As we wrote previously, “The Kickback chair is made with anodized 7075-T6 aluminum attached to solid, durable indexing joints; all stainless steel mounting hardware; breathable, X-patterned nylon mesh seat and back that is easily-removed for washing; and two huge, rubberized no-slip feet. All of the contact points are specialty-molded plastic with Bopenski’s logo molded in. A stainless self-locking hook tethers the chair to the tow eye, and a single, coated J-hook loops around the transom’s bondline. The seatback is embroidered with the company logo. Even the cup holder is insulated and split to hold a drink and a snack (or cell phone).”
With those questions came early demand. So much so, that Bopenski Watersports has had to call in reinforcements to ramp up its initial production of the once in-development PWC chair. That’s right. When we first shared the Kickback, it was just a prototype that Bopenski was tooling on. Now, with pre-orders pouring in, Bopenski has poured on the gas, which sadly means that most pre-orders won’t be fulfilled until July as now a far larger order is needing to be met. The good news is that Bopenski has cut one third of the price off from the original $299.99. Anyone who places a pre-order will be charged $199.99 and get their KickBack chair with zero shipping (to the lower 48 states).
Jet ski fishing has quickly become one of the fastest-growing branches of personal watercraft usage outside of the United States. We sorta harp on this subject a little too often, because it’s still perplexing that fishermen have taken to plastic kayaks before using a PWC. Oh well, right? Well, not quite because there’s literally a multi-billion-dollar industry that the PWC industry hasn’t sunken it’s teeth into.
Speaking of which, outside of the US, particularly with Australian and New Zealand markets, PWC fishing is huge – so much so, that television channels dedicate prime time slots to the sport. One such is the Jetski Fishing Show with host, Kirk Davis aboard his Yamaha FX HO. Recently, New Zealander Davis had a run-in with a particularly nasty customer who wasn’t going to take any of his guff.
In a Facebook post earlier this month, he wrote: “Last time I interacted with a Mako it came flying out of the water behind me. Yesterday, one came in and tried to chew on the Yamaha Marine New Zealand WaveRunner!! Check it out.”
We’ve been hearing quite a bit of grumbling (particularly in the comment section of our YouTube channel) from folks bemoaning one brand over another, citing breakdowns, hull finish issues and just a bunch of problems with their new and pre-owned watercraft that simply are bad news to hear. Amazingly enough, the majority of the problems these folks are having could’ve been solved had they purchased their watercraft from Cycle Springs Powersports.
Why’s that, you ask? Because besides being the single-largest dealer of Yamaha boats, Cycle Springs is also one of the biggest dealers of personal watercraft of all brands, makes and models in not just Florida, but the whole United States. And being such an industry leader garners them a little bit of preferential treatment. How so? Well, if you’re looking at getting one of the newest 2018 models from Yamaha, Sea-Doo or Kawasaki, Cycle Springs will be one the first to make that happen.
Add to that Cycle Springs’ amazing Lifetime Engine Warranty, their famous Money Back Guarantee on extended warranties, employee cost on accessories (on the day of sale), 50% off Pre-paid Maintenance and offering no “additional cost” protection for 500 miles of pre-owned machines, and it’s easy to see why Cycle Springs is one of the best.
And don’t take our word for it; Cycle Springs is also the winner of Yamaha’s highest dealer satisfaction awards for several years running. Located in Clearwater, Florida, “just minutes from Tampa and St. Petersburg,” Cycle Springs is a full service dealership and can repair, service, and maintain most makes and models.
A little over a week ago, the fan-favorite apparel brand Liquid Militia announced through all of its media channels that it will be closing on June 27th (or when its stock is depleted). This came as a shock to many as the brand has been a mainstream staple of the hardcore sport for the past 14 years, producing T-shirts, hats, hoodies and more over its near decade-and-a-half run.
Sponsored riders and friends to the founders Shawn Alladio, Kyla Dominguez and Ryan Smith, will remember the annual Liquid Militia private team weekends in Goleta, CA, which invited those to camp out on the beach and enjoy a weekend of riding and socializing.
Right now, the remainder of Liquid Militia’s inventory is being sold at a heavily discounted 65-percent off. All items can be found online at the official website store. It is sad to see any company that so passionately supports the sport close, and invite all to swing by Liquid Militia’s store and pick up an item or two.
Here’s the original press release issued May 17: After 14 years in business Liquid Militia® LLC is closing its doors. It has been an incredible journey and we are very proud of the brand, but it’s time to forge ahead. We thank our loyal customers, riders, and supporters.
Check out the Liquid Militia® Liquidation Sale! Going on now! We have big discounts on all our in stock items. Our final sale day ends June 27th or when stock runs out. All sales are final.
Liquid Militia’s last day of business will be June 30th, 2018. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
A new company has been formed to continue to support LM Print business customers. Please contact us (949) 667-2699 for any inquires.
It’s been a fantastic experience for all of us. We thank you all!
JetJam Racing emerged on a new location in Parker, AZ for Rounds 5 & 6 of the 2018 Hydro-Turf JetJam Racing series – La Paz County Park. The location proved to be an awesome race site with great grass camping for the racers and their families. The consensus was this location rocked!
On Friday, setting up the track presented its challenges with the flowing river and heavy river traffic. The amazing Red Shirt Crew worked their magic and were able to set a great course. The track was set up to run clockwise instead of the normal counter clockwise direction. This provided the racers a new challenge and with the often ruff water, it gave way to some great racing over the weekend. Thank you to the water safety crew for keeping everyone safe.
The Hydro-Turf JetJam race events have attracted many new riders to the jet ski racing scene. This weekend was no exception. For example, they had Dakota “The Outlaw” James at 10 years old in the Junior 10-12 Stock class to Joe Ballistrea at 65 in the Vintage X2 class. Another new rider out there this weekend was Brittney Hegeman who is in her second season of racing the Lucas Oil Hydro Drags with the Adams Racing Team. This was her first time crossing over into closed course racing.
Brittney said, “JetJam was the perfect opportunity for me to be able to stick my toes in and test the waters of closed course racing. I loved it so much I decided to race on Sunday as well. The entire race crew, racers and their families were so welcoming, full of advice and ready to lend a helping hand to a new racer who was very nervous”. She then went on to say “JetJam is all about the racing, the fun and the safety. A community on and off the water.” She can’t wait for her next race. Brittney even finished with a 5th and 4th place over the weekend.
With a stacked line up of racers in the Ski GP4 class, Saturday’s winners of the TC Freeride’s cash payout were 1st place Kole Cramer, 2nd place Brady Courson and 3rd place Theo Beaumer. Sunday’s payouts went to 1st place Kole Cramer, 2nd place Brady Courson and 3rd place Caleb Kile. For the holeshot payouts, Saturday in Ski GP1 went to Preston Matzdorff and Vintage 550 went to Chris Hagest. On Sunday, Becky Cooper Powell picked up the holeshot in the Vintage 550 class and after an insane battle on the course in the Ski GP1 class, Ian Roberts walked away with the holeshot and Preston Matzdorff pulled off the overall win. The Vintage X2 class had some great prizes, as well, for 1st place – 5th place. These prizes were sponsored by River Rat Motorsports and Nasty Nic’s Motorsports, both of Lake Havasu City.
Congratulations to all the winners this weekend including Preston Matzdorff, Justin Black, Kole Cramer, Revin Harris, Brandon Warner and Julien Beaumer for going 1-1 for the overall win on Saturday and Sunday in their classes. When Saturday evening rolled around, JetJam hosted a dinner for the riders including DJ Robbie Rob, of Lake Havasu City, spinning the tunes for the dinner and dance party. Coach T’s BBQ served up a delicious dinner of Chicken Enchiladas, salad and homemade beans. JetJam and Coach T’s, combined, raised over $5000.00 for the “Every Kid Counts” Charity out of Phoenix, AZ. over the past 6 Rounds of racing. Way to go!
Overall this event turned out amazing and most of the racers are hoping to return to this location in the future. Thank you to all the sponsors who help JetJam host these awesome races: HydroTurf, Bud Light, Hidden Trails Motosports, River Rat Motorsports, Bodyline Swim Shop, Skat Trak, Pro Watercraft Racing, Water Craft Direct, Nprotune, Jet Renu, M&M Marine, TC Freeride, 3-2-1 Kawasaki, Blowsion, JetLift, Ryno Power, The Watercraft Journal, Team Oakley, Pro Rider Magazine, Shark Energy Drink, Devas Bling, Riva Racing, Gallaghers, Throttle Junkie News, Coach T’s BBQ, Every Kid Counts Charity, O’neill S&E, Sun Solutions, Titan Performance, Bomber Eyewear, WCWCC and Westside Media, and JC Racing.
A press release from OZPWC tells us that five times pro world champ, Kevin Reiterer will race in the 2018 WSM Performance Parts Australian Watercross Championships. The race takes place in Lake Macquarie NSW from June 8-10. Reiterer will ride the Jetsport Asia Australia sponsored Kawasaki SXR 1500. The powerful stand-up ski was built by Newcastle Jet Ski Center.
Hailing from a small town near Vienna, Austria, the 26-year-old Reiterer began riding stand up skis at the age of six. He grabbed a King’s Cup in 2008, which is the same year he turned pro. Moreover, he was deemed the fastest rider in the world in 2009 and holds five World Titles in the premier Pro Ski class. Reiterer is definitely a force to be reckoned with. He continuously strives to be the best and we expect him to show up and go richter!
Jetsport Asia Australia is a family business that has operated on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years. Jetsport has three locations throughout Southeast Asia and a combined knowledge of over 50 years experience in the PWC/Outboard industry. The company supplies parts worldwide and offers overnight delivery to nearly all of Australia. Check ’em out if you want great service combined with a knowledgeable staff.
For more information on the 2018 WSM Performance Parts Australian Watercross Championships, take a look at the AJSBA site. From Reiterer, a man who is living life to the fullest; “I want to be remembered in being beyond beliefs by doing what I love.”
If you plan to be in the Boise, Idaho area the weekend of June 8, then you might want to check out the Idaho Shootout. Presented by Hydro-Turf, the Jet Jam racing series is making its Idaho Shootout stop in Caldwell, ID on June 8-10.
It is expected to be an action-packed weekend with the two moto format and four moto format events. Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday as well as the awards ceremony being held those days. Racing classes include standup, sport, and runabout.
If you plan to race, be prepared because there is a $10,000 combined pro purse. Third place will receive $2000, with second place taking home $3000 and the top spot swooping up a huge $5000 cash prize. There will be additional huge prizes as well for other classes.
Spectators will have equally as much fun with all of the events planned, beer and food vendors, and available camping slots starting at just $25 per night. Best of all, spectators pay only $10 to get into this awesome event.
The location information is as follows:
Race Site: Wright’s Property 21500 Middleton Road Caldwell, ID 83605
Camping: $25/Night for dry camping Register at the Registration Trailer
For further details and to see the full race schedule check out Jet Jam’s site information.
Jet ski racing ranks in as one of few sports with the highest average age for its competitors (professional golf being the highest at 35 years old). Due to a confluence of generational trends, industry productivity, and the sport of jet skiing in general as being part of the cultural zeitgeist, jet ski racing is really, truly lacking in the youth appeal. With today’s news, we’re hoping that is soon to change.
Multi-time IJSBA National and World Champion, Larry Rippenkroeger, who has served for the stunt double for Bruce Willis, Michael Rooker and many others, is no small figure in the world of PWC racing and freestyle. Rippenkroeger recently announced the production of his first film, titled “Hot Water,” an action-comedy centering around competitors of a fictional PWC championship tour as they battle it out for the title.
The pro athlete-turned-stunt man-turned-movie director has been busily gathering second-unit footage for the film, showing up at various PWC events to capture some heart-racing action. This pursuit landed Rippenkroeger at Powerboat P1’s inaugural Miami P1 AquaX event, where he stated, “The P1 events are exciting. I see a lot of love for the sport, a lot of energy and it’s growing and growing so I would love to see this event turn into an annual one. It’s a perfect venue to race too.”
He continued, “When I used to race, I had many surreal moments where I was reaching top speeds with stunning skylines as company. In those moments I found myself thinking ‘Wow! This is like something out of a movie’. From there, I made it my life’s ambition to bring the excitement of PWC racing to the silver screen, one day. It may have been a long time in the making, but it’s so awesome that it’s finally happening.”
In an interview with The Fan Carpet, Rippenkroeger explained how after a particularly severe injury during filming for Live Free or Die Hard that his own film really begin to find legs “During filming for Live Free or Die Hard, I fell from 25ft tall scaffolding where I came out with life-changing injuries including two broken arms, a skull fracture, a punctured lung, fractured ribs and other serious injuries. It took me a whole two years to recover and it was during this time out that I was able to properly sit down and write the screenplay for Hot Water. It’s kind of sad but it literally took me to take a serious hit, to write the script. You could say the accident was both the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me.”
Although there is yet to be an official IMDB listing for the film, or an officially-confirmed cast, Rippenkroeger is hoping to have the film completed and distributed throughout cinemas and movie theaters by next spring.
My impatience had turned into visual frustration as the azure blue sky above Pompano Beach, Florida, faded into silver clouds, eventually darkening into an impending storm. Thankfully, I had arrived at RIVA Racing‘s secret testing lake nearly an hour earlier than I had been asked to, and was quickly preparing both my safety gear and video cameras. Time was not on my side, and I wanted as much seat time as possible on RIVA’s newly-minted Stage III kit-equipped 2018 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300. RIVA’s Marcos Smith had promised speeds of 83-miles per hour from this machine, and having driven over 14 hours to southern Florida just to try it, I wasn’t going to be robbed of the opportunity.
It was early March at this time, and the new machines were just now proliferating the showrooms. Initial sales in Australia were encouraging, and Sea-Doo brand loyalists here in the Northern Hemisphere were eager to get their hands on the new ST³ runabouts, therefore it was imperative that RIVA Racing get the parts developed and finalized before the season kicked off. Having racked up a considerable amount of ride time on the new ST³ platform, and being already impressed with Sea-Doo’s latest submission, I was eager to take to the water. RIVA’s Maptuner X ECU program had it so that the Sport mode was already engaged upon ignition, a welcome boon to those who hate toggling through the prompts. Although exiting through the factory outlet, the “uncorked” exhaust let off a healthy burble as I idled away from the dock.
With my knees tucked in tight around the faux tank and my shoulders up over the handlebars, I mashed the throttle against the grip. The bite of the repitched prop and the added boost, supplying an extra 2-pounds linearly across the torque curve, pushed the 828-pound runabout – according to onlookers – completely out of the water. I backed off, settled back into position and engaged the factory Launch Control feature on the VTS. Rather than porpoising out of the water (as I had done), the Launch Control automatically articulates the VTS nozzle so that the craft maintains a flat plane from a dead stop to full speed by toggling the VTS nozzle all the way down and gradually and automatically adjusting back to the previous pre-launch position, whatever that might be. Again, I readied and pinned the gas to full stop. This time, the Stage III-equipped Sea-Doo roared maniacally as it shot forward with devilish glee. By 8,580 rpm I was at 83mph.
With a snap of the handlebars, I was quickly reminded that this RXT-X had no handling upgrades. The increased, almost volcanic thrust and neck-snapping throttle response suddenly pushed the new hull beyond the limits of its fixed-position sponsons and top-loader intake grate. The prop was chewing up the lake furiously, but keeping the tail planted, while positioning the new ST³’s nose down became a balancing act. The ST³ wants its nose down, it begs for it. But with the stock sponsons and intake grate trying to keep traction while the added power pushed the ski further required bringing the nose up one or two notches up on the VTS trim. Yet, as I churned RIVA’s lake into a broiling tub of white caps, the elevated nose allowed the tall keel to sluice through chop with relative ease. “OK, that’ll work,” I smirked.
Gratefully, the low-centered, body-hugging cockpit of the new Sea-Doo’s Ergolock cabin was enough to keep me from sliding back along the bench – despite the centrifugal force the Stage III’s 330-horsepower was pressing upon my body. Pulling in to the dock, Marcos teased, “Did you like that?” Wheezing an exasperated yes, as I pried off my helmet the rain began to fall. He continued, “Good. I thought you’d like it.” For now, as the muscles in my forearms began to pulse, I’m thinking 330-horsepower is plenty dang impressive. RIVA Racing has untethered the ACE 300, and so too has it revealed the potential within the new ST³ hull. After two bouts with the RIVA-tuned RXT-X that morning, I chided, “This could effectively replace the RXP-X as well.” To which, several onshore nodded in accord. No, it won’t happen but the RXT-X definitely can perform when properly equipped.
In all, priced at $3,600.66, RIVA Racing’s Stage III kit is all one needs to have a reliable, hard-hitting 83mph Sea-Doo RXT-X (that still runs on pump gas). Throttle response is immediate but rightly progressive throughout the torque curve, there’s no flat spots or lulls. It just keeps pulling harder and harder. Thrust is – as I learned the hard way – enough to eject the ski almost entirely out of the water from a dead stop, but can push you out of an apex faster than you ever thought possible. With all this being said, it is absolutely remarkable how easily RIVA makes 80mph obtained. What was once the benchmark of absolute, bleeding edge performance is now readily attainable through ECU remapping, and a short list of intake, exhaust and cooling additions, and all for less than $4,000. I’m absolutely floored.
The Blue Dog Chemical Company Pro Watercross Tour, presented by Broward Motorsports returned to the white sand beaches of Pensacola, FL again this year. During the drive down, we checked the surf report, which showed “flat” or 0-to-1 foot waves. This was slightly disappointing because one of the nicer things about racing and freestyle on the ocean is the potential for decent sized surf waves. Luckily, this surf report was wrong!
Ocean waves can really help or hinder a rider, based on their specialty, but as a spectator. Oh boy, it’s fun to watch! We remember watching Jeb Zarzour putting on one of his best ocean races in Amateur Ski Stock, but on the final lap, and final buoy, he went ‘over the falls’ on a wave and did a front flip off his Yamaha Super Jet, catapulting him 20 feet away from his ski. By the time he could be reunited with his ski, the race was over and he went from 3rd to last just like that.
Freestyle was a blast on the waves, especially Sunday when the surf picked up, giving some waist to chest-high surf waves. Jeff Lutker and Ryan Doberstein put on a show for the crowd aboard their freestyle skis with plenty of opportunities for aerial maneuvers.
Last week when we interviewed Jimmy Wilson, he brought up how great it was for Pro Watercross to let the Juniors race with the adults, which is a brand new things for Pro Watercross to do. They were given a shot to prove they could ride fast and safe enough to earn the opportunity to race the entire tour with the older (potentially faster) riders. Something a lot of people don’t understand is that these kids had to race Junior classes plus their adult classes, so they put in a ton of laps through the course of a weekend.
“This was a really cool thing of Pro Watercross to try out to help build the sport and help the kids prepare for the world finals,” Wilson told us. We had a chance to interview Chris Skellett and his son, Haden Skellett about their thought of juniors hopping onto the racecourse with the adults. Here’s what they had to say:
Watercraft Journal: How many kids do you have and what do they race?
Chris Skellett: Three kids; Taylor, age 12; Haden, age 13; and Thomas, age 27. They race Junior Stock 10-12, Junior Stock 13-15, Spec, Novice Spec, and Amateur Ski Stock
WCJ: Last weekend, on the first round of the Pro Watercross tour in Panama City Beach, FL, there was something completely new that happened for the juniors. They got to race with the adults in Amateur Ski Stock. Tell us about this:
CS: We’ve been asking for about a year for the kids to move up to get a little more competition, since the kids race together all the time. There’s only 3 or 4 of them that travel and we all live near each other, so they finally gave them a chance. I think all the juniors performed really well, held their lines, and put on a great show! My son [Haden] ended up winning all three motos and my daughter [Taylor] had a couple holeshots and did really well.
WCJ: What kind of ski are you riding this year, Haden?
Haden Skellett: Two skis; a Yamaha ‘Blaster, and a Yamaha SuperJet
WCJ: What classes are you racing?
HS: Amateur Ski Stock and Novice Sport Spec, and all Junior classes.
WCJ: What did you enjoy most out of the weekend?
HS: I really enjoyed racing in Amateur. We had great battles; it was fun!
WCJ: What do you think about getting to race with the “older kids,” since you’re only 13 years old?
HS: I love the opportunity to race with full lines, no matter what age. I just hope that every class I race in, I could race with a lot of people on the gate to get a chance to show off my skill level.
WCJ: Are they on the same skis as the rest of the Amateur Ski Stock class, or do they have a few more modifications?
CS: They are on stock boats; the same ones they run in Junior Stock. Haden runs his Yamaha SuperJet, and we switched Taylor over to a Yamaha SuperJet this year, so she runs one of Haden’s back up boats. She’s been doing great on it over the SX-R’s of last year.
WCJ: Anything else you’d like to say?
CS: We’re looking forward to moving up into some even higher classes. For regular sport stock, we’d like to get into the actual Spec instead of the Novice Spec for Haden and keep Taylor in Novice Spec. Our oldest son runs in the Sport Spec class, so my younger son and my older son would like to do some battle and see what they can do. And of course, we’d like to move Haden up to Pro-Am Ski Stock. We’d like to have a shot at Jimmy Wilson and the older guys.
WCJ: Will we see you on the rest of the Pro Watercross tour? What about Lake Havasu for the IJSBA World Finals?
CS: Yes, we run the whole Pro Watercross tour usually every year and we will definitely be at Havasu this year.
Round 3 on the Pro Watercross National Tour is in Racine, Wisconsin on July 28-29th. There will also be a special event in Sparks, Nevada on July 1st. For a full list of race results, you can check out www.ProWatercross.com/results
