World Finals in Lake Havasu City is still a season away, but IJSBA is busy making plans. In two announcements over the past week, IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier, announced that, for the first time in 20 years, a land-and-water poker run will be a part of the World Finals week action. He also announced that IJSBA will be hosting a Celebration of Life and a Dean’s Cup 2-heat competition – both of which are dedicated to the late Dean Charrier. More information will be forthcoming on the events.

Read the full releases below:

IJSBA Announces 2025 Poker Run Plan

The International Jet Sports Boating Association is very pleased to announce the return of the poker to the Short Block Technologies World Finals. For the first time in 20 years, participants well be able to enjoy Personal Watercraft based poker runs on water and on land. On Friday, October 10, IJSBA will begin the 2025 PWC Fest and Owners Convention. A land based poker run is planned where participants will be encouraged to visit 5 PWC related businesses in the Lake Havasu City area. On Saturday, October 11, an on the water poker run will be held on the lake itself. For both poker runs, participants will visit special unmanned stations and take a personal with a marker depicting the site sponsor. These selfies will be uploaded to social media. These selfies will be proof of visiting each stop on the run.

Each stop will be sponsored and the selfie will be taken with a marker representing the top sponsor. Finally, on the late afternoon of October 11, all participants will gather at the London Bridge Resort for a special party hosted by the resort. Grand prizes will be awarded in front of the spectator crowd just prior to the under the bridge freestyle show.

Official information will be released in July with registration opening in August. If you are interested in participating in this special event, please email [email protected].

IJSBA Announces Special World Finals Competition To Honor Dean Charrier

IJSBA, in conjunction with the Charrier family, is announcing a celebration of life for Dean Charrier at the end of the 2025 Short Block Technologies. A public celebration of one of the greatest Personal Watercraft Community members will be held at the grandstands as the final portion of the event. As part of the SBT World Finals, this year, IJSBA will offer Dean’s Cup, a two heat winner take all competition.

IJSBA plans for this to be one Closed Course Heat and one Endurance heat each equally weighed as a moto. An anonymous donor has contributed resources for the infrastructure and run time for Dean’s Cup. Therefore, IJSBA will arrange for participants in this part of the event purchase their entry directly from Deans Team so that 100% of all proceeds go to the Charrier family who are having to restructure their lives and this business after Dean’s passing. Due to this being an actual event competition, eligibility will be required. Full details to be released soon.

Whether you get on the water or just join the well wishes on the beach, we hope you will come and share memories in good will in honor of our friend Dean Charrier. Please stay tuned to IJSBA for more details coming soon.

Sometimes, going fast is the easy part. Sometimes, it’s the sitting still that’s the challenge.

If that’s the case, GreenHulk PWC Performance Store has you covered with great prices on the ultimate PWC anchoring and docking kit, featuring the known quality of SandShark..

Whether you’re anchoring at a sandbar, docking at the marina, or just chilling on the water, when you upgrade your setup with a SandShark Jet Ski kit, you get everything you need to keep your pwc locked in place when you step away. And to sweeten the deal, GreenHulk carries the full line of SandShark kits, including:

SandShark Jet Ski Sport Kit for $169.99
Your all-in-one anchor solution. Includes the SandShark anchor, bungee dock line, and storage bag—compact, durable, and built to hold strong. With the Sandshark Jet Ski Kit you will have all the amenities needed to keep your watercraft secure, your anchoring experience stress-free and belongings safe. The Sport Anchor is the ultimate solution for securely anchoring your jet ski, no matter the conditions. The neon anchor is lightweight, durable, and easy to use. The 7-14ft Bungee Dock Line absorbs shock, reduces strain, and protects your vessel from docking damage. Designed for easy identification of your anchored position, the Shark Anchor Marker Buoy is durable and is a highly visible marker buoy. While the waterproof 20L dry bag is designed to protect your valuables from the elements, it also ensures that your essentials stay dry no matter what. Altogether, the Sandshark Jet Ski Kit will ensure your vessel will stay anchored and secure while you enjoy your time on the water.

Key Features:
Sandshark Jet Ski Kit includes neon sport anchor, neon shark buoy, neon 7-14ft dock line w/carabiner and (20L) Blue Dry Bag.

Neon anchor weighs 4lb. Compact, portable, lightweight and easy to handle design. Constructed with ABS plastic corrosion-resistant material, making it ideal for saltwater and freshwater environments.
The 7-14ft neon bungee dock line is constructed with shock absorbing, durable UV-resistant marine-grade material.

Shark anchor marker buoy features a bright, highly visible color and reflective elements, making it easy to spot from a distance. Resistant to UV rays & saltwater.
The 20 liter dry bag features a roll top design and is made from high-strength, tear-resistant PVC material with durable materials and welded seams that stand up to the rigors of outdoor activities.

SandShark 7–14ft Bungee Dock & Anchor Line for $32.99
The Sandshark 7-14ft Bungee Dock Line provides superior cushioned docking protection that stretches and flexes with the waves. No more harsh jerks or rope snaps. The shock-absorbing design prevents damage caused by sudden movements, strong winds, or waves. Designed with durability, and convenience, this marine dock line ensures that you can dock your vessel with ease. The durable construction is made with marine-grade materials that stand up to sun exposure, saltwater, and heavy use. Whether you’re docking at the marina, at the beach, or in a harbor, this high-quality bungee anchor line provides a smooth, stress-free anchoring experience for both boat, pontoon and jet-ski owners.

Key Features:
Shock Absorbing Technology: The innovative bungee cord design absorbs shocks from waves and wind, reducing the strain on your boat or wave runner and preventing dock damage.

Adjustable Length: The 7-14ft bungee dock line is ideal for boats and jet skis of various sizes, offering a flexible length to accommodate different docking situations.

Durable & Marine-Grade: Made from premium, UV-resistant materials, this anchor line resists wear and tear from harsh marine environments, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Mini Fluke Anchor Kit for $129.99
The ultra-compact Mini Fluke Anchor by Sandshark is designed for jet ski and small boat owners who need an anchor to hold your watercraft securely in place that’s both portable and powerful. Designed for superior holding power in shallow waters, sandy beaches, and muddy bottoms, this compact anchor offers reliable performance without the bulk. With its corrosion-resistant construction, the anchor stands up to tough marine conditions, providing years of service and reliability. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the lake or securing your PWC at the beach, the Mini Fluke Anchor delivers the performance and convenience you need.

Key Features:
Compact & Lightweight: Weighing just under 3lb, this anchor is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry and store without taking up valuable space.

Reliable Holding Power: The fluke-style design allows this anchor to dig into sandy, muddy, and soft-bottom surfaces, providing dependable holding power.

Built to Last: The corrosion-resistant construction and rugged design ensure that this anchor holds up to frequent use in tough marine conditions, providing years of service and reliability.

Comes with 25ft Bungee Line and Case this anchor kit is perfect for any PCW, JetSki, Kayak or paddle board.

SandShark SuperSport 3.0 Adjustable Anchor for $149.99
Whether you’re in calm waters or strong current—this all new patent pending 2025 Shandshark SuperSport 3.0 Anchor adjusts 29″ to 48″, making the Super-Sport Anchor by Sandshark one of the most reliable, durable, and easy-to-use anchors on the market. Its performance, portability, and durability stands out, and it’s ideal for saltwater and freshwater use. Whether you’re docking your boat, securing your jet ski, or enjoying a peaceful day on the water, this innovative anchor ensures your vessel stays firmly in place, no matter the conditions.

Key Features:
Lightweight & Portable: Designed for boaters and jet ski enthusiasts, weighing just 5lb.

High-Strength Construction: Constructed with corrosion-resistant aluminum, engineered to withstand the harshest marine environments.

Quick Setup: Screws into the sand and holds your boat or jet ski securely in place while the telescoping design makes it easy to retrieve.

Optimal Holding Power: The unique, patented design offers superior grip in soft or sandy bottoms, ensuring your boat or jet ski stays where you want it.

For more great accessories, visit the website.

Here at The Watercraft Journal, we love the opportunity to highlight the many ways that our PWC community stays connected—which is what got us interested in a recent video on the “Andrew Hill Adventure Fishing” channel.

As we’ve covered before here, Hill is a Sea-Doo pro ambassador and content creator whose videos showcase some of the most interesting fishing spots and jet ski adventures out there. His latest video, however, is fully dedicated to showing off the community aspect of fishing, walking viewers through one of his recent social jet ski fishing trips.

The video is set in Puka Park in Pauanui, a holiday town on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It chronicles the full four-day social fishing trip—hosted by Hill and attended by 33 other guests—as they learn, fish, cook, and connect. Hill takes viewers through the full adventure, from the car ride out to Pauanui, to getting familiar with the area and the pre-trip briefing, to several days of fishing together, cooking together, and learning from each other.

While the video is partially promotional—showing off the kind of trip Hill organizes for jetskifishers—it’s also packed with useful information and great footage. Everything from the fishing process to preparing and cooking their catches is featured, and the beautiful backdrop of the Alderman Islands and surrounding waters provides the perfect setting to inspire even novice jet ski fishers to take on new adventures of their own.

If you’re curious about what goes into a trip like this, or if you just want to soak up the scenery and enjoy the impressive catches, be sure to check out the full video on Hill’s channel. You can also visit his website to see which upcoming trips are open for booking—who knows, it might just be your next big adventure!

One thing we’ve been loving getting to highlight lately here at The Watercraft Journal is the fun and engaging community which keeps us excited about PWC all year round. That’s why we’re jumping on the opportunity to highlight a new exciting event for those of our readers living in the Tampa Bay area: Cycle Springs Powersports’ “Sea-Doo Splash!” They’re hosting a major community event this Sunday, so if you’re in the area be sure to keep reading to find out how you can get connected with your local PWC network.

Set for Sunday, June 22nd from 10AM to 3PM, the Sea-Doo Splash event promises a full day of jet ski fun, community vibes, and good old-fashioned Florida sunshine. Riders will launch from Anclote River Park Boat Ramp in Tarpon Springs and head out for a group cruise to a sandbar before continuing on to Hernando Flats, where the real party begins. The main event? An “Inflatable Oasis Party” featuring free food, live music from a DJ, giveaways, and beach games—what more could you ask for?

Early birds launching between 8 and 10AM will be treated to free coffee and donuts, making it a relaxed and tasty way to kick off the day. After the initial meetup at the sandbar, riders will head out for a scenic cruise before anchoring at the floating party zone.

Don’t worry if Anclote fills up quickly–Cycle Springs has your back with overflow boat ramps listed nearby, including Sims Park Boat Ramp, Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park Ramp, and Hernando Beach Public Boat Ramp.

Whether you’re a long-time Sea-Doo enthusiast or just getting into the PWC scene, this event is the perfect way to meet other riders, show off your ride, and have an unforgettable summer Sunday. So, be sure to check out CycleSprings Facebook and YouTube posts for more information, and RSVP now to join in on what should be an incredible day of PWC community fun!

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The enjoyment one gets from owning a personal watercraft (PWC) is not in question — what is often overlooked is the additional benefits, outside of fun, excitement, adrenaline and good company, that come along with riding a personal water. Proven benefits, according to a number of sources, include improved cardiovascular and mental health, reduced risk of premature death and chronic diseases, stress reduction and more.

As stated by the folks over at A2Z Powersports, “Jet skiing is not only a thrilling water sport; it is also a great way to improve your physical fitness. By hopping on a jet ski and gliding through the water, you can reap several health benefits. Firstly, jet skiing provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. As you race across the waves, your heart rate increases, improving your cardiovascular health and stamina. This enjoyable activity allows you to stay active while having fun in the sun.”

In addition to boosting your cardiovascular health, jet skiing also strengthens your muscles. The constant balancing and maneuvering on the jet ski engages a variety of muscle groups throughout your body. Your legs, arms, and core all work together to maintain stability and control, resulting in strengthened muscles over time. This full-body workout can lead to increased muscle tone and improved overall strength.”

Furthermore, jet skiing helps to enhance your coordination and balance. As you navigate through the water, you must use your body and balance to control the jet ski’s movements. The need for precise coordination and balance engages your brain and muscles, improving your overall coordination and motor skills. These benefits not only enhance your performance on a jet ski but also transfer to other areas of your life that require agility and balance.”

Action Watersportz adds, “Jet skiing is a great way to burn calories, especially when considering the activity’s fun. Some say you can burn up to 238 calories in a half-hour of riding a jet ski. This means you burn around 476 calories an hour; You can lose 1lb a week by riding a Jet Ski,” and Crab Island Watersports adds “​Riding a jet ski requires continuous movement and effort to control the watercraft. This constant engagement of your muscles results in calorie expenditure that can aid in weight management and boost your metabolism.”

Over at Powersports Marine, they chronicled numerous benefits to getting out on the water on a PWC, including:

Full-Body Muscle Engagement
A jet ski workout is a unique, whole-body experience. While you may be sitting, maintaining control over the jet ski requires using nearly every muscle group, especially as you steer through waves and maintain balance. Key areas that benefit include:

Core Muscles: Your core is constantly engaged as you stabilise yourself over waves, providing an intense abdominal workout that’s crucial for balance and posture.

Leg Muscles: Standing and adjusting on the jet ski forces your calves, hamstrings, and quads to work hard. You’ll feel the burn after a long session as these muscles help absorb shocks and stabilise you.

Arm and Shoulder Strength: Steering and manoeuvring the handlebars works your forearms, biceps, and shoulders, increasing upper-body strength. These movements can also improve flexibility in your arms and shoulders.

Back Muscles: Jet skiing also strengthens your back muscles as you adjust and lean to maintain balance and control, promoting better posture over time.

Enhances Balance and Coordination
Balancing on a jet ski while navigating waves and turning requires coordination and quick reflexes. As you continue to ride, your balance and coordination skills improve, translating to better agility in daily life.

Improved Stability: Balancing on water challenges your core stability and enhances proprioception (your awareness of body position and movement). This can help improve balance for other activities, from running to yoga.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Controlling a jet ski involves simultaneous hand and eye coordination as you navigate water and respond to sudden changes. Improved hand-eye coordination benefits daily activities, from driving to playing sports.

Quick Reflex Development: Adapting to changing wave patterns or adjusting for a turn helps hone your reflexes, training your body to respond quickly and effectively.

Boosts Mental Health and Wellbeing
Jet skiing is as beneficial for your mind as it is for your body. Being on the water offers a natural escape from daily stresses, allowing you to connect with nature and feel a sense of freedom.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The rhythm of the water, fresh air, and exhilarating ride create an ideal environment for reducing stress. Studies have shown that spending time near water can reduce cortisol levels, helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Mood-Boosting Endorphins: The thrill of jet skiing releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which lift your mood and contribute to mental wellbeing. It’s an easy way to enjoy an adrenaline rush while also benefiting your mind.

Mindfulness and Focus: Jet skiing requires you to stay present and focused, which can be a form of mindfulness. Paying attention to the water, handling your jet ski, and responding to changes in the environment help clear your mind of other thoughts.

Encourages Outdoor Adventure and Connection
One of the often-overlooked benefits of jet skiing is that it encourages you to get outdoors, explore new places, and even connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

Vitamin D Exposure: Jet skiing outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, which boosts Vitamin D levels – essential for healthy bones and immune function.

Opportunity to Explore: With a jet ski, you can explore coastal areas, lakes, and rivers that you may not otherwise have access to. This sense of adventure can make your fitness routine feel more like a holiday, keeping you motivated to stay active.

Social Benefits: Jet skiing can be a social activity, allowing you to ride with friends or family. Social interactions and shared experiences are also excellent for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Physical Benefits for All Levels of Experience
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, jet skiing is an adaptable activity that offers physical benefits for all fitness levels.

Adaptable Intensity: Beginners can start slowly and gradually build up their endurance and strength, while more experienced riders can tackle higher speeds and tougher waters for a greater workout.

Non-Weight-Bearing Exercise: Jet skiing is a low-impact activity, making it ideal for people who want to stay fit without placing stress on their joints. It’s suitable for anyone looking for a fun yet effective way to get in shape.

And it’s not just people in the industry touting the benefits of PWCs; Healthsite.com reviewed jet skiing in terms of its health benefits, saying riding PWCs “can help you to improve your overall well-being and also give you that much-needed adrenaline rush.”

It’s a given that times are tough for a lot of folks right now — paychecks don’t last as long, bills continue to pile up, and prices at the pump, the grocery store, the doctor’s office and just about everywhere else keep going up and up and up. 

All the more reason to secure your sanity with a little down-time, some adventure, and just some plain old fashioned fun – and PWCs fit that bill to a T.

But — that paycheck thing might be standing in the way. 

But, through the end of this month, Brisbane Kawasaki’s got your back with some red-hot deals on 2024 Kawasaki Jet Ski models – with prices that will take the pressure off your bank account — plus you’ll push away from the dock knowing you’ve got the assurance of a 5-year warranty covering you.

 And this sale means savings no matter what your experience level, style preference or model loyalty, with sale prices on all 2024 models:

Ultra 310LX

Ultra 310LX-S

Ultra 310X

Ultra 160LX

Ultra 160LX-S

STX 160LX

STX 160X

SX-R 160

IJSBA fell silent yesterday, June 16, in honor of Dean Charrier — a man who played a significant role in many of the in many IJSBA World Final stories, successes and skis. And in closing the website down for the day, IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier shared a few memories the his interactions with Charrier over the years.

The IJSBA site will go dark for the next 24 hours to pay respect to the passing of Dean Charrier.

IJSBA was sent the picture posted above from Dean’s family for this occasion. We will be posting how IJSBA will celebrate his life later this week. I was asked to say words about Dean and would like to offer this recounting of my own journey knowing him. I became aware of a set of results being passed around that honored Dean and decided to build my words around it:

My first experience with Dean Charrier was in the final days of IJSBA’s golden era National Tour. There was a guy named Dean Mays who had run an operation building racing PWC and was rather successful at two stroke performance focusing on Sea-Doo PWC. Mays ran his business as Team Dean. In this year of meeting Mr. Charrier, Canadian Corey Rarick was the featured Sea-Doo Pro for Team Dean and Dean Charrier appeared on the tour as the backup quarterback for Dean Mays. I was on a Sea-Doo support package that I have always affectionately called the “Factory B Minus Team.” My PWC went to each tour stop in one of the Sea-Doo rigs and I came in to unload and wash the display watercraft and set them up in the spectator area. I raced on Saturday and did double duty Sunday as a holder for Sea-Doo Pro riders, which included Rarick, before loading the truck. My first bonding moment with Dean Charrier was at the last round of the tour when Mays and Rarick, having ended their contractual agreement, stood on opposite sides of a Runabout profanely expressing their personal opinion of each other. Charrier and I listened and quietly chuckled as to not instigate the situation further. I shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Charrier not even sure if I would see him again. Mays retired from the business. Rarick manages IJSBA efforts in Western Canada. That is as close as I can come to taking sides. Of course, this minimal acquaintanceship is just the start of Dean’s story in PWC Racing and the beginning of a friendship that I would cherish.

Dean Charrier made an appearance at the 1999 IJSBA World Finals in the newly minted Runabout Stock class. He brought to the line a 1997 silver topped GSX Limited. This particular watercraft, with the white 951 engine, is not well regarded as Sea-Doo’s finest product (please don’t get mad at me Sea-Doo bosses, it is just a historical observation). With an under 50MPH hull design, which was engineered prior to even the famous 781 RAVE engine, this model GSX Limited had a rushed new engine package that seemed to be made for the purposes of a stress test on the Sea-Doo warranty program. Aside from being the absolute worse choice for a race craft, Dean, a very soft spoken person at this time in life, supplemented his presence with this sticker kit that looked like it came from a discount auto parts store. It was about the tackiest thing there (mind you this was the opinion of a few people who were dying our hair in ways that looked like a melted pack of skittles in the goal of attracting women) and had cartoonish print to look like battleship cannons were coming out of the top deck of his watercraft. None of us took Dean seriously- he was much older and clearly didn’t get it and was no threat.

Dean had the fastest watercraft, hands down, in the Amateur Runabout 1200 Stock Class. Not by a little….. by A LOT. He rocketed out of the hole shot like nobody else on the line. What he might not have been able to do in turns, the power of his watercraft made up for it. He was impossible to pass. You could get close to him in turns but he would just pull away on the back stretch. I thought I was closing in on him so I didn’t “blip” the throttle like I was supposed to on the back stretch so I could try to get a few boat lengths closer. I stuck a piston as a result and was just furious someone I had discounted had bested me so bad. Eric Lagopoulos, who was probably best favored to win that year, almost caught him but didn’t. We got schooled pretty good by the old man.

After this triumph, Dean Charrier became the first name to call to get that extra bit of performance out of a 951 engine that was otherwise unable to be found. How he found it was the subject of much debate and gossip as is always the case in this sport. But wherever he did find it, he found it and his riders won and made it through tech without a problem. By Y2K, Dean was running a touring team as good as anyone ever did. His resource management was top tier and his riders maintained regular success. When the sport transitioned from two stroke to four stroke, Dean transitioned and didn’t lose his edge as a top requested tuner. Along the way, he dabbled in distributing Craftsman tools and moved around locations finally settling in Florida to further expand his watercraft performance business. His kids raced, they made it a family affair and the riders that came next were looked after just as his own family. He became the first name in ECU reprograming. The list of Dean backed riders carries through many countries and race programs. This list of Dean’s Team Champions is probably the largest roster in modern racing. Endurance, closed course, and P1- Dean’s name is at the top of every winning list.

Make no mistake, Dean came from the ranks, worked in the trenches, and paid his dues to become one of the first call tuners and top names in our sport. I shared this anecdote because I wanted to make the public aware of it and understand what it was like to get to know him as a person in several different capacities for nearly 30 years and watch him excel in the sport as leader from starting off as a second man. Dean’s accomplishments do not need a back story to be amazing, but when you have the perspective of how he navigated through the sport then you really understand how much he earned the accolades being said about him in the wake of his passing.

As an administrator, I was lucky to have Dean as a friend and colleague. Dean’s incredibly vast technical knowledge was always available when needed. He always provided objective data and was able to offer advice on realistic outcomes if certain rules were to change. I cannot recall a time when Dean offered a rule change that favored only his program. I can recall plenty of times Dean offered a rule change that was solid, well grounded, and benefitted participants in the entire sport. He really did strive for the best of things. His contributions will be missed dearly. PWC Racing competitors and enthusiasts around the world have an impossible void to fill. Most of all, the PWC community has lost a valuable member and friend. We all offer our deepest condolences to the Charrier family.