“The inspiration all started when I was fifteen years old,” stated Jay Bramble, as he recalled the first time he ever saw the Kawasaki X2 JetSki. As he remembered, Jay knew that he wanted one of these unique JetSki’s but unfortunately, he was not able to afford one at such a young age.
The highlight of this story features one man’s vision to bring together all of the iconic fast vehicles that he dreamed of as a kid. The result that you see are three separate 1993–1995 Kawasaki X2’s custom built to individual themed vehicles.
Jay Bramble’s blue ski is themed after a 1970 BOSS Mustang, while the red ski has an iconic color scheme inspired by the 1987 Ferrari F40 and the Kawasaki green ski is inspired by none other than the Kawasaki ZX7R Ninja Sport bike.
Jay Bramble Poses With His Racy JetSki Builds
Now that we know when this whole inspiration was sparked, the builds themselves did not actually start taking place until last October when Jay turned 48 years old. It was then that he had found a good deal on the three used skis.
After tearing the skis down to the hulls and making some necessary hull repairs, Jay began considering his options for the individual engine builds and sourcing parts. This process took him about 5 months alone.
Once he had decided what engine configurations and aftermarket parts he wanted, he then began the tedious work of fabricating and modifying linkages, backing plates, and fittings to get everything from the carburetor all the way to the exhaust pipes to fit and function.
It took Jay about 9 months in total to finish all builds. He did all mechanical work himself including motor and pump rebuilds, electrical as well as body work. To get the skis custom painted to their proper new themes, Jay had his friend help in sourcing the correct paint codes and in painting them to a showroom quality, glossy finish.
Now that this project is complete, Jay admits that he feels satisfied in quenching the yearning he has had ever since he was fifteen years old. It’s time to move on to another project he stated. We know you are proud of these builds, Jay. We also think that they turned out stunning!
For all of the specs on each ski, take a look below:
The modifications for the green 1995 Jay Bramble X2 650 are:
Reconditioned the engine, carb, pump, intake and exhaust manifolds
Powder coated black PJS ride plate
R&D intake grate
Skat Trak 16.5 impeller
Rad Dudes 2″ exhaust tip
Powder coated silver vein West Coast race pipe
Racing West Coast water box,
Bulldog nose brace,
New grips,
New UMI bars with lanyard kill switch,
Hydro Turf,
New silicone hoses, fuel lines, water lines, air lines, bearings, electronics, gel battery etc…
The modifications for the red 1995 Jay Bramble X2 650 are:
New engine
New Mikuni 44mm carb with primer
New intake/exhaust manifolds
K&N air filter
Powder coated black Ocean Pro finned ride plate
R&D intake grate
Lightened drive shaft
Solas 14/17 impeller
Coffmans race pipe
Bad Bones dual resonator water box
Watcon 2″ exhaust tip with my custom backing plate
Bulldog nose brace
Hydro Turf
Carbon seat cover
New grips
UMI bars with lanyard kill switch
New silicone hoses, fuel lines, water lines, air lines, bearings, electronics, gel battery etc…
The modifications for the blue 1993 Jay Bramble X2 650 are:
Reconditioned engine
Mikuni 44mm carb with primer
West Coast intake
West Coast exhaust manifolds
K&N air filter
Powder coated silver vein West Coast race pipe
West Coast water box
Watcon 2″ exhaust tip with my custom backing plate
Bulldog nose brace
Powder coated black Jetlyne ride plate
West Coast deep intake grate
Skat Trak 16.5 impeller
Hydro Turf
Carbon seat cover
New grips
UMI bars with lanyard kill switch
New silicone hoses, fuel lines, water lines, air lines, bearings, electronics, gel battery etc.
A story reported in the Miami Herald tells us that a Florida man was filmed riding a modified Sea-Doo on a street in Jacksonville. A video of the ride was captured by Beth Porter who let News4Jax know about the strange machine she spotted cruising about 20 miles from the beach. The video depicts a man wearing a black helmet and a red backpack happily moving along on Normandy Boulevard. He was later identified as 23 year old Trey Yarbrough, who is a welder and fabricator.
Yarbrough told the Miami Herald that his hybrid ride took him a few weeks to build and it’s outfitted with a brake light, turn signals, and a headlight, which make it a legal street machine. His hybrid is a cross between a 1988 Sea-Doo and a 1989 Honda Elite scooter. He was headed to the gym the day that Porter filmed him.
Yarbrough is quoted as saying via Facebook message, “I built it just for the fun of it just to be different and get smiles. A lot of people don’t like motorcycle riders so I give them a reason to smile at it.”
The video has more than 72,000 views on Facebook. Yarbrough reached out to News4Jax to stake his claim to fame. He informed the station that the Department of Transportation approved the vehicle for use on state roads. Yarbrough told the Herald, “I’m just glad to be on the news for something positive if you [want to] call this positive.”
One of the oldest-running wetsuit, lifevest and riding gear manufacturers dedicated to personal watercraft, Slippery Wetsuits has been at it since 1989. Today, Slippery Wetsuits continues as an industry leader in premium jet ski race wear – and we at The Watercraft Journal know firsthand as we continue to provide real world reviews of many of their latest equipment. Just check these recent posts out.
So what does Slippery have in store for 2019 and beyond? “Coming into our 30th anniversary, Slippery Wetsuits is looking to expand on our decades-long brand message,” states Slippery Brand Manager, Alex Fox. “Evolving with the times, Slippery is making a big push in the digital direction. We have made considerable updates to our website with a new format that is both stylish and extremely user friendly. Slippery has also introduced a revamped Instagram and Facebook page to keep our fan base dialed in on all current events. Make sure to go check out the website and give us a follow to stay in the loop on new product releases and an exciting upcoming season!”
And of course, make sure to keep your eyes open for future reviews of Slippery Wetsuits’ products and apparel here at The Watercraft Journal and our YouTube show “Long Haul” where Slippery is a supporting sponsor, providing us the most comfortable vest, gloves and wetsuits available today.
The third annual P1 AquaX Whiting Grand Prix took place August 11th and 12th at Lake Front Park in Whiting, Indiana. It went off with some of the top Pro-Am racers from the USA and Canada. JetX racer Jay Edworthy, a 300 Class rider and defending champion of the North East Region went toe-to-toe with Chris Saxon and Tyler Hill. Edworthy took some falls in Race 1 and those led to his demise, according a piece on the IJSBA website.
Race 2 saw Eric Lagopoulos take the top spot with Hill and Saxon taking second and third respectively. Edworthy grabbed a solid fourth. This was Hill’s best finish in AquaX. Unfortunately, Sunday brought an end to Hill’s killer run. His machine suffered mechanical issues, which finished his great run. Canada’s Dave Davidson took advantage of the opportunity to capitalize on Hills on bad luck and brought home a third place finish for Canada. Meanwhile Lagopoulos and Saxon battled for first and second until the end when Lagopoulous snagged first in the overall. Saxon did well grabbing second overall. Anthony Radetic finished fourth overall, his best finish yet for AquaX event.
Newcomer, Errol Lange, took the overall win in the 200 Class. This was his debut in runabout racing. He’s a stand up rider and took a shot at AquaX Enduro and it paid off in dividends. His preparations included training on his Kawasaki STX-15F with Jason Lester from the St.Pete/Clearwater team. Lange was stoked about heading into Chicago for the next race.
The P1 Aqua X Series had a “make up” round in St. Cloud, Florida for the Amateur racers this past weekend. After the events of Miami and St. Petersburg – dealing with the extreme marine holds – the series felt that it was necessary to add another round for the year so the Amateurs could get some racing in so they could earn points. Since Aqua X has been labeled as a way for Amateurs to race, this seemed like adding a round was a good idea.
There was a good level of participation from the racers for this event with more than 30 racers attending even with World Finals in Lake Havasu getting ready to start this upcoming week. Professional racers Eric Francis and Sophie Francis came to the event to give their support and advise the amateur racers prior to going to Lake Havasu.
The day was set to be extremely hot in St. Cloud on Lake Tohopekaliga, with no rain in the forecast. The racers kicked off the day with the mandatory riders safety briefing. At the briefing it was announced by P1 staff that the issues with marine holds from the previous rounds was addressed and that they have now partnered with a new marine observer crew that would be tested out at the next and final round in Ft. Lauderdale in November. Hopefully this new partnership will be more forgiving with the marine holds and racing will be happening with little to no holds.
Race director Lisa Barsby made the trip from England for this round and went over the rules for racing and what penalties would be given if the rules weren’t adhered to. [Keep in mind, as it would have affect on some of the racing later in the day. –Ed.] The racers all suited up and put their boats in the water and everything was running smoothly. The racers were marshaled out to the course and did their practice laps to get the lay of the course and were then lined up in order at the start. Race control gave a “go” for racing and the green flag was dropped and the racers sped to the first turn buoy.
The racers looked like they took the information by Barsby as it was a clean line start and racing was underway. Taking the hole shot was Jason Taylor on his Sea-Doo RXP-X. Domenico Barilla and Enrique Chia gave chase throughout the race. During the moto, a buoy was missed and Taylor took the penalty buoy along with Barilla. However, the rest of the field didn’t take the penalty buoy. Taylor maintained a 9-second lead over the rest of the pack giving him the win for the first race, followed by Barilla in second and Chia in third.
After a short break for the racers to refuel, it was time for the second race of the day. Again, Taylor would take the hole shot and if he rode like he did, it would be a second win for him. Barilla, Chia, Dave Davidson and Greg Radulski again chased him. Taylor again maintained a sizeable lead and it was looking like Sea-Doo would have their first top podium spot for the year. As the race progressed with just a little under ten minutes left in the race, a racer started to take on water to their Kawasaki JetSki and it began to sink. There was also a separated shoulder injury that took place that caused the safety marshals to attend to.
This caused a shortage of marshals able to maintain a safe course and the red flag and checkered flag was flown ending the second race. Taylor again took the win followed by Barilla, Chia, Dave Davidson and Greg Radulski. After review it was determined that a penalty was assessed to Taylor for another missed buoy and he received a 12-second penalty. This changed the finish order and gave Barilla the win for the second race and Taylor tying with him. It now made it down to the third race of the day to see who would get the top spot on the podium.
After a briefing with the racers by the race director and the safety marshals another orientation lap was given and the racers were lined up for the start. The green flag was dropped and the racers headed to the first buoy. It was Domenico Barilla who got the hole shot as he had the pole position on the start due to his win of the second race. Taylor would have the number two position on the start. Dave Davidson, who would have the fourth position on the start, took the lead during the race due to Barilla having some unforeseen mechanical issues. This was the first time all season that the Amateur racers were racing three races in a single day and it was going to be a challenge.
Davidson held off the pack by getting and maintaining a half course lead over Jason Taylor. It looked like doing a third race in a day was putting Chia to the test as he fell back into the sixth spot causing Radulski to move up to the third position. The checkered flag dropped, giving Davison the win and Taylor coming in second. The racers went through tech and Taylor was DQ’d, causing him to lose all points for the day. This would thereby give Davidson the overall top spot on the podium along with Barilla taking second and Radulski third. Chia grabbed the overall fourth place and missed the podium by one point.
In the 200 Class Jose Gonzalez, Scott Reeves and Amanda LeCheminant would race all three races for the day and finish one two and three giving them the podium spots in their class. It was a great day of Amateur racing and the racers and fans enjoyed themselves. The next and final stop for this year’s race season will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the 17th and 18th of November where not only will the Amateurs be racing but the professional racers will be rejoining the tour. Then we get to see who the top Amateur and Professional will be for the year.
The shop has plans to be bigger and better for 2018 and is returning with its giant race trailer stocked with used and remanufactured parts. Engines, pumps, and complete watercraft will be available as well. An onboard service shop is on site to care of any emergency needs.
You can count on Miami Jet Ski Shop for support when it comes to racing. The crew is reliable and dependable and will be there for you. Make arrangements with them and you’re set for the 2018 Blowsion World Finals.
Check out the official press release below: Miami Jet Ski shop is pleased to announce that we will be back at the IJSBA 2018 World Finals! We will be bigger, better and more prepared to meet all your needs!
Our 53-foot Race trailer will be fully stocked with Race rental Jet skis for different classes, remanufactured Engines , performance parts, OEM parts, and a friendly onboard shop!
We also will have our Sea-Doo and Yamaha diagnostic software which allows us to tune, flash and reprogrammed your jet-ski.
Our pilots are extremely excited to be a part of the Championship this year. We will also be bringing 8 different Race ready Jet skis to Lake Havasu! Contact us or check our website for more information.
Miami Jet-ski Shop is psyched to be headed to Lake Havasu this year and we hope you are too! Cant wait to see you all!
An honor typically bestowed upon the most advanced, highest decorated or deadliest ship in the fleet, the flagship was the vessel to carry the commanding admiral. With no less fanfare, the flagship of Yamaha Motor Corp. USA’s watercraft division is equally as advanced, decorated and lethal in the field of “battle” – the 2019 FX Limited SVHO WaveRunner. Entirely redesigned from the keel to its handlebars, the new FX Limited shares very little with previous models but stands atop their shoulders, like a successor having learned at the feet of its predecessors. In fact, so much of the re-sculpted FX is derived from prior FX and GP models before it, that it shares more than it creates from whole cloth. Let’s begin at the bottom:
Yamaha’s GP1800 (and now GP1800R) is a masterclass in universal hull design. Impressively, the shape of the business end of the GP is identical as the lowly VX (molded in traditional FMC), to the lightweight NanoXcel-hewn VX Deluxe, to the ultra-featherweight GP1800R made from NanoXcel2. It is in this ultimate form, that the GP1800 demonstrates its talent at maintaining a through-line in crosshatching waves, maintaining a level attitude in rough seas, and capacity of executing either a hairpin or wide swoop without its bow hunting or darting left to right over an ever-undulating water’s surface. If it didn’t do so, the GP1800 wouldn’t be winning so many races.
It’s from this design that Yamaha’s hull shapers first began. No, it’s not merely an enlarged version of the GP but benefits from lessons learned there. Both craft benefit from a shallower deadrise and less pronounced keel, relying more on full-length lifting strakes running along the wetted surface to elevate the craft up and onto the surface. Semicircular, rounded chines also give both the GP and FX hull lift, attributing to either craft’s predictable tracking over erratic sea states. Departing from the VX/GP design, the new FX features a sharp spray-deflecting ridge splitting the bow that sweeps into an angled outside chine, permitting the full-sized 3-seater a very natural and intuitive inside-lean that rolls gently and naturally like a motorcycle as you angle into a corner.
The obvious dimensional differences between the VX/GP and FX platforms are overt as well; at 140.9-inches, it is a true 9-inches longer than the aforementioned, and 2-inches wider at 50-inches. Compared to the previous year’s FX Limited SVHO, the current model is one inch longer and 2-inches wider, and impressively, 14-pounds lighter than the ’18, coming in at a relatively svelte 822-pounds. Moreover, the larger and more accommodating 2019 FX platform is better equipped to soak up the harmonics and vibrations from skirting over the water, even when hewn from Yamaha’s NanoXcel2 hull and deck material. This means that the FX is not only impressively predictable in rough water, but far better insulated to give the pilot a smooth, enjoyable ride.
Above the bond line, the new FX platform is equally impressive. Approaching from the rear, the transom is wide and flat, carpeted with two-toned, CNC-cut authentic Hydro-Turf matting. A thickly padded folding swim step is the largest and lowest-reaching in the industry. Reach up to find a wide grab handle below the integrated wet storage bin (below the tow eye and rearmost passenger seat). The reshaped footwells are wide, and scalloped with low gunwales. At their deepest point is a single gravity drain, funneling water down and out of the pump tunnel – a long overdue and warmly welcomed addition. The fairings arch high, giving the driver’s knees some space, before running down into the FX’s redesigned hood. The overall look is familiar to the previous FX, but subtly smoothed.
Beneath the hood is a wholly revamped front storage locker accessed by a gaping rim permitting easier access from all angles. The inside of the bin is lined and insulated, and incorporates a large recess specifically measured to fit a soft-sided cooler that attaches to the bulkhead via a hook. This cooler is only one of the many, many items included in the Yamaha’s Limited package, and is capable of carrying up to 24 8oz. cans. The hood is actuated by a gas shock that won’t put up a fight when closing the lid, either. For 2019, Yamaha relocated the filler cap from beneath the cowl to the outside fender, which admittedly breaks up the FX’s otherwise super-clean aesthetic. The neck feeds the WaveRunner’s 18.5-gallon fuel cell.
Above, the cockpit is traditionally Yamaha: uncomplicated and utilitarian. The FX Limited SVHO’s 5-point tilt steering system is uncluttered and features Yamaha’s dual-throttle RiDE breaking and reverse system, electronic trim control, No Wake mode and Cruise Assist controls, as well as the brand’s pistol grip handgrips. For 2019, Yamaha also “plussed” its trim control with TDE (Thrust Directional Enhancer). This allows the rider, while in neutral, to bump the left-hand toggles by one-mile-per-hour increments to pull alongside a dock or other tight space. The feature can also be used to provide the watercraft a little extra oomph to back off of the trailer. Equally, the rider can now “bump” or adjust the No Wake mode’s speed by toggling up or down using the Cruise Assist buttons.
Fore of the steering system are two alcoves with hardened mounting plates. These are part of the extensive accessory partnership Yamaha made with RAM Mounts. While most FX units will feature one mounting plate and a single cup holder, the Limited SVHO has two (the cup holder can be installed by backing out 3 Allen screws and replacing either of the plates), as well as a Garmin GPS Fish Finder with a transom-mounted transducer, and a pair of Bluetooth-controlled, waterproof speakers. A variety of other accessories can be attached to the RAM mounts including fishing rod holders and more, which will be made available through Yamaha’s accessory catalog.
Of course, the big news for all FX WaveRunners is the addition of the industry’s first full-color touch-screen dashboard. The 4.3-inch glare-resistant LCD instrumentation screen operating Yamaha’s “Connext” software provides “all [of the] vital system information, customized features and includes a new Drive Control technology for personalizing riding experiences.” (Drive Control permits for programming engine speeds and acceleration curves for towing, cruising, or less experienced riders.)
Scott Watkins, Yamaha Watercraft’s WaveRunner Product Planner, explained, “The new touchscreen puts more control than ever in the fingertips of the rider, with more detailed information and customization than any other watercraft in history. In addition, we know that customers like to customize their ride, and the multi-mount system allows them to make their watercraft their own, for how they plan to use it, whether they’re cruising, making videos, beaching, touring, or fishing, the capability is all there.” You can even pick the color for the gauge needles and readouts.
Because the touch screen function deactivates when the ski exceeds 20mph, Yamaha repurposed the buttons below the steering system to allow limited use of the multi-page functionality. Behind that is another bit of Yamaha innovation; a 100-percent waterproof glovebox. Both deep and padded with a soft corrugated liner, the glove box lid clicks open, and locks shut through the use of a rubberized latch. It’s a little awkward to operate at first, but once you get used to tugging up and moving it either back to open, or forward to seal closed, it’s easy to use. The spacious glove box also adds to the new FX’s whopping 44-gallons of total storage.
Unique to the 2019 FX Limited SVHO, the three-tiered bench is arranged in a true stadium-style seating array, wrapped in premium cut-and-sew, stitched material that is both grippy and heat resistant. Gratefully, the rear plastic cladding and third passenger handrail are smartly shaped as not to rub or interfere while solo riders do so standing up. Otherwise, the contoured front seat narrows at the knees and tapers inboard, permitting for comfortable riding, either feet forward, or tucked beneath. And for the aggressive riders, dropping a knee into the tray for a breakneck hairpin is even easier thanks to the added room and angled footwells.
We’d certainly be remiss to go on without properly listing the other accessories that come with the Limited package (in addition to the Garmin GPS, fish finder transducer and dual speakers); a single-place tube specifically color matched to the ’19 FX Limited SVHO’s Deep Red Metallic hue, an electric tube inflator and 12V outlet, a tow rope, a matching PWC cover with glove box access panel, a tube holder, a tow rope bag, fenders and the aforementioned soft-sided cooler. All of this adds up to a PWC priced at a hefty $17,399 MSRP, yet, considering the $1,200 price difference between it and the next-most-equipped FX – the SVHO Cruiser – and the near-$3,000 worth of accessories, and the Limited suddenly becomes a surprising bargain.
At wide-open-throttle, the centrifugally-supercharged Super Vortex High Output engine propels the FX Limited SVHO to a GPS-confirmed and sustained top speed of 69.3mph with half a tank of fuel over the glassy surface of Lake Allatoona, GA., it’s top loader intake grade feeding the FX’s 160mm axial-flow pump. With a slight loss of weight, the maxim of “there’s no replacement for displacement” once ballyhooed for the 1,812cc 4-cylinder – the largest in the PWC industry – bows to the might of a superior power-to-weight ratio. At neutral trim, the SVHO-powered FX whistles across the water, kicking up a fantail twice as wide as it is high. Rider input is slop-free and precise.
While piloting through windblown chop, the FX’s hull rises taller and tracks straight. This means that in open ocean or in truly grueling lake conditions, the supercharged Yamaha will skim the crisscrossing waves rather than plow through them, all the while failing to erratically search or hunt. In our testing, we had the pleasure of pushing the FX Limited SVHO in both ideal and less than ideal conditions, and the craft is both equal parts predictable and silent. The entirety of the new FX is surprisingly muted; gone are any indecipherable squeaks, chatter or pops that lightweight materials and plastic fairings can often emit. All you get is the howling of wind whipping past your ears and the mechanical staccato of the thrumming engine spinning at just under 8,000rpm beneath your feet.
Yes, the new 2019 FX Limited SVHO WaveRunner is a worthy successor to the previous model. Heck, make that an emphatic yes! We struggled to find any glaring flaws in the machine, apart from the clunky aesthetic of the exposed gas cap. We’d also would rather see any at-speed gauge controls moved from the dashboard to the handlebars to keep rider’s hands on the grips at all times. Other than those two quibbles, we were hard-pressed not to gush effusively over Yamaha’s newest flagship. From its sleek and powerful new shape, to its confidence-inspiring ride and all-water surface handling, to the virtual accessory-catalog’s worth of add-ons, this machine, above all others, is the benchmark for luxury performance.
The race season started off with racing at Rotary Beach in Lake Havasu City, AZ. on Easter weekend for Rounds 1 & 2. What an amazingly crazy and fun weekend it was. With over 140 entries to an Easter service and Easter egg hunt presented by Walking on Water Ministries, there was something for everyone. This race was followed up by Rounds 3 & 4 at Rotary Beach also. They had a special giveaway courtesy of River Rat Motorsports for those who attended both of these races in Havasu. Congratulations to James Gagnon of Retro Racing for taking home the pit bike. Of course, they made it part of the team with its awesome retro pink glitter seat and retro paint.
As the season was well underway, they next traveled to Parker, AZ. at La Paz County Park for Rounds 5 & 6. Although this venue was great for camping, the red shirt crew had its challenges in setting up the course on the ever flowing river. Once set and done, this track proved to be a favorite with its right-handed start. Coach T’s Bbq hosted a dinner Saturday night along with a great DJ from Havasu that came down and played some tunes for everyone’s dancing pleasure.
After the southern races were completed, they found themselves heading north to Boise, ID for a “Special Event” race. This was the first time Idaho had seen jet ski racing there in 20 years. Charlie Kouba, Matt Taylor, Rich Kumm (Fly Racing) and all the other sponsors made this this event a reality. They pulled off a $10,000 pro purse and thousands of dollars in product giveaways. Congratulations to Dustin Motzouris for taking home the overall win. Many new race friends were made in Idaho and there were many new racers that came out so hopefully there will be a return for more racing action in Idaho next year.
Not long after the Idaho event, it was time for Camp Far West in Northern California for Rounds 7 & 8. This is one of the NorCal riders favorite race spots and places to ride. This was Jet Jam’s second time racing this lake and it was an awesome time. This location is one of the “down home” race spots and it included a rider & staff appreciation potluck dinner Saturday night followed by Bill Austin’s famous apple, peach and cherry cobblers! What a great night it was and everyone still made it to the line on Sunday morning to finish up a great race.
Rounds 9 & 10 were the next NorCal stop at Mossdale Lake Quarry in Lathrop, CA. The venue is located right off the 5 freeway which makes for some good spectating. It was really exciting to watch a battle between JB Gasperone and Justin James as they switched skis with each other. JB still took the win though. Another fun battle to watch was Cienna Ward and Demi Silva. These up and coming junior stars had quite the little battle going out on the course. Nic Verdone took a 1st place win in the Spark class even though this was his first time racing a spark. The Spark class is an ever growing new class. Can’t wait to see who races this class next season!
Rounds 11 & 12 at Lake Success in Porterville was finally here. This was the 3rd race in a months time and the final race of the season. This was the first time at this race location and although it was extremely hot and had a huge hill to climb, the venue turned out to be pretty awesome. Bud Light sponsored a stage and band for our end of the season party. The classic rock band Exit 13 rocked it. Dereck Mendoza of Bud Light rocked it for Jet Jam this season. Congratulations to the winners of the Bud Light electric guitars and JB Gasperone for taking the season overall win in Ski GP1. Also a huge shout out goes to all the season overall champions:
Caleb Kile – Ski GP4, Matt Rollings – Ski GP2 Limited, Tyler Shinko – Ski GP3 N/A, Krissy Vaughn – Women Ski GP2 Limited, Brandon Warner – Runabout GP3 Stock, Dominic Cannady – Jr. 10-12 Stock and Limited, Kyle Kreeger – Jr. 13-15 Limited and Stock, Nick Leseney – Sport GP3, Cory VanCleave – Vintage 550, James Hendry – Vintage 650-750, James Gagnon – Vintage X2, Chris Heppe – Sport GP1, Justin James – Vet Ski Open, Doug Wolff – Runabout GP2.2, Stevie Bascom – Women Ski Gp3 Stock, Natalia Giuliano – Sport GP2 Blaster Only, Jackie Harden – Runabout GP2.3 Spark Only.
One other item to point out about this event was the 2Up X2 race that took place at lunch both days. This was so much fun to watch as the 2 man teams tried to stay on their X2 skis. Congratulations to the team of Hayden Item and Kyle Kreeger for taking the win. Hope to see more of these types of races next season!
Last, but not least, a huge shout out to Brandon Warner for winning the Sea-Doo Spark that was given away for the season overall prize. Brandon is a Runabout racer that went to many of the races over the season taking many 1st places. Runabouts are the smaller of most of the racing classes. There are the smaller 2 stroke ski’s and the larger 4 stroke skis. Some of the skis are probably in the average persons garage and they don’t know how to get started racing.
In the words of Colin Richards, “When people come to me at the races and ask how to get started with a ski in their garage, I tell them to look for a class they can afford and come out and play.” It would be great to get some new Runabout racers out on the course on the West Coast. If you have any questions about wanting to race, please contact Jet Jam Racing for more info. There are some exciting changes to come for the 2019 season. Please stay tuned for announcements on www.jetjam.racing and the JetJam Community page on Facebook.
A USA Today article and video tell a sweet story of a close encounter with a Southern Right Whale. PWC rider, Tim Swift, was riding on August 28th when he spotted a huge Southern Right Whale while riding about one kilometer off Dunsborough, Australia. When Smith saw the whale, he shut down his engine and watched. It’s the law that vessels aren’t to come within 100 meters of whales. However, riders are allowed to turn off their machines and wait. That’s exactly what Smith did.
The 40-50ft. whale became curious and swam toward the ski and gently nudged it. Smith said he could have reached out and touched the animal. He sat on his ski watching the whale surface nearby several times. Smith joked that whale’s breath smelled like an old fish and chips shop.
Swift described the encounter as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and added: “I mean it makes everything else pale into insignificance. This connection we had was just amazing.”
He was totally stoked about his experience. Smith was like a kid in the video and who wouldn’t be excited to hang out with a whale for an hour? He said the whale wasn’t the least bit scared of him or his machine. He said he almost jumped in with the mammal and decided against it. Smith feels privileged to have had the encounter. It truly was a gift.
Everybody already knows that the annual Mudbug Rally happens every second weekend in June; but did you know that there’s a second Mudbug happening in October too? That’s right! Jerry Gaddis and crew host two Mudbugs a year, and it’s happening this upcoming Friday, October 12th throughout the weekend. While a few of you will be trying to recoup from yet another IJSBA World Finals, the rest of us are going to livin’ it up in the bayou.
And just to make life all a little bit sweeter, we’ve got some fun coming your way. The Watercraft Journal has been given the world’s first 2019 Yamaha FX SVHO to ride at the Mudbug. No, we can’t legally let you ride it, but we will be hosting a walkaround in the parking lot of the popular Clarion Inn that Friday evening at 6pm. We will be walking through the various new features and changes made to the full-sized runabout, as well as demonstrating the new digital information center as well as the new RAM mount accessories.
To make that even better, we’ve partnered with Bopenski Watersports to give away a Kickback PWC chair! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is first, sign up for Bopenski’s newsletter found on their Facebook page HERE and be present at our exclusive Yamaha walkaround! The winner will be chosen live from people who have signed up for their newsletter – and you must be present to win.
