It’s not often that an event within the PWC community can celebrate 20 years of waterborne fun! The annual Tennessee River 600 is doing exactly that in 2016, and will be kicking off a week’s worth of fun this July 23, through July 30th. Riders from around the world have participated in the TN600, and have all praised the event as a “must” – as do we!
Now 600 miles might sound like a herculean feat, but don’t fret! The 6-day ride makes regular stops for breaks, locks, snacks, swimming and good ol’ fashioned playtime, so there’s lots of good times to be had as well as accomplishing one of the longest continual rides in the industry! And this year, the ride is “going back to 1997” and riding from Paris Landing State Park to Knoxville, TN! It’s a change up from the previous years, so it should make things a little more interesting.
According to Dennis Beckley, “We’re already working on getting the hotel rooms blocked off, and we’ll have more information available when they’re ready. In the meantime, why not spend some time browsing through the more than 750 images from our 2015 event! That will get you fired up and ready to ride while waiting for this cold winter to end!
“We’ll have more news and updates coming in the near future so stay tuned. If you’re not signed up for our newsletter or following us on Facebook, go ahead and do that as that is the best way to stay up to date!”
As the snow thaws over most of the northern hemisphere, watercraft enthusiasts are preparing to de-winterize their machines, drawing back the covers, pumping out the thick wintertime lube and pouring in fresh oil, and generally rousing their craft from a long hibernation of stagnancy. With that comes the usual “spring cleaning” in preparation for that first group ride or favorite springtime meet.
Helping to expedite this process all the more is XPS Lubricants. The official oil for all BRP products (Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Can-Am Spyder), XPS’ range of product reaches far beyond that of just engine oils, but includes fuel additives, oil and fuel filters, assembly lubes and grease, antifreeze/coolants, as well as a comprehensive collection of cleaning and detailing chemicals.
The XPS Watercraft Cleaning and Detailing Kit is unique to the brand, as it is the most complete package offered through XPS, providing an All-Purpose Cleaner (32oz.), a bottle of Boat and PWC Wash and Wax Concentrate (32oz.), a bottle of Vinyl Cleaner (32oz.) and Spray Cleaner and Polish (14oz.), as well as two (16-inch x 16-inch) microfiber towels, a deluxe wash sponge and it’s own resealable (3.56-gallon) storage/wash bucket.
Commonly retailing for $45, the XPS Watercraft Cleaning and Detailing Kit is more convenient than anything. The All-Purpose Cleaner is adequate when cleaning most dirt buildup but struggles to break up larger messes like bird droppings. Likewise, the Vinyl Cleaner works well but fails to remove deeply-embedded dirt from the light-colored porous seat covers without quite a bit of elbow grease.
We found the best use for the Spray Cleaner and Polish was in acting as a sealer after we already washed and scrubbed our Sea-Doo down with the XPS Wash & Wax Concentrate (using about 2-3 ounces per gallon of water, as per the instructions) and supplied sponge, and drying it completely. We found that the foaming aerosol works best to protect the porous NanoXcel deck of our Spark, rather than a stand alone cleaner.
Although it doesn’t leave our Spark with an as-new luster, it does give it a muted shine, which is better than other cleaners and waxes we’ve encountered (some of which have actually left a white waxy residue). Simply put, the Spark tends to show dirt and discoloring marks more than traditional fiberglass-and-gel coat PWC, so finding a suitable cleaner and sealant has been tricky.
The different chemicals included in the XPS Watercraft Cleaning and Detailing Kit aren’t perfect on their own merits, but together in a complete kit that comes in a sealable container that can be stored in your trailer’s storage box or in the bed of your truck until its time to wash down your PWC at the launch ramp, makes it all the better. BRP is all about maximizing your enjoyment out of their products, and offering this pre-packaged kit is just another step in that direction.
Clearly springtime is upon us (because we’re going riding today without the need of a wetsuit), and that means that you’re going to see business start picking up. In preparation for the big season that we’re expected to have this year, Cycle Springs Powersports, Tampa’s biggest powersports dealership is looking for an experienced PWC technician/mechanic. The pay is pretty good, the benefits are solid and the environment is great. If you’re thinking about a new career or simply relocating to a new company, we think we found the right fit for you!
Come work for a fun company with great people. Cycle Springs Powersports, Tampa’s biggest powersports dealership is hiring.
Looking for experienced Watercraft Technician. Must have at least one years experience, valid drivers license and own tools. Preferably Certified Manufacture Tech. Friendly person with great work ethics and available to work on Saturdays.
Possible relocation expenses. Pay is $15/hr and up depending on experience. After one year. Medical insurance, 401K, Bonuses, Holidays and Vacation. Great, fun, casual work environment. Many company parties and events.
Please send resume to [email protected] or give us a call 727-771-1211 ask for Dragon.
The TorontoPWC (Personal Watercraft) Club is hosting its 2016 Jetski Season Opening Cruise & BBQ this upcoming May 22nd 2016. As the announcement reads, “Cruise with us along the waterfront, departing from 120 Lakefront Promenade in Mississauga to our final destination of Bluffers Park in Scarborough. The Toronto Police Marine Unit will escort us through the Toronto Inner Harbor, so we get to see the city like never before.
“Take this great opportunity to come meet everyone involved in the Ontario personal watercraft industry & other riders from the community. This event provides a perfect place to meet fellow PWC related business owners and riders/enthusiasts alike.” The TorontoPWC staff will have the beach prepared for the group’s arrival making this it a worry-free event. And make sure to bring the whole family.
The TorontoPWC club will also have professional photographers, demonstrations of the Jetovator and Flyboard, raffles, aerial drone footage, swimsuit models, BBQ, participating watercraft dealers/companies, group jet ski cruise, and more including a police escort from Toronto Police service through the Inner Harbor! There will also be prizes and trophies for the “Most retro ski,” the “Most modded ski,” the “Most original ski,” the “Loudest stereo on PWC,” and the “Longest distance traveled to attend the event.”
There’s a whole lot more information to be read at TorontoPWC’s website, which you can access HERE, including what to bring/wear, sponsorship opportunities, the itinerary, and lodging information.
A little more than a decade ago, it wasn’t common to see many stand up riders out on the water in MN. A couple of the local riders were looking for a way to connect with others and grow the sport. The TC JetPilots were born and the group quickly grew from a handful to a solid group of a few dozen. The next year they put together a small group ride on a sandy island on the river and called it “the sortie.” Fast forward 10 years and the group has exploded, inspiring other organized groups and rides across the Midwest.
This year marked the 10th annual TC Jet Pilots Sortie and it was one for the record books. Members started showing up as early as Wednesday to grab their favorite spot. Hundreds of riders from all over the Midwest attended and brought a huge variety of machines. If it floated and burned gas, you had a chance to check it out. Trades and test rides were common sight all weekend, from fully built custom skis to vintage X-2s. WaveBlasters to X4s. We even had a Jet-mate, a Wetbike, a Sea-Doo 3D, and of course, the one of a kind Lil’ Wake.
We owe a lot to the numerous sponsors that contribute swag and marketing support to the event. It was a huge thrill this year to bring up the Liquid Militia crew and team rider Mark Gomez to show them a little Minnesota hospitality. They were our first sponsor and have been huge supporters ever since. The highlight on the water was the huge double up session on Saturday.
The steep-V wake from the two boats plowing side by side gave riders a chance to work on their backies, rolls and of course, epic bails. Making good use of the Midwest “surf” Gomez was going huge and showing everyone how to take it to the next level. Be sure to check out the killer video on TCJetPilots website and more photos at TCJP Sortie Photo Album on Facebook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvXq6KVS4DM
The three day weekend was also a great opportunity to get together and hang out. The local Kiwanis prepared a killer breakfast Saturday morning and came back with a pig roast that night. After that it was on to the raffle where we gave away a ton of swag and the grand prize – a mint Sea-Doo HX thanks to Westside Powersports. From the raffle we raised $4000 for the Kiwanis Club of Lake City. After the raffle the DJ fired up and pushed things late into the night to bring the party to a close.
The TC Jet Pilots are grateful to all of our sponsors for their support and our members for making it such an amazing group. We look forward to seeing you at the Sortie next year, August 26-28 2016. Special thanks to sponsors: Liquid Militia, Jet Lift, Westside Powersports, St. Boni Motorsports, Prowatercraft Racing, Jet Renu, Rhaas Products, Hydro-Turf, Skat-Trak, Blowsion, Bomber Eyewear, Jettrim, Atlantis Enterprises, Watcon.com, Robotow
OK, so it’s no Body Beach. The Lake Havasu, Arizona, landmark has earned its place in jet skiing infamy as the last sliver of Wild West waterfront. With no access fee, assigned parking, paved entry or pretty much any other rules (besides “don’t be a jerk” – which some people still struggle with), the riverside cove has been a hot spot for testing sessions, training, good times and debauchery since the creation of the JS400.
Last year, we published a news article that efforts were being made to create a similar spot in Southern California’s Lake Elsinore. ThrottleJunkie.com’s Mike Yellich had been hard at work trying to win over the City of Lake Elsinore, explaining to The Watercraft Journal, “There will be a area of land and lake to set up a buoys course just like they do at Body Beach, but they will be charging a lake fee.” It turns out that yes, Yellich succeeded in his effort, but the win came with plenty of strings attached:
First of all, to access the new Lake Elsinore Jet Ski Track, you’ll need to become a “ThrottleJunkie Beach Club Member. Individual membership for the year will cost $25 as family memberships cost $35. And non-members will have to cough up $5 for for daily use. With that cost, you will have to pay $20 at the main ramp: $10 goes to the city and the other $10 pays for running the track site. But wait, that’s not all…
Although the lakeside beach opens at 8AM for parking and tent set up, you’re not allowed on the water until 9AM, so don’t expect any early morning testing sessions. Likewise, the lake closes at 4PM, so you gotta pack up your gear, clean up the beach and get the heck outta Dodge before they they close and lock up the gates. Also, don’t expect to back up and dump your skis in the water, all skis much to be toted to the water, as all trucks and cars must park 30 yards or more from water’s edge. Equally, all skis must be gassed up 20 feet from the water, because we don’t want to spoil the natural, unmolested beauty of Lake Elsinore.
Of course, as the days get longer, Yellich promised that they will be open longer. Additionally, he states, “We are also working on having it open one or two days during the week.” The fun will be starting in May, so you need to email your PayPal payment to Mike Yellich ([email protected]) to get a jump on your SoCal lake testing. And if you don’t like it, remember you voted in Jerry Brown not once, but four times as governor. Just sayin’.
We’ve been focusing a lot on the good that the PWC community can do – particularly in light of all of the bad press and anti-PWC legislation that’s been passed recently. One of the best annual events to ever rise out of this industry is the TELUS Ride For Dad event which raises funds to save men’s lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease.
According to TELUS, “Our goal is for men to continue to be there for their families and friends for years to come. The parade of vehicles grabs the attention of the masses and the media on ride day, the research helps find hope for the future and the awareness has the potential of saving men’s lives today.
“We raise funds through large scale one-day motorcycle, snowmobile, watercraft and ATV ride events and through ongoing public fundraising throughout the year. TELUS Ride For Dad events take place in multiple cities across Canada, representing every Canadian province.”
Since its launch in 2000, the TELUS Ride For Dad has donated more than 13 million dollars to the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation. This concerted effort to support prostate cancer research and awareness is tremendous, and is done through organized rides each and every year. Most notably is the “Ride for Dad Big Rideau” ride, leaving from and around Rideau Ferry Harbour (110 Coutts Bay Road, Rideau Ferry, Ontario, Canada).
This fun-filled day of riding includes a lunch, poker run, prizes and much more “all while helping to raise money to fight prostate cancer for our local community!” Scheduled for Saturday, July 16th, 2016, this promises to be another memorable event that all should enjoy. Visit www.ridefordad.ca to register!
A press release reported by OZPWC, stated that Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay, member for East Hills Glenn Brooks, and Police Marine Area Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings released a statement to the media about harmful behavior by riders of jet skis.
The announcement declared that the NSW Government would take swift and bold actions to stop the dangerous and anti-social riding of jet skis in and around the Georges River, Botany Bay, and Port Hacking.
The efforts to stop the madness include high visibility of police presence, covert patrols, more restrictions on speed, and personal watercraft exclusion zones. Stringent laws will enable immediate license suspension for ski drivers riding in a reckless manner that may cause harm to others. The law will also make it easier to take the pilots’ watercraft on the spot and place it in impound.
Many of the new “anti” ski laws are the result of complaints among the local boating community. The proclamation by Minister Gay should make them happy:
“All jet-ski users flouting the law are on notice. We’re putting a stop to this behavior,” Minister Gay said.
Superintendent Hutchings believes the bad behavior will stop with more police presence be. It has worked in the past so it should be a success once again.
The collective force is going after specific rogue riders like the one who was already arrested for knocking a kayaker out of his boat. The boater suffered severe injuries and officers pressed charges against the driver of the ski.
There is also discussion about the possibility using drones and installing more cameras in the problem areas. The low speed zone has been extended by 2 kilometers. A dedicated hotline for complaints was also put into place. These officers and council members mean business!
Brooks said the implementing stricter enforcement was a huge win for the local community. People will feel safer using the waterways knowing that the riders of the rogue pwcs will no longer be able to frighten them without facing harsh repercussions.
For those already familiar with the Kool PWC Stuff brand, will note that they are well versed in the ways of personal watercraft fishing, making our title a little misleading. Already a major supplier of powder coated, mandrel-bent, tubular steel racks that can be outfitted with any number of fishing rod holders, hold a 48-to-54 quart coolers and much, much more, Kool PWC Stuff has a whole other side that provides all the necessities to make your runabout a real jet angler.
In addition to its original www.watercraftstuff.com website, Kool PWC Stuff also hosts www.fishjetski.com filled to the gills with top quality single and triple-place rod holders that mount directly to the tow hook plate, each powder coated either white or black to resist corrosion. Equally, the sister site offers deals on fishing racks, cooler racks and even Kool PWC Stuff’s awesome Rotopax fuel can mounts – everything you’d need to increase your enjoyment trolling the lake.
Of course, Kool PWC Stuff supplies other great items like the EZ Throttle trigger extension, Frostbite HPC coolers, flyboard racks, Frigid Rigid 35 quart coolers, and again, so much more. And remember, Kool PWC Stuff cooler and fishing racks require zero modification, cutting or drilling to mount to your runabout’s swim step, so there’s no need of irreversible damage.
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.
