Effective immediately, any 2017 Kawasaki SX-R modified to comply with prior 1100cc and Supercharger/Turbocharger rules is illegal in all Ski Watercraft classes, according to a statement issued by the IJSBA last week. The idea was that racers and builders were purposely reducing the engine displacement to the aforementioned 1100cc limit and adding a turbocharger (or supercharger), as many racers competing on smaller aftermarket hull do.
Unfortunately, this move only further cements the Kawasaki SX-R’s position in the various Ski classes as a “as-is” race craft, and goes an additional step towards injuring the aftermarket hull manufacturing industry (which already claimed its first victim, Trinity Composites last year, and only looms over companies like ProForce, Bullett and Kommander to name a few). This past IJSBA World Finals showed the SX-R as a dominant force, but at the cost of others looking to compete, so the future remains a little murky for now.
Here’s the complete, unedited statement issued by the IJSBA below: IJSBA has received inquiries as to whether competitors may reduce the displacement of the engine in a 2017 Kawasaki SX-R to a displacement below 1100cc in order to add forced induction to the unit. IJSBA answers this question: No, a 2017 Kawasaki SX-R is not eligible to receive forced induction under any circumstances.
The 2017 SX-R was homologated under circumstances that allowed grandfathered dimensions due to the fact that Kawasaki was able to prove the watercraft was in production prior to IJSBA’s change in dimensions to eligible Ski Watercraft. The 2017 SX-R was placed homologated subject to restrictions including, but not limited to: no eligibility for aftermarket hulls; a requirement that the engine block furnished by the manufacturer must be retained at all times, and that IJSBA could apply speed controls to the unit in any class where IJSBA deemed necessary.
In 2007, IJSBA announced an eventual move towards regulating competition watercraft using a power to weight theory along with the traditional method of categorizing competition by allowable modifications. The 2017 SX-R is the first unit where IJSBA’s approach is viewing the power to weight of the watercraft on the race track. IJSBA finds that adding forced induction to this unit would allow accelerations and speeds that exceed the controls IJSBA intends to have over a unit with the weight of an SX-R.
Competitors have made a case that provisions of the IJSBA Rule Book allow for reducing displacement to below 1100cc where forced induction may be utilized in some competition classes. Persons proposing the legality of this modification assert that none of the provisions allowing for displacement reduction and adding forced induction are limited by the weight or size of the Ski watercraft utilizing those modifications. IJSBA disagrees. IJSBA relies on the following provision to support this ruling:
13.9 TURBOCHARGER/SUPERCHARGER 13.9.1 Turbocharger housing must be of the full circulating, water-jacket type at all times when the engine is running. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be used provided a hazard is not created. Original turbocharger or supercharger may be modified. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be added to originally normally aspirated watercraft. All hoses and pipes may be modified or aftermarket. Where the Race Director, or Technical Inspector, cannot determine if a turbocharger is sufficiently water-jacketed then a heat wrap and/or additional cooling mechanisms may be added to ensure safety.
IJSBA rules that the use of turbochargers or superchargers on a Ski watercraft the size and weight of a 2017 SX-R is a hazard in Ski competitions where IJSBA has not yet studied the impact of weight accelerating and moving, to the this potential extreme, in Ski competitions without speed control devices. In the interest of safety, IJSBA prohibits the use of such modifications on the SX-R at this time.
Almost a decade ago, I was given a joke gift during a Secret Santa exchange. In the package was a “Shamwow”, the super-absorbent chamois made famous by a very twitchy, over-exuberant spokesperson. The irony was that the towel actually worked really well, so much so that it became a major fixture in my PWC washing/detailing kit that I kept in my trailer at the time. After every open ocean ride (this was while I still lived out in Southern California), I’d wash off the salt water, give the ski a quick rinse and wipe it down with the Shamwow – and almost always fielding inquiries about the towel.
The major issue with the Shamwow was it leaving streaks and waterspots behind. Although it absorbed water amazingly, the material simply didn’t wick water like a microfiber towel did. Plus, it took forever for that Shamwow to dry out. I mean days even out in the sun it seemed. Somewhat resigned to using microfibers from then on, I was impressed when Waves Gear reached out and asked if I would give their Waves Micro Towel a try. Admittedly, it was the first I had ever heard of the brand, although I had seen ads for their floating sunglasses on social media once or twice.
It didn’t take long for a box to arrive with three deceptively small packages inside. Waves had sent me their large full-sized (36″ x 60″) towel as well as their Sport 2-pack. Advertised as the “towel for the family [that] can fit into your pocket” the massive beach towel is made from proprietary micro fiber that allows Waves Micro Towel to fold up 78-percent smaller than a traditional towel. And while that’s pretty neat, being “highly foldable” wasn’t enough to wow me. No, the fact that it dried faster than any of my other micro fiber towels did. Admittedly, I used the towel mainly to dry off the skis, but I had used it once while getting out of the shower. It was bone dry within a few hours of hanging up on a rack.
Yet, what about absorption? For those who know, the angled tray of the new 2017 Kawasaki SX-R has no means to drain the water that collects at its bulkhead. Prior to taking these pictures, I quickly washed down the ski and used the full-sized towel to dry it off, even cramming it into the tray to suck up the last bit of water. I rung it out, hung it up for an hour, and bam! here it is, looking dry and fresh. The Waves Micro Towel Sport (the two-pack comes in two different color variations) is touted as the brand’s perfect size for “the gym, travel or when space is tight.” It too, is made from a proprietary lightweight microfiber fabric, that’s slightly different (and softer) than the other towel. They’re machine washable, so just sort with like colors.
As mentioned, the Sport towels are softer to the touch, designed to be similar to cotton, but far more absorbent and faster-drying than any traditional cotton towel. And true to Waves’ words, they dried faster than any cotton hand towel you might have hanging in your bathroom. As to personal watercraft applications, the larger Waves Micro Towel was a little too big for drying down a full-sized runabout unless you’re really mindful to keep it folded up. I kept the Sport towels in my gear bag for several outings, using them often to dry off camera lenses (they’re great for that and leave zero lint), sunglasses, etc. The larger Micro Towel is priced at $30 as is the Sport two-pack. Waves also sells a multi-colored 3-pack of full-sized towels for $75.
Man, we hate these stories. Of course, the video that made the biggest splash was from back in 2014 when a pair of renters nearly wiped out a pair of onlookers on the beach, but this grainy cell phone video is nearly as bad. Taken from the shore of an disclosed tropical location, a pair of riders aboard a VX Yamaha WaveRunner journey far too close to shore, before jagging inland and up the beach, narrowly hitting an onlooker. Thankfully, his fast footwork kept him from being the ski’s first victim.
As he darts to the side, the ski – still very much under its own momentum – streaks across the hard-packed sand. Amazingly, it appears as if the driver tries to steer the craft into the water before the ski’s speed abruptly halts, ejecting the two riders onto the beach. Gratefully, the injuries sustained were little more than a few bruises and hurt egos, but the implications of the reckless riders’ behavior.
Of course, the commenters have pounced, blasting everything from the OE manufacturer, to the riders, to the rental outfit lending these machines out to “people who have no place aboard one,” as says one comment. Never before have PWC been safer, easier to handle, more intuitive or environmentally-friendly. And the rental agency was well to not offer supercharged or high performance craft to novices. We also noted that the riders are rightly wearing PFDs. The fault is in poor vehicle operation and reckless driving. Don’t blame the ski, blame the person behind the throttle.
You’ve been riding and enjoying your personal watercraft at the local lake, maybe even taking a few scenic trips to other lakes seeing the sights and meeting with friends for group rides. Even though PWC have ‘personal’ in the name, they beget a high level of camaraderie between riders. There is no better way to develop a strong relationship between other enthusiasts and your ski than a competition. In the last few years, the PWC industry has gained popularity not seen since the early 90s.
Engineering marvels like the supercharged sitdowns available from Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sea-Doo to Kawasaki’s four-stroke and Yamaha’s two-stroke stand ups give today’s enthusiast near race ready skis out of the box! Also can’t forget the aftermarket hull design companies like ProWatercraft Racing, Bullett Racing, Krash Industries, California Freestyle, Xscream and many others who are helping grow the sport of PWC racing and freestyle one layer of fiberglass at a time.
You have a ski and want to start racing. The next logical step is to find an event, but how? Like hull manufacturers, there has been a resurgence in event promoters around the nation and all over the world. One of the largest sanctioning bodies is the International Jet Sports Boating Association, also known as the IJSBA for short. You can visit their website to find IJSBA sanctioned events in your region or country. Events don’t stop there though – the Pro Watercross Tour is a nationwide event series that has stops all over the USA. The Jet Jam Racing series has events in the Western USA, East Coast Watercross supports many East Coast USA events. P1 AquaX has stops in the USA and all over the world! If you are overseas UIM Aqua Bike and others support events in Europe and Asia.
Ski? Check. Event near you? Check. Now comes the fun part – getting ready for the event. Each event promoter follows basic guidelines for registration, class placement, and safety rules. Be sure to confirm the rules with your chosen event promoter, but here is a basic guide how to prepare for your first race.
Ski Prep:
– Functioning kill switch lanyard. Modern skis come equipped with lanyard kill switches, but older models will need to be fitted with one before allowed on the race course.
– Nuts and bolts all tight. Seems obvious, but small things like handlebars, grips, and steering nozzles come loose over time with vibration and use.
– Fuel lines secured and venting outside the hull, no leaks.
– Battery secure, strapped and poles tight.
– Steering moves without binding for the entire sweep, chin pad present.
– Flexible tow loop on the front of the ski in case it needs to be towed off course.
Rider Prep:
– Ski (stand ups) class – spine protector either under life vest or attached to the back of the vest.
– Life vest with no rips or tears, must be fully functional.
– DOT rated helmet. Motocross helmets are the most common and work well with MX goggles.
– Gloves, shoes and a wetsuit are recommended, but not required. MX gloves give better grip than wet hands and the wetsuit helps with rash from the tray or seat. Wrestling style shoes or jet ski specific footwear help keep you planted on the ski and protect your feet.
– If racing at an IJSBA sanctioned event you must be an IJSBA member. To register, visit this website.
Helpful tips:
– Yellow buoys are right-handed turns, red buoys are left-handed turns.
– Bring a friend to hold your ski on the line, two if you are on a runabout (sit down). If you don’t have someone, usually another racer or spectator will help out in a bind.
– A scissor stand or sand anchor is recommended if you do not want to beach your ski.
– Arrive early to sort out any registration or tech issues.
– Multiple gas cans to refuel at the event. The VP style cans work well for runabouts and stand ups.
– If you have a GoPro or other waterproof action camera – bring it! Be sure to attach a floatie in case the camera or you get knocked off your ski.
Your first race doesn’t have to be about placing well, just go to have fun, meet like-minded people and figure out the process. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your local promoter for specific rules and processes. Most of all, enjoy another facet of what the PWC community has to offer.
All of us at The Watercraft Journal are excited to welcome each and every one of you day after day. We truly do. And that’s why is so easy for us to continue to produce originally-written, professionally-produced magazine articles Monday-through-Friday completely free to you. But did you know that in addition to writing and publishing 9 articles a week (and a weekly newsletter), that we also publish two videos a month? And did you know that those two monthly videos are also 100-percent free to you?
Well, if not it’s time that you did. The Watercraft Journal has a bi-monthly YouTube show called “Long Haul” wherein we test ride the latest personal watercraft and give you a breakdown of all the bells & whistles, sweet new features and a real life, honest-to-goodness review of how it performs. In addition to new watercraft reviews, we also take you on some pretty exciting and downright gorgeous rides to some of the prettiest locations in the continental United States.
Toss in there some pretty exclusive rides on a few of the most impressive performance PWC modified by some of the best minds in the industry, and there’s just a ton of fun to be had. Because we’re nice guys and chances are that you’re pretty lazy (just kidding!), we thought we’d help you waste a whole bunch of your productive workday by embedding the last 16 episodes below. Enjoy! Oh, and one more thing: please click the “Subscribe” button. That way you’ll get updates on when we air a new episode and stuff like that. It’s free to do that too.
Ah c’mon. This little guy is adorable. And if you disagree, you’re a soulless monster. (Is that too harsh? We don’t think so after watching this video.) A couple riding off of the Pacific Coast stopped to observe some wildlife when all of the sudden a curious seal pup approached. The Sea-Doo (we believe to be a SPX) was off, so the direct injection two-stroke didn’t scare him away. Rather, the gentle lapping of water is heard clearly as the two greet their new friend.
The pup first investigates the craft and its occupants before swimming around to the rear and wriggles aboard the swim platform. He makes a few grunts, looks around and finding nothing all too interesting, decides to leap back into the water. Of course, as cute as this little guy is, it is worth noting that seals and sea lions are in the same caniform carnivora branch as bears and wild dogs, so maybe the guy’s prompt to “give him a little pet” is a bad idea after all.
The Free Form Factory Gratis X1 required no fuel and produced zero emissions, and made of “hulklite,” a plastic said to be three-and-a-half times stronger than fiberglass. According to the article, “Darling said he started talking to Nikola Motor CEO Trevor Milton about five months ago about purchasing drivetrains for Free Form’s watercraft. Over a series of meetings, Milton expressed interested in acquiring Free Form Factory.
“Nikola is aiming to produce a sit-down personal watercraft that will outperform the top internal-combustion versions on the water and provide up to a five-hour ride time with zero emissions and less noise,” the article continues. That, more than anything, is a substantial goal and could put the Free Form/Nikola merger in the same league as Sea-Doo and Yamaha. “Darling will play a pivotal role in bringing that new vehicle to fruition. That watercraft will be made with the hull technology and manufacturing process that Darling spearheaded during the past few years at Free Form Factory.”
Nikola’s new electric runabout watercraft will be tested with dealerships around April next year, according to Milton, “adding that its watercraft and utility task vehicles will be in full production by the end of next year.” Despite Nikola’s Salt Lake City, Utah, location, Darling is expected to remain in the Sacramento region. “He will maintain office space in the Sacramento region for Nikola Powersports Research and Development, and expects to move into a new space soon.”
Oh those crazy Japanese. They’re always up to something. The new 4-stroke Kawasaki SX-R 1500 JetSki was one of the most anticipated machines to hit the water in years. And we mean it, it was crazy. But many hardcore riders felt the SX-R was too close to a runabout to fit their tastes, while many older riders saw the new standup as an opportunity to strike out on the water like they used to – on their own two feet. Alas, there were a few who longed for a time when Kawasaki didn’t just offer the JetSki, but the X2 as well.
We can certainly see how some of you might be skeptical, so Unlimited produced this video showing the kit in action as well as plenty of close up shots to see how the package functions in relation to the factory Kawasaki equipment.
Last weekend was the final tour stop of the IFWA JetSki Freeride World Championships at the Motor And Surf Scramble in Kamisu Beach, Japan. Pilots like Mark Gomez, Pierre Maixent, Brandon Lawlor, Abraham Hochstrasser, Ryan Savage, Tom Scaccianoce, Bruno Jacob, Takaaki Murao, Jeremy Bosser, and Hugo Goirre to name a few, warmed up, getting their bearings back on their skis, or their borrowed skis, making the best of it all.
Vibes on the beach we’re definitely high, enjoying the Japanese waves and the “Scramble” part of the “Motor and Surf Scramble” with Toyota Racing Development Trucks, Custom Sand Trucks, Polaris RZR’s, and a radical Tuk-Tuk style vehicle all ripping up the sand track. What makes this event different than others is that the Japanese are trying to blend Powersports with Watersports. Trucks, Motorcycles, and JetSki all on the same stage ripping throughout the day. It’s really something to be seen in person! Complemented with their humongous big screen TV and two dedicated film crews filming each pilot showing them professionally on a big screen live at the event for spectators and Facebook Live. This allows spectators to take a break from the weather and the beach, sit back, relax near the stage and get almost a better view of what’s happening on the water in comfort.
We arrived on the day of the Final with gloomy weather with swell diminishing. Things improved giving us what we needed. Notable rounds were Tom Scaccianoce for Krash Industries versus Mark Gomez for Rickter in the quarters. Tom is a talented pilot from Long Island, New York. Mark Gomez is the current World Champion in the sport. When we get to these parts of the competition, it really could be a final every single round. These riders are so good now you have to pay attention the entire time every round. Coming down to final points deciding who wins and who loses. Unfortunately Tom had to ride against the Champ early on a ski he was just getting comfortable with. Mark riding his personal ski, Tom was eliminated but, Tom is a force to be reckoned with and will do great things in this sport.
Next was Ryan Savage out of Australia for Krash Industries against Abraham Hochstrasser out of Mexico for Rickter. Savage wasted no time busting out a Super Flip as soon as the horn blew. He definitely was hungry! Abraham was going to the moon per usual and included his surf style that he is getting more known for. Unfortunately, Abraham encountered ski dramas and his ski unable to restart after taking a bit of water. Savage tried to capitalize on the situation throwing big tricks left and right while Abraham was rescued to the beach. Thankfully for him his fellow TC Freeride teammate Gomez was already in the water with his personal Rickter ready for Abraham to use. That’s sportsmanship. That’s freerde! Luckily for Abraham, he had done enough to take the win against Savage and move on to the next round.
We got to witness firsthand the risks of Freeride in Japan. Ryan “Rhino” Clark from Oz attempted a Super Flip and, unfortunately, didn’t get back in the tray completely. He was rushed to beach in a lot of pain and refused to step off of the ski. Ryan was taken to the hospital. The verdict; a broken leg in three places, a spiral fracture and a broken ankle. This is the dark side of Freeride that nobody witnesses or really talks about. The realness was felt. We wish Ryan a speedy recovery! He was flown to Australia to receive a rod in his leg and a cast from his ankle to his hip. He has six months until he will be fit to ride again. Luckily youth is on Ryan’s side being the young age of 19, we know he will come back stronger than before and we look forward seeing what he can do to progress the sport.
The American Brandon Lawlor for Freeform Factory versus the Samurai Takaaki Murao for Krash Industries came after that. It was an exciting heat that was down to the absolute wire! Takaaki was doing what he’s always done for over 25 years. The Samurai knows what and when to do what and where. Brandon rode also very well with very big tricks and great surf style but it just wasn’t enough to hold off the Samurai who was on a mission. Brazil’s Bruno Jacob was riding amazing the entire weekend went up against the champ Gomez. Bruno was riding spectacular with big tricks like Scarecrow Barrel Rolls, No Handed Back Flips…all the big stuff. Gomez knew he would have to throwdown a stellar run and did exactly that. Gomez got the win and moved on to the final.
Next came Pierre Maixent against Jeremy Bosser. RRP versus RRP. An amazing round with pilots throwing hammers left and right, each completing Madonna Flips, One Handed Barrel Rolls, etc. It was a very tight round and hard to say who was the clear winner until the end of the rounds, when we saw Pierre throw a textbook Super Flip, yet, we also saw Bosser rise to the occasion and throw out his very first Super Flips and doing it fantastically! It was definitely one for the judges. They awarded Maixent with the win to the Final.
Towro Capbreton went up against myself, Zack Bright. It was an exciting round with Capbreton on a chopped up WaveBlaster throwing flips rolls spins and good surf riding. I was on a mission to make the final. Just one month before I had dislocated my right knee and tore my ACL. For a moment it looked like I wasn’t even going to make the competition, let alone ride at a competitive state. I did what I had to do, Barrel Roll combinations and big backflips but, I think what pushed me through was surf riding. I’ve been doing a lot of “progressive” stuff meaning, reentries, landing backwards into the wave, surfing down in reverse then pivoting out, heading straight again. Slashes that throw me into reverse then surfing backwards. Stalled out floaters. Just surfing really. Stuff nobody really does currently and, I think that’s what got me ahead.
For the finals it was Mark Gomez versus “The Samurai” Takaaki Murao for Stand Up class. Pierre Maixent for Rickter versus me for Krash Industries in the final for the Fixed Steer class. In the Stand Up final; Takaaki wasted no time throwing out a lot of tricks in his bag, really giving it his all. Gomez showed that he is the champion for reason throwing out almost every single trick in his bag making one heck of a final! The kid can do literally every trick in the book and threw almost all of them out in the final mixed with his intense Surfing, he went on to take the win.
In Fixed Final, Pierre went out and did exactly what Pierre does with huge tricks, huge airs. The guy’s amplitude is borderline unmatchable. There’s a reason he’s a seven-time world champion. I went and threw a decent Barrel Roll to start off the run and then sent a big backflip trying to bring it to him. Unfortunately upon landing, I knew my left knee was broken. I rode toward shore holding my knee. I was in pain and upset that I was forced to stop jumping. I didn’t hesitate to keep the show going though! I was following Pierre and riding directly underneath Pierre while he jumped like a bowl jam in skateboarding with the riders jumping over each other.
When I got back onto the beach I realized that I probably tore my ACL or something. Lack of stability in my left knee forced me to seek medical attention. Definitely a bummer. I went out with one good knee but, now I have two bad knees leaving Japan in a wheelchair. Don’t worry about me guys, my knees will get some new top ends and I’ll be back hungrier than ever.
The Sickest Trick winner was Masao Ueki. He rides his fixed ski backwards and threw off some kind of Reverse 720 Helicopter Upside-down Flippity Flop thing that I want no part of! The guy is insane. Big Air winner was Tamiyasu Iemura who went out on a borrowed ski, pinned from probably 50 feet back, hit a wave, and pulled one of the biggest Backflips of the weekend winning Big Air rightfully so. The guy is nothing short of a comedian giving everybody the show of a lifetime on the water and at the award ceremony dressed as a Disney princess!
Mark Gomez locked down his third world Championship in a row! Mark is currently your reigning World Champion in Flatwater Freestyle and IFWA World Champion in Freeride. This man has set himself into a ranking all alone. He is the one of maybe two riders this planet (Jeff Jacobs) that can say that they’ve won a World Championship in all three disciplines of our sport. Racing, Freestyle, and Freeride. We are all very lucky to have somebody like Gomez in our sport. Nothing short of a professional, pushing the boundaries, and an absolute living legend.
After the awards, everybody celebrated with a traditional Japanese dinner, followed by a Karaoke party all night long. It was one for the books. We look forward to seeing the Motor And Surf Scramble next year! Japan is a major asset in the sport and we’re happy to have them involved make one amazing event.
Pro Standup: 1. Mark Gomez, 2. Takaaki Murao 3. Bruno Jacob; Pro Fixed Steer: 1. Pierre Maixent, 2. Zack Bright, 3. Jeremy Bosser; Fixed Steer: 1. Towro Capbreton; Standup: 1. Mark Gomez, 2. Abraham Hochstrasser, 3. Brandon Lawlor
