Personal watercraft racers are getting ready to fire up a brand-new championship as the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series officially launches its inaugural season later this month in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Early buzz around the tour has already begun building among racers preparing for the first round.
The waterfront city will host Round One of the 2026 IHRA Pro Watercraft National Tour from March 26–29, kicking off what organizers hope will be a major new chapter for professional PWC racing.
For three days, many of the sport’s fastest riders will battle along the St. Petersburg waterfront as the road toward the IHRA World Cup begins.
The event opens Thursday with racer check-in, technical inspection, and pit setup before the competition ramps up Friday with the first racing sessions and select qualifying rounds. The weekend culminates Saturday and Sunday as riders line up for championship motos that will determine the first winners of the new national tour.
A Monster Energy Racer Party scheduled for Friday evening will give competitors a chance to relax and connect after the opening day of competition before the intensity of the weekend racing schedule.
For riders chasing an IHRA championship, the season opener represents the first chance to build momentum in what is expected to be a highly competitive inaugural tour.
IHRA recently added another incentive for racers with a special season-long giveaway in partnership with AP Designs, one of the most respected helmet painters in motorsports.
Founded by longtime artist Alex Paul, AP Designs has deep roots in personal watercraft racing, having painted helmets for many of the sport’s top riders over the past three decades.
To celebrate the launch of the new series, four custom-painted helmet certificates will be awarded during the 2026 season finale at the IHRA World Cup in Lake Havasu.
Season champions in Ski GP2, Sport Spec, and Amateur Enduro 300 will each receive one of the custom helmets, while a fourth certificate will be raffled off among IHRA racers based on their total race entries throughout the season. The more events a racer enters, the better their chances of taking home a one-of-a-kind piece of motorsports art.
With a new national tour, strong early buzz from racers, and incentives aimed directly at competitors, the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series is poised to kick off the 2026 racing season with serious momentum when the green flag drops in St. Petersburg later this month.
For decades, RIVA Racing has built its reputation around pushing the limits of personal watercraft performance. From race-winning engine packages to carefully engineered bolt-on upgrades, the Florida-based performance powerhouse has become synonymous with extracting more speed, efficiency, and reliability from modern PWC platforms.
Now the company is turning that same expertise toward a rapidly growing segment of the watersports world: jet boats.
With the launch of the new RIVA Jetboat platform, RIVA Racing is officially expanding its performance ecosystem to support Yamaha and Sea-Doo jet boat owners with dedicated performance kits, pump upgrades, OEM components, and accessories designed specifically for jet-driven boats.
Why Jet Boats — And Why Now?
According to RIVA Racing President Dave Bamdas, the move wasn’t driven by a sudden shift in strategy so much as years of customer demand.
Jet boat owners have been knocking on RIVA’s door for performance answers for quite some time.
“Yamaha jet boats and Sea-Doo Switch both share the same engines and jet pump components as Yamaha and Sea-Doo PWC,” Bamdas explained. “For this reason we are constantly contacted by jet boat customers looking for performance solutions for their boats. They know we have the answers for PWC performance and expect us to have the answers for boats that are powered by the same engines.”
That technological overlap makes the transition into the jet boat market feel less like a pivot and more like a natural extension of RIVA’s existing expertise.
The PWC DNA Inside Modern Jet Boats
Anyone familiar with today’s jet boat market will immediately recognize the connection.
Manufacturers like Yamaha Motor Corporation and BRP—the parent company behind Sea‑Doo—have built their latest jet boat platforms around the same engines and jet pump technologies that power their personal watercraft lineups.
That means the same supercharged SVHO engines, pump architectures, and intake technologies found in high-performance PWCs are now pushing 19- to 25-foot recreational boats across lakes and coastal waters.
And for RIVA Racing, that shared engineering foundation opened the door to a new development opportunity.
“They share the same engines and jet pumps,” Bamdas said. “This allows us to use our existing product line along with some new specialized parts to come up with performance solutions and kits for the jet boats.”
But RIVA also brings another advantage to the table: access.
RIVA Racing operates as a division of RIVA Motorsports, one of the country’s largest powersports and marine dealerships. The dealership has been selling Yamaha jet boats and the Sea‑Doo Switch pontoon platform since their earliest releases—giving the performance company hands-on access to the boats themselves.
That real-world experience helps inform the development process.
Building A Complete Jet Boat Resource
Rather than offering a handful of bolt-on upgrades, the goal of the new RIVA Jetboat platform is much broader.
“The goal is to provide a complete jet boat resource for all aftermarket and OEM needs,” Bamdas said.
Recreational accessories currently under development
At launch, RIVA is focusing heavily on integrated performance packages designed specifically for jet boats rather than adapting PWC parts one at a time.
“Our complete performance kits, matched pump impellers and upgrades are the first unique area we are focusing on,” Bamdas explained. “We back up our parts and kits with expert technical support.”
The platform will also carry the full OEM accessory lines for Yamaha and Sea-Doo jet boats, giving owners a single destination for upgrades, maintenance parts, and customization.
Data-Driven Performance Packages
Anyone familiar with RIVA’s PWC tuning philosophy knows the company tends to avoid guesswork.
Every performance package is backed by extensive testing—often including dyno charts, real-world performance metrics, and detailed installation documentation.
The same philosophy is already showing up in RIVA Jetboat’s first product offerings.
One example is the Stage 1 performance kit developed for Yamaha’s 19-foot SVHO-powered jet boats.Bamdas says the company is providing detailed data alongside each kit.
“Note the depth of information we provide on our jet boat kits,” he said. “Acceleration graphs, engine horsepower graphs from our dyno, educational videos, and full kit descriptions including performance data.”
The goal isn’t just to sell parts—it’s to give owners a clear understanding of how each upgrade affects performance.
Performance That Matters For Real Boaters
Unlike the hardcore racing focus that often drives PWC performance development, RIVA says most jet boat customers are looking for something a little different.
The typical buyer isn’t chasing lap times—they’re looking for a better day on the water.
“Mostly family boaters that want better performance from their boat for recreational use,” Bamdas explained.
The upgrades focus on improving several areas that affect everyday boating:
Faster planing when the boat is heavily loaded
Reduced cavitation when pulling towables or wake riders
Improved mid- to high-speed turning response
Lower pump noise inside the cockpit
“Our kits get the boat up on plane faster and reduce cavitation,” Bamdas said. “This provides a better experience when the boat is loaded with people or pulling a towable.”
That kind of practical performance gain may matter more to family boaters than raw top speed.
Yamaha First, Sea-Doo Next
Development is already underway across multiple platforms.
RIVA began with Yamaha’s 19-foot and 25-foot jet boats powered by the SVHO supercharged engine, which currently represent some of the most performance-oriented models in the segment.
Those kits are available now, with additional Yamaha models already in development.
“Our team is currently working on the remainder of the Yamaha boat line and will then move to Sea-Doo Switch,” Bamdas said.
That roadmap suggests RIVA is aiming to support the entire modern jet boat ecosystem as it continues to grow.
The Long-Term Vision
For RIVA Racing, the launch of RIVA Jetboat isn’t just a side project.
It’s the early stage of what the company hopes will become the jet boat equivalent of its PWC performance empire.
“That’s the plan,” Bamdas said. “A performance brand with a focus on improved recreational use. That includes performance and recreational accessories.”
And as new boats enter the market, RIVA plans to apply the same strategy that helped it stay ahead in the PWC world.
“We will be on the cutting edge when new boats are released to provide upgrades to our customers as soon as possible,” Bamdas added.
If the jet boat market continues its current growth trajectory, that approach could position RIVA Jetboat as a key player in shaping how these boats perform—and how their owners personalize them—in the years ahead.
Anyone pushing big boost on a Yamaha SVHO or SHO platform knows the enemy isn’t always horsepower — it’s heat.
The factory intercooler on these machines does a respectable job in stock form, but once riders start stacking performance upgrades — higher boost, ECU tuning, freer-flowing exhaust — intake temperatures can climb quickly. That heat buildup, known as heat soak, robs power and consistency. The longer and harder the craft is run, the hotter the intake charge becomes, and the less power the engine can produce.
That’s where GreenHulk PWC Performance Store and RIVA Racing step in with a solution designed specifically for riders chasing reliable high performance.
The RIVA GEN-3 Yamaha Power Cooler, available through GreenHulk, replaces the restrictive OEM intercooler with a massive high-efficiency cooler core engineered to keep intake air temperatures under control — even under sustained boost and high ambient temperatures.
According to RIVA, the GEN-3 Power Cooler can reduce intake air temperatures by an average of 50°F compared to stock, helping deliver up to 20 peak horsepower gains while maintaining consistent performance across the entire RPM range. Cooler air is denser air, and denser air means more oxygen available for combustion — the foundation of reliable power on the water.
At the heart of the system is an oversized cooler core rated to support engines producing up to 600 horsepower, making it suitable not just for mild upgrades but also for serious high-output Yamaha builds.
Key Performance Advantages
Up to 20 horsepower gain over the OEM intercooler
Intake temperatures averaging 50°F cooler
Massive cooler core rated for up to 600 HP builds
Helps eliminate power loss caused by heat fade
Designed for minimal pressure drop and maximum airflow
Beyond performance, the GEN-3 Power Cooler is built with durability and serviceability in mind. A high-strength corrosion-resistant coating protects the cooler core in harsh marine environments, while a replaceable sacrificial zinc anode adds an extra layer of corrosion protection.
Maintenance is also simplified thanks to a quick-release flushing system, allowing riders to easily rinse the cooler after saltwater use. The entire unit mounts using shock-isolated rubber mounts and stainless hardware to withstand the pounding that comes with aggressive riding and racing.
For riders looking for additional supercharger protection and throttle response, RIVA also offers a version that includes an integrated 50mm TiAL blow-off valve, helping reduce pressure spikes and improve drivability.
Without Blow-Off Valve
SKU: RY17081-PC / RY17120-PC / RY17160-PC
Ideal for setups already running an external TiAL BOV or block-off configuration.
Compatible Yamaha Models
2008–2016 FX SHO
2009–2016 FZR / FZS
2014–2018 FX SVHO
2019+ FX SVHO
2017–2018 GP1800R SVHO
2019–2020 GP1800R SVHO
2021+ GP1800R SVHO
Because the GEN-3 Power Cooler dramatically increases cooling capacity, RIVA also recommends pairing it with their Pro-Series Engine Cooling Upgrade Kit to ensure the cooling system can keep up with the added performance.
For riders building high-horsepower Yamaha SVHO or SHO engines, managing intake temperatures isn’t just about making more power — it’s about keeping that power consistent lap after lap, ride after ride.
And thanks to GreenHulk PWC Performance Store, the upgrade that solves the heat problem is just a click away.
For many riders, winter and early spring are prime garage season. Engines get torn down, wiring gets cleaned up, new parts go on, and ECUs get dialed in—all in preparation for that first warm weekend back on the water.
But once the build is finished, there’s always one question: who gets to see it?
That’s whereFuelTech is giving riders a chance to step into the spotlight.
Through its Customer Spotlight program, FuelTech invites customers to submit their builds for a chance to be featured across the company’s social media platforms. Whether it’s a high-horsepower drag ski, a weekend lake machine, or a wild multi-discipline project, if it runs FuelTech hardware, the company wants to see it.
The idea is simple—show off the machine you’ve poured time and effort into.
The Process Is Simple
Getting featured in FuelTech’s spotlight program is a straightforward three-step process:
Show Your Ride Jet skis, cars, trucks, snowmobiles, tractors—or something completely unexpected. If your machine runs FuelTech components, it qualifies.
Show Your FuelTech Include photos or video highlighting the FuelTech products installed on your build.
Show It In Action The more action shots the better. Whether it’s launching off the line, ripping across the water, or lighting up the track, FuelTech wants to see what your machine can do.
Early Season Is The Perfect Time
Right now might actually be one of the best times of the year to submit a build.
Across the PWC community, riders are finishing winter upgrades and loading in fresh tunes before the season really kicks off. From standalone ECUs and wiring harnesses to billet intake manifolds and other performance components, FuelTech’s lineup has become increasingly common in high-performance PWC builds looking for precise engine management and data control.
If your ski just came out of the garage with a new setup—or a new tune—this might be the perfect moment to show it off before the season gets fully underway.
And who knows? Your build might just end up being the one everyone else is talking about.
The international personal watercraft racing season is beginning to take shape as the UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship released its 2026 calendar while also honoring last season’s champions at the annual UIM Trophy Ceremony in Monaco.
Held in the motorsport capital of Monaco, the ceremony brought together more than twenty Aquabike athletes representing the sport’s major disciplines, including Circuit Pro racing, Freestyle, Parallel Slalom, Offshore and Endurance competition.
Among the biggest stories of the evening was the dominance of Francois Medori, who collected trophies for both Pro Circuit Runabout GP1 and Offshore Runabout GP1 after a remarkable season competing around the globe.
“The season was amazing for us,” Medori said during the ceremony. “The places where we raced were amazing; we loved racing in Italy this year, Qatar and Olbia, and Vichy also. We did our maximum and we won all the races we participated in.”
Other world champions honored during the evening included Oliver Koch Hansen (Ski Division GP1), Estelle Poret (Ski Ladies GP1), and Roberto Mariani (Freestyle), along with champions across the sport’s various classes and junior divisions.
One rising name recognized during the ceremony was young Finnish rider Jose Vanio, the reigning Runabout GP4 Junior World Champion, highlighting the next generation working its way through the Aquabike ranks.
2026 Aquabike World Championship Calendar Announced
Just days before the Monaco awards ceremony, Aquabike Promotion released the official schedule for the 2026 UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship, outlining a three-race calendar stretching across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Originally planned to open in the Middle East this spring, organizers opted to postpone that event due to current geopolitical circumstances. Instead, the championship will begin in Shanghai, China this October, marking Aquabike’s return to the Chinese megacity after more than a decade.
From there, the championship moves to one of the sport’s most familiar venues — Olbia, Italy — before heading to Doha, Qatar in November. The Middle East round, which will also host the Endurance World Championship, has been moved to early December with the exact venue still to be confirmed.
The Offshore World Championship will again be decided in a single European round, with that venue expected to be announced soon.
2026 UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship
Shanghai, China — October 1–2 Olbia, Italy — October 16–18 Doha, Qatar — November 19–21 Middle East (TBA) — December 1–5
2026 Aquabike Endurance World Championship
Middle East (TBA) — December 1–5
2026 Aquabike Offshore World Championship
Europe (TBA)
With champions crowned and a new calendar set, the international Aquabike scene now turns its attention toward the upcoming season — one that will once again send the world’s top riders racing across multiple continents.
See the full press releases from Aquabike Promotion below:
UIM AWARDING CEREMONY IN MONACO
Saturday, March 7: The top of the Aquabike crop gathered in Monaco for the annual UIM Trophy Ceremony, in which the 2025 Aquabike Champions were given their dues and awarded their trophies.
Over twenty riders were present at the ceremony, with some riders unfortunately unable to attend owing to geopolitical instability disrupting flight travel. The riders present represented the full breadth of Aquabike categories, including major and minor Circuit Pro categories, Freestyle, Parallel Slalom, as well as Offshore and Endurance.
The awarding ceremony therefore played host to seasoned legends of the sport, such as Francois Medori, who picked up trophies for his triumphs in both Pro Circuit Runabout GP1 and Offshore Runabout GP1, as well as to young stars coming up the talent pipeline, like Jose Vanio, the young Finn who is current World Champion in Runabout GP4 Junior.
After such a dominant season, Medori was the star of the evening, reflecting that “the season was amazing for us”. The Frenchman competed – and won – in categories that saw him race across the world, on which he reflected: “The places where we raced were amazing; we loved racing in Italy this year, Qatar and Olbia, and Vichy also. We did our maximum and we won all the races we participated in”.
Oliver Koch Hansen, Estelle Poret, and Roberto Mariani, in their respective categories Ski Division GP1, Ski Ladies GP1, and Freestyle, are the World Champions who were awarded during the gala.
Alongside the reigning champions, those who topped the podium rankings for the Runabout GP1, Ski GP1, Ski Ladies GP1, and Freestyle were celebrated in Monaco.
AQUABIKE PROMOTION ANNOUNCES 2026 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
The calendar for the 2026 UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship season has been published, promising races that will take the sport along the length of the Eurasian continent.
The opening race of the season was set to take place in the Middle East this April. However, due to current global geopolitical circumstances, H2O Racing has opted to move the Middle Eastern Aquabike race – which will include the single-event Endurance World Championship – to 1st-5th of December. The exact race venue and dates will be confirmed in due course.
The opening race of the 2026 Championship will therefore take place in Shanghai, China on October 1st-2nd. This marks the much anticipated return of Aquabike to the Chinese megacity following a decade’s hiatus, and the first race in a constantly developing China since racing took place in Qingdao in 2019.
The Championship will then return to the familiar and much loved racing outpost of Olbia, Italy on October 16th-18th. As in recent years, the coastal Sardinian city will be the location for a range of single-event minor Aquabike categories alongside the full slate of World Championship races.
Following the successful return of the Aquabike World Championship to Qatar last year, the 2026 season will see more Aquabike action in Doha on November 19th-21st.
As with last season, 2026 will see a single-round UIM-ABP Aquabike Offshore World Championship which will take place in Europe. The race will take place at the end of September, with the venue set to be announced shortly.
RIVA Racing has raised the bar once again for Kawasaki Ultra riders with the release of its all-new GEN-2 Pro-Series sponsons. Designed to deliver significant handling improvements over stock sponsons, the GEN-2 kit brings updated fins, precision-machined backing plates, and an easy, bolt-on installation that requires no drilling.
The kit features stepped backing plates for increased top speed and stepped fins engineered to improve handling in rough water. High-strength fin material combined with billet aluminum inserts ensures rigidity under pressure, while fully adjustable fin depth and forward/aft positioning allow riders to fine-tune handling characteristics to their personal style or course conditions. As RIVA’s racers have proven on track, these sponsons enhance performance without sacrificing reliability — a balance critical in endurance racing, including events like the Mark Hahn Memorial, where every control input and hull response matters over long distances.
RIVA President Dave Bamdas highlights the thoughtful design in a new video walkthrough, pointing out the billet aluminum backing plates, high-strength composite fins, and multiple adjustment points. “The farther you drop the fins down, the more the craft will turn like it’s on rails,” Bamdas explains. “As you pull them up, the ski’s back slides more naturally, giving riders flexibility in different water conditions. The step blade design and backing plates lift the bow for improved top speed, while maintaining rock-solid handling in rough water.”
The GEN-2 sponsons have been tested by RIVA’s team of racers, providing real-world feedback to confirm the design’s performance in rough-water conditions. With race-proven performance, adjustable tuning, and a one-year limited warranty, these sponsons are built to give riders maximum control, speed, and confidence on the water, all while fitting seamlessly on the full lineup of Kawasaki Ultra models.
The GEN-2 kit fits all Kawasaki Ultra 310, 300, 260, 250, and LX models, and RIVA provides a full illustrated instruction manual online to simplify installation. With race-proven performance, adjustable tuning, and a one-year limited warranty, these sponsons are built to satisfy riders seeking maximum control, speed, and confidence on the water.
Whether you’re chasing podiums in Pro-Am or testing hull performance for endurance events, the GEN-2 Pro-Series sponsons offer a noticeable step up in handling and reliability. Camden Powell, one of RIVA’s up-and-coming riders, is already putting the new design through its paces this season, proving that these sponsons are ready for anything riders throw at them.
Brandon Warner’s endurance, skill, and setup mastery were on full display at the 22nd Annual IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300. Crossing the finish line in a record-breaking 4:21:28, Warner not only defended his title, but did so aboard a highly modified Kawasaki Ultra 310 that might ring familiar to those following the Warner family’s dynasty of championships for Kawasaki.
Warner – nephew to retired multi-time offshore/endurance champion Craig Warner – piloted a 2014 Kawasaki Ultra 310X fitted to a Performance Fiberglass trued-and-reshaped hull and powered by a similar turbo configuration that carried Uncle Craig to fame. The proven platform has been refined over multiple seasons, allowing Warner to focus on familiarity and consistency — a formula that has now delivered back-to-back Hahn victories.
The weekend’s event at Lake Havasu State Park drew 27 riders from six countries, including Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, France, Costa Rica, Canada, and the United States.
Only two teams completed all 30 laps, with Warner taking first, followed by the Sea-Doo duo Bryce Ford and Jon Ford just over four minutes behind, and Kawasaki teammates Emi Kanamori & Jonathan Phan rounding out the podium.
Kawasaki dominated the weekend in terms of class victories, taking multiple wins across Overall, Pro-Am, and Manufacturer Stock, while Yamaha proved the most consistent, placing the largest number of teams in the top five across both Pro-Am and stock categories.
Credit: Ken Gallagher
Beyond the top manufacturers, the Ironman field highlighted durability and team coordination, with lap counts ranging from 15 to 30, and Brandon Warner also set the fastest pace of the day with consistently strong lap times.
Meanwhile, smaller classes like 4-Stroke GP and 1100 Stock added variety, showing that success in this race was as much about strategy, pit execution, and reliability as raw speed, reinforcing why the Mark Hahn continues to be one of the premier endurance events in the PWC calendar.
Warner’s record pace was no accident. “Just finishing the Mark Hahn is huge,” he told The Watercraft Journal. “I was definitely more confident this year knowing all the work that went into the ski the last couple months. I proved I could win it last year, but this year I wanted the record.”
Warner credits smooth pit stops, precise fueling, and careful launching for keeping him on track. “Last year, I was on record pace until we had a battery issue. This year everything went as it was supposed to — smooth pit stops, smooth launching, smooth fueling.”
While Warner’s heavily modified Kawasaki 310 lacked the latest fly-by-wire electronics of the current Ultras, it’s Performance Fiberglass-sculpted hull freed-up the necessary 75-plus-mph speeds that the OE-hull could not deliver. Combined with the all-too-hush hush turbocharged induction system, and Warner’s Ultra provided the perfect combination of reliability and performance.
Warner’s approach was aggressive yet controlled: “I was not going to let off the gas for anything. At halfway, I eased a little over big wakes, but other than that I stayed on the gas the whole time.” The final laps were especially tense, with fuel margins razor-thin, testing both mental and physical stamina.
Credit: Ken Gallagher
Race director Ross Wallach emphasized the significance of Warner’s achievement: “Brandon’s 4:21:28 is pretty significant — records typically hold for many years. Competition is always tough at the Hahn, but Brandon was the favored rider. Flat conditions made for a fast race, and unusually, there was less engine and boat carnage despite everyone running wide open throttle.” Wallach also highlighted the attrition-proof performance of the top teams and the crucial role of pit crews, calling them the “unsung heroes” of endurance racing.
The Mark Hahn Memorial 300 is a grueling test of man, machine, and team execution. Even in this year’s unusually flat and calm conditions, riders had to maintain high speeds for the full 10-mile course while coordinating multiple pit stops and rider changes, proving that endurance and precision matter just as much as raw power.
For Warner, the win carries personal significance as well: “Personally, I’ve always looked at this race like my uncle Craig won it and I want to too. Now I have Ironman three years in a row and the overall two years in a row with the record — this one really showed what I was capable of.”
Spend enough time at a busy boat ramp and you’ll see it.
The clack-clack of ratchets tightening down. Loose strap tails flapping in the breeze. Someone re-threading webbing that’s somehow tied itself into a knot the size of a football. Another rider stuffing excess strap under a bungee cord, promising to “organize it later.”
For a community that obsesses over horsepower, hull design and impeller pitch, it’s surprising how often thousands of dollars’ worth of machines are secured with whatever straps happen to be rolling around in the truck bed.
Lately, though, a different name keeps popping up in comments and launch photos: Strapinno. And the conversation isn’t about flashy graphics or gimmicks. It’s about something far more practical — speed, simplicity and peace of mind.
The Problem With Traditional Straps
Standard ratchet straps work. They’ve worked for decades.
But they also:
Tangle with themselves in storage
Leave long, loose tails to manage
Require re-threading through the buckle
Demand a firm pull on the release lever under tension
None of that is catastrophic. It’s just friction. Small annoyances that add up every time you load or unload.
For riders who are in and out of the water weekly — or race teams that strap down multiple skis repeatedly — those minutes and minor frustrations start to matter.
The Retractable Difference
Strapinno’s approach centers around a built-in retractable mechanism — think seatbelt-style rewind. Pull the webbing out to length, ratchet it tight, and when it’s time to unload, release and let it retract cleanly back into the housing.
No loose tails. No webbing spaghetti. No stuffing excess strap under a fender.
It’s a small shift in design, but one that changes the rhythm of loading and unloading a trailer.
A Release That Doesn’t Fight Back
One of the more understated features is the 90-degree release design.
Traditional ratchets often require pulling hard on the lever while the strap is still under tension. Strapinno’s system allows users to lift to a 90-degree angle for release, creating a more controlled and user-friendly disengagement.
At slick, steep ramps — where balance and footing already demand attention — that added control matters.
Built With Marine and Powersports in Mind
Several Strapinno configurations target heavier-duty use, including Two-Way and Bolt-On retractable models.
Two-Way Retractable
Working Load Limit: 1,000 lbs
Breaking Strength: 3,000 lbs
Easy Retractable
Working Load Limit: 500 lbs
Breaking Strength: 1,500 lbs
For marine applications, especially PWC and small-boat transport, understanding the difference between Working Load Limit (WLL) and Breaking Strength is critical. WLL represents the safe, everyday load capacity. Breaking Strength indicates the point at which failure could occur under extreme force.
That clarity alone sets a more serious tone than many generic straps hanging on a hardware store rack.
Add in safety latch S-hooks — included in select bundles — and the system shifts from “good enough” to purpose-built. The latch clip helps prevent accidental unhooking during transport, an added layer of security when the road gets unpredictable.
Permanent Mount Options
The Bolt-On and Two-Way setups can be mounted directly to a trailer frame. That eliminates digging through a truck bed or storage bin for straps at every launch.
For riders who value a clean trailer setup, that permanent installation changes more than convenience — it changes presentation. Everything has its place. Everything stays tidy.
More Than Just Hardware
Beyond specs, one thing stands out: the customer response.
Scroll through social media and the comments are consistent — faster launches, cleaner storage, strong customer service and repeat buyers proudly calling themselves part of the “team.”
In a market saturated with commodity tie-downs, that kind of brand loyalty is notable.
Strapinno leans heavily into the idea that what’s being secured isn’t just equipment. It’s livelihood tools. It’s race machines. It’s weekend memories. Their messaging centers around trust under load — a fitting theme for a community that spends long miles towing to the next body of water.
Why This Matters for PWC Owners
Personal watercraft owners load and unload frequently. They tow long distances. They deal with salt spray, corrosion and unpredictable weather.
Anything that:
Speeds up ramp time
Reduces clutter
Minimizes strap wear
Improves release safety
Keeps hardware secured
is more than a convenience upgrade. It’s a workflow improvement.
And in a world where performance upgrades usually mean more horsepower or sharper handling, it’s interesting to see attention shifting toward trailer systems — the unsung part of the ownership experience.
The Bigger Picture
The road is unpredictable. One sharp turn. One sudden stop. One unexpected bump.
For many riders, confidence doesn’t stop at the handlebars — it extends to what holds everything in place between destinations.
Retractable ratchet systems aren’t reinventing towing. They’re refining it. And as more riders look for ways to streamline their launch routine and protect their investment, it’s easy to see why solutions like Strapinno are gaining traction.
Sometimes the upgrade isn’t about going faster on the water.
It’s about getting there — and back — with less hassle.
When a stadium tour rolls through town, it brings more than just music. For 2026, Morgan Wallen’s Still The Problem Tour is getting a full-throttle boost from two familiar names in powersports: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. and Monster Energy.
The 23-date stadium run kicks off April 10 in Minneapolis and will hit 12 cities across the country, including major college football venues like Michigan Stadium, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Memorial Stadium, and Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Promoted by AEG Presents (with the Tuscaloosa stop produced by Live Nation), the tour features two-night stands in most cities and a rotating lineup of support acts including Brooks & Dunn, HARDY, Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett.
Kawasaki and Monster Energy will roll out the partnership early, unveiling custom Still The Problem Tour-branded Kawasaki motorcycles during Supercross weekend in Daytona. From there, the collaboration stretches coast to coast with fan activations, interactive displays, and nationwide promotions tied to the tour.
One of the bigger hooks for powersports fans is a Kawasaki x Morgan Wallen Still The Problem Tour sweepstakes, with the grand prize being a custom 2026 Kawasaki RIDGE® CREW Platinum Ranch Edition side x side outfitted with Kawasaki Genuine Accessories and exclusive Morgan Wallen graphics.
Monster Energy, meanwhile, plans to be on-site at every stop with product samples, DJs, giveaways, and limited-edition collaboration merch — including custom bike builds and VIP ticket promotions tied to the tour.
The tour is inspired by Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, which debuted at No. 1 globally and spent 13 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200. As with his previous runs, a portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Morgan Wallen Foundation, supporting youth programs in sports and music across tour cities.
For Kawasaki, the sponsorship extends a relationship that already spans racing, lifestyle and performance culture. For Monster, it’s a return to a partnership that dates back to one of Wallen’s early headline tours in 2020. For fans, it means more on-site energy, more activations, and a few chances to win something with a little more horsepower than your average concert souvenir.
Tour dates run April 10 through August 1, 2026, wrapping in Philadelphia after stops in Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, Baltimore, Ann Arbor and more.
See full press release below.
Kawasaki & Monster Energy® Become Official Sponsors of Morgan Wallen’s Still the Problem Tour
23-Date Tour Kicks Off April 10 in Minneapolis, Minn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Continuing their longstanding partnership within entertainment, Kawasaki and Monster Energy are joining forces as the official sponsors of Morgan Wallen’s 23-date Still The Problem Tour, kicking off April 10 in Minneapolis, Minn. To highlight the close partnership between the 19-time Billboard Music Award winner, Kawasaki and Monster Energy, the sponsorship will feature exciting nationwide promotions and collaborations that will run throughout the entire tour.
Kawasaki and Monster Energy will kick-off the partnership this weekend at the Daytona Supercross race where custom Morgan Wallen Still The Problem Tour-branded Kawasaki bikes will be unveiled. Monster Energy is also giving away limited edition Morgan Wallen x Monster Energy x Kawasaki hoodies via its famous Rig Riot on the Daytona International Speedway infield at 5PM on Saturday.
To precede the tour, Kawasaki will launch a nationwide Kawasaki x Morgan Wallen Still The Problem Tour sweepstakes. Fans will have the chance to win a custom 2026 Kawasaki RIDGE® CREW Platinum Ranch Edition side x side fully loaded with Kawasaki Genuine Accessories and one-of-a-kind custom Morgan Wallen graphics.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Morgan Wallen and to sponsor his 2026 Still The Problem Tour,” shares Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Senior Director, Global and Domestic Marketing Bob O’Brien. “We were honored to sponsor last year’s tour and know this tour will be even bigger and will be a defining event of the spring and summer once again. Having our long-time partner Monster Energy on board as co-sponsor means even more opportunities for fans on site and a meaningful extension of the Kawasaki brand.”
Monster Energy will be at every stop of the tour to provide the energy, making sure fans are ready to rock with samples of crisp ice-cold cans of Monster. The brand is also fueling the fun with DJs, swag giveaways, a special Kawasaki x Morgan Wallen x Monster bike collaboration and more interactive elements for music lovers to enjoy.
To celebrate the partnership, Monster Energy is also launching its biggest promo of the year: the Monster Energy x Morgan Wallen Still The Problem Tour promotion, giving fans the chance to earn VIP tickets and money-can’t-buy collab items including custom bikes, instruments and exclusive merch with more details to be announced soon.
“Morgan Wallen represents that same authenticity Monster is known for,” says Monster Energy Global CMO Dan McHugh. “This is a real full circle moment for us as we sponsored one of Morgan’s early headline tours back in 2020, and now, we’re once again in lockstep to support him and his fans through this stadium-sized partnership. And having Kawasaki join us as the sponsor of the Still The Problem Tour is the icing on the cake.”
Promoted by AEG Presents – with the exception of the Tuscaloosa, Ala. show, which is produced by Live Nation – Wallen’s 12-city, 23-date Still The Problem stadium tour will see Wallen playing two nights in most locations, and will include stops at four major college football stadiums: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Michigan’s Michigan Stadium and one night only at Alabama’s Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, HARDY, Ella Langley and Thomas Rhett join as direct support, along with Gavin Adcock, Hudson Westbrook, Flatland Cavalry, Jason Scott & The High Heat, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Blake Whiten on select stops.
Still The Problem is inspired by Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, which arrived May 16, 2025 via Big Loud/Mercury Records. I’m The Problem spent 13 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 albums chart in the U.S. and Canada. It also became his third consecutive album to spend at least 10 weeks atop the Billboard 200 – making Wallen the first artist in history to achieve that feat.
As with previous tours, a portion of every ticket sold will benefit his Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) — which supports programs for youth in the areas of sports and music. As part of MWF’s Tour Give Back initiative, the foundation has contributed over $1 million worth of instruments to schools in need across U.S. touring cities. For more information, visit MorganWallenFoundation.org.
Still The Problem Tour 2026 Dates:
April 10 || Minneapolis, Minn. || U.S. Bank Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
April 11 || Minneapolis, Minn. || U.S. Bank Stadium w/ HARDY, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
April 18 || Tuscaloosa, Ala. || Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Vincent Mason, Zach John King
May 1 || Las Vegas, Nev. || Allegiant Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 2 || Las Vegas, Nev. || Allegiant Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 8 || Indianapolis, Ind. || Lucas Oil Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Hudson Westbrook, Zach John King
May 9 || Indianapolis, Ind. || Lucas Oil Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Zach John King
May 15 || Gainesville, Fla. || Ben Hill Griffin Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
May 16 || Gainesville, Fla. || Ben Hill Griffin Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
May 29 || Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
May 30 || Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Vincent Mason
June 5 || Pittsburgh, Penn. || Acrisure Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 6 || Pittsburgh, Penn. || Acrisure Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 19 || Chicago, Ill. || Soldier Field w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 20 || Chicago, Ill. || Soldier Field w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Zach John King
June 26 || Clemson, S.C. || Clemson Memorial Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
June 27 || Clemson, S.C. || Clemson Memorial Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
July 17 || Baltimore, Md. || M&T Bank Stadium w/ Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
July 18 || Baltimore, Md. || M&T Bank Stadium w/ Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock, Jason Scott & The High Heat
July 24 || Ann Arbor, Mich. || Michigan Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 25 || Ann Arbor, Mich. || Michigan Stadium w/ HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 31 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Lincoln Financial Field w/ Brooks & Dunn, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
August 1 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Lincoln Financial Field w/ Ella Langley, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
About Morgan Wallen:
Morgan Wallen sets the pace in, and beyond, country music – with Billboard calling him “one of the biggest stars in the music world right now.” With 21 No. 1 singles at Country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date, more than 225 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart (the most in country music history), the highest selling country tour under his belt and more, Wallen has propelled country music to a global level in less than five years. Wallen’s fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, available now via Big Loud / Mercury, debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries and spent 13 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 albums chart. His preceding albums – Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time – have remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart for more than 100 weeks each, making him the first artist ever to achieve that feat. I’m The Problem has already yielded six No. 1’s at Country radio, including the title track, which remained at No. 1 for eight weeks. Wallen is readying his 23-stadium show Still The Problem Tour for 2026. Kicking off April 10 with two consecutive nights at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the run will include stops at four major college football stadiums: Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Michigan’s Michigan Stadium and one night only at Alabama’s Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Wallen donates a portion of every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation — which supports programs for youth in the areas of sports and music. More at MorganWallenFoundation.org. MorganWallen.com | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter/X | YouTube
When the engines roar and the wakes rise, the thrill of racing isn’t the only thing making waves. Across the country, local communities feel the ripple effect of personal watercraft events—economic, cultural, and social. Lake Alfred, Florida, is the latest example, where East Coast Watercross is asking racers, crews, and fans to help show just how big that impact really is.
Think about your weekend at the track. You booked a hotel in town, grabbed breakfast at a local café, maybe took the family out for ice cream after the races. Every dollar you spent didn’t just fill a plate or a hotel room—it powered a local business, supported jobs, and reminded the community why hosting events like this matters. That’s the kind of wake a watercraft race leaves behind when everyone participates—not just on the water, but off it too.
East Coast Watercross is making it simple to make your mark. They’ve put together a quick Economic Impact Form so the city can see exactly how much racing helps. Did you stay local? Eat out? Visit attractions? Every answer counts. Scan the QR code or hit the link and tell them. It’s five minutes that can help secure future events, keep local businesses thriving, and give your sport the recognition it deserves.
But this is bigger than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a reminder that racers, fans, and crews aren’t just part of a competition—they’re ambassadors. Every intentional choice, from where you eat to where you sleep, strengthens the bond between our sport and the communities that host it. If we want racing to grow, those partnerships matter just as much as speed on the water.
So next time you hit the starting line, remember: the impact you leave off the water can be just as powerful as the one you make on it. Take a few minutes, fill out the form, and show your city the ripple effect of watercraft racing.
Personal watercraft racers are getting ready to fire up a brand-new championship as the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series officially launches its inaugural season later this month in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The event opens Thursday with racer check-in, technical inspection, and pit setup before the competition ramps up Friday with the first racing sessions and select qualifying rounds. The weekend culminates Saturday and Sunday as riders line up for championship motos that will determine the first winners of the new national tour.
IHRA recently added another incentive for racers with a special season-long giveaway in partnership with AP Designs, one of the most respected helmet painters in motorsports.
