Last month, The Watercraft Journal took a bit of a detour from our typical focus on PWC models and major PWC components and upgrades to look at some of the less glamorous additions, replacements or upgrades that you can look into to increase your riding efficiency, safety, comfort and convenience.

On Jan. 21, we took a look at a simple project to improve safety and provide protection for your graphics, all while polishing up the look of your watercraft with bright, colorful traction-providing gunnel pads.

This time, we’re taking a look at adding an item that can keep your gear organized and dry and serves double (or more) duty, coming in handy for not only PWC rides and races, but designed for use in hiking, camping, travel, workouts and more.

The KSpeed Performance Duffle Bag is crafted from tough, waterproof polyester, keeping your gear protected in day-to-day use or on epic adventures. Designed for durability, this duffle features 40L of storage, waterproof compartments, a separate pocket for water shoes or dirty towel, making it the perfect storage and transportation for PWC rides or races, carrying racing gear and accessories. It can be stashed in hood compartment storage or secured to a cargo rack and still keep your gear dry.

As an added bonus, the duffle bag quickly and easily converts into a comfortable backpack, perfect for travel or outdoor missions. From hiking trails to the gym, overnight trips to training sessions—wherever you’re headed, the KSpeed Duffle is ready to roll – and with a price tag of just $26, including tax, you’ll still have funds left over to do a little more (browers) window shopping at KSpeed,where you can find other cargo and storage solutions, like the 2022-2024 Ultra Multi-function Cargo Rack for $514. The rack mounts to Multi-Mount Rail on Ultra® Deckstable rail positions and features a large capacity and fishing pole provisions, is RotopaX enabled. The rack can hold three of the Dry Duffle Bags or one Kawasaki Orca 40 Quart Cooler.

For those interested in the Orca 40 Quart Cooler, it is available in green or white an has integrated insulation for maximum ice/cold retention and freshness of stowed items for up to 10 days; a lid gasket to ensure a perfect seal; extendable flex-grip handles for comfortable solo or tandem portage, a cargo net attachment for added storage, and an easy-flow drainage spout, all for $453.

If the cooler doesn’t fit your needs, you can grab a water resistant 2022-2024 Ultra 310 & 160 Stern Bag for $443, with an approximate 27-litre capacity and is compatible with or without the ULTRA Deck.

KSpeed also has the Kawasaki Insulated soft cooler bag with a 5 liter capacity and designed to fit inside the Stern Bag.

While we’re all about PWC news here at The Watercraft Journal, we can’t deny our love for professional watersports as a whole. From surfing to skimboarding and everything in between, there’s something about high-speed water action that gets the adrenaline pumping—whether you’re out on the waves yourself or watching from home.

Every so often, we see a crossover between top watersports athletes and jet ski news, and when that happens, we make sure to cover it.  

That’s why we were especially excited when a new video from Red Bull popped up in our feed, showcasing an incredible PWC save by world champion skimboarder Lucas Fink. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Fink made history in skimboarding when he became the first non-American to win the overall title in the United Skim Tour in 2019, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Now 26, he competes in both skimboarding and big wave surfing, proving his exceptional skill and versatility on the water.  

What caught our attention, however, was the impressive maneuvering, timing, and composure Fink displayed in this video as he executed a daring rescue of a fellow surfer. The event took place at Nazaré, Portugal—home to some of the world’s most notorious big waves—after a minor wipeout by his surfing partner, Willyam Santana. In the longer version of the video, uploaded to Fink’s Instagram, he explains how, after Santana’s fall, he races in on a jet ski to pull him away from an oncoming monster wave. Even through the screen, the adrenaline rush is undeniable.  

Be sure to check out the video on Red Bull’s YouTube channel and Fink’s Instagram to witness this incredible save for yourself!

https://youtube.com/shorts/LiDcIszTujM?si=8M_S40JksfAHATyD

There is no denying the value of detailed technical information in terms of buying, owning, maintaining, upgrading and riding your PWC, whether that comes in the form of how-to mechanical instructions, maintenance tutorial videos, data-rich spec sheets or in-depth feature articles, podcasts and videos.

On the other hand, there’s a lot to be said for shootin’ the (bleep) with a fellow member of the PWC community – and when that colleague also happens to be Steve Ciervo, owner of Kawi Performance – you’ve hit the jackpot.

After all, as pointed out previously by The Watercraft Journal Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw, “Few companies have proven their mettle when it comes to troubleshooting, problem solving and offering proven positive results for Kawasaki JetSki owners than Kawi Performance. Within the past dozen years, Steve Ciervo and his team have made huge gains in improving the longevity of these machines – not to mention increasing horsepower, sharpening throttle response and much, much more.”

WCJ has featured Ciervo’s knowledge and expertise multiple times before, relying on his extensive experience to pass on detailed knowledge on subjects like an install on the STX 160 Fuel Blowout Prevention Mod or an in-depth look into supercharger maintenance on the Kawasaki Ultra 300 and 310.

Recently, however, Ciervo took things a lot more casual as he joined Jared Brussels of JD’s WaterWorld  – who brings more than 25 years of PWC expertise to the mix in his own right – for an ocean ride off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, and a chat about top Ultra 310 mods and favorite Kawi Performance products – and they brought us all along – via video – to eavesdrop on the chat.

Setting out on the Loxahatchee River, they head out under the reconstructed U.S. 1 bridge that connects Tequesta and Jupiter for the roughly 18-mile trip to Peanut Island – with plenty of ride video. Stopping at the shore of the eighty acre tropical park in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet  in Palm Beach County – a popular snorkeling destination – Ciervo reveals that his favorite Mod is the KP Automatic Tensioner Arm.

JD also quizzed Ciervo on KP’s best selling mod or component for the Kawasaki 310, and since Kawi Performance is one of the largest manufacturers of custom components, parts, and accessories for Kawasaki PWCs, with many parts US-made – tagging a most-popular seller could be a challenge, but Ciervo immediately pointed to the replacement fuel pump.

The cold air intake, smaller items like the billet cap, and the exhaust filter mod also received mentions. 

Be sure to check out the full video for more 310 parts and mod talk, and keep an eye on both the KP Youtube Channel and JD’s WaterWorld for more great PWC content.

Sure, the weather lately may be more in line with Ski-Doos and snow days, but the 2025 PWC Season will be here before you know it, and now is the perfect time to get a jump on the year with an on-the-water upgrade – and Cycle Springs Powersports and Sea-Doo are making that upgrade just a bit easier with inventory-clearing manufacturer deals on 2023 and 2024 model PWCs, as well as some great deals on a past-year model Switch. 

Cycle Springs’ advertised rebates up to $2,000 and 2 years of coverage on new 2023 Sea-Doo RXP 300, RXT 300 and GTX 300 PWC models last through Feb 28, or you can choose financing starting at 0% and rebates up to $1,000 on 2023 Sea-Doo personal watercraft models, also through Feb. 28. 

Step up a model year and get a new 2024 Sea-Doo with up to $1,500 off or financing rates starting as low as 0% APR for 36 months.

And if you’re looking for a ski with a little bit of experience, check out Cycle Spring’s pre-owned inventory, with a lineup of deals like a pre-owned  2016 Sea-Doo SPK 3UP IBR/CONV for $2,491 – a savings of $4,409

And just to make life easier, don’t forget Cycle Spring’s Trade-In tool, where you can jump on the Cycle Spring website and get a trade-in value for your old ski. 

Whether you’re trying to sneak in some off-season riding, or you just want to be prepared for those inevitable chilly days that come along, even in the midst of the full-on riding season, wearing the proper gear is vital. No matter how good of shape your ski is in, no matter how well you’ve taken care of maintenance or how many upgrades you’ve completed on your PWC, if you are not equally-well equipped and protected, you’re in for an uncomfortable ride at best – and potentially a dangerous one if your gear doesn’t keep you warm and at least relatively dry so that you can safely operate your PWC.

And when it comes to riding, even in chilly weather – Unlimited PWC has you covered from head to toe – literally. 

Starting from the bottom up, Unlimited just announced this week that their Neo Aqua Flex boots are back in stock.

These lightweight beach shoes are designed for all kinds of activities, offering both comfort and durability. Whether you’re hitting the beach, going for a swim, or enjoying other outdoor adventures, these shoes provide a perfect blend of function and style.

The upper is crafted from breathable air neoprene material, ensuring a soft and comfortable fit that allows your feet to breathe. The rubber sole is flexible and provides excellent grip, making them ideal for recreational rides and beach activities. The combination of hard and soft rubber not only enhances comfort but also improves the durability of the shoe.

The heel and point strap are reinforced to minimize stress when putting the shoes on and taking them off. You can easily adjust the ankle drawcord to achieve a more secure fit, preventing the shoes from slipping off and keeping sand out. These shoes are also perfect for swimming, offering minimal discomfort from sand or pebbles. 

Priced at only $37 per pair, the Aqua Flex boots are available in sizes X Small to XX large and a variety of colors to match your gear or graphics. 

If you’re looking for a little more substantial protection for your feet, check out Unlimited’s Dial-Lock Hydrostrike Boots, available for pre-order at $170.  These ultimate boots are designed for aggressive jet riding, combining innovative design with advanced materials to deliver superior grip, flexibility, and fit, ensuring maximum control and stability for even the toughest rides.

Key features include a mid-Cut Design that offers excellent ankle support while maintaining maximum flexibility, ideal for quick movements and dynamic riding; soft, flexible knit material at the ankle providing  a sock-like fit that conforms to your ankle and ensures optimal comfort and support; a thick, durable grip sole designed with a unique high-grid pattern that provides exceptional traction on both wet and dry decks, offering superior control during aggressive maneuvers; an easily adjustable dial lock system that ensures a secure power hold on your feet, keeping them firmly in place throughout the ride and allows for quick and precise adjustments to achieve the perfect fit; and a foot section (except for the ankle) that is made of reinforced rubber to provide increased durability and protection, making these boots perfect for aggressive riding without compromising flexibility. 

The Dial Lock Boots Hydro Strike has been thoroughly tested over several months of actual jet riding by Unlimited supported pro riders, who have validated its comfort and performance. Riders have experienced significant improvements in stability, fit, and overall riding comfort, proving that these boots can handle the demands of the most aggressive riding.

For your other extremities, Unlimited’s selection of gloves also provides functionality with style. You’ve got the option of the X-Light gloves, providing fit, functionality, and durability for $37 in a variety of colors, or you can step up to the Ultimate Racing Gloves, with palms that are  reinforced with durable Kevlar and Clarino synthetic leather, and triple-stitching is applied to the key points of grip strength, which is reinforced without losing the feel of the grip.The back of the hand is a double protector with a 3-layer structure for stress reduction and shock absorption when gripping while the upper surface of the finger is equipped with a mold protector, and the joint and the side of the finger are made of lycra fabric to make the finger movement smoother when the grip is tightly grasped. It features fine fabric parts switching from the fingertips to the instep and wrist.  

Completing a process that began at the start of December 2024, IJSBA has announced the approved rule changes that will be in effect for the 2025 season.

At the same time, IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier noted that, in addition to voting on proposed rule changes, the IJSBA Board of Directors, at the Jan. 15 meeting, approved several internal policies, including placing a priority on keeping World Finals at Lake Havasu City as well as revamping affiliate programs in Europe, expanding communication efforts with US regional organizers, and an emphasis on sustainable economic models for the future.

Included in the Jan. 16 posting of the adopted rule changes was an invite for individuals to submit questions or comments regarding the final rule changes, and a note that the announced rule changes would be added to the online rule book today, Jan 22 – seven days after the initial post. 

Following are voting results for each of the proposed rule changes, as reported by Frazier:

PROMOTER PARTICIPATION EXCLUSION
Proposed Rule: IJSBA will modify the promoter participation exclusion. This will allow promoters, and their children, to participate in IJSBA Sanctioned events.  IJSBA will require that there is a backup race director for the entire event if it is the promoter participating and that this designated race director will be the active director anytime a promoter or a promoter’s family is in a heat and this substitute director will take over if the promoter becomes incapacitated or unavailable to continue to the race management for the event.  The race director decisions for any heat/class/etc. where the promoter participates are appealable to IJSBA for review.
Result: Passed – IJSBA will prepare a draft policy with USA Regional Promoters which will be published after advisory comments from the organizer.

AFTERMARKET HULL PROVISIONS
Proposed Rule: IJSBA will work with the homologated hull manufacturers to (allow? sic) changes to allowances in aftermarket hull provisions. This includes approaching such topics such as lengths, lengths of pumps, handling features on the upper deck, etc.
Results: IJSBA will convene the participants in the aftermarket hull homologation program to begin identifying features on the upper deck which are intended to affect handling and explore joint resolutions for potential regulation.

INTAKE GRATE – FREESTYLE
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA redefine any parameters of the intake grate for use in Freestyle competition:
Result: IJSBA shall emphasize that an intake grate is required for Freestyle competition.

RESTRICTOR PLATE (JR CLASS 1500CC-BASED SKI)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA remove the requirement for a restrictor plate for 1500cc based Ski in Junior classes?
Result: Did not pass – Restrictor plates will remain a requirement for Junior Classes where a 1500 CC displacement is permitted.

SWAPPING OF OEM CAMSHAFTS
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA clarify, restrict, or expand any provisions for swapping of OEM camshafts between OEM units?
Result: While keeping in place IJSBA’s general rule for allowing interchanging camshafts between the same models of different horsepower ratings, IJSBA will explore the possibility of publishing a compatibility chart.

ADDITIONAL TUBING AND VENTILATION
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA clarify whether additional tubing and ventilation is allowed or not, in addition to the OEM ventilation tubes?
Result: IJSBA will emphasize that the goal is no additional ventilation where ventilation is restricted and examine rule languages to ensure this goal is being met.

AFTERMARKET IMPELLERS
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA restrict aftermarket impellers to single type impellers instead of allowing for dual type impellers?
Result:  Did not pass

FORMULA NATURALLY ASPIRATED RULES
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA publish the Formula Naturally Aspirated rules as a specific class set of rules?
Result: Passed – This will be published for peer review in seven days.

SKI GP BOOST LIMITS
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA remove boost limits in Ski GP?
Result: Mixed outcome – Boost limits shall stay in place.  All displacements up to 1100cc will be allowed a boost range for 2025 from 12 psi to 14 psi with 2025 opening at 12 psi with the initial range being 12 psi with a one pound tolerance.  Mechanical boost regulation will stay in place while electronic boost regulators are studied.  IJSBA will publish any changes 30 days prior to World Finals.

ELECTRONIC/MECHANICAL BOOST CONTRO
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA allow electronic boost control as an alternative to mechanical boost control?
Result: Electronic boost control may be implemented once researched and found to be a fit for IJSBA’s goals of boost regulation.

RUNABOUT 1100 CLASS
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA change Runabout 1100 Open to Runabout 1100 GP?
Result:  Did not pass 

EXPERT SKI CLASS
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA eliminate Expert Ski GP and replace the category with Expert Ski Modified instead of running both classes?
Result:  Did not pass

TIMING GEARS (STOCK/MODIFIED RULES)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA clarify Stock and Modified rules to specifically allow for timing gears to be installed on camshafts?
Result: Passed – Camshafts which are not slotted for timing change may add a gear to allow for easier timing change.

AFTERMARKET FUEL TANKS (SKI MODIFIED CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA allow aftermarket fuel tanks in Ski Modified class?
Result: Highly scrutinized aftermarket fuel tanks, which have received USCG approval, and are openly available on the market for sale may be submitted to IJSBA for approval. Fuel tanks from homologated OEM watercraft are preferred.

AFTERMARKET PUMPS (SKI MODIFIED CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA allow for any aftermarket pump to be used in Ski Modified?
Result: There will be no change to this rule.  IJSBA has not had any propulsion pump submitted for approval other than the Solas model.  Pump manufacturers are welcome to submit pumps for approval.

MODIFICATIONS TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SKI
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA change Rules VSK 2.2 to allow modifications to the bottom of the ski, as long as it stays within the original length (front to back) and width (left to right)?
Result: Did not pass 

TRADITIONAL SPONSONS/TUBBIES (VINTAGE SKI CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA change the wording of Vintage Ski Rule SK 2.4 to allow for one set of traditional sponsons and one set of tubbies indicating left and right of each system?
Result: Passed – Additional sponson rule will be published.

SIGNALS PERTAINING TO CDI AND FUEL INJECTIONS (VINTAGE SKI CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA change wording in Vintage Ski Rules VSK 4.3 and VSK 5.2. VSK 4.3 to eliminate conflicts for signals pertaining to CDI and fuel injections?
Result: IJSBA could not identify language conflicts preventing aftermarket fuel injections from being used in Vintage Ski.

TITANIUM ALLOWED (VINTAGE SKI CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA change wording in Vintage Ski Rule  VSK 6.1. to allow for titanium?
Result: Passed

LENGTH OF PUMP AND NOZZLE ASSEMBLY (VINTAGE SKI CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA clarify Vintage Ski Rule VSK 6.1 is regarding ‘the overall length of a complete pump and nozzle assembly. This is to account for the fact 750 pumps don’t have a shoe as part of the assembly while the 550 does. The rule clarification is for the allowance of additional length compared to the stock length of the “complete pump assembly.
Result: Passed

AFTERMARKET HOOD (XPL HULL LIMITED CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA allow Sea-Doo 1998 XP (a.k.a. XPL Hull) watercraft to utilize an aftermarket hood in Limited Classes where Two Stroke Runabout are allowed?
Result: Did not pass

BOOST PRESSURE CHECKING DEVICE (SKI/SPORT GP CLASSES)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA mandate what brand and models of the device to use for checking boost pressure so everyone will have the same reading in Ski GP, and Sport GP classes?
Result: Postponed – This will be revisited once electronic boost solutions can be identified and developed.

AFTERMARKET RODS AND PISTONS (RUNABOUT SUPERSTOCK CLASS)
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA print clarification in the Runabout Superstock Class to clearly and specifically indicate the allowance of aftermarket rods and pistons?
Result: Passed

IMPEDE OF PROGRESS RULE
Proposed Rule: Shall IJSBA implement the impede of progress rule as presented online?
Result: IJSBA shall develop race director guidelines which will take into account this suggestion.  This will be a work in progress.