Admittedly, there still appears to be a significant amount of fracturing in the domestic PWC event scene, but the IJSBA is thrashing to draw together several regional promoters and groups to create a comprehensive, season-long competition series, be it closed course racing or freestyle.
In the case of the latter, the IJSBA has partnered with two mainstays in the Freestyle arena to flesh out a completely dedicated season to just Freestyle, which is something unseen in the US for many, many years. Running from April through late August, this duplicity of event coordinators forms a complete (although two separate series) season.
The first is a partnership between the Freestyle Personal Watercraft Association (FPWCA) together with IJSBA, who after its success in Europe is bringing its Freestyle-only tour to the US. Although comprised of only two separate events, the word “tour” is being used rather loosely.
Hailed as a West Coast Round and an East Coast Round, the first will be held on April 16th, 2016, in Lake Havasu City, AZ; with the second being on August 27th, 2016, in North Fort Myers, FL. The FPWCA does bring with it its own set of rules and classes which include:
2016 USFC classes are:
Freestyle 800: OEM hull and maximum engine displacement of 800cc
Freestyle 900: aftermarket hull allowed and maximum engine displacement of 900cc
Freestyle 1200: aftermarket hull allowed and maximum engine displacement of 1200cc
And exclusively for the USA, the FPWCA has introduced a new class: Freestyle Beginner Open wherein an aftermarket hull allowed and maximum engine displacement of 1200cc. This class is open to any competitor who never finished on the podium on the national level and/or never competed at World Cup/Championship/Finals.
But wait, that’s not all! Nestled in between those two spread-out dates is a whole new series put on by the legendary “Typhoon Tommy” Nuttal. Over the past decade, he has been “entertaining festival crowds at lakes and rivers all throughout the United States,” according to the IJSBA. This of course, is less of a competition series and more of a entertainment venue where Nuttal’s Typhoon Tommy Entertainment will place the very best Freestyle athletes in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
June 24-26 – Detroit River Days, MI
July 15-17 – Trenton, MI “Roar on the River”
July 30-31 – Oswego Harborfest, NY
Aug 5-7 – Pittsburgh Regatta
So if you’re looking catch some of the States’ best Freestyle action, 2016 is rife with exciting venues and top class competition. For more information for the FPWCA, visit official website: www.pwcfreestyleusa.com, and for Typhoon Tommy’s events, please visit www.jetskishows.com.
For those jaded among you who believe that product placement is ruining modern film and media clearly need to take a look back a few decades. We spotted this incredibly retro television commercial from 1970 for Fanta soft drinks. The fruit-flavored soda that traces its roots back to Nazi Germany (no really! Read here), is the second most popular brand of carbonated sugar water outside of its parent company’s mainstay and namesake, Coca-Cola.
Nevertheless, as according to the YouTube poster’s description, this TV commercial “aired in 1970 from Boston to San Diego. This is a fine example of product placement which costed nothing to Sea-Doo’s parent company, Bombardier Ltd. This was filmed near Key Biscayne, Florida.” French Canadian poster Jefrona states, “I was a Sea-Doo product manager at the time. We had a great time. This video is a piece of history and must be the only copy left.”
Catching wind of this video, a fellow YouTube poster, Mark Thacker wrote: “I was also the guy doing the stunts. You could glide across water only about 2-3 inches deep and not have a problem and also shut down the motor at full speed and beach it (as you see in the commercial), that was me also and the girl I was paired with. They were really fast as well. I couldn’t believe they weren’t instantly popular. Instead, the stand up version became a hit for many years. They finally got smart and went back to the original version. Now the stand ups are relics.”
While we don’t know how much of a “relic” the standups are today, we do get some enjoyment out of this old ad and seeing these original “Model 372” 1969 Sea-Doos (unlike the ’68 model, the ’69 featured a water cooled twin-cylinder engine). For more info on the early Sea-doos, check this site HERE:
The 10th annual Operation Helping Hero’s Freedom Ride is happening thanks to the good folks at the Eastern Pennsylvania River Runners PWC club, and it’s looking to not only be an amazing event but a fantastic charity ride. There’s just a ton of information to soak in so we’re going to shut up and let you read it for yourself:
Here’s the full press release: The Eastern PA River Runners, a local charter club of The American Watercraft Association, along with Reading Standard Motorsports out of Reading, Pa.,The Occoquan Harbour Marina and Blu 1681 Restaurant out of Woodbridge, Va. are proud to team with The Family & Friends For Freedom Fund Inc., to raise money for this wonderful organization that aids in the recovery of our combat wounded Marines and servicemen and women from other branches of the armed forces recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and other hospitals in the surrounding regions.
The 10h Annual Operation Helping Hero’s Freedom Ride will commence with the hopes and dreams of America’s Hero’s riding with us. We will set out on a journey of approximately 400 miles round trip in 3 days on personal watercraft and boats. The journey will take the following route:
First Day at Sunrise – Friday July 15th: Depart from Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD and head down the Chesapeake Bay turning up the Potomac River to Occoquan Harbour Marina in Woodbridge, Va. for a layover that evening.
Morning of the Second Day – Saturday July 16th: Head down the Potomac River to Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, VA where they will meet up with an estimated 50 to 75 personal watercraft riders and boat pilots from around the area. The group will then travel to Washington D.C. in the hopes of raising awareness within the community and the government to the much needed help and care of America’s combat wounded Marines and servicemen and women from all branches of the armed forces. The group will then go to Blu 1681 Restaurant in Woodbridge, Va. for lunch and a great afternoon of fun, entertainment, and festivities before returning to the Occoquan Harbour Marina for the evening.
Morning of the Last Day – Sunday July 17th: The River Runners will depart from Occoquan Harbour Marina and begin their trip back to Sandy Point State Park along the same path that they arrived.
What we are in search of on this ride is the support by presence of every watercraft club, rider, boater and enthusiast in and around the surrounding area as well as those who wish to travel to ride for this great cause, to join us on Saturday July 16th at Leesylvania State Park at 10:00 a.m. for a ride to Washington DC to raise “Awareness By Presence” and then head to Blu 1681 Restaurant in Woodbridge, Va. for a great time.
Check in time for the ride on Saturday July 16th begins at 7:30 a.m. until 9:20 a.m. at the launch ramp area to the left of the main pavilion (if facing the Potomac River) where the sailboat hoists are located. There will be a mandatory riders meeting at 9:30 a.m. and we will depart for Washington DC promptly at 10:00 a.m.
All those who wish to participate in either the entire 3 day event July 15th, 16th and 17th or the 1 day only ride to Washington D.C on July 16th are required to pre-register by July 10, 2016. There will be a $25.00 registration donation per watercraft.
There will be a raffle drawing of great prizes donated by our many wonderful sponsors and supporters held at Blu 1681 Restaurant after our luncheon, All pre-registered participants (before July 10, 2016) will receive one ticket towards the raffle drawing. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Leesylvania State Park Boat Ramp and Blu 1681 Restaurant until the drawing. All donations collected will go directly to The Family & Friends For Freedom Fund Inc. Registration information is available on our website at www.easternpariverrunners.org
Those who are interested in the full 3-day journey are asked to contact us before registering to receive important additional information. General Information as well as hotel accommodation information can be obtained by e-mailing us at [email protected]
Please note the full 3-day ride is limited. The 1-day only ride on July 16th is NOT limited at this time.
Admittedly, it’s been a good week for Yamaha. What with yesterday kicking off the company’s 30th anniversary celebration of the WaveRunner, Yamaha Australia supporting the Terra Australia-Girt by Sea world record attempt, and y’know the season kicking off with some already solid sales numbers for the company with the tuning forks in its logo, you’d think everyone at Yamaha Motor Corp. was popping champagne corks. To cap off an already stellar week, we’ve got not one, but two great videos from this year’s 4th annual Yamaha NZ Festival of Freeride.
The promoters had this to write: “Firstly, and most importantly, a huge thank you must go to Brendan and the team at Yamaha Marine NZ. Their support for our event has been instrumental in what we have achieved over the last 4 years and without them we simply wouldn’t have the Festival of Freeride at all. As with previous years, Yamaha again were the first sponsor on board and that support really does give you the confidence to push ahead and aim for new heights with the event.
“A huge thank you must also go to JetskiJunk.co.nz for jumping on board as our presenting sponsor. It was fantastic to have them back involved with the event this year and greatly appreciated.
“The contribution to the event from our major sponsors this year was amazing. Otago Personal Watercraft, 701 Industries, and Krash Industries all returned again and were outstanding. It was also very humbling to have some new sponsors this year – a huge thank you to Farnleys Jetskis, and Rotoma ITM for coming on board. We hope you all enjoyed the event as much as we did.
“As with the last few years, the team from Rogers Boat Shop have been unbelievable with their support and great spread on the day. Not only did they feed everyone on both days but they were spotted getting amongst some wrenching on the beach to keep some of the guys and girls up and running. Really is fantastic commitment to the event.
“To the ever generous support of KP Parts, Random Performance, Gull New Zealand, Rickter RRP, MX100, JetManiac, CRC Industries NZ, JetPilot, OZfreeride, Thrust Innovations, ProRider Magazine, Glenbrook Performance, and NZfreeride – Thank you. All of these sponsors made sure you had some awesome product and swag to choose from at the prize giving. We said this last year and will say it again, there are so many events on these days and for the these sponsors to choose to support and for us to be chosen is very humbling.
“To all the participants of the FoF4 – thank you so very much for supporting the only free ride event in New Zealand. Each year we really do appreciate how everyone gets together and all your attitudes at the event really make it a one of a kind in the world. A large number of you had a long way to travel so we greatly appreciate you making the effort to support and attend the event. A huge thank you to our American friend, and current IFWA World No. 1, Mark Gomez for finding the time to come to NZ and experience the FoF. We hope you enjoyed the NZ hospitality mate.
“A special thanks to Red Bull for their support of the event, ensuring everyone was suitably energised and enjoyed some sweet tunes from the awesome rig. Having the most iconic energy drink brand on board with the event is just awesome. And to couple that with generous support from iconic action wear brand, ilabb, as well is just the icing on the cake. Thanks to Red Bull and ilabb.
“A huge thank you to Leif Neilson for having time to come out and sit on the marshal ski for both days. Leif is a professional surf lifesaver and when you have an experienced, qualified, individual like that on the water for everyone safety certainly makes things easier. Also a big thanks to the Marine Medics team for being there both days to make sure we had the appropriate medical cover.
“To all the others that have contributed to the event this year thank you so much. From those that helped out with timing and monitoring to ensuring things kept running smoothly – you know who you are. Thank you to everyone that chipped in with setting up, running, and packing down the event. Awesome stuff and was very much appreciated. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone but if so I apologize.
“Finally, and without further ado, Guy Mac has once again put together something special in terms of a video production of the event. Its a little different this year, but thoroughly enjoyable and most importantly an epic production. We use these event videos to promote the sport and our event to a greater audience in the hopes that one day we might attain significant media coverage, and mainstream recognition. So a huge thank you to him for once again turning around another fantastic event video in such a short space of time. Also a huge thanks to Craig Patterson again for the epic drone footage this year.
“Make sure you go full screen, HD on, and plenty of sound. Enjoy, and remember as always “Support those that support the sport”.”
“It all began in the early 1970’s,” explained Yamaha chief designer of boats and water vehicles, and development manager at that time, Neil Kobayashi. “I was stationed in Shonan, the center of Japan’s marine leisure. At this time, as there was no need for licenses or certification on small watercraft, people were free to use the water areas how they felt taking responsibility for themselves… marine leisure was thought of not being available for everyone and really only the elite – I remember thinking about possibilities to provide this type of enjoyment in easier ways for the more average person.”
2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the industry’s longest running, two-person tandem personal watercraft, the Yamaha WaveRunner. “As I had only just joined the company, on a technical level, I was not in a position at which I could exercise any authority. Even so, I felt that I would one day like to make a craft of this type. This was the opportunity to create the WaveRunner,” Kobayashi prefaced.
At the time, the development of small, personal watercraft was already popular overseas, with only a few companies producing such craft. At the same time, Japan created the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism who, in conjunction with the Japan Marine Industry Association, began requiring licensing and registration for such craft.
As a result, in 1980, Yamaha issued “water-bike special standards” to create the legal framework required for people to enjoy marine leisure safely, all in preparation for Yamaha’s development of personal watercraft. By 1983, Kobayashi had a prototype “Power-Ski” and received a request from YMUS (Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA) that they would like to see a presentation. He states in a celebratory website dedicated to the WaveRunner’s 30th anniversary:
“In September of 1984, with models from other companies using 15 horsepower pumps placed directly onto board models, Yamaha Motor revised the boat for the American market changing out the engine for a 25 horsepower option. However the results were varied and far less than expected. The power-ski with its small engine and the aim of being a small and lightweight model, just didn’t suit the American driver that exceeded 100kg (220lbs.). The 25 horsepower pump simply did not have enough power, causing most ‘would-be’ operators to give up while trying just to get on the craft, let alone use it.
“The weight of our power-ski was a lightweight 65kg. On talking with the locals, the general feeling was that the weight should not be able to be lifted up by hand, should be towed around on a trailer, and would be no problem if it was around the 130kg mark. Furthermore, in YMUS, on hearing the investigation report for placing the power-ski into the small boat category from the W/V, I remembered my time at Shonan and felt confident that I could handle the request from the Americans ‘with fun riding at one-up types as well as tandem types’.”
By February of the following year, Kobayashi was hard at work developing a single and tandem model in accordance with YMUS requests. “We thought that if we could get 50 horsepower, we could create a very enjoyable watercraft, however out of all the outboard motors that could function as the base engine, the upper limit was only 30 horsepower, so we started engine development under the framework of ‘We will have to make do with 30 horsepower’,” he continued.
Because the team were restricted to a 30-horsepower cap, development of a hull that could increase speed with less horsepower, Kobayashi and his group used a double chines at the optimum width on the inner side in order to cut through the water. A shallow V hull was created that would “simultaneously bring static stability to the hull through the fitting of outer side chines, would allow the thrill of controllable fast speed turns when the center of gravity moves forward,” he remembers. The shape was also the first of its kind to provide “sharp edge turning” when the hull leaned hard to one side.
Nearly daily testing sessions resulted in a new type of mobility that Kobayashi felt “could not fail.” In a return presentation to the YMUS heads, Kobayashi had selected a group of motorcycle and snowmobile riders that had also been part of the first test rides. “This time, the test riders that tried out the tandem models just wouldn’t get off,” he laughed. “Everyone was really excited, and lining up to test ride the different products. There was almost no time to get any other type of feedback.”
Surprisingly, of the two models for testing, the tandem model became a tentative production project, particularly after one motorcycle rider who had, after giving the previous prototypes a scathing review, had said, “This is what I’ve always wanted. It’s ideal.” And with that, the “Wave Runner” was chosen as the model name.
Kobayashi recounts, “From this point onward, with the need to improve marketability and reliability, we coordinated with the departments in charge of design, testing, quality assurance, service and creating manuals, and almost every day was a cycle of test rides and inspections.” After nearly a decade of concept, research and development, production began on the WaveRunner 500 (Marine Jet 500T) in October 1986, with the WaveJammer 500 (Marine Jet 500S) following shortly thereafter in February 1987.
Kobayashi, looking back mourned, “The thing I consider most unfortunate is that the fundamental concept of the personal water craft has not changed from what it was when I was involved.” Yet, positive towards the future, he pined, “It is my wish that Yamaha has and keep its traditional attitude, ‘Spirit of Challenge,’ and overhauls the concept that has been used until now and creates something new and enjoyable that excites people. I have high hopes of this happening.”
About three months ago we brought you the story of Lorraine and Glenn Keating, who, in April 2016 will set out on a circumnavigation of the Australian continent (including Tasmania) aboard a pair of Yamaha FX Cruiser HO WaveRunners. Together with the crew from Terra Australia-Girt by Sea, the couple will have broken the current world record for the longest distance covered by PWC, as well as being the only people to have circumnavigated the continent, including Tasmania.
Obviously, the task at hand is a big one, and worthy of being followed, so the Keatings have arranged to air weekly episodes on their YouTube channel and comprehensive information on their website, tracking their exploits all in an effort to raise money for the Cancer Council of NSW. Recently, Yamaha WaveRunners Australia, who announced that they would be sponsoring the Keating’s efforts by supplying the necessary watercraft, published an update by the Keatings:
“We had an excellent day down at the Port Hacking and Maianbar Beach area on Sunday. Rainey wasn’t so happy as she had too sit on the sand whilst someone else put some hours up on her Yamaha WaveRunners Australia FX Cruiser HO. We need to get the first service done at Sydney Watercraft Centre before we head off and with time running out we had no choice but to get one of the kids to do it for her, they weren’t complaining!”
Additionally, the couple were interviewed by Robbie Buck on 702 ABC on Wednesday 8th March:
When pressed for ideas as to what their lineup of all-purpose powerboat and watercraft cleaning products was missing, we replied, “How about a wetsuit cleaner?” The voice on the other side of the phone giggled, replying, “Use the Purple. It’s perfect.” Admittedly a little incredulous, we thought we’d give the cleaner a try.
The Purple Wash & Wax in question is exactly that, intended for washing your personal watercraft and leaving it with a nice luster, not exactly what you’d consider to soak and clean your riding gear. Specially formulated as a “premium soap” that has been “fortified” with 100% Brazilian Carnauba Wax, the cleaner is Ph balanced and non-toxic, making it a environmentally-safe, biodegradable cleanser.
We’ve experimented with different cleaners for wetsuits, booties and gloves, all with varying results. Often we’ve found dedicated neoprene cleaners to be too mild, and offer very little in the way of mildew removal or scrubbing that briny ocean smell from our gear. Heavier detergents like dish soap or even degreasers are far worse, as they strip natural eslastics and oils from the neoprene and other softer materials, many times discoloring the fabrics.
Above left: Only 1/2 ounce is all you need to wash a complete PWC, so we cut that down to a 1/4 oz. Above right: Next, Jet Renu suggests spraying the hose at high pressure to whip the soap into a froth to “activate the foam.”
Because Jet Renu has made its Purple Wash & Wax to leave a high gloss shine and a protective barrier from harmful UV rays, we thought it might be good to leave the neoprene booties and Jettribe GRB 2.0 Race Boots still soft and flexible without bleaching them out. Following Jet Renu’s instructions, we squeezed a half ounce into our wash bucket before filling it up, spraying the hose at high pressure to froth the soap as directed.
Because our neoprene booties were used to represent a larger, full-sized wetsuit, we opted to let them soak, while we washed down our Jettribe Race Boots first, before lathering and scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush. Because other things got in the way, we left our boots and socks to soak a little longer before hosing them off and letting them air dry all day, stopping in to turn the socks inside-out once.
True to Jet Renu’s suggestion, the Purple Wash & Wax left our Jettribe GRB 2.0 Race Boots and neoprene socks looking fresh and clean, and smelling surprisingly pleasant. A 16-ounce bottle of Jet Renu’s Purple Wash & Wax retails for a budget-friendly $9.95 and lasts a lot longer than you’d expect, so it’s well worth the purchase, whether you use it to wash down your skis or clean up your riding gear after a day’s ride.
Above left: We soaked our neoprene socks a little longer than our boots, but gave them a good rinse before and after a fine lather. Above right: We also used a soft-bristle brush to clean our boots’ soles and edges.
It wasn’t too long ago that we ourselves were teased for being a “magablog,” an anachronism of both a website and a published magazine. Laughably, the people who mocked us are no longer in the business, and we’re the single largest, most read, and generally most popular PWC magazine in the Northern Hemisphere of the third planet orbiting the solitary source of life and heat in this particular solar system.
Clearly, today’s market is receptive to amalgamations, because The Watercraft Superstore is putting the finishing touches on its 2016 super-sized “magalog,” a giant 200-plus-page catalog/magazine hybrid, not only listing and categorizing the literally thousands of different accessories, tools, and bits of gear and apparel to get the very most from your PWC riding experience, but several dozen pages of fresh, unique and professionally-written content by the single-most talented writer in our industry who doesn’t work for us, Jeff Hemmel.
Fresh from hosting this year’s awesome Skyway Ski Show where all three manufacturers came together with a sampling of their latest water toys, six lucky participants were gathered to test ride, rank and review each unit on its individual merits and give you an overall winner of the shootout. The results of course, will be revealed exclusively in The Watercraft Superstore’s 2016 catalog, and you can get it for FREE! That’s right, just sign up by clicking this link before April 1st and your copy will be mailed out late April (or early May, there’s about 100,000 subscribers).
It might’ve gone unnoticed by many, but at last September’s Blowsion Surf Slam, the custom ski builder unveiled a very cool Ford F-350 wrapped in pretty cool livery, capped with an all-new Truckboss Truck Deck rack for personal watercraft. The Flexx Loader system not only winches skis up and down onto a secured bed cover, but also employs custom-made rolling cart that allows your ski to not only ramp up and down, but turn into a beach tote to access the water.
The freeride event was effectively its first foray into the sport, and come back smiling: “Surf Slam was a huge success!! Wanted to send a huge thank you to our new partner Blowsion for being such a great host and introducing us to the industry. Another big thanks to Dane Dials, our sponsored rider, was so great to meet you in person. We really appreciated all your feedback. Looking forward to seeing you all in Havasu!”
A few months later, the same wrapped Ford pickup hauled across the continental United States to Daytona Beach, Florida for the Daytona Freeride. The Blowsion crew beamed: “We made it! 2500 miles to this years Daytona Freeride. With help of @truckboss_decks we are able to bring 3 more custom skis to put on display. If you are gonna be in Daytona this weekend make sure and stop by and check the best jet ski hauling system for you truck bed.”
Truckboss is effectively changing how jet skiers carry, haul and launch their skis and we think you ought to check them out HERE!
Life’s too short to be working at a job that you hate. And chances are, if you’re reading this at work, it’s probably not the kind of job that is fulfilling in any sort of meaningful way. So why are you there? The money? Really? While exchanging hours of your life for currency is how one be’s an adult, why not get a job you like, work with people who are fun, and get to do something where your heart is in it? That’s right, there is such a thing.
Our friends at America’s Motor Sports, the biggest family-owned motorsports dealerships in Middle Tennessee, are looking for a driven, articulate and team-friendly floor sales associate and other team members. Sure, sales experience isn’t a must, but it does help, and training is part of the gig, so soon you’ll be up and running in no time. Best of all, you’ll be working for a company that takes care of its employees! There’s not a lot of those out there, FYI.
Here’s the original post from their Facebook page: America’s Motor Sports, Madison location is seeking energetic, team players who are ready to sell fun. We are gearing up for the riding season and would love for you to join us. Please email your resume or any further inquiries to [email protected]
The first is a partnership between the Freestyle Personal Watercraft Association (FPWCA) together with IJSBA, who after its success in Europe is bringing its Freestyle-only tour to the US. Although comprised of only two separate events, the word “tour” is being used rather loosely.
June 24-26 – Detroit River Days, MI
