That, and you can represent Kawasaki well before you take your new SX-R to the water thanks to Kawasaki’s new 2017 Apparel Collection! With pages upon pages of new items featured in the collection, you can browse the new digital catalog live on Kawasaki.com. It’s got everything from men’s and women’s, kid’s wear; gifts; officially licensed JetSki brand vests, items from the 3 Green Lines Collection as well as that from the World Superbike Collection – because let’s face it: if you’re gonna support Kawasaki, it’s a pretty good bet that you love their motorcycles too.
Before going forward, let’s take a minute and look back at how we got here, shall we?
Just two years shy of the Kawasaki JetSki’s 40th anniversary, 2011 marked the last production year of the SX-R 800. The 370-pound (dry weight), 7-foot-long SX-R (which was considered large for the time), with its two-cylinder, two-stroke pumping out a respectable 80-horsepower, made the SX-R the most stable and powerful two-stroke standup available. Unfortunately, politically-connected environmentalists eventually outlawed the commercial sale of the SX-R 800 in California and other progressive States, wounding sales and deflating the company’s enthusiasm to continue the ski that had gone unchanged for several years.
Last October, The Watercraft Journal was informed via sources inside Kawasaki that a new hull was coming for 2017. That’s it, just “a new hull.” Well that, and it would be “something to get people excited about jet skiing again.” That’s all we got. Then, in January of this year, we caught wind of a hush-hush meeting between Japanese brass and a major OE parts vendor where the first images of an all-new SX-R JetSki were shared. We already had a strong inclination that the SX-R was coming back, but this all but confirmed it.
By late summer, rumors continued to fly – accelerating from just “swirling around” to a Category 5 hurricane. Then, we published the reveal video, and things went to DEFCON 1. It was official: Kawasaki was bringing back the SX-R. So what on earth spurred Kawasaki, with so much ground to make up in the PWC market, to make this play? Although unofficial, we have an idea:
Surprisingly, very little was needed to make the new SX-R a reality, particularly as it uses many off-of-the-shelf parts. Take the engine for example: Directly lifted from the STX-15F, the new SX-R is powered by same digitally fuel injected 1498cc four-stroke, four-cylinder engine already in use for the past 13 years. Even its 60mm throttle body employs a mechanical throttle cable – no fly-by-wire here, folks. The oil collector/separator and composite resin-type intake manifold (taken from the supercharged 310X) are existing factory bits too. The waterbox though, is a narrowed piece that runs inside of the tray’s left rail.
Once inspired by the Ninja ZX-14R, the tried-and-true 1.5-liter weighs a spine-snapping 208-pounds when fully dressed, and accounts for much of the 2017 SX-R’s (unconfirmed) 550-pound heft. Inside information had it that hopes of the new 998-pound, 1,000cc four-cylinder, four-stroke from the new Ninja H2 could be re-engineered in time to meet the tight timeline imposed by Japan. Unfortunately, the SX-R was destined to be revealed at the 2016 IJSBA World Finals, and the new engine simply wouldn’t be ready in time.
Nevertheless, the new SX-R produces a blistering naturally-aspirated 160-horsepower, exactly double that of the previous SX-R, making it “the quickest and most agile personal watercraft in Kawasaki’s lineup,” not to mention the fastest factory-built JetSki to date with an unconfirmed top speed of 63mph. Processing all of that horsepower into thrust is a slightly reworked intake grate and direct drive axial-flow jet pump. The grate is based off of the previous SX-R design but lengthened. The oval-edge, stainless steel, three-blade 148mm impeller is also pulled from the STX-15F, and the steering nozzle increased from 76mm diameter to 87mm and a total 102mm nozzle length.
The 2017 SX-R was birthed in a surprisingly short amount of time. According to sources inside Kawasaki, the new SX-R is in some degree, based off of a prototype first developed by trusted Kawasaki standup designers Minoru Kanamori and Craig “Fuzzy” Boyd nearly a decade ago; stating, “one day the Japanese pulled [the prototype] off of the rack, crated it up and shipped it off to Japan.” Once there, a hull manufacturer was tapped to create a hull that could handle the weight and power, as well as be easy to ride, yet “capable of carving through a competition buoy course.”
What resulted was a massive 8-foot, 8-inch long (a full 20-inches over the previous SX-R), 30-inch wide craft with a V-shaped hull to both accommodate the massive engine and allow for deep, on-the-rail cornering. Close up studio photography and action photos reveal a ski that rides high on the water on a deeply-straked hull that displays far more STX-15F family resemblance than that of the outgoing SX-R. Shapers even incorporated Kawasaki Splash Deflector (KSD) tiers into the nose to cut down on bow spray, akin to the Ultra. Due to its bulk, the SX-R not only features molded-in “tubbies” but near full-sized runabout rear sponsons.
The ski itself is incredibly buoyant, allowing IJSBA Hall-of-Famer Victor Sheldon to stand comfortably upright in the greatly enlarged 16″ x 34″ tray with the engine off, according eye witnesses. The tray itself has been modified somewhat, with a 5-degree downward slope, angling the rider forward towards the bars. Soft, rounded edges at the tray’s opening and deck fins have the same Hydro-Turf traction padding on the inside as the tray’s floor, making for softer, easier reboarding too.
Fuel capacity has been increased from 4.5 to 6-gallons, as the new engine is significantly more thirsty. Another carryover is the in-tank fuel pump and the voltage regulator being shared with Kawasaki’s Teryx SxS. According to Kawasaki, “the engine is mounted as low and aft as possible to help the hull penetrate swells and waves with less shock to the rider.” For newcomers to riding a standup, this level of stability, comfort and ability to soak up bumps and chop will be welcome. Although the large Jaguar-esque front fender flares bespeak that of a larger runabout, the Ebony/Jet White and iconic “Kawasaki Green” livery shouts “JetSki” from the rooftops.
The final direct “parts shelf” carryover is the use of the same handle pole as the JetSki SX-R 800, but with what Kawasaki calls “additional reinforcements.” The handle pole chin pad incorporates amber and red fuel and engine warning lights (respectively) to “inform the rider when the vehicle is low on fuel or if there is a problem with the engine,” although there is no actual analog fuel gauge. The SX-R employs a pair of anti-corrosion motocross-style handlebars and a slim handlebar pad. In the tray, there is a keyed magnetic ignition switch allowing the rider to check the fuel warning light when turned to the “ON” position. It also serves as a handy theft deterrent.
Believe it or not, the 2017 SX-R also features non-waterproof storage located under the handle pole, attached to the hood. The rubberized netting is large enough to store a tow rope, GoPro camera, emergency flares, or other items. Further details such as the estimated MSRP (our guess of $10,995 was thankfully too high – so maybe $10,499) will be revealed after the 2017 dealer meeting scheduled for November 13, 2016; moreover, the media won’t be able to personally evaluate the machine until early next year, so until that time, we will have to wait and see if the resurrected 2017 Kawasaki SX-R JetSki is the returning king of jet skiing, or the emperor’s new clothes.
We got a first-person inside look at Freestyle champion, Tanner Thomas’ pre-World Finals prep recently, where he said:
“After some long days working on seemingly endless projects, ideas and maintenance that I have encountered, I am able to sit down and be proud of my path, my team’s path and our progress this year. I am excited to carry on into the future in this crucial short amount of time left before I compete for the 2016 IJSBA World Finals. With my mechanic Hiro and my teammate Mark Gomez here in Lake Havasu, it’s about time to put all the pieces together from the year and make some magic happen!
“We have been working hard are are fully prepared for anything and everything that comes out way. Between with three of us here in Havasu we have seen most every last minute challenge you can imagine and we are prepared for them to happen now. We have made an awesome shop space in the house that we rented that is very well organized with all of our tools, parts, riding gear, exercise and stretching equipment. We have done it this year like never before and I am very proud of it. Myself and my team I feel represent the true professionals of this sport and hopefully all of our hard work will pay off in the results.
“Recently, I just set my ski up with special titanium bars built custom by AZ FMX Works that allow me to attempt the “Superman” backflip trick. A trick that I had played with before when I rode in the surf and had a bad experience years ago with. This time I had to learn it on a much more powerful jetski with much less time in the air. So far the results have been good. The ski is running strong and I am finding more and more small things to perfect my riding abilities in the chase for my best professional world class performance.
Now it is Wednesday and I would like to tell you that everything is perfect and that I am going to do great…
The reality is, I am tired, I am sore, with many bruises, cuts and pains. I have been on a strong healthy diet with supplements and things to aid with my body. I have never been in better shape in my whole life. But I am beat down. The good part is the next few days I am preparing my mind and body for everything that I am going to do and I will do my absolute best for myself, my sponsors, my friends and my family to perform like the professional that I am.
I am very proud of my team mate Mark Gomez and myself for everything he and I have gone through together recently. We have the most prepared we have ever been, thanks to our amazing sponsors but this has been a long steep road to run up. The best part is we have these few more days to dial it all in, I am ready to make them count. See you on the water for the “firework” show.
Back in August, The Watercraft Journal published the rumors of the new 4-stroke Kawasaki SX-R. The anticipation that has lead up to this moment has been huge and every watercraft enthusiast is dying to see the research and development that has gone into this revamped SX-R. While Kawasaki’s previous 2-stroke SX-R was a huge success and a great overall craft, they stop producing them in 2011. Since then, Yamaha has been the only major company still producing factory 2-stroke stand-ups.
Kawasaki will be officially announcing the 2017 4-stroke SX-R this Thursday, October 6th at 8AM (PST). This will be a huge day for Kawasaki and the stand-up riding community. They may even convert sit-down riders over to the stand-up side. The reveal will take place by the Kawasaki Semi-Truck near all the vendors at Crazy Horse Campgrounds and Resort in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. For the rest of the weekend, during the lunch hours, Kawasaki Team Racers Craig Warner and Minoru Kanamori will be running exhibition laps for the public to view.
If Kawasaki gets this right, they can see a huge increase in sales. They have been behind Sea-Doo and Yamaha in sales for many years now but with this reveal they could generate people to see the Kawasaki motor and see the different aspects that makes it stand out. With multiple rumors the new SX-R is sure generating a lot of attention.
And pay close attention to The Watercraft Journal as we have the world exclusive inside look at the SX-R and will publish at the same time as the reveal. So if you weren’t able to take time off work and head to Lake Havasu, we have you covered.
If fans are wanting to test ride the Kawasaki JetSki Ultra 310LX or Kawasaki JetSki STX-15F they will have the chance to by swinging by the Kawasaki Dealer and registering to test the demos. Registers ill also receive $500 in Kawi Kash.
Slight of hand is the name of the game for Sea-Doo in 2017. While the wild and rowdy Spark Trixx is grabbing up all of the attention in the public eye, the brass at Sea-Doo slipped in two major changes into their runabout lineup that have gone predominantly unnoticed [except of course, by us – Ed], although their implementation are far more significant than what many would suspect. The first of those changes was the introduction of BRP’s all-new CM-Tech top deck process and material, found exclusively on the 2017 Sea-Doo GTR-X 230, which The Watercraft Journal was first to review late last month. The process is being tested through a limited run this year (hence the exclusivity particular to the GTR-X 230), and will be quickly be disseminated throughout the GTI lineup in the coming year(s).
CM-Tech is unique in that unlike traditional SMC, CM-Tech (Closed Mold Technology) is a molding process that reverses the goal coat process, as well as other key features. Sea-Doo Watercraft Global Product Manager James Heintz explained to The Watercraft Journal, “The main procedural difference is that instead of applying gel coat to the mold before injection, multi-layer thermoformed sheets of Acrylic and ABS are placed into the mold before the fiberglass is injected. This accelerates the process and also improves quality thus reducing the number of rejects. In effect, this creates a high gloss acrylic finish on the top deck that is more resistant to chipping and cracking due to the flexible nature of the acrylic sheets. In addition, the inside of the deck is now smooth, with no protruding sharp pieces of epoxy or fiberglass matting.”
This new process not only streamlines the manufacturing process, but reduces waste and produces a superior final result, being both smooth to the touch on the inside and leaving a high gloss, significantly more durable finish on the outside. Another aesthetic bonus to CM-Tech is Sea-Doo’s ability to lay down rich metallic paints on its surface. While visible in most photography, the GTR-X has an luminescent pearl beneath its California Green Metallic hue that shimmers in the sun.
The second addition to Sea-Doo’s lineup is the very peculiar decision to make all base model GTS, GTI and GTI SE runabouts not only share the ACE 900 powertrain from the Spark, but a new Polytec hull as well. Made from “a recyclable, low density and high-impact composite material that includes polypropylene and long glass fiber reinforcements,” as per Sea-Doo’s own website; in the case of the 2017 Sea-Doo GTI SE, the move to a 90HP ACE and Polytec hull shaves off 150-pounds, dropping the machine from 790 to 640-pounds.
And like the Spark, the GTI top deck is attached to (or removed from) the Polytec hull via a series of 6-point star-shaped torx head screws found beneath the rubberized bond rail. We queried whether the differing rate of flex between the Polytec and FMC deck would place considerable strain on the seal between the two, but Sea-Doo officials felt confident that Polytec was up for the challenge. Of course, in the unique case of the GTI SE, a Polytec hull is merely an option, as are three engine options.
With the selection of the available 90HP ACE 900, the particular unit is equipped with a Polytec hull. Otherwise, if either of the carryover 130HP Rotax 1503 or a 155HP Rotax 1503 engines are selected, the GTI SE will ride on a traditional fiberglass hull. For now, the only engine that the Polytec hull is paired with is the ACE 900. Yet, it is difficult for us not to speculate whether this pairing doesn’t speak to the future of both Polytec and the rest of the Sea-Doo lineup.
For this review, we eagerly selected the Polytec-equipped 90-horsepower ACE HO-powered GTI SE. Above of hull and powertrain, much of the GTI SE remains the same as before: stellar lines, a long Coke bottle-shaped single-piece saddle, well-placed instrumentation and adequate storage found both in the bow and in the glovebox (equaling a combined total of 30.8 gallons). This year offers the machine in either Black and White, or the eye-catching Sunrise Orange and White, which we absolutely loved and wished was the livery of choice for the entire X-Series.
And of course, the GTI SE offers additional rider inputs in the form of a thickly-padded folding swim step, ergonomic “palm rest” hand grips, iControl toggles for Touring, Sport and Eco modes, as well as Sea-Doo’s electronic VTS (Variable Trim System) and scrolling through the various options on the LCD dash screen. Steering is fixed but well placed, and the footwells are deep and angled for reclined, seated or upright riding.
But the big changes to the GTI SE come from radically dropping so much weight. Although the design of the GTI remains identical to traditional FMC hull, the strakes, chines and lines remaining the same, the GTI SE rides higher on its keel without being tipsy or unsteady. We did find the GTI SE far more reactive to the water’s surface, as its lightweight releases it from impact-absorbing heft it once had. The ACE 900 is well intended and gives its all (particularly when engaged in Sport mode), but even then feels taxed. Throttle response is immediate, but again, just not enough to retain the playfulness of the 130 or 155-horsepower options. We eked out a top speed of 49mph, but did so under admittedly lousy conditions. Wind, chop and sweltering temperatures were far more to blame than the GTI’s powerplant. We pushed the GTI SE through a four-corner buoy course and still found ourselves grinning with glee, so there’s still plenty of fun to be found.
The 2017 Sea-Doo GTI SE isn’t significant because of its power or performance, but because of what it does to the manufacturer’s lineup. The GTI SE is less of a lower-end GTI, but a graduated, top-of-the-line Spark. For families looking for the lightweight and entry-level price point of a Spark (MSRP $9,599), but the comfort, stability and storage of a Recreation class runabout, the GTI SE bridges that gap expertly. Yet to us, the integration of so much Spark DNA into a full-sized runabout speaks to the manufacturer’s intent towards its lineup and the future. Although visions of supercharged 300-horsepower Polytec-hulled RXP-Xs seem afar off, remember this is Sea-Doo we’re talking about – and when they set their mind to something, it usually happens. The GTI SE might not be the ideal fit for you, but the innovation found here might just be found in all future watercraft from BRP.
For every watercraft enthusiast this is the best week of the year. Riders and fans come from all over to beautiful Lake Havasu City, Arizona to watch the some of the most exciting races of the year at the World Finals. This year with Sea-Doo announcing the all new Spark Trixx, it brings a whole new level of fun capable aboard the Trixx. The big news is that Sea-Doo is offering free test rides! This means that if you have time between races or are a huge Sea-Doo fan you can be one of the first riders to perform tricks on the Trixx.
While playing on the water, if you have tons of energy and show off some crazy moves you may be cast in a video by Sea-Doo. The trial competition will be held this Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th at Crazy Horse Campground. The casting begins at 10AM and goes till 3PM but if you have what it takes to become a movie star you best be there early.
When Sea-Doo created the Spark it ignited the industry with having a smaller, lighter, less expensive craft capable of fitting up to three riders. This year with the introduction of the 2017 Spark Trixx, it allows the adrenaline junkies to really show off their moves with the new adjustable handlebars, step wedges for doing tail stands and the long-range variable trim system (VTS) to allow the craft to become more vertical. These modifications allow the novice rider to experienced rider to start doing tricks one could never even imagine aboard of a sit-down watercraft.
The Trixx Trial Competition video production will also be looking for other riders and craft that bring energy and a lively spirit to the film. This is your chance to ride the all new Trixx and become a video star. We know many of you riders have the skills and moves to make it up on the big screen. Head over to the Sea-Doo Beach Party Zone where you can have your shot. If you have any questions you can write to Sea-Doo via their Facebook page.
OK, first things first: this is not something you’d wear while riding, so let’s just get that out of the way. Rather, the UFloat is as the website officially states, “a flotation device designed for use in calm water.” Intended for lounging around your local lake, river or backyard pool, the UFloat goes on pretty much like a giant adult diaper (we really couldn’t think of a better way to describe it. Sorry).
Yet, believe it or not, the UFloat is in fact, certified by the USCG as a wearable PFD. Actually, there’s two kinds of UFloats available: a recreational model with a universal adult size (waist size 24″-48″) and the USCG PFD model with a universal adult size (same as previous).
Made of high quality components consisting of breathable neoprene, PVC foam, and polyester mesh, the UFloat was designed from the bottom up (zing!) for maximum comfort as the creators fully expect you to bob around for hours without rubbing your skin raw with traditional, cheaper materials.
Although UFloat really wants you to believe it can take the place of a traditional life jacket or PFD, the UFloat is not rated for speed or use on any sort of watercraft, so we don’t want to see a bunch of jet skiers ripping around in giant neoprene Depends. Got it? Good.
We’re entering World Finals week wherein The Watercraft Journal will be in full force, bringing readers the best and most comprehensive coverage from the annual IJSBA event happening in the desert oasis of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, as well as an in-depth look at some of the latest and most innovative products being introduced in the midway. Not only that, but we’ll be bringing you the inside scoop on Kawasaki’s all-new 1.5-liter, 4-stroke powered eight-and-a-half-foot-long 2017 SX-R, due to be revealed Thursday morning. So yeah, we’ve got a busy week ahead of us.
Yet, that won’t slow down what is becoming the single-most popular personal watercraft magazine in the world, with over 300,000 unique individuals reading over half a million articles in one year alone. These numbers aren’t trumped up averages or marketing spin, but legitimate performance statistics, which we share freely and openly every month since our launch in 2013.
And let’s not forget that building a reputation upon reliability, consistency and a continuing increase in top level industry content has been instrumental in continuing The Watercraft Journal’s massive growth. And we do it without subscription fees, passwords, log-ins, downloadable PDFs, using the magazine as a front for a store or directing you through a competing message board. We’re an informative and entertaining magazine first, and nothing else behind that. All of the OE manufacturers have come to appreciate The Watercraft Journal, as do many of the industry’s best and most competitive companies. And here’s why:
September 2015
September 2016
A Rising Tide Raises One Ship
Of the two charts above, you’ll notice that this year’s September doesn’t show any remarkable peaks and/or valleys, apart from one big ol’ spike (when we broke the news of extra information on Kawasaki’s soon-to-be-released SX-R). The reason for this consistent growth is easy to see, it’s that The Watercraft Journal is welcoming more and more readers, and at an accelerated, exponential rate because we’re the only reliable source for daily content. People have come to reply upon us, and that’s something we don’t take lightly, and that is why we grow like we do. We retain a responsibility to our readership that no other magazine does, and that is why The Watercraft Journal continues like it does.
September 2015
Total number unique readers: 31,504*
Total number of articles read: 81,373
Percentage of new readers: 55.5%
September 2016
Total number unique readers: 41,138*
Total number of articles read: 81,231
Percentage of new readers: 58.1%
*This number is considered equal to an individual sale of a single copy of a magazine.
A Reliable Schedule of Publishing
It’s not just enough to pump out more content than the other guy. Upstart competitors have drowned their readership in spammy posts and bloggish updates. Rather, it’s about producing top quality magazine-quality content regularly and consistently that sets The Watercraft Journal apart. Nowhere else can enthusiasts find more hands-on reviews (we don’t review a ski or product unless you see us using it. No stock photos for us!), more interviews, race coverage, and on-the-water ride reports. And at no time has The Watercraft Journal ever missed a day in its three-and-a-half years of publishing – we publish new content Monday-through-Friday. And unlike anybody else, The Watercraft Journal maintains a strict publishing schedule of developing and publishing new and informative content about its advertisers and their products, as well as the industry and sport as a whole.
News articles published in August 2016: 21
Feature articles published in August 2016: 16
Total feature word count: 15,676 words*
News articles published in September 2016: 25
Feature articles published in September 2016: 11
Total feature word count: 12,535 words*
*When this number is translated to print publication standards, it equals a 130-page magazine. Please note that this number does not include an average of two uniquely-written news articles published daily.
A Responsibility to Bring WCJ to Its Readers
Want to know our secret to successful marketing? Take your message/product/content to where the people are. The days of “If you build it, they will come” are long gone. If you’re trying to reach new customers with your Facebook page, you’re only reaching the people who already know you. That’s why The Watercraft Journal does things a little differently: we share our daily content via our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and weekly newsletters, as well as with a stellar partnership with the single-largest PWC forum in the world: www.greenhulk.net. By offering our content freely and easily – whether it’s via a desktop, a laptop or a portable device – we ensure that we’re the industry leader.
September Facebook likes: 18,989
Top Five countries: United States, Australia, France, Canada, United Kingdom
It’s Time to Work With The Best
The companies advertising with The Watercraft Journal benefit from much more than the reasons listed above. Yet, there are still plenty of companies who either haven’t come to realize what working together with The Watercraft Journal can do for them, or do not see the value in having their brand, products and name regularly presented before the single-largest audience of dyed-in-the-wool PWC enthusiasts. For those, it’s a tough sell. For others who want to grow their customer base, we’re here for you. Getting the word out about your product can be difficult, and relying on a few sponsored racers is only speaking to a tiny demographic. Put your products in front of more enthusiasts faster and easier by joining The Watercraft Journal as an advertiser today. To inquire more about advertising with The Watercraft Journal, please email [email protected]
Last week, The Watercraft Journal shared a pretty interesting infographic produced by Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, providing a unique glimpse at the results coming out of the most recent P1 AquaX USA race in Chicago, Illinois. The data shared albeit accurate, only represented a snapshot of the weekend’s racing, and still leaves a lot left on the table to be discussed, particularly as the American AquaX series still has one final race left in Lake Worth, Florida.
Undoubtedly, the team at Sea-Doo are proud of their racers, and whipped up this infographic documenting the overall and individual moto wins, as well as the overall podium finishes and entries riding Sea-Doo runabouts throughout the tour. In many instances, Sea-Doo racers came in 3-to-4 times more successful than the nearest competitor, Yamaha, with Kawasaki in a very distant third place. With some of the biggest innovations found on watercraft, and a focused attention to rider comfort and input, there’s little to question why Sea-Doo took this year’s Pro Watercross Tour by storm.
Recently, The Watercraft Journal talked with Sage Pickren, SBT, Inc. President Greg Pickren’s daughter, who explained their latest efforts to support local schools in Clearwater, Florida:
“SBT, Inc. has many new initiatives this year that focus on supporting teachers and education. This summer, SBT created a community partnership with four local elementary schools, Sandy Lane Elementary School, King’s Highway Elementary School, Skycrest Elementary School, and Calvin A. Hunsinger School. We selected Title 1, Pinellas County schools that were close to our factory and catered towards a wide range of student populations.
“Many SBT employees have students that attend Skycrest Elementary. I interviewed the Skycrest principal, Angelean Bing, to find out how we could help. She said that the school’s greatest need was supplying students with school uniforms. Clothes to Kids is a local nonprofit organization that SBT also sponsors. They provide families with clothes and uniforms for school. Sometimes families are unable to make their shopping appointments, so the principal and school counselor end up buying clothes for students out of their own pocket. SBT donated $500 worth of clothes to Skycrest Elementary including shirts, shorts, skirts, socks, and underwear.
“Sandy Lane Elementary is another school SBT has a partnership. This year we spent just over $1,000 to buy PE equipment like basketballs, soccer nets, and games that improve coordination. The Sandy Lane principal, Melanie Dedert, explained to me that they needed help expanding their PE program. They just hired two new teachers and they are focusing on improving physical education classes at the school. This was exciting to me because it was a donation that all the students at the school could benefit from. SBT also gave $500 to Sandy Lane Elementary to sponsor their ‘family nights.’ Ms. Dedert uses ‘family nights’ as a chance to bring the community together and educate parents on ways they can support their children in school.
“Calvin A. Hunsinger School is a special school that serves K-12 students with emotional and behavior disorders. The principal, Douglas Keimig, asked SBT to help by sponsoring teacher trainings. The $500 will be used to train teachers on educational techniques and provide those being trained with refreshments.
“King’s Highway Elementary is a magnet school that focuses on technology. I was excited about the school’s focus on character education and integration of technology across curriculum. SBT donated custom T-shirts to all four schools. Each T-shirt had the specific school logo on the front and then Blacktip and SBT logos on the back and on the sleeve. The T-shirts were donated to the faculty to wear on school spirit days. King’s Highway also received special student shirts to give to their ‘students of the month’ who displayed strong character. Sandy Lane Elementary was given 200 student T-shirts for the school’s PTO to sell as a fundraiser.
“In addition to our partnerships with local elementary schools, SBT gave away school supplies bags to all of our employees at SBT and SEI who had school-aged children. We also gave our employees $100 gift cards to Lakeshore Learning Store to bring to their child’s teachers on back to school night. Many of the Lakeshore gift cards were received by teachers at Skycrest Elementary, which was an added bonus.
“Our focus this year has been on supporting local public schools, but we also help our community by sponsoring little league football players and hosting an annual Thanksgiving dinner. Please let me know if you have questions about our programs. You can visit our blog to learn more HERE.”
