They may not be words you particularly expect to see in the opening of an article in The Watercraft Journal, the phrase “They started climbing and just kept going,” even out of context, still will resonate with many.
On September 11 2001, Siller was off duty and on his way to play golf with his brother when he heard the news of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center over his scanner. Immediately abandoning his plans, he drove to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which was closed for security purposes and, as a result, strapped 60 pounds of equipment on his back and ran on foot to the Twin Towers to assist his emergency services colleagues.
Stephen made the ultimate sacrifice and tragically lost his life during the events of that day.
As a result of his heroics and admirable bravery, his family established The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honours the sacrifice Stephen made and also military personnel, emergency services and first responders. A run/walk is now held annually in New York to honor the final steps that Stephen took and is widely recognized as one of the top 5k runs in America.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation Smart Homes Program builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Each home is designed to address the unique needs of each individual. Smart homes host a myriad of features such as automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, automatic door openers, cabinets, counters, and stove tops that can be raised and lowered, back-up generators, and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets. These homes help our most severely injured veterans and first responders to reclaim their day-to-day independence.
Many of the events are walks and runs, some are tower climbs, several golf tournaments have joined the effort, and on July 19 and July 20, Cycle Springs PowerSports, along with SandShark Anchors, bring the PWC family into the mix with the T2T Ride Along.
The event starts with a Meet & Greet from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at Cycle Springs PowerSports, 29703 US-19, Clearwater, Florida, where you can connect with fellow water enthusiasts and learn more about the impact you can make by participating. The Ride Along sets out at 9:30 a.m. from Fort De Soto on July 20. A 50/50 raffle winner will split the pot, taking home half of the raffle entries while the rest go to support Tunnel to Towers. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but can also be purchased online.
These past few months, we at The Watercraft Journal have been providing its readership exclusive access to the details and technologies developed for Belassi’s Marine Power Units (MPU). For the layman personal watercraft enthusiasts, this might not make a lot of sense considering that Belassi’s PWC units aren’t sold commercially within the United States (at least, not yet, anyways). So what’s the deal with these MPU’s, right?
Belassi’s Marine Power Unit program is aimed at custom boat and PWC builders looking at running a superior, high performance, high durability powertrain without having to purchase a brand new PWC and extract it’s driveline only to transplant it into another unit. (Consider all of the Kawasaki SX-R 160’s purchased solely for aftermarket stand-up builders like Kommander, Bullet and Fast Powersports.)
These “ready-to-run” drivelines from Belassi are scrupulously hand-built, dyno tested and durability checked prior to being boxed up and shipped out. In fact, Belassi is so confident in its process that it’s given us, The Watercraft Journal a bit of an inside-look at how they build and torture test these drivelines. Why? Because anything that cannot stand the rigors of day-to-day use should be sold to the public as such.
Here below some insights about Belassi’s Assembly Process for all MPU (Marine Power Units), whether sold to custom boat builders, diehard Open GP class PWC racers, or anyone in-between. It’s a bit of a “Cliff’s Notes” version of the process, but a great inside peek at how Belassi assembles, tests and delivers its “ready-to-run” Marine Power Units.
Pre-quality check
Once all the parts are delivered, there is a quality check. For the pre-quality check there is a deep control about surface, tolerances and 3D scans of all the parts. Additionally, before to use these components, there are a storage quality check and surface inspection (cleanliness / surface damage) to make sure that all parts are stored in the correct way and are ready to use.
Picking all the parts
Manual collecting all the parts, for one engine there are 331 parts to be collected (830 single components).
Pre-assembly Assembly parts as cylinder head (high complex part with tight tolerances that are assembled prior the full assembly and enables better quality tracking from the sub group. Also these parts are being pre-assembled: turbo system, stator assembly, crank shaft, pistons, intercooler, intake manifold and hose package. For each engine are available two different turbos that at the end will end up in three different engine configuration (260 / 330 / 400 hp).
Assembly All the pre-assembled parts goes together with the engine base parts to form the complete engine assembly. All hand build process.
End of Line Each engine runs on break-in procedure to ensure proper sealing, engine bearings, piston rings and each metal part that moves to each other. On the Dyno, the engines run through a various load cycles, culminating in a full throttle verification run (400 hp at 8200 rpm). Each load has a 60 min. cycle duration and on the dyno each engines runs on its final configuration like display, brake/trim and so on…
Packaging The process goes further with a visual quality inspection, change of the oil filter where the old one is stored for later inspection when required. All the relevant documentation (assembly, dyno docs, quality inspection) are send with the engine. Finally the engine hooks are installed for lifting and the engine is packed.
With stateside attention focused the start of the P1AquaX season that kicked off this past weekend on Lake Pontchartrain, as well as regional racing with AJSA, Wild West Watercross, East Coast Watercross, NatuiWater Racing and Great Lakes Watercross, its easy to forget that there is top-level racing going on outside the US.
Case in point: The four pillars of the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship: the single event Endurance World Championship, the World Championship Circuit, the single-event Offshore World Championship, and the European Continental Championship Circuit.
The location for the 2025 UIM Aquabike Endurance World Championship has been confirmed as Pangururan on Samosir Island, located in Indonesia’s Lake Toba. The village is the gateway to Samosir Island and boasts a newly completed waterfront which offers breathtaking views of the volcanic hills that define the Lake’s landscapes. Pangururan will already be familiar to those who took part in last year’s Endurance World Championship, where the locality served as a base for races that took place throughout Lake Toba.
Following the success and popularity of the venue, this season will see racing take place in Pangururan itself, establishing it as the heart of the Endurance Championship in Lake Toba. As with last year, the paddocks will be assembled in Pangururan, with racing then taking place conveniently close by.
As the local organizer, InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is working closely with H2O Racing to ensure the successful delivery of the event, while also promoting Lake Toba as a world-class destination for sustainable water-based tourism and international sporting events. Riders will be battling it out for this year’s Endurance title across three days of racing for this year’s single-round Championship. Registration takes place on Tuesday, August 12, followed by two Moto races per day on the 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively. The 2025 Endurance World Champion will then be crowned on Friday the 15th, closing out this season’s Championship.
aquabike.net/photos
Pangururan will also serve as the base for the first round of the Aquabike Pro-Circuit World Championship, the Grand Prix of Indonesia, held August 16/17, featuring Runabout GP1, Ski Division GP1, Ski Ladies GP1 and Freestyle events.
The second round of the Aquabike Pro-Circuit World Championship, the Regione Sardegna Grand Prix of Italy, will take place October 17-19, in Olbia, a coastal city in northeast Sardinia, Italy. The city is known for the medieval San Simplicio basilica, and for cafes dotting central squares like Piazza Matteotti. On the palm-lined waterfront to the east, the Museo Archeologico di Olbia has exhibits ranging from Nuragic artifacts to Roman warships. The hilltop Nuraghe Riu Mulinu is an archaeological complex with views of the Gulf of Olbia. The town lies on the shore of a large bay, with a road separating the town from the harbor. The third and final round of the circuit, the Grand Prix of Qatar, will take place Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 in Doha.
The Aquabike World Championship round scheduled to take place in Torre dell’Orso, Puglia, from 26 to 28 September 2025, will be held as an exclusive event dedicated to the Offshore category, and will serve as the single Offshore round of the World Championship.
The decision was made jointly by Aquabike Promotion and the FIM (Italian Powerboating Federation), in agreement with the local organizer, who opted to focus on highlighting the unique excitement of the Offshore discipline, taking into consideration the logistical characteristics of the venue and the region’s continued high tourist season.
“We carefully evaluated all available options,” stated the local organizing committee, “and we believe that focusing on the Offshore category—with its powerful visual and technical impact—is the best choice to deliver a thrilling show for spectators and to showcase the natural beauty of Torre dell’Orso. Our priority is to create a high-quality event that respects the local environment while engaging both fans and newcomers in a true celebration of sport.”
FIM President Giorgio Viscione also expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to give greater exposure to a discipline that is often underrepresented: “Offshore is a high-adrenaline, visually striking category within Aquabike, and it truly deserves more spotlight. This dedicated round finally puts Offshore at center stage. In this way,” Viscione added, “the race in Torre dell’Orso—together with the Olbia event taking place two weeks later, which will feature all Aquabike classes and categories, will position Italy at the heart of this sport, offering fans a full and unforgettable show.”
The Torre dell’Orso event is set to be a unique opportunity for both spectators and riders to experience the best of Aquabike Offshore in one of the most stunning coastal settings of the Puglia region.
aquabike.net/photos
And finally, the European Continental Championship Circuit, which kicked off May 30 – June 1 at the Grand Prix of Poland in Jeziorsko, central Poland, where the French trio ofJessica Chavanne, Mickaël Poret and Jérémy Perez dominated the afternoon’s action and secured victories in the Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1 and Runabout GP1 categories and Roberto Mariani took the victory in Freestyle. At the second round, the Grand Prix of Mira, Portugal on July 4-6, attendance kept pace with the robust turnout at round one, with approximately 100 riders registered. Jeremy Perez again took first in Runabout GP1, Felix Helgeson took the win in Ski Division GP1 and Sofie Borgstrom took the top podium spot in Ski Ladies GP1.
The third round of the European Continental Championship Circuit will be the Grand Prix of Hungary, scheduled for August 1-3 in the historic city of Gyor, located on the Moson arm of the Danube.
August’s Grand Prix of Hungary will also host a flurry of World Championship events alongside the packed European Championship racing schedule
Beyond the dozen European Championship races, Hungary will see action in the Ski Juniors GP3.3, GP3.2, and Runabout Junior GP4 World Championship categories.
Junior riders will join a whole host of Ski Division and Runabout categories on the challenging course off Zámoly Beach at an old quarry lake in Győrzámoly, near Győr. As was the case in 2024, Freestyle entrants will take part in their eye-catching somersaults, flips and on-water programmes from a spectator viewpoint on the Danube-Rába confluence in front of the Kossuth Bridge in the town centre.
Before that, the Warta River in the town of Jeziorsko – situated in the Łódź Voivodeship in central Poland – will host the opening round of the European Championship on May 30th-June 1st. There will be classes for Ski Division GP1, GP2, GP3 and GP4, Ladies GP1, Juniors GP3.3/GP 3.2, Ski Juniors GP4, Runabout GP1, GP2 and GP4, Veterans GP1, Junior GP4, Ladies GP4 and Freestyle.
The series then heads to the Portuguese coastal town of Mira on July 4th-6th for another action-packed weekend of action before the remaining two rounds in Hungary and France.
Mira is a municipality in the central district of Coimbra and is well known for its beautiful beaches, tourism, agriculture and fishing industries. Last year, Mira hosted the final round of the series.
The Allier River in Vichy will host the Grand Prix of France, the final round of the European Continental Championship, and this race meeting on September 5-7 will also determine the winners of the Runabout GP1, GP2 and GP3 winners in the stand-alone European Endurance Championship which will start two days prior on September 3. The French race will feature all the traditional Ski Division and Runabout classes, in addition to the Freestyle programme, with several riders expected to take part in both the Endurance and Circuit elements of the hectic racing weekend.
Sometimes, the most important thing we at The Watercraft Journal can do is act as a megaphone, assisting in the simple act of distribution.
Today is a just such as case.
Just before midnight last night, the American Jet Sport Association announced significant changes to race format/registration practices, and with their next race weekend coming up in one week, and registration already open for the Spindale, NC event on July 4 & 5 (AJSA Southern Summer Series Rounds 5 & 6), WCJ is lending a hand in getting the information out as efficiently and effectively as possible. Please share and pass on the information to those that may be impacted.
Following are the details, as listed in the full release from AJSA:
Attention Racers:
The AJSA strives to provide the best racing experience in Watercross. We don’t always get it right, but we aren’t afraid to try new things and be nimble enough to pivot when needed.
Effective immediately, we are going to try out a two-day, four moto format with one registration for all classes that are not part of the “Pro Show”, such as Pro Ski 1050 and Futures”.
This will mean you pay $200 for the weekend per amateur class, which is four motos (two on each day) The tie breaker will be the fourth or final moto. If someone is only able to attend one day, we’ll express our condolences and happily refund the difference of $100 for one day of racing. This will be handled on the front end before practice starts. If you start practice, and race one day, but then get tired or break a ski etc, a refund will not be issued for moto 3 & 4. This is not because we are money hungry, it is simply because of the large expense it takes to put on a race. To make a race event feasible we need racers to race both days, or we would need to start charging gate fees to offset it.
Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 based on the overall (combined points of the four motos). Each moto will still be awarded the Olympic style score of 1pt for 1st place, 2 pts for second etc, and then we add them up to determine the overall for the weekend. So if someone only races one day, their two motos will add up to determine their overall, likely behind those who race 3 or 4 motos.
The Pro Show classes will still be separate rounds each day with an awards ceremony at the end of the Pro Show. This is an effort of elevating the top racers in our sport and to give them a platform to shine on, and have greater exposure for their sponsors. The Pro Show also allows us to create a spectator friendly race event that draws spectators, which in turn motivates sponsors to be involved, which we use to create better events.
We appreciate your feedback, understanding and flexibility to run along side us as we continue to improve and do the best that we can for you.
Registration is live for Spindale, NC on July 4 &5, 2025. Please go register now! Remember if your not in the Pro Show, you only need to register for Round 5. If you are in the Pro Show you will need to register separately for each day, Round 5 & 6.
The Monster Energy P1 AquaX National Championship and P1 Offshore Triple Crown powerboat race series is set to open this weekend in New Orleans, LA, before continuing to Sheboygan, WI, and St. Petersburg, FL over the summer.
Jefferson Parish Councilman Hans Liljeberg stated, “We are proud to host the inaugural New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix right here in District 5. This event not only promises thrilling racing and family-friendly activities but also provides a unique opportunity to boost our local economy. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the nation for an unforgettable weekend in Jefferson Parish during our Bicentennial year!”The weekend includes a boat poker run, speed trials, a parade of boats, and a party in the pits featuring vendors, great local food, live entertainment, and an opportunity to see racers, skis and boats up close. The event site is located on the levee between Bonnabel Boat Launch and Bucktown Harbor Park. Admission is free. (VIP Hospitality tickets with premium waterfront viewing, exclusive hospitality tent access, and gourmet food and drinks served in comfort and style.are available.)
Although the inaugural New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix, along with the P1 AquaX National Championship race season, kicked off yesterday with some early registration, the fun really begins today with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 10 a.m. and continued registration for the Poker Run. Kilo runs throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m., with awards tentatively planned for 6 p.m. The Kilo run is a speed trial where boats are timed over a measured kilometer.
The action ramps up tomorrow, June 27, with a driver’s briefing for the poker run at 8:30 a.m., an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m., and the poker run kicking off at 10 a.m. and lasting until 2 p.m. Meanwhile, throughout the day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., testing will take place for both the AquaX and Offshore competitors. Then, at 6 p.m, at the Bonnabel Boat Launch. the pit party will get underway — a high-energy festival featuring local food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. It’s your chance to see the boats up close, meet the teams and drivers, get autographs, and grab photos before the racing begins. Admission is free and there’s a full bar for our 21+ guests.
Saturday and Sunday race scheduling is as followsGeneral Admission to the Monster Energy Triple Crown event in New Orleans is free of charge to spectators.Free parking will be available at several nearby locations, including Haynes Academy (4301 Grace King Pl, Metairie, LA 70002), and 3501 Ridgelake Dr Metairie, LA 70002. Complimentary parish-provided shuttles will transport attendees to and from the lakefront throughout the weekend.
Shuttle Times
Friday, June 27: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Saturday, June 28: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, June 29: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
P1 Offshore’s Official YouTube and Facebook pages will be streaming across both days of the event.
The official charity of the Monster Energy P1 Offshore Triple Crown race series is the P1 Marine Foundation, with proceeds earmarked to the Pontchartrain Conservancy and a focus on marine conservation, including research, educational programs for youth, and waterway sustainability.
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.
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!
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.”
They may not be words you particularly expect to see in the opening of an article in The Watercraft Journal, the phrase “They started climbing and just kept going,” even out of context, still will resonate with many.
