When the mass production of flying drones started generating a huge amount of attention, people started using them as a way to get a new angle in shooting videos. Now most of the videos you see now have shots that have been taken by a drone. HDscreenerX used his DJI P3P Drone to take a video of him and his buddies riding in the dark of night.
With distress flares hooked up to their craft, the video starts off seeming like a the beginning of a horror film, with eerie music and the audience left wondering what is going to happen next. The flares shine quite bright since it is completely dark out. The riders quickly get on their craft and start carving up the lake. The filmmaker must have a very good eye to be able to capture all three riders without seeing where the drone was up in the night sky. The water does look very cool with the red reflection and thankfully all of the riders remained safe while making this video.
While this video may be like no other and makes you want to go try to ride at night, always remember that riding in the late evening and at night is extremely dangerous, and also, y’know illegal without the necessary boating lights. The chance of hitting a floating log or any other object is much greater when your visibility is decreased. So, please be safe while riding and if you do ever need to ride at night, have a bright flashlight and travel at slower speeds. The riders in this video shot their video in a controlled environment where they were able to greatly reduce the chance of being harmed.
[Editor’s note: This article was originally published in February of 2013, but was lost in the transition to The Watercraft Journal in November of that same year. It was one of our most popular stories and I really didn’t want to see it disappear, so here it is again. – Kevin]
Albert Martin of Martin’s Custom Structures in Gloucester, Virginia, called me up several months ago and said he wanted to thank me. Confused, I said “For what?” Apparently, someone overseas had been looking at my website and told Albert that they wanted three fishing-rigged personal watercraft “like Brian’s.” They knew that they wanted to have the latest Sea-Doos, but other than that, they told Albert to do anything and everything he could think of. As you can tell did not let them down.
Although the client wanted a ski “just like Brian’s” these Sea-Doos are significantly more heavily outfitted than my own. These have everything Albert could’ve imagined including a full array of above and underwater lighting, custom GPS/sounder systems, canvas canopies, axillary fuel tanks, live bait tanks and coolers. With his marching orders in hand, Albert went to Brian Barringer of Cycle City Corp in Newport News, Va. After looking over the available Sea-Doos, he purchased a trio of matching Sea-Doo RXT 260 iS.
The yellow-and-black triplets featured Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Suspension (iS) system, the industry’s only PWC fully-suspended top deck. Figuring that these machines would see plenty of offshore riding, the articulated coil-over suspension would come in hand. Additionally, the units feature Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR), the only functioning braking system on a PWC.
A custom-fabricated, foam-filled extra capacity fuel tank allows for the private owners of these new machines to travel further than their factory tanks would allow. Extra cooler storage compensates for the lost watertight storage in the bow. Even with the forward towers, the front hatches open without conflict.
Each of the three Sea-Doos carry the same Garmin GPS/depth sounding equipment, switch panels and controls. All towers have windshields and canvas roofs as well as integrated pole holders in a myriad of positions. The extensive aluminum pipework with multiple rod holders is like a work of art, I am always in awe of the perfect welds that Albert and his son Chad create. Templates were created from one and used as the pattern to build the following two units.
I stopped by this shop when they were completed and to take a look before they were to be shipped overseas. I am glad that other people from all over are taking interest in Jet Ski Fishing. It is something I thoroughly enjoy and I encourage others to try. With everything poured into these custom machines, truly these three of kind watercraft are one of a kind!
“Three Of A Kind–Fishing Machines!” was first published February 21st, 2012 by Brian Lockwood at JetSkiBrian.com. It can be found in its entirety HERE
Winter will be here before you know it and that means a large majority of PWC riders will be putting their skis in the garage. For those of you who may have one last planned trip or are looking to better equip your ride, Kool PWC Stuff is now offering free shipping on all jet ski cooler and fishing racks. This is a big discount since shipping can cost anywhere from $35 to $70 per unit. These racks are extremely sturdy, built from stainless steel and professionally powder coated allowing them to stand up against the harshest conditions. Don’t worry, these racks require no drilling into your craft and will fit any type of ski you have! Great for fishing and/or cruising you will enjoy your new rack.
Additionally, KPS has marked down their EZ Throttle Extender from $34.99 to $24 now. This extender attaches to any model of finger throttle to provide comfort on long trips. Riders from all levels boast how big of a difference it makes in controlling the craft. It makes rough riding, racing, and cruising much more enjoyable because the rider never has to worry about their hand cramping. This is a throttle extender that you must have.
If you are already planning on buying a rack, think about this. With this great sale going on and the money you will save from free shipping on your new rack, you could buy the throttle extender and still come out on top! Getting two for less than the price of a normal priced rack is unheard of. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a few new additions before the season is over. These prices won’t last long.
P1 AquaX, the fastest growing personal watercraft race series in the world (via UK Series, FL Series, AquaX Cup, and Great Lakes Series) took its heavily stylized format to Whiting, Indiana to launch its new Chicagoland jetski racing series. The newly renovated Whiting Lakefront Park proved an ideal location to host both AquaX’s Amateur Enduro and its Great Lakes Championships (in partnership with the Can-Am Tour, with IJSBA points accruing for racers). Enthusiasm for the pairing of the new venue with the event reached all the way to Mayor Joseph Stahura, who stated, “The renovation of Whiting Lakefront Park and the lakeshore has provided new opportunities for outdoor sports and entertainment. We look forward to being part of this series in the Great Lakes region.”
For this weekend, the weather proved as erratic as the racing itself, with brutal 5-foot seas on Saturday with even a distant waterspout gathering in the distance. Sunday provide slightly calmer as conditions dwindled to 2-to-3 foot waves. The combined series were enough to beckon 32 racers from all over North America (including Eric Lagopoulos and Jason Russo from Florida, and Jay Edworthy of Canada) as both participants and spectators, all meeting and watching from Whiting Lake Front Park. Huge upsets at the AquaX Great Lakes Championship not only put dark horse Edworthy in the winning circle both days, but a crowd-stirring fifth-to-first place charge on Saturday put Edworthy ahead, taking top place points away from Lagopoulos and Tommy Oslwang at the Great Lakes Pro/Am Enduro series opener.
Edworthy beamed, “I’ve been training for this ever since we raced in Daytona and I knew those guys were fast so I had to work hard to beat them.” Lagopoulos led Saturday’s race until lap 9, when errant wave threw the Floridian into the handle bars. “I hit a wave wrong and it took me a few moments to get going again and by that time I’d lost two places,” Lagapoulos told AquaX. Hot on his trail were Amateur Champion Chris Saxon and local racer Alan Dolecki, until Dolecki accidentally pulled his lanyard, permitting Edworthy to move up behind Saxon. In one move, both Saxon and Lagopoulos were swept up by Edworthy. Luck also escaped Saxon who within a lap was ejected from his ski, letting Olswang into third.
Sunday’s races – albeit calmer – was equally exciting, resulting in Edworthy retaining his lead over Olswang in second place, and Saxon coming in third. In fact, much of the weekend witness fellow Jet X Powersport racers – in addition to Edworthy – claiming top podium spots including second in Pro Am RA Stock, second in Ski Stock and third in GP Ski, as well as second and third in 1000 Superstock, and a complete sweep of the Rec Lites class (once again).
“Our P1 AquaX Enduro series has grown considerably over the past several years and we are excited to be expanding and bringing the series to the Great Lakes region” stated AquaX USA Director, Azam Rangoonwala. “We plan on developing and growing the series in this region and integrating it into our global event plan. A special thanks to the City of Whiting, IN for their tremendous support with this inaugural race. Our P1 AquaX Amateur Enduro series has grown quite considerably since 2013 in the USA, and we are excited to be expanding and bringing the series to the Great Lakes region. We plan on developing and growing the series in this region and integrating it into our global event plan.”
The second round of the Great Lakes Championship Series will be held in Chicago, IL on September 10-11, 2016. This race will also act as the Closed Course National Finals for IJSBA as well as the Pro Endurance Championship. All images courtesy of P1 AquaX USA’s Facebook page, captured by DG Exposure HERE.
About five years ago, a few of us decided to meet at Warsaw, Kentucky to ride for a day, upriver to Cincinnati. The midway point between Cincy and Louisville – Warsaw – seemed a good place. We were sitting in the Riverwatch Restaurant that day and somebody said, “I hear there’s a sunken ship near here.” Intense Googling followed and we found it, just across the river up a tiny creek. So we creeped in and took a look, and the Ghost Ship Tour was born.
The ride has grown, from a day to a weekend; and from six of us to 21 riders from nine states. Members of the Northeast and Middle Tennessee PWC clubs and some new River Rats from Illinois and Ohio also joined in. Home base was the Beautiful Smuggler’s Cove Marina, in Warsaw, where the sunsets are the crowning glory. This year we expanded the ride to three days so those traveling from far off places could ride all the water that’s available in this area. Friday, the group traveled the Kentucky River from Carrollton to Frankfort and back.
The river between these two cities contains four locks, closed for nearly 20 years until the state of Kentucky restored navigation last year. It’s a beautiful, rural ride, with no fuel stops until Frankfort, 67 miles upriver. After lunch and fuel at Frankfort Boat Club, the group headed back to the first lock.
One minor detail about the Kentucky River: the locks open at 10am and close at 7pm. We left Frankfort at 3pm; plenty of time, if there are no problems. We’ve made friends with the lockmasters, and each called the next to alert them we were on our way. The group met up with a nice thunderstorm in Carrollton, trailered the skis and headed back to Warsaw, meeting later arrivals amid a spectacular sunset.
Saturday dawned gray and threatening. Undaunted and twenty-one strong, we left Smuggler’s Cove and started up the Ohio. The few boats we encountered were taken aback at the size of the group. Even a few barge captains stuck their heads out the doors to take a look. Blue skies welcomed us to Cincinnati, making for some great photos against the downtown skyline, Roebling Suspension Bridge and the Red’s and Bengal’s stadiums.
The much anticipated Ghost Ship was 30 miles back down river. We beached on some nice soft, deep mud, and made the short walk up the creekside trail to the boat. A few climbed the dead tree limbs stretching from ship to shore and were able to explore on deck, looking into the mud and water filled belly of the old gal. Learn about the ship here. With our mission complete, we raced down river to prepare our feast of pulled pork, tenderloin and Lugnut’s Famous Beercorn; and gaze at another sunset and campfire.
On Sunday, we lost a big chunk of the group to long drives home. Ten of us were left to lock-through at Markland Dam, and head south to Louisville, KY. When we reached Louisville, the horizon was looking dismal and thundercloud gray. Low pressure was pulling up the water, and that, coupled with much recreational boat traffic, made for some fun wave jumping and choppy waters. We reached our lunch stop just as the wind kicked up, tipping over the umbrella tables and shooing damp riders indoors.
It was late afternoon when the storm turned away and we started the 72 mile ride back up river toward Warsaw. We reached our temporary digs again with fuel warnings beeping; just in time to see the most spectacular sight of the weekend—an enormous sun, dropping over the horizon like a russet fireball. Find the Tri-State River Rats, Northeast PWC Club and Middle Tennessee PWC clubs on Facebook, and join us for a day or a weekend.
The Watercraft Journal received a very interesting report from East Coast Watercross’ Christopher Yates who wrote the following: “At the time of our opening rounds of racing in June 2016, and our marine permit being approved by the local Sheriff’s Department, we were made aware that due to budget cuts they had no on-water presence for us, and while they granted our permit, they had no boats or watercraft to patrol the area (only in case of a emergency would they be able to be on site).
“A few weeks later this department, the Fulton County NY Sheriff’s Department, had unexpectedly received funding for a marine patrol unit to get back out and be able to patrol the 44 lakes in their county (the first time in over a decade). With this great news, also came the use of the NYS Parks & Recreation’s Kawasaki PWC.
“Shortly after this news, an unfortunate drowning victim was their first call to action. While a knowledgeable group on their Chris Craft Patrol Vessel, many of the Marine Patrol Unit had very little or no PWC experience beyond their initial brief training, deeming the PWC somewhat ineffective in an emergency. Several of our local racers are Law Enforcement in the area and word traveled fast that the department could use some further PWC training.
“East Coast Watercross quickly coordinated with Sheriff Richard Giardino to organize a group of volunteers to assist the Marine Patrol and get their entire unit up to speed, and quick. East Coast Watercross brought in a team of experienced PWC experts including Kevin O’Flaherty, a US Power Squadron member. O’Flaherty has been a PWC Safety Consultant for over a decade and was able to provide US Coast Guard BARD (Boating Accident Report Database) statistics in the classroom as well as real world knowledge to the Marine Patrol Unit. In addition, Matt Adalain and Jim Dwyer attended the session to cover the mechanical aspects of watercraft.
“The class was held at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and on the Sacandaga where the Marine Patrol Officers were able to ride and experience not only the department’s machines, but several different types of watercraft bought by East Coast Watercross for a broader knowledge of the different types of, handling characteristics and safety features of the many machines they may encounter on the lake. This intensive training session lasted over 4 hours and left all involved feeling more prepared when the next on water emergency occurs.
“The best part of this training was not only did the Sheriffs get more on-water training on their own patrol units, they also jumped on board a few of the PWC that East Coast Watercross provided, from runabouts, to Sport class PWC and even standups. We are proud to partner with any first responder organization that needs help on the water. If you know of anyone that could benefit form this kind of volunteer training please contact us at [email protected].”
A few months earlier, The Watercraft Journal announced that through a partnership with Sea-Doo, Monster Energy and Mountain Motorsports, multi-time national and world champion, Dustin Farthing would dust off his riding gear and rejoin the ranks of the Pro Watercross Tour for 2016 – all for the benefit of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta non-profit organization. As part of his efforts, Farthing will donate all of his prize earnings to the charity.
Thus far, Farthing has accrued just over $13,000 as he competes in both Pro Stock and Pro GP Runabout classes on the Hidden Trails Pro Watercross National Tour, but Farthing won’t be ending when the season concludes in September. He’ll be continuing on participating in several AquaX stops along the way to this year’s IJSBA World Finals taking place in Lake Havasu City, AZ in early October. Make sure to follow along at The Watercraft Journal.
Here’s the original press release: Atlanta, GA United States– August 3, 2016 – Sea-Doo X-TEAM watercraft racer Dustin Farthing has collected $13,050 in prize money as of August 1, all of which he is donating to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Farthing from Marietta, GA is enjoying strong success on his Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 watercraft leading the National Pro Watercross Tour overall points in two classes with the biggest races still to come.
Farthing has leads both the Pro GP and Pro Stock class on the Pro Watercross Tour, winning 23 out of 30 individual motos with fellow Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 mounted rider Tim Ducat in the second spot in both classes. Farthing, part owner of six BRP dealerships under the Mountain Motorsports brand is racing, aboard his Monster Energy backed Sea-Doo RXP-X 300 watercraft and donating 100% of his prize money to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
“This sport has given me so much and I want to leave the sport by doing something special for the kids of Atlanta and their families whom are facing incredible health challenges. ” exclaims Farthing. “Family is the most important thing in my life and I am humbled to be able to use my talents riding a Sea-Doo watercraft to help families challenged to take care of their children.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is a not-for-profit organization that provides specialized care to children from all walks of life. They rely on donations to provide the best possible care to young patients and their families now and in the future. Farthing is donating 100% of the prize money he earns during the 2016 watercraft racing season plus all racing contingency funds from the Sea-Doo X-TEAM Bounty program that includes over $25,000 of additional funds available to winning Sea-Doo watercraft riders.*
“This sport has given me every opportunity to have an incredible life and now it’s my opportunity to give back,” said Farthing. I’m having fun in my final year racing on a Sea-Doo watercraft and giving back in the most positive manner possible. With the biggest races coming up, my goal is to reach the $60,000 mark for the kids of the Atlanta who need it.”
Farthing will be competing in the final three Pro Watercross Tour events with the next event in Lake Hartwell, GA on August 23-24 as well as the P1 AquaX series and IJSBA World Finals taking place in Lake Havasu City, AZ in early October. Fans can contribute to Farthing’s donations to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta by visiting CHOA.ORG.
There are fewer companies more trusted, or more established in the personal watercraft aftermarket than RIVA Racing and Hydro-Turf. With a combined half century’s worth of experience, the two are as synonymous with PWC as Yamaha, Kawasaki and Sea-Doo. And as a major supplier of Hydro-Turf traction mats, seat covers and other items, RIVA Racing has done a masterful job in putting HT in front of more customers (via its newly revamped webstore) than Hydro-Turf itself! Recently, RIVA announced its site’s offering of the single largest selection of Hydro-Turf traction mats in the world.
With perfectly tailored applications very all Kawasaki, Honda, Sea-Doo and Yamaha applications, Hydro-Turf traction mats and pads provide “excellent footing in the slippery foot-wells of your watercraft. Features a deeply grooved surface for maximum traction. Extremely durable, thick, high-density foam material is UV resistant.” Available in a variety of colors and traction patterns, every Hydro-Turf kit comes with an easy peel and stick adhesive-backing for an effortless installation (or can be ordered without adhesive for a custom application if desired). Step up your riding experience with superior traction for more aggressive riding.
Offering sugar white sands, crystal waters, and abundant sunshine is what makes the Florida panhandle a destination spot among summer vacationers. Arguably, and for those same vacationers, it is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets that offers plenty of the same. My first visit to a spring was over 30 years ago – Morrison Spring – while seeking my certification as a SCUBA diver. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 known springs in Florida; what follows is our PWC trip to visit two: Washington Blue Spring and Morrison Spring. For today’s ride, we elected to drop-in at Black Creek Marina Lodge, located just due northeast of Choctawhatchee Bay. I noticed my ski had followed me to the ramp – obviously it was the only item I managed to bring: Rack and auxiliary fuel/tanks – forgotten at home (thanks Axel and Rick), drinking water – didn’t pack (thanks Troy), batteries for the GPS – left at the condo (thanks, again, Axel). Yeah, it was a slow start.
With all the bikes dropped, Axel went on point and within a few minutes, despite the fact we weren’t going into the bay, we had found the bay. Axel was guiding from memory and a few dropped waypoints. Not easy to do in an area that has numerous confluences into a large bay. Axel eventually found the true way – first in the Rushing Cutoff and then the Mitchell River until we found the Choctawhatchee River proper. It wasn’t long as we cruised along the lower river when something very large made quite a splash in the water about 100 yards in front of our group. A half-mile later, it happened again, but this time I saw the culprit: Gulf Sturgeon. I moved alongside Axel who confirmed the same and we passed the word to use caution. Sturgeon, albeit rare, have confirmed fatalities. When agitated, they leap out of the water. Growing in excess of 6 feet and to 200 pounds, it doesn’t take much imagination to figure the results of a collision.
Above left: Group fuel dump on the lower Choctawhatchee River. Above right: Slipping into Mills Branch.
Despite the auxiliary tanks, we purposely ran at a mild cruising speed of 35 mph to conserve fuel. Eighteen miles in and about 3 miles below the Hwy 20 bridge, we found a wonderful sandbar complete with plenty of shade and rope-swings. We took in the shade and some cold drinks, remounted, and continued our trek north. The Choctawhatchee River is a dynamic flow of water. Compared to the 2008 chart on my GPS, the river has changed directions numerous times. With a number of false leads, I considered the route nearly impossible if not for local knowledge or a pre-routed GPS. Every few miles, the river appears to transform itself. At times, the river recedes into the swamp consisting of cypress, tupelo gum, and willow trees. Go around the bend and your subject to see sand bars or high bank flanked with oaks and pine trees.
Seven miles north of the bridge we had finally found our first spring where Mills Branch enters from the river’s east bank. There was a definite mixing of the creek’s tea-colored water with the river’s caramel color. Further in, the water really transformed: Brown turned to black and black finally went to turquoise-clear. Axel throttled down to just below plane and the final 300 yards we idled in where the creek ended in the small lagoon that is Washington Blue Spring. The spring was flowing, evident from the boil on the water surface, although the source was 20 feet deep. The water was cold. Exiting the vent at 68 degrees, it was a wonderful contrast to the hot and humid Florida air. While most of the group waded near the bank, only Axel and myself took a dip.
Above left: Rick checks out the boil in Washington Blue Spring. Above right: Michael takes to the shade in Morrison Spring.
Back on the bikes, we exited the creek and trekked further north. Bringing up the rear, Troy, riding two-up with his wife Debra, motioned me to slow. “How much further? -Because I’m pretty sure I’m not going to have enough gas to get back.” I checked my ’76 and noticed the spring was literally around the next bend. Then I noticed the mileage: 53. Yeah, this was going to be close. We rounded the bend, caught up with Axel, Michael, and Rick and finally made the lagoon of Morrison Spring. Morrison Springs pumps out nearly 50 million gallons of fresh, clear, and cold groundwater each day. Now county owned, it’s a “commercialized” attraction but more than worth the visit. Although it was a weekday, there was about 100 visitors in the park during our stay. Dozens of kids lined the swim platforms, dozens more on the patch of beach accessing the water, and a number of paddlers and snorkelers. We even saw two groups of divers exploring the water.
We approached the left-side tree line at NWZ speed and moored in the shade. Again, only and Axel and myself tested the waters. The lagoon is large enough that the water is comfortable until directly over the boil coming from the vent 45 feet below. With our mask and fins on, we checked out the environment below the surface. There was a bubble column exiting the vent, a sure sign that divers were in the cave. Also out in the spring’s center were two young teenagers taking turns making free dives to the vent. It was quite impressive to see the kids making skilled yet dangerous descents. Axel gave it a go as well and managed a half descent down to 20 feet. After snapping a few pix, we snorkeled back to the group hanging out in the shade. We discussed our plans for the ride back including the refueling situation. Departing the creek, and at Mike’s suggestion, we opted to take a side-creek exit that paralleled the river for almost half a mile. I elected to to check out the virgin exit, pushed it out, and gained the point for half the ride home.
Above left: TX plates in the FL panhandle: Â Troy and Debra explore Morrison Spring. Above right: Axel dives down towards the Morrison Spring vent.
It wasn’t too long on the return trip that low-fuel buzzers started going off. Troy was the first to sign, which meant we could travel another 15 miles before the tanks were close to dry. We ran a few miles further and beached on a nice stretch of sand near where Holmes Creek enters the river. At Axel’s advice, all but myself dumped an auxiliary tank – it would be hard to find a decent sandbar once we got below the Hwy. 20 bridge. The original plan was to explore upstream in Holmes Creek but since our mileage was getting near three digits, we elected to save it for another day.
At mm 77 my buzzer went off. Now riding sweeper since the last pit stop, I fell further behind trying to save on fuel. Rick checked up and waited; catching him, I told him, “I need a sandbar…” At 15 miles after the buzzer I finally opted for a slough in a dead-end that branched off the main channel. We were well below the bridge and there was no sand to be found. I paid for not refueling with the rest of the gang by having to wrestle in knee-deep mud on the edge of the swamp. Axel helped me steady the ski while the rest patiently waited as I dropped 4 gallons. All back together and with no concern of fuel issues; we made the final sprint for home by letting out a few more ponies. Arriving back at Black Creek Marina, our GPSs synced reporting a total of 101 miles for the day. The Choctawhatchee and its tributary springs are worth the effort. Extra fuel, food and drink, snorkeling gear, and friends should all be a part of this trip. I’ll be back and will plan to include a few miles for Holmes Creek on my next trip as well.
Above left: Sand, shade, swings, and skis – a great rest area along the lower Choctawhatchee.
People have been fishing for many years for many different reasons. Some do it for a career, some like the adventure and others do it for the serenity that comes from being out on the water. Along with the fun comes the price of the equipment. Boats, gas, parts, poles, nets and many other things can quickly add up. Not many people can go out and afford their dream fishing boat and have enough for the rest of the equipment. Luckily in the recent years, fishermen have started using personal watercraft as a way to navigate through the waters and fish.
One such intrepid fisherman was New Zealand’s Andrew Hill. The Bucklands Beach native soon discovered the potential PWC had to be to become a great fishing platform, that is when fitted out appropriately. Beginning with an “ultimate rod holder” and other subsequent accessories, Hill created jetskifishing.co.nz with the intent of becoming the one-stop-shop for all things PWC fishing related.
In this video, we follow Hill on his Sea-Doo GTX on one of his adventures just off of the coast of New Zealand. He ends up catching a 20-snapper Snapper. This shows that with a little practice and the right equipment you too can start fishing from your watercraft and enjoy the savings. There has been many people who have made the switch and they won’t be going back anytime soon.
