For those of you already subscribing to The Watercraft Journal, you’re already familiar with Yamaha’s far-afield-of-normal open-bow, center console WaveRunner. What we originally deemed as an unfinished prototype back in 2023, has been proven to be “the real McCoy” as far as what we might expect from a finished model. We’ve caught this machine twice in the wild and now once more.
Earlier last week, an eagle-eyed subscriber of The Watercraft Journal spied this WaveRunner about to be dispatched for some on-the-water testing. Our spy wrote, “The Yamaha boys were out at West Point Lake on July 2nd testing with the ski. […] I guess they are moving forward with this project.” Its passengers clearly didn’t expect to get wet given their blue jeans, work boots and long sleeves.
And why is that? Because this vessel is huge. Its length quite literally filling half of that of a 28-foot trailer (from our estimates). It’s important to note that the United States Coast Guard limits a personal watercraft to below 12-feet in length, so it stands to reason that this WaveRunner could possibly exceed that boundary requiring far different and more expensive registration and licensing.
Clearly devised for the ever-expanding PWC fishing market, this WaveRunner – we at WCJ believe – will be officially released here in the United States as the JetFish (a model name given to a heavily-equipped fishing-dedicated FX HO in Australia and New Zealand). We believe this larger JetFish will too be powered by the 1.9L High Output 4-stroke and aimed at US lake and river fishing enthusiasts.
When it comes to PWC care, it can sometimes be the small details which make the biggest difference. Whether it’s carrying out some regular maintenance, replacing a worn-out part, or installing an aftermarket upgrade to your PWC, there can be a lot of little details that go into this work, and missing any one of them can be a serious setback. That’s certainly one of the main reasons we go out of our way here at The Watercraft Journal to highlight useful tutorial videos and step-by-step instructions, but it’s not just about having the right knowledge; it’s about having the right tools.
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to you when you’re getting ready to install a new part (say, for example, one of Impros’ top-of-the-line impellers) is realizing that you don’t have the right tool halfway through the job. Luckily, the Impros online shop has more than 30 specialized parts and tools that can come in handy when you’re in need of just the right piece to make sure your job comes together properly.
Their website features a large selection of impeller tools designed to help primarily with the installation and removal of impellers, such as specialized wrenches and spline tools. Each tool has a full listing of its applications, making it easy to figure out precisely which one will work best for your specific needs. Their 440 Driveshaft Tool, for example, works specifically for proper removal of 300/440 Skat-Trak impellers, meaning it is super useful to know exactly which tool you’ll be working with.
The Independence Day weekend is often listed as the busiest weekend of the year on the water in the U.S., as thousands of poeple take to the lakes, rivers and open waters to celebrate the holiday and summertime in general.
And while we hate to be the “Debbie Downer” of the bunch, we also are the ones whose Google Alerts, set to catch all PWC-related news and notices, are a sadly constant reminder of the dangers of not respecting your ride, and the water. So today’s July 4 post is, first of all, our opportunity here at The Watercraft Journal, to wish all our stateside readers a Happy Independence Day! We hope all of you get the chance to get out on the water, enjoy friends, family, fun and freedom, shoot off some fireworks, and celebrate the nation’s birthday.
But while we’re at it, we’ll also just drop these safety tips, in the hopes that we’ll see each and every one of you right back here on the pages of The Watercraft Journal come Monday.
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket – It’s your best defense against drowning, and in many areas it’s the law for jet ski operators. You want to pick a life jacket that is rated for impact and approved for use on a PWC. The life jacket should fit well without being loose and no loose clothing should be worn, either. Also, make sure that any passengers wear a life jacket, too.
Eyewear is always a good idea.
Attach the engine cut-off lanyard to your life jacket. That way, if you get thrown overboard, the PWC engine will stop and it will be easier to get back on the vessel. Without the safety lanyard, many PWC will continue to run in circles which can seriously injure people in the water.
Each PWC is required to carry a fire extinguisher. Make sure that the fire extinguisher is up to date and ready for use.
Schedule your PWC for regular maintenance according to the owner’s manual. After a certain number of hours of operation, you will need to check the vessel for signs of wear and replace any worn out parts. If you aren’t sure how to do this, have a certified marine mechanic do this for you.
Rethink the Drinks — celebrating is part of the holiday. But someone has to steer. Assign a sober operator before you even untie from the dock. Want to keep it festive without the booze? Bring some fun mocktails or flavored seltzers onboard. Being responsible on the water isn’t about killing the vibe. It’s about making sure everyone gets home safely.
Maintain safe distance and speed – Keep clear of other vessels, swimmers, and fixed objects.
Take it slow and steady, especially for new PWC owners. The excitement of being on the water paired with unskilled operators can cause issues during the busiest boating weekends. Speeding, distracted driving, and even collisions unfortunately can result. So, keep a watchful eye on your fellow boaters while you follow proper boating etiquette.
Look Before You Turn. So many accidents happen during sharp, blind turns. Always look left/right before carving or reversing.
When driving a jet ski with a passenger, make sure your passenger is ready to go before you start.
When riding a jet ski when someone else is driving, make sure that you are holding on tightly. Inform the driver if your hands slip or if you are not ready to go.
Take a boating safety class. In many states, PWC operators may be required to take a course with laws different than traditional motor boats. Check with your state boating law agency in the state where you plan to use your PWC.
Even if the skies are clear when you set out, that can change in an instant. Wind, waves, and storms are unpredictable, especially in the summer. Checking the forecast isn’t just a formality—it’s your best defense. A peaceful cruise can quickly turn chaotic if you’re caught in a sudden squall without warning. Tools like marine weather apps, radios, or even a good ol’ radar check can help you stay one step ahead. Never assume calm waters will stay that way.
Don’t overlook waterway rules. Coast Guard regulations exist for a reason. They’re especially strict on busy holidays, and fines for violations can be steep. Know the rules of the water just like you’d learn the rules of the road.
And a few non-PWC Independence Day safety tips:
Grilling Safety Inspect gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks.
Keep the grill at least two feet away from decks, siding, branches and any outdoor equipment that can catch fire quickly.
Keep young children away from grills.
Never grill indoors, in the garage, in any enclosed area or on a surface that might catch fire.
Fireworks Safety
Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
Don’t point sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while they’re lit.
Only light fireworks on the ground and in dry, fire resistant areas.
Don’t light multiple devices at the same time.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers.
Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Also keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them.
Resist the urge to bring your pet to a fireworks display.
You’ve got the hotdogs and the beer, the grill is set to go, many of you have snuck across a nearby state border to stock up on unsafe and insane fireworks – but unless you’re looking to spend the Independence Day holiday stuck on land, there’s still time to take advantage of RIVA Motorsports’ July 4th Sale!
Enjoy up to 25 percent off of RIVA’s revolutionary performance products, as well as all the gear and accessories any freedom-loving patriot could ask for, like riding gear, towables, PWC covers, apparel and more. Make sure you can take full advantage of your right to have fun (safely, of course) and upgrade your own personal “rocket” with new exhaust systems, cold air intakes and more – all with free shipping on orders over $150 in the continental US of A.
Check out RIVA’s sale page to find even more deals, like RIVA Racing made-in-the-USA seat covers, 15% off and up to 60% off genuine Jet Pilot riding gear.
And if you’re really looking for a bang for your buck, be sure to stop by RIVA’s custom build page, where you can check out RIVA’s top-of-the line Yamaha, Sea-Doo and Kawasaki custom builds, like this 2025 Yamaha FX1800R Limited Edition featuring a host of RIVA Performance Products perfectly matched to the Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO platform. This custom unit features exclusive hull graphics and color matched anodized RIVA Racing components. The engine produces a reliable 350 horsepower that delivers incredible acceleration and top speeds up to 81mph. To complement the added power, the unit includes upgraded steering and handling components for complete rider control. Built in-house by RIVA master technicians, the RIVA FX1800R Limited Edition is a race ready musclecraft guaranteed to make heads turn.
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.
