually. We try to lace each one with plenty of clues or obvious giveaways, but there’s always a few who take the bait hook, line and sinker.
For this year’s Dia de Los Inocentes, Spanish jet ski enthusiast group Motos de Agua was back at its tricks with a post that surprisingly fooled quite a few people across the globe and gained significant traction on social media. It stated:
Confirmed! Tesla Motors has just presented its first 100% electric water bikes, which will begin to market at the end of February 2019 in the USA and Europe, with a power of 260 HP and 18-hour autonomy navigation! Its maximum speed is estimated at about 86 knots [98.9mph] and with an amazing acceleration. It will also include all kinds of technological innovation never seen on a water bike, as a Tesla identity label. The price round the 24.000 € [$27,454 USD], nothing expensive given its benefits! Tomorrow will publish the website to start the pre-booking of these water bikes.
It’s important to consider a few factors before believing a claim. First, the absolutely absurd claim of an American company producing a USCG-legal 99 mile-per-hour personal watercraft is beyond the pale of believably. The second obviously red flag is the claim of an 18-hour charge duration. A claim that even exceeds the current Tesla automobiles. Interestingly enough, the images that Motos de Agua chose to use were of Hungarian Narke’s ElectroJet, a true zero-emissions, electric personal watercraft that we at The Watercraft Journal have been following for quite some time. In fact, it was due to our consistent coverage of Narke’s ongoing development that several knew that the Tesla post was a fake. You’re welcome…
What we find most hilarious is that Motos de Agua listed their imaginary Tesla model almost exactly half of the listed MSRP for the ElectroJet (listed at $49,955). Add to the irony that the true Narke maxes out at 34-miles-per-hour, and you’ve got a dream ski that triples the true top speed for half of the cost! Sadly, the 13-foot, 2-inch Narke is laden with a watercooled, zero-emission electric powertrain pushing the scales at 827-pounds. Interest in an electric PWC has swirled for years, and Narke’s ElectroJet is one of many functioning prototypes to reach near-commercial production. We hope to see it reach the States, wherein we’ll see if such a vehicle has what it takes to appeal to the world’s largest audience.
A word of caution: there hasn’t been a worse mix of gorgeous scenery and absolutely earsplitting garbage music than what you’ll see in the video below. In a partnership with National Geographic Adventure and Alaska Photoventures, this wonder-filled video only teases at the larger, full-length video aired on the NatGeo channel. (We’ve also seen that the full-length video is available for those with Amazon Prime streaming, but have yet to personally find it. Happy hunting!)
To be completely understated, the unmolested nature of the Alaskan coastline is only something that few have witnessed in person – especially via personal watercraft. Emmy nominated filmmaker and adventure photographer Dan Redfield joined fellow Alaskan native and hilarious mustache aficionado Lee Blough to tour the coastline of Blackstone Bay, to explore the massive glacial formations and take in only a fraction of the beauty that was available to them.
Beginning from Whittier, the two ventured northeast to film the massive sheer rock walls and waterfalls before stopping by a nearby beach. From there, they circled further east to Surprise Cove where they were met with turquoise waters and rocky shorelines. Aboard this 2018 Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230, Dan and Lee continued into Blackstone Bay where they were met with the vast glacial wall. Watch it for yourself below:
There’s a bit of a conundrum when it comes to international jet ski racing series. Most folks in the US just don’t seem to care. While the rest of the world might dismiss this fact, it bears noting that the United States of America is the single-largest market for PWC sales in the world. And within that market, Florida is understandably, the largest market within the US. So if you’re a promoter looking to access the largest quantity of spectators and riding talent, beginning in Florida is a safe move. That’s where the USJBSA was born (which later became the IJSBA). And it’s where P1 took its AquaX series.
Recently, UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship held its Grand Prix of Sharjah. For those unaware, UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) claims itself as the “world governing body” of PWC racing. They’ve gone so far as to petition, apply and finally be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is a member of the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF). Heck, the UIM has even signed a Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to “further its range of environmental initiatives.”
If that means anything to you and you’re still reading this, Austrian Kevin Reiterer, one of the most talented and practiced professional ski racers on the globe, took home his second UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship, beating out a field of international racers whom most Americans have never heard of. Here’s the original press release:
Victory Team’s Kevin Reiterer was once again in a class of his own with a faultless performance in today’s final moto in Ski GP1 to win the Grand Prix of Sharjah and seal his second UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship.
Second place went to outgoing champion Quinten Bossche to end the year in third overall, with Raphael Maurin taking second overall in the Grand Prix and overall world championship standings, finishing in third, the final place on the Grand Prix podium going to Anders Keller.
We’re still waiting for our comprehensive coverage from Thailand, there’s still big news coming from the King’s Cup. Recently, the IJSBA announced that a new system will be established to award a new International Rider title during the 2019 King’s Cup event. There’s still quite a few details left to has out but the announcement will work to shoehorn an IJBSA presence into the wildly popular one-time international PWC event.
Here’s the original press release: IJSBA is pleased to announce the creation of a new ranking system and title that will be bestowed to a select few divisions of competitors at the 2019 King’s Cup. The title will be based upon a series of events leading up to the 2019 King’s Cup where competitors, in individual categories, will be given a points system that accumulates through various competitions in: North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Of the several meetings held at the 2018 Kings Cup, the request to develop this end of the calendar year award was regularly seen as a priority. This new ranking system, which intends to acknowledge competitors who challenge IJSBA Sanctioned Races on at least three continents per season, will be measured by a system that takes into account the needs and opportunities of competitors in all of the global regions for consistency.
Please visit IJSBA.com over the next coming weeks as the formula for the ranking is presented in the first draft for comment.