Get Ready For Hydro-Turf Jet Jam Racing Coming This April to Lake Havasu

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February 5, 2018

Seven time Jetski World Champion, Anya Colley decided to give motorized surfboards a try. She did so well that Jetsurf Factory scooped her up for 2018. Her first go at professional jet surfing was during the MotoSurf World Cup at Wyboston Lakes, GBR. She didn’t podium, however, she did race lightning fast. Colley went on to compete in a couple of more motosurf races in 2017 and finished third in Naples,FL and grabbed a place on the podium.

The 25 year old British racer will soon begin pre-season training in Croatia. She is stoked about her latest endeavor and so are we. Here’s what Colley had to say about joining the Jetsurf Factory Team and facing the challenges yet to come:

“When I received this amazing news, the smile on my face was huge, as big as the one when I made it onto the podium this year. I’m so excited to be part of the Factory Team and I can’t wait for next season already!

“What can I say for this season… Well, I joined the Motosurf World Cup at the 3rd round held in the UK with very little experience on a Jetsurf, but was hooked, I got sick in Prague at Round 4 so had to retire from the final and then after training hard I battled to get on the podium in 3rd place at the final round in Naples, Florida.

“I love jet surfing and think the opportunities of fun and competition are endless, so to be a part of the Factory Team really excites me & I hope I can bring something to the team too. The Motosurf World Cup is a brand new challenge for me; the talent is high; the girls put up a good fight, so I have some hard training to do with the Factory Team! Bring on 2018!“

RIVA Racing Speed Control Module Allows ’18 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 Run 75+MPH

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February 2, 2018

It wasn’t long ago that The Watercraft Journal brought to you the most comprehensive introduction and review of the all-new 2018 Sea-Doo RXT-X 300, a machine that for the most part, turned the personal watercraft industry on its ear. Why? Because somehow Sea-Doo managed to design a shorter, lighter and lower three-seater runabout that people keep thinking that it’s bigger! It’s not, it’s smaller save for an increase width of nearly 2-inches. And how fast is it? Well, in 30-to-60mph acceleration times, the new RXT-X 300 is half a second faster (2.5-seconds vs. 3-seconds).

OK yeah, that’s how quick it is, but how faaast is it? Well, if you understand how the USCG agreement works, you’d know that all watercraft sold here in the United States cap off around 68 miles per hour. In the case of the new RXT-X 300 that number is about 68.32mph (according to RIVA Racing’s GPS tracking). For those Sea-Doos sold outside of the US, and therefore, not constrained by the USCG agreement, that number is far more attractive 72mph. But is that all that the new Sea-Doo RXT-X 300 is truly capable of? Well, RIVA Racing begs to differ, as they’re touting an impressive 75.2mph with the use of their SCOM unit.

Waitaminute. What’s a SCOM, you say? Well, that’s RIVA Speed Control Override Module that interrupts the feed to your Sea-Doo’s ECU and removes the restrictive GPS speed control function programmed into Sea-Doo’s iControl. Now, that 68mph RXT-X will hit a blistering 75.2mph all day long and without requiring an ECU reflash.

Moreover, the SCOM will also allow the ski to start in “Sport” mode, rather than the usual “Touring” mode typical to Sea-Doos (you can still manually “Touring” by pressing the “Sport” mode button on the handlebars).

So how can this get any better? Well, hop on over to the Greenhulk Performance PWC Store, type in “greenhulk” and shave off 10-percent from your purchase and enjoy free shipping within the United States. What normally retails for $199.95 is now yours for $179.95 shipped! Oh hey, and remember this works on ALL 2018 300HP iControl models, is super easy to install, and retains all of the original dash board functions too! Pick up speed safely and easily today!

Caution: Black Ice; 2018 Yamaha VXR WaveRunner (Video)

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February 1, 2018

“Well, this sucks.” I groaned, trying to wash the ocher-red mud from the footwells. Georgia’s Lake Allatoona is one of the most striking in America’s lower 48 states that I’ve had the pleasure of riding, especially today. Choosing a mid-week test session was a brilliant idea, as boat traffic was almost non-existent. Temperatures lingered in the low-60’s and winds almost non-existent, leaving the winding lake perpetually still, save for one inky-black and brilliant blue WaveRunner slicing a white plume in its wake. The iron-rich ruddy shores tracing the ivy-green water are topped with dense green foliage and tall, rod-straight pines. So much of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee is painted in these colors, and its no wonder that boating in the Southeast qualifies as therapy for the soul. That is, except for one thing: the mud gets everywhere.

After finding a secluded shore and spending close to an hour photographing our steed for the day, a brand-new 2018 Yamaha VXR Waverunner, my black riding boots were stained red and caked with mud. Despite my best efforts, reboarding the VXR flung the red goop across the WaveRunner’s Black Metallic and Azure Blue Metallic paint and decals, impregnating the two-tone Hydro-Turf traction matting, and pooling in the shallow footwells. The ski, being as stealthy and slick-looking as any machine to have left a showroom, looked as if I had taken it mud-bogging. Wadding in the water around the ski had churned up the lake bed, tinting the water’s green into a sickly orange. Thankfully, with a few quick flicks of the VXR’s fly-by-wire throttle to clear the pump, and we were free and clear.

Admittedly, today’s ride was mainly for me. Little has changed for the VXR since its redesign in 2015. The same 1,812cc (1.8-liter) naturally-aspirated High Output 4-cylinder four-stroke powering the VXR, and its adjoining 155mm high-pressure, multi-vane pump pushes out enough thrust to propel the machine deep into the 50’s. With a lighter rider and a few less gallons in its 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the numbers would creep into the 60’s. The VX series hull and deck, from which the VXR is derived, varies from the rest of the segment only by its material – NanoXcel – as opposed to the denser FMC found on lesser VX models, and the lighter NanoXcel2 used exclusively on the GP1800, which shares the same shape and design as the VXR and aforementioned remaining VX machines. (I swear that’s not a run-on sentence.)

In fact, the hull has proven to silence naysayers time and time again, as the GP1800 sauntered to the top of more podiums in 2017 than any other runabout, whether in closed course or grueling offshore conditions. For its part, the VXR has fared nearly as successful, earning a roster of wins in naturally-aspirated classes as well. Simultaneously, the VXR has remained a successful entry point into Yamaha’s race-ready Performance lineup not only for racers, but recreational enthusiasts as well. Priced at $11,999, the VXR comes in $2,000 below the GP1800’s asking price of $13,999, noting the central differences being the lighter NanoXcel2 build material, SVHO (Super Vortex High Output) supercharged engine, intercooler and larger 8-vane 160mm pump.

Its slippery hull skimmed over the lake’s unbroken surface with ease, allowing ultimate rider input; lean heavy over the rail to the left, and the ski responds in kind. Drop a knee into the footwell and snap the bars to the right, and the VXR slingshots around a hairpin like a slot car. Equipped with Yamaha’s electric trim, up-and-down toggles direct the nozzle accordingly. Because the VXR shines so brightly when cornering, the trim was almost perpetually set low. These runabouts handle on their nose, and giving it the trim they crave (Trim! It’s what runabouts crave!) is how to eke the best cornering out of them. The whole top deck is narrow, from the below the handlebars back to the third passenger grab handle. The seat still feels wide compared to Sea-Doo’s new commitment to ergonomic saddles, but nothing like a full-sized Kawasaki that can feel like a medical examination table to some.

Like all VX-series Yamahas, the steering neck is fixed with a padded, rubberized cowl and cool flat-sided pistol-inspired hand grips. The gauge cluster is a modest LCD affair with a blend of numerical readouts and scrolling bars reading fuel, trim and RPM as the speedometer calls out to the rider from center stage. In fact, so much of the VXR is left uncluttered. A solitary glove box features molded-in cup holders; beneath the rear passenger bunk is a drop-in storage bin and a screw-top lid; flip open the unsprung hood (that locks up vertically) and reveal a tight front bin. All of which adds up to a 24.6 gallons of storage. A wide, folding swimstep retracts into place when not in use, and a single stainless tow eye glimmers beneath the shadow of the reboarding grip in back. Wanting bells and whistles? Look elsewhere, bub.

Of course, the greatest addition to the VXR still remains RiDE; Yamaha’s answer to Sea-Doo’s brake and reverse system. The dual-throttle mechanism employs the left hand lever as a throttle, not a gear shift. When idling at a dock, a rider can aptly reverse their way clear without the use of the right hand throttle lever completely. Just think: right hand forward, left hand reverse. Admittedly, Yamaha has done its homework since RiDE’s debut, and the system is far more measured and intuitive than my first impression so many years ago. Now, throttle comes on smooth and linear. When accelerating forward, the 1.8L digs down deep and unspools a torque curve unrivaled by other naturally-aspirated watercraft. Again, the VXR’s stellar power-to-weight ratio shines (767-pound dry weight) here, and makes this machine an all out thrill to ride every time.

The VXR falls into an interesting segment; if you’re the young father looking for a family toy, I still say the VX Limited and its virtual catalog of included accessories is the way to go. If you’re a budding racer or looking to be the fastest guy on the lake; then the GP1800 is definitely the right choice. But if your kids are a little older, and you’re still looking for a fun ride that can still tow a raft fast enough to “crack the whip,” then the VXR is a sure-fire hit. I still carry a special place in my heart for the Yamaha VXR WaveRunner; it might be because without fail Yamaha reserves its most aggressive paint schemes for it (in addition to the black-and-blue, is a Black Metallic with Matte Carbon – with blazing red highlights) to choose from. It’s an interesting ride; dry and comfortable when you want to cruise it, and arm-stretching and soaking wet when you’re out for blood. This machine is a fun one for sure.

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Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes Lost at Sea, France Calls Off Search

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February 1, 2018

After two days, after searching all morning again, CROSS, the French Navy, called off the search for Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnes. The industry mogul and longtime surfer and fisherman left the Capbreton harbor at 7:30am yesterday morning. According to a report by Surfline, seas were “rough and visibility was less-than-ideal.” Agnes had sent a message to port authorities indicating that “he was delaying his return because of thick fog,” yet, after a few hours, his boat washed ashore near Biarritz around 9:30am.

Immediately, a search was launched. Yet, with water temps around 53 Fahrenheit, rescuers knew they only had two-to-three hours before hypothermia set in. Despite the grim forecast, searchers continued. According to Sudoest, “The two scouts and jet ski of the SNSM and the ship of the Maritime Gendarmerie, deployed since 7:45am, have returned to the port.” The loss of Agnes has been felt by the surfing and freeride world over the past 24 hours, with many turning to social media to voice their grief.

Kelly Slater, arguably one of the world’s greatest surfers, wrote: “I love this man…it’s just starting to hit me what a profound effect this man had on my life and the surf community at large. He loved his morning fishing trips, family, Quiksilver, surfing, friends, motorbikes, Capbreton…I’m not even sure how to let it sink in.” Agnes joined Quiksilver in 1988 as team manager, then “worked in various capacities throughout the company’s European marketing operations. He served as Managing Director of Quiksilver Europe beginning in 2003, and President of Europe in 2005, according to company documents. He became Global Head of Apparel in 2013, and Company President in 2014. He has been CEO since 2015.”

The Official Schedule for 2018 Pro Watercross National Tour Released

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January 31, 2018

Hey, hey folks! There’s a lot to unravel in yesterday’s release of the tentative 2018 Pro Watercross National Tour schedule as well as several other special events and series being hosting by Pro Watercross (including the World Championships, Hydroflight Open Tour and the new Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Closed Course Racing). Not only have dates and venues been added, but the Pro Watercross Tour will be hosting it’s often beguiled Sparks, Nevada race as a stand-alone event separate of the regular tour, which will come as a relief to many who simply cannot afford to make the trek that far west.

Of course, this opened up the schedule for a new venue, Racine, Wisconsin. Bringing the Pro Watercross Tour action to the shores of North Beach Park will draw in many from the Great Lakes area who otherwise haven’t been logistically capable of remaining competitive. We think it’s a great addition (and only wonder when Nashville, TN is going to come back. Seriously, we used to have the Nationals here, guys). Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of details left to be unfolded so check out the full press release below.

Here’s the original press release:
Pro Watercross is proud to announce the official event schedule for the 2018 season. The Pro Watercross National Tour features six jam-packed events starting in May through November, ending with its World Championships in Naples, Florida. “Pro Watercross has become the largest and most popular watercross series in the country and this season’s schedule will continue to bring growth to the sports, thanks to a great group of tour partners and host cities with fans all looking forward to our watercross race events,” said Jennifer Handler, CIO of Pro Watercross.

Pro Watercross events will include the Watercross National Tour and special events, Hydroflight Open Tour, as well the introduction of a new concept in racing… Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Closed Course Racing.

Pro Watercross is working to revise its mission statement to include all categories of watersport racing events to appeal to people from all walks of life. “We will continue to support the powersports industry with our events, while producing events for watersport enthusiasts to gather and share a one-of-a-kind beach lifestyle experience” continued Ms. Handler. Since its inception in 1995, UWP, owner and producer of Pro Watercross events has become the largest watercross tour in the United States and is supported by industry-leading original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).

CHANGES TO THE TOUR: The Tour would like to welcome Racine, Wisconsin back to the tour; Racine’s North Beach Park is an ideal location for a tour stop, vast beach area with great surf, ample parking with close proximity to downtown hotel with great food and entertainment.

“We have been working hard to have Pro Watercross return to Racine. It’s one of those events that both locals and out-of-town visitors seek out for a summer weekend. Between the athletes, the enthusiastic fans, and the always-stunning North Beach venue, I don’t know why anyone would want to miss this show. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors, and prepare for the most intense beach party ever!” said Cari Greving, Real Racine Event Director.

The positive economic impact the tour will generate also means Racine’s businesses can anticipate receiving a major boost with the tour’s arrival drawing thousands of people to their city. “Hotels, restaurants, bars and practically every other business in Racine will benefit from having a Pro Watercross National Tour Stop in town,” continued Jennifer Handler CIO.

Sparks, Nevada: The 2018 US Open of Watercross will be a stand-alone event held at Sparks Marina Park; the event will be incorporating watercross racing and hydroflight competition on Saturday and closed course SUP racing on Sunday. The highlight of the weekend will be the watercross racing, which has been featured over the past six years in Sparks, NV. This will be the first tour event to incorporate all three events into one single event. *Special Event

Pro Watercross Watercross Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 May 5-6 Pensacola Beach, FL
RD 2 May 12-13 Panama City Beach, FL
RD 3 June 2-3 Atlantic City, NJ
RD 4 July 28-29 Racine, WI
RD 5 August 11-12 Hartwell, GA
RD 6 August 18-19 Charleston, WV (National Championship)

*June 23 Sparks, NV (stand-alone event) U.S. Open of Watercross
* November 1-4 Naples, FL – Watercross World Championships

Pro Watercross Hydroflight Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 June 23 Sparks, NV
RD 2 July 14 TBA
RD 3 TBA TBA (National Championship)

* October 26-28 Naples, FL – Hydroflight World Championships

Pro Watercross SUP-CROSS Tour Tentative Dates:
RD 1 June 24 Sparks, NV
RD 2 July 15 TBA
RD 3 September TBA (National Championship)

* October 31 Naples, FL – SUP-CROSS World Championships

*Special Events

New to Riding Personal Watercraft? This Guide Can Help!

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January 31, 2018

Have no fear, Steven in Sales, developed a handy guide to assist you during the process of learning how to outfit yourself and ski. He also includes tips on how to become a safe and alert rider. Steven’s guide can also be used as a refresher for someone who hasn’t ridden in a long time or someone who wants to enhance their skills. His detailed list, The Jet Ski Beginners Guide: 18 Things to Know can be found here. We highly recommend checking it out.

Steven created a well rounded guide that touches on key points to getting started. Many helpful links are included; such as how to buy the correct ski, purchasing the proper fitting life jacket, and loading onto trailers and docking. He also shared a link to a guide on how to break the engine in. A “how to ride” video is on the page as well. Steven recommends taking a boaters safety course. It’s important to know the Rules of the Road and how to be safe on the water and a boaters course will provide that knowledge.

If you’re new to the sport of jet skiing, Steven’s guide is a must-have. He wants you to have fun while being safe on the water. The 18 things to know will certainly help you reach a level of confidence that you may not have known you possessed. Happy riding!

Video: Flying High on a Mega Drone

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January 30, 2018

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It took quite a bit of research to find the answers we were looking for when it came to finding legitimate information for this video on the Travel Inspiration Facebook page. The video features a woman wearing a bikini whipping around her long blond hair and then taking to the air on a wild looking flying machine. Now we know how people must have felt when the Wright Brothers flew an airplane. But I digress. The machine with the woman aboard lifts off, flies over a lake, and minutes later gently lands on a secure platform. The whole time this is happening, the woman is in control of the aircraft while dipping, circling, and rising higher.

Is the “MegaDrone” a real thing? Indeed it is real and training videos are available to the doubters. We read countless comments from keyboard warriors claiming this flight was CGI. We determined that it is real and the “MegaDrone is piloted by none other than Mariah Cain who is known for her Airboard performances. While watching the Travel Inspiration video, look closely at the shadows below Cain and you’ll see the reflection of the craft and the moving water when she hovers just above the lake.

Here’s an excerpt from a piece on Jeff Elkins, the designer of the flying machine.”The board is called an octocopter. It uses electric motors, and large propellers, as well as a stabilization system. It is a proof of concept and we are just getting to the point where a pilot can maneuver around and control angle and direction as well as altitude. Our first pilot was Ben Merrell and then Sonya Eaves. Currently we are working with Mariah Cain. There are a few more names in the pilot pool who will be giving it a shot this year. The goal for this device is safe, easily controllable flight for anyone.”

The Elkins article was posted on March 16,2017. It can be found on the H2RO Magazine site. The Cain flight took place in December 2017. Wonder what she’s up to now that she’s flown into 2018?

Become A JCRacing Athlete in 2018

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Brice Leckrone

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January 30, 2018

Have you been looking for an opportunity to work with or race on a professional team? Well now is your opportunity as JCRacing is looking for athletes to join their program.

What exactly does this entail and what’s in it for you? Well for starters, you would gain access to work directly with the JCRacing Team to develop and test the next generation of products.

You would also have access to the highest quality products in the industry, offered at a discount. And if that’s not enough, how about free JCRacing apparel and promotional items to sport.

At the same time, you would be helping out one of the industry’s power sports innovative suppliers giving increased brand awareness provided by the JCRacing marketing team of athletes around the globe. Your role as an athlete would also be for prototype testing and development of future JCRacing products.

Additionally you as a JCRacing athlete would help to build long-term relationships with those who share the passion of the PWC Sport. Do you have what it takes to join the team of JCRacing Athletes?

Applications are being accepted now for the 2018 season so head on over to JCRacing to fill out a quick application.

Are You Ready For Bradenton River Regatta This Weekend?

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January 29, 2018