As The Watercraft Journal mentioned earlier this week in our article on Farthing Racing’s ongoing partnership with Yamaha, the 2025 race season is already shaping up to be a game changer, with continued efforts from the top tours this year, as well as a number of new endeavors.
Today, we’re focusing on one of those new opportunities as we talk with long-time PWC racer and sport supporter, John Block.
Block, along with Brad Hill, will be kicking off a new format of watercraft racing in 2025 with the inaugural season of PWC Sprint Racing.
Sanctioned by American Jet Sport Association, or AJSA, PWC Sprint Racing can run in conjunction with AJSA events, or as a stand-alone event, and Block and Hill are working now to formulate the schedule and locations for the 2025 Season.
Before we get that far though, WCJ wanted to know a bit more about this new race effort, so we sat down with Block to talk about the format, the rules, the opportunities and challenges in creating a new avenue for an old sport.
Block broke down the organization and fundamentals behind the PWC Sprint Racing concept, saying the first race of the inaugural season will most likely be held before the Guntersville Alabama AJSA Race, and stressed that the small size of the track will play a large part in how the season is arranged.
He spoke about the influence of sprint racing in many of the decisions that went into creating this new format of racing, and stressed the importance he places on keeping the racing close to the fans.
Block talked about the race format, from hot laps to to inverted qualifying line positions to the final race
An important aspect of this new format, for Block, is increased safety for the racers, without taking away from the competitiveness and excitement.
He talked about the layout of the race track for the series, explaining that the basic layout of the racecourse will not change, meaning that racers can memorize the course, and meaning that racers can set up a practice course that will always approximate the actual race course.
The PWC Sprint Racing Facebook page includes a sample qualifying diagram, and Block walked me through how a typical race day would go.
We next talked about what classes would be involved in this series, and Block said runabouts were not suited for the format, but detailed what classes were being included.
He said he hoped this new format helps grow a fan base for the sport.
WCJ asked Block if this style of racing emphasized racer skill, or premium machines.
Block said that the PWC Sprint Racing Facebook page contains a wealth of information on the new race series, such as a rundown of rules, a review of the race format and classes, and diagrams of the racetrack and the sample qualifying diagram.
The Watercraft Journal will continue to follow the buildup to the opening of the season for this new series, and will bring our readers more information as it becomes available.
If you’re interested in trying out this top-of-the-line system, it’s one of the many exciting features built into several of Yamaha’s 2025 lineup. The VX Cruiser HO, for example, not only comes with the RiDE system built in, but is available with Yamaha’s new audio speaker system and the CONNEXT helm control system as well. With all these fun new perks, getting a new PWC is looking more exciting than ever!
Designed to fit Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki models, the Maptuner Nano is all about customization. Whether you’re chasing higher speeds or better efficiency, this tool brings “instant plug-in horsepower” and ensures you get a performance boost while preserving safety and reliability.
Farthing stated, “We’re honored to represent Yamaha Waverunners as their Factory Team. This partnership fuels our passion for pushing the limits in watercraft racing, and we look forward to a successful season alongside our incredible partners.”
Farthing Racing Press Release:
Active Jet Sport
The Fat Bars pictured in the video are the Protaper contour PT020348 bars that Kspeed’s Jamie Eade runs on his ski, but the stem will work with the fat bar that works for your preferences – it’s all about getting a bend that’s comfortable and gives less arm pump in racing situations, Eade says. 
For personal watercraft enthusiasts, stories like Jaxson’s can be reminders of the great connections that can be formed out on the water. A personal watercraft isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a way to share laughter, adventure, and memories together. Jaxson’s excitement to use his new ride during vacations shows how much joy a PWC can bring, not just to the rider but to everyone around them.
While electric watercraft are not exactly high on The Watercraft Journal’s priority list when it comes to coverage, and non-jetski electric watercraft even less so, WCJ has kept a casual eye on product releases and company news regarding several prototype and first-release electric surfboard-type products. Initial enthusiasm for each of those products seems to routinely wane fairly quickly, with some companies hanging on despite sales that barely keep the lights on, and some companies now in the midst of bankruptcy or restructure.
However, in keeping with tradition, when we noticed a new entry into the electric surfboard market, we wanted to keep our readers informed.
Available in two sizes – a 6’3” shortboard with a 66 liter capacity prioritizes responsiveness, maneuverability and rail-to-rail surfing, and the mid-length 6’9” with an 88-liter capacity, maintains the shortboard’s core characteristics, but is shaped for balance and control thanks to its greater volume, relaxed rocker and rounded nose. Both have the same drivetrain technology, controlled by way of a wireless handheld remote.