Because he doesn’t already have enough going on – y’know being the reigning IFWA World Champion, a professional freerider, stuntman, ski builder and social media maven – Mark Gomez is also the newest sponsorship liaison for Hydro-Turf, the industry’s most established source for performance traction mats, handlepole/bar and seat covers. Gomez has been representing Hydro-Turf for years, but now he does so in a professional capacity, helping welcome (and screen) would-be sponsored HT athletes.

Recently, Gomez announced, “Hydro-Turf is now accepting resumes for 2016. We are looking for dedicated athletes who love our product and can represent our brand on and off the water. Visit www.Hydroturf.com/sponsorship for information on what we are looking for, and how to apply. Sponsorship enrollment ends on March 18th. As some of you may have heard from my previous announcement, I am now the remote . Anything related to HT needs must be sent to my work email [email protected].”

That’s right! You can join the likes of Mark Gomez, Lee Stone, Eric Francis, and Brock Austin as an official Hydro-Turf sponsored rider for 2016. Simply visit the web address listed above, and submit the required information and images, and you too could be a sponsored rider.

Life has been tough for Jack Copperwaite. Born with Crouzen Syndrome, the three-year-old suffers from a rare genetic condition that causes excess fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus) and complications to the development of his skull. Since his birth, Jack has undergone 11 operations to relieve the fluid in his cranial cavity, or intracranial space. Any impact to his head could cause immediate and severe injuries, if not completely fatal.

With hopes of raising funds to offset the surmounting costs of Jack’s surgeries and care, more than 40 jet skiers rallied together to hold “a SPLASHTACULAR fundraiser,” riding from Queenscliff to the Clifton Springs’ boat ramp late last year. The effort raised an impressive $10,000 on the solitary weekend, with organizer Heath Tournier saying it was “a great turnout” for an event organized just a few weeks earlier.

Working through his charity the Tournier Foundation, Tournier aims to help other young people in need, as the $10,000 raised from this ride will go to Jack’s ongoing care needs and help fund renovations on the family home. In an article published by The Geelong Advertiser, appeals for “help in building him a new bedroom because doctors were concerned his cramped bedroom were made. A contractor, Mr Tournier quickly offered to lend a hand and is in the process of renovating a new room for Jack, the kitchen and his parents’ bedroom.”

Jack’s mother, Donna said, “We’ve got good people around us and in the community to support him and it’s overwhelming.” Present at the Clifton Springs’ boat ramp to meet the riders, Jack –  despite spending more than 140 days in the hospital – couldn’t be bothered, spending the day “paddling in the shallows,” and stopping to take pictures with several of the participants.

To donate to the Foreman Jack fund go to thetournierfoundation.org

Krash Industries – out of Victoria, Australia – is back to host the annual Huck ‘N Hold event which showcases all styles of riding, from flying skis to racing. Your ability doesn’t matter since there are rookie and amateur divisions available for one to enter.

This competition is bigger than ever and The Bridge Builders Youth Organization (BBOYO) has once again stepped up to help. This is the organizations’ third year putting this event together taking place March 4th and 5th this year at Gunnamata Surf Beach in Australia.

A $3,500 purse is available for the Pro Division and prizes from Kavicini Components will be given to the Free Riders, Amateurs, Rookies, Masters, and Runabout divisions according to Huck ‘N Hold’s Facebook page. This event looks super fun.

The Bridge Builders Organization’s youth are excited about putting together the Huck ‘N Hold because it is such a cool event. The competition is another way to bring the kids together and to help them grow into productive adults.

The BBOYO is a non-profit that has discovered that by allowing teens an opportunity to organize events, their confidence is boosted and a challenge is provided. The Huck ‘N Hold does just that, provides a challenge while the youth perform a great deal of the work that goes into executing the event.

The Australian Watercraft Association will also be on hand to host the first round of the 2016 Krash Industry Nationals and Jet Ski Transport will help you get your ski to and from the event. Only 120 spots are available so submit your entry now!

It’s a really good time to be Yamaha. Not only did the 2015 Yamaha FX SVHO WaveRunner win “Watercraft of The Year,” but their all-new three-cylinder 4-stroke TR-1 receive the coveted National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA) for innovation in the watercraft division.

New for 2016, the Yamaha TR-1 HO marine engine replaces the outgoing MR-1 four-cylinder 4-stroke while being 13 percent more powerful while being 40 percent smaller in size and 20 percent lighter. Weight is shaved by eliminating a reduction gear, integrating the oil tank, and using fewer and smaller parts, resulting in quicker acceleration, higher top end speeds, and better fuel economy.

Here’s the original press release:

Yamaha WaterCraft Group, a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., today announced that its WaveRunner product line received one of the boating industry’s most prestigious awards recognizing excellence in design from the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA).

Honored for innovation by the NMMA in the Personal Watercraft category is the new TR-1 High Output marine engine that is featured in Yamaha’s 2016 V1 and VX Series WaveRunners.

The Yamaha TR-1 HO marine engine is the pinnacle of engine innovation. The TR-1 motor is 13 percent more powerful than the Yamaha MR-1 engine that it is replacing while being 40 percent smaller in size and 20 percent lighter in weight.

Yamaha achieves this by eliminating a reduction gear, integrating the oil tank, and using fewer and smaller parts. The result is quicker acceleration, higher top end speeds, with better fuel economy and more fun for the rider.

This is the second time in as many years that Yamaha WaveRunners have been honored by the NMMA for innovation. Last year, Yamaha’s RiDE system received the innovation award in the Personal Watercraft category. RiDE is the world’s first handlebars with dual throttle controls and is available on Yamaha’s 2016 FX and VX Series WaveRunners.

“Receiving this coveted award two years in a row reflects our commitment to constant innovation and bringing all new technologies and features to market that make our customers’ experiences with our products even better every time they are out on the water,” said Bryan Seti, general manager of Yamaha’s Watercraft Group.

The NMMA Innovation Awards are presented annually at the Miami Boat Show. Selected and judged by Boating Writers International. The Innovation Award honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market.

In the photo from left to right is Yamaha Watercraft’s product manager Scott Watkins, general manager Bryan Seti, and president Dean Burnett.

Evan Kassing has done something very unique with his custom turbocharged 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X 260. Usually a supercharged ski, when Evan upgraded it to a GRF TiAL/Garrett turbo system, he decided the original factory Sea-Doo iControl display system just wouldn’t cut it for what he needed.

Enter the MoTec C127 digital display system. With some custom programming and management from a MoTec M150 system, Evan has managed to mate the C127 with his RXP-X jet-ski and it works brilliantly.

The C127 is a new model in MoTeC’s line-up of displays and display loggers. Featuring a high resolution, full color, 178mm ultra bright and anti-reflective screen, the C127 is sure to impress. Stylishly designed with powerful functionality, the C127 provides a sophisticated display plus data logging, auxiliary control and programmable LEDs all in one streamlined device.

Numerous selectable layouts are supplied with configurable channels, labels and color schemes. If none of the pre-loaded layouts suit your fancy, it gives you the full ability to treat your screen as a blank canvas and design your own layout with unique graphics, sponsor logos, custom icons and gauges with the new Display Creator upgrade.

The C127 also features a total of 16 full color LEDs integrated into the unit for use as shift lights (for motorcycle and automobile applications), warning lights or other driver alerts. The color, function and intensity of each LED are fully programmable allowing users to develop their own unique strategies and sequences.

West Coast racing is as strong as ever and Ross Wallach of RPM Enterprises just announced the complete Spring/Summer schedule for the 2016 “Best of The West” racing series. Teaming again with Jettribe Core Watercraft as the Title Sponsor for the Arizona/California-exclusive series, 10 rounds of racing will take place over five weekends throughout the year, spanning from April to August.

Beginning in Lake Havasu, Arizona, with the 3rd Annual Lake Havasu Watercross IJSBA Regional Championships Gary Hart Memorial, the action continues on Parker, Arizona; Lake Perris and Lake Elsinore, California; before returning back to Perris, California for the Lake Perris Jettribe Season Finals, which hopes to also turn things on its ear with a possible night race. We’re excited to see residents from Arizona join the strongest riders from across California, and expect to see a fantastic series unfold this year.

Here’s the original press release:

Jettribe Signs On Again As Title Sponsor For The 2016 IJSBA “Best Of The West” Series

RPM Racing Enterprises is proud to announce that JETTRIBE CORE WATERCRAFT Co. – www.jettribe.com has signed on for a fourth consecutive year to be the title sponsor of the IJSBA sanctioned 2016 “Best of the West” Series. RPM Racing Enterprises has been promoting PWC racing, both closed course and endurance, for the past ten years in Southern California, Arizona & Nevada.

The 2015 season ended on a high note at Round #7 of The Jettribe Best of the West Season Finals at Mossdale Quarry Lakes in Lathrop, CA with DJSA that featured the 2015 North vs. South California State Championships under the lights! With Jettribe’s continued involvement, the 2016 season looks to be even bigger & better than last year which saw the largest attended closed course races in the nation. This year RPM Racing is undertaking an ambitious 10 round series,*” according to Ross Wallach, President of RPM Racing Enterprises.

“I can’t thank Tony and the Jettribe staff enough when it comes to helping me promote these great events! Jettribe always goes above and beyond that of a typical sponsor and try’s to find more ways to help out not only the individual event but the entire sport! Tony has been an unbelievable asset and a direct reason why racing continues to thrive!” Beginning in April and running through August fans will be treated to some spectacular competition on the water at some of the best race sites when racers will be on a quest to win the title of JETTRIBE “Best of the West” Series Champion. The action on the water promises not to disappoint!

JETTRIBE Core Watercraft Co. is recognized as the industry leader of PWC Watercraft gear. From PWC covers to wetsuits, gloves, footwear, goggles, protective gear, rashguards, etc., JETTRIBE is a one stop shop for the racer and enthusiast alike. JETTRIBE’S expert knowledge and superior quality is what separates it from the rest and why more racers choose JETTRIBE when buying PWC gear. The partnership between JETTRIBE and RPM Racing Enterprises continues to serve the racer and fan alike. For More Information, Please Visit www.jettribe.com

Race Schedule
Round 1 & 2: April 9th & 10th- 3rd Annual Lake Havasu Watercross IJSBA Regional Championships Gary Hart Memorial, LHC, AZ
Round 3 & 4: May 14th & 15th – Blue Water Resort & Casino IJSBA Western States Nationals, Parker, AZ
Round 5 & 6: June 11 & 12- Lake Perris Open, Sail Cove, Lake Perris State Park, Perris, CA
Round 7 & 8: July 9th & 10th – Lake Elsinore or Vail Lake Open of Watercross (TBD)
Round 9 & 10: August 13th & 14th – Lake Perris Jettribe Season Finals (North vs. South State Championships, possible night race) Sail Cove, Lake Perris State Park, Perris, CA

In a recent surprising announcement, long time Kawasaki endurance specialist Christian D’Agostin and fellow racing teammate Cameron Martin have jumped ship from their factory sponsored team Brisbane Kawasaki rides to form a new team called PTS Racing.

Racing Yamaha’s for the 2016 season; the pair announced they have recently picked up the 2016 Yamaha FZR and FX from Gold Coast WaveRunners in Queensland, Australia.

“I can’t thank Shaun and Judy Hale from Gold Coast WaveRunners enough as well as Mark Harman from Yamaha Australia for making it such an easy decision. Now the real work begins with us and the team from Worx Racing Components to fine tune both the FX and the FZR for China in March,” said Martin.

Christian and Cameron earned top honors this past year during the 2015 Yamaha Australian Jetcross Tour and Australian offshore endurance series while racing Kawasakis; so it should be interesting to watch how the team does with their new Yamahas this year! For more information on their new team PTS Racing, check out their website.

There’s no question about it, the fuel curve gurus at V-Tech Tuned are making a name for themselves when it comes to getting in and unlocking the innermost potential found within today’s high tech four-stroke machines. Their handheld MapTuner is already seeing tons of attention for both Yamaha and Sea-Doo, especially for the latest crop of ACE 300 models!

Recently, our friends at PWC Muscle announced a very cool special on V-Tech Tuning’s MapTuner for your ACE 900-powered Spark. For those already familiar, the V-Tech MapTuner allows for quick and easy engine map tune downloads, allowing you to gather and replace your factory engine map for a custom one via V-Tech.

Now, for $600, you can purchase an  ECU Flash Credit that can be applied to downloading a new digital map tune for your Sea-Doo and “significantly boost your Sea-Doo’s performance!” states PWC Muscle’s website. Although the map won’t push you to speeds equal to V-Tech’s radical turbo Spark kit, it will push you well past the stock configuration’s maximum of 90-horsepower.

Of course, if you have any questions regarding application or how to get the most out of your Sea-Doo Spark, give PWC Muscle a call at (888) 605-2335 today!