In a brand new video release from KSpeed, they introduce a new Racing Bar Stem System, – 265mm height (centre of bar mount) – available now on the Brisbane Kawasaki website for $372, tax included.
Continuing their reliable track record for top-of-the-line performance products for the Kawasaki JetSki line of watercraft, this new release is a game changer.
The clear anodized and Full Billet Alloy, factory 310r-sized steering stem is made to suit FAT Bars, so only fits 1-1/8in | 28.6mm clamping diameter bars. This product does not suit the factory OEM 310r bars or the aftermarket 7/8in | 22.2mm sized bars
According to the KSpeed data – Fat Bars are stronger through the stem section due to larger size and will allow you to run bars without the crossbar and crossbar pad giving more room to the stem. Fat Bars are sold everywhere – motorbike shops, accessory shops, online etc just pick your favorite bend.
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.
And while you’re browsing around the website, don’t forget the not-quite-as-fun details of PWC ownership that Brisbane Kawasaki can also help you out with as an authorized distributor of Kawasaki insurances.
Sometimes, a little spark of joy can make all the difference, and that’s exactly what happened when Make-A-Wish North Dakota surprised 18-year-old Jaxson Thompson with a brand-new jet ski! Featured in a heartwarming video from Valley News Live, this moment wasn’t just about the thrill of a shiny new ride—it was about the importance of community and family in making memories that will last a lifetime.
Screenshot
The video shows Jaxson, who has battled leukemia for years, light up with excitement as he receives the gift he had been dreaming of. You can see the thrill in his eyes already as he imagines the freedom of being out on the water, strong as ever and delighting in the world around him. Now cancer-free, Jaxson is ready to hit the lake with his family and cousins, pulling tubes and creating unforgettable moments.
“I don’t think words can describe how I’m feeling… It was definitely a surprise,” Jaxson said, beaming with joy.
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.
Make-A-Wish North Dakota has granted more than 1,000 wishes, each one bringing hope and happiness to children and their families. Jaxson’s story is a testament to the power of community and compassion, showing how a single moment of generosity can ripple out in profound ways.
As the PWC community joins in celebrating Jaxson’s new adventure, it’s a great reminder to cherish time spent on the water and to appreciate the ways this favorite pastime can bring people together. Check out the video on Valley News Live’s YouTube channel and cheer him on as he makes waves with his new jet ski and countless new memories!
The Watercraft Journal has already focused on a few early holiday shopping deals from some enthusiastic retailers, but with the biggest shopping weekend of the year just around the corner, WCJ is working to help our readers find the best deals and check off all the PWC entries on your friends and families wishlists – not to mention your own.
Today, we’re focusing the spotlight on some great products and even better deals from Unlimited PWC.
If you’re looking for a little sparkle and shine in unexpected places, check out the Unlimited stainless steel hood latch. A steal at $174, this hood latch kit with its buff-finished stainless steel is tough, rust free, and stylish, with long claws on the hook designed to securely lock the hood and prevent dangerous mishaps.
Screenshot
And if you want to look fast while you go fast, be sure to check out Unlimited’s selection of competition coats at $174, or snag the expedition coat for just $149.
And to keep Christmas colorful, snag an attention-grabbing Billet Valve Cover for Kawasaki 4stroke Engines. Set at $498, these valve covers, made of high-quality billet aluminum, enhance the performance and appearance of your Kawasaki. Designed for strength and style, this part offers improved performance and reduced weight, thanks to its simplified air suction valve design.
Whether you’re looking for a specific item, or want to cruise the online store or check out the Apparel Collection catalog and the PWC Parts Catalogs, you’re sure to get a jump on the holiday gift shopping when you check out all Unlimited PWC has to offer.
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.
According to the article, “LIND was founded in 2021 with the goal of addressing the gap of riders who either have water but no tide or are too busy to get out and ride when those waves are their easiest. The result is a new electric surfboard that not only gives people the freedom to ride wherever and whenever they want but also pays tribute to traditional surfboard craftsmanship.”
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.
In addition, Lind offers custom boards, stating, “Since the board itself is separate from the drivetrain, you have the opportunity to design and build a board tailored precisely to your individual preferences. This means you can customize every detail, from picking your favorite colors and materials to crafting a one-of-a-kind art piece that reflects your style. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, modern, eccentric or even wood, we’re able to bring your vision to life, designing a surfboard that’s uniquely yours”
Lind boards are shaped from EPS foam, glassed in epoxy resin, and include an oak wood tail block and stringer. At around 15 lbs, or 7 kg, they are light enough to carry under one arm. Company officials state that Canvas will be the foundation for all subsequent boards, “focusing on the craftsmanship, shape and performance aspects of a LIND board.”
According to information released by Link, “In shaping and designing the boards, the common goal among LIND’s team of surfboard shapers, industrial designers and electro-mechanical engineers was to create a board that is an extension of oneself. One that lets the surfer’s eyes lead the way, responding to their movements naturally and facilitating a state of presence and flow, enabling them to focus on the simple beauty of each turn, their surroundings and that very moment.”
Regarding the battery, Lind explains that it is “composed of 192 Lithium-ion cells, known for their high energy density, long lifespan and high max power draw. The cells are organized so current travels in the most efficient, straight manner as possible, and packed diagonally to limit air space and maximize energy density.
Like everything else, the battery is 100% custom designed in house. It uses replaceable nickel- and gold-coated connectors with watertight redundant sealing, is self-balancing at all times thanks to real-time individual cell voltage monitoring, includes automated overheating controls, and utilizes the world’s finest materials to optimize for weight, durability, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity and more.”
Marketing and promotions for the Canvas also states, “LIND boards push the boundaries of innovation while staying true to the timeless traditions of the craft. They are a dance between surf-inspired beauty and state-of-the-art technology, fusing personality and practicality, creativity and functionality, and style and performance.”
With pre-orders available now, a deposit of $2,500 will hold either the short or mid-length board. Each complete board order has everything needed, including the board, drivetrain, remote, charger, board bag, deck pad, fins and more. The preorder payment is a fully refundable deposit for each complete board order, which is listed at $24,950 excluding sales tax and VAT.
Shortly after submitting an order, the Lind Sales Team will reach out to confirm the details of the order and discuss options for ordering custom boards, additional batteries or anything else that may be of interest.
Expected delivery date is April 2025. Prior to delivery, the Lind Sales Team will facilitate the payment of the remaining balance.
While everyone else – on both sides of the sales counter (real & virtual) – are getting ready for Black Friday, RIVA Motorsports & Marine of the Keys has been handing out the deals for the last 21 days. But all good things must come to an end, and it would probably be a pretty safe bet that RIVA’s November “While Supplies Last” sales event is drawing to a close as the month enters its final week.
But the good news is, the month is not over Yet – there’s still time to take advantage of savings that will keep your bank account off life support, and jaw-dropping financing options to clench the deal.
First up on the deal list is the 2024 Yamaha GP SVHO with Audio for just $13,488 – a savings of more than $4,000 — yup, you got it — while supplies last!
And we’re not hyping up a ho-hum standard financing package – no, we’re talking ZERO $ down, and ZERO percent APR on select Sea-Doo® Personal Watercraft models.
With some models heading out the door for as little as $140/month – and trade-ins accepted, you could end up with your Christmas Fund intact, and a brand new Sea-Doo PWC in your possession.
But wait, as they say, that’s not all! RIVA Motorsports & Marine of the Keys is also slashing up to $3,000 of select Yamaha PWCs. You can snag a 2024 Yamaha Waverunner FX Cruiser SVHO with audio for only $16,788 – a savings of $3,011. There’s a 2024 Yamaha Waverunner GP SVHO with audio for $13,488 – a savings of $4,111 – and many more hot deals with low down payments and attractive financing.
Check out the full press release below, and head to the website to find your deal, While Supplies Last!
November Savings – Hit the Water with $0 Down and 0% APR on Sea-Doo® PWCs!
November is here, and so are the unbeatable savings at RIVA Motorsports & Marine of The Keys! Get ready to hit the water in style with $0 Down and/or 0% APR on select Sea-Doo® Personal Watercraft models.
Whether you’re looking to cruise, race, or explore, we’ve got the perfect Sea-Doo® for you—and we’re offering special financing options to make it easier than ever to ride away with your dream machine!
Here’s what you can expect:
• $0 Down and/or 0% APR for 36 months (with approved credit) • Models starting as low as $140 per month • Trade-ins welcome—bring in your old ride and upgrade today!
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! Come down to RIVA Motorsports & Marine of The Keys and discover the Sea-Doo® that’s perfect for you. We’ve got a variety of models to choose from, and our friendly team is here to help you find the right one.
This November, make a splash with Sea-Doo®!
Visit us today or call us at (305) 451-3320 to learn more about our special financing offers.
One of the more common misconceptions about jet skiing is that you need to be far away from urban centers to enjoy this thrilling watersport. While it’s true that PWC usage is more prevalent in rural areas and along the coast, there are plenty of spots around the world where you can enjoy a jet ski trip right within the city! That’s what caught our eye about a recent video from Bob Broeking titled “Social Jet Skiing in the Heart of the City: Urban Adventure on Lake Conway Chain of Lakes, Orlando!”
As we continue connecting with the broader PWC community through YouTube channels and blogs, Bob’s video was a standout. He takes viewers on a journey through the Lake Conway Chain, a series of small lakes nestled right in the heart of Orlando. The trip spans a scenic 16-mile run, showcasing several beautiful sights and landmarks along the way.
Bob’s channel (@BobBroeking) features a diverse array of videos, including footage from the Florida Keys, various lake chains, and even reaction videos. According to his channel’s “About” section, he describes himself as follows:
“I am a Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Wave Runner pilot, C8 driver, drone pilot, mountain climber, cyclist, adventurer, amateur radio operator (KU3C), and an iPhone 15 Max Pro photographer. I also like to drive fast cars. I am a retired boomer in my early 60s, and many of my adventures are exploratory, geared toward a more mature audience. 🙂 I am also a retired Air Force officer and civilian Special Agent, and as my daughter, Kate, always reminds me, I am constantly in search of adventure…”
Be sure to check out Bob’s channel and his latest video to experience some exciting urban PWC action and get inspired for your next water adventure!
IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier has issued several announcements, with two impacting the 2025 race season, and the third announcing an upcoming event.
Posted below are the press releases, as issued on the IJSBA website on Nov. 19.
IJSBA Rule Change Suggestion Period Opens December 2, 2024 IJSBA is alerting the Personal Watercraft Racing Community that the annual rule change suggestion period will open December 2 and close at 11:59 PM, PST on December 16. IJSBA has, today, announced the creation of five committees, including a rules committee, and is issuing a rather lengthy historical presentation and update next week and time is being allowed to process that information before rule change suggestions are submitted.
Each year, IJSBA solicits input for changes to IJSBA’s Competition Rule Book and the input is then posted for the general public. Thereafter, the IJSBA Managing Director issues a recommendation based on those suggestions and this is posted for peer review. This process ends, at the beginning of the calendar year with these subjects being submitted the IJSBA Board of Directors for final decision. Please prepare your suggestions now. A posting will be made on December 2, officially inviting suggestions to be submitted.
Personal Watercraft Owners Convention And Holiday Expo: December 7, RideNow Chandler, Arizona The IJSBA is excited to announce the inaugural Person Watercraft Owners Convention, taking place on December 7th, 2024, at the RideNow Powersports facility in Chandler, Arizona. Originally planned as part of the 2024 Short Block Technologies WGP-1 World Finals, this event was postponed due to extreme heat but has now been rescheduled as an indoor gathering.
This first-of-its-kind event will serve as a meet-and-greet, a planning session for the 2025 convention, and product review. Attendees can also enjoy a small holiday expo featuring great gift ideas for the PWC enthusiast in your life – or for you to drop a few hints for your own wish list.
Special Perks for Early Registrants: The first 100 attendees to register will receive an exclusive IJSBA Owners Convention trucker cap, a Go Lake Havasu gift bag filled with items from industry partners, and a few surprise goodies. There will also be exciting door prize drawings and additional hospitality throughout the event. Registration opens November 18th. Door prizes include contributions from Hot Products, Blowsion, Jettribe, Riva and more.
This event is free to all PWC owners, but only registered participants will be guaranteed hats, gift bags, and eligibility for door prizes.
RideNow will be sharing the latest information on all new models of Personal Watercraft, and one of the highlights will be the planning session for the IJSBA PWC Owners Poker Run during the 2025 World Finals. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on December 7th!
For questions or more details about the convention, feel free to email us at [email protected].
IJSBA Announces Creation Of Advisory Committees IJSBA is pleased to announce the creation of five advisory committees to provide input on the future direction of the organization, World Finals, and other endeavors.
Since the close of the 2024 SBT WGP-1 World Finals, IJSBA has received considerable input on persons willing to join in on consulting for potential changes and for greater sharing of information creating the big picture.
IJSBA has put out these committees in the past and there was not follow through and meaningful participation from the public. Based on the caliber of feedback from many of you, there is optimism that there will be participation this time.
Therefore, the following committees are created and this bulletin is a formal invitation to apply for participation: Steering Committee, Rules and Technical Committee, Race Direction Commitee, Aesthetic and Media Committee, and a specific World Finals Track Design Committee.
Steering Committee. The steering committee will advise on the direction of IJSBA’s World Finals and provide suggestions towards potential direction of IJSBA’s overall activities. This committee is expected to provide quarterly notes to IJSBA’s Board of Directors regarding the steering of the organization. This committee is comprised of highly experienced organizers and stakeholders in the industry.
Rules and Technical Committee. This committee shall review rule suggestions and send a supplemental note to IJSBA’s Board of Directors for annual rule change voting. This committee shall advise on the selection of a Technical Inspector and team at World Finals and be involved in advice for appeals. This committee is comprised of competitors and general industry persons.
Race Direction Committee. This committee will advise on the selection of a World Finals Race Director(s) and Race Director consulting such as potential appeals and jury reviews. This committee is comprised of general competitors, event organizers, and highly experienced individuals in stake holding positions within supporting businesses.
Aesthetic and Media Committee. This committee will advise on appearance, visibility, and other aesthetic components of World Finals. This committee will also help in soliciting media opportunities for World Finals and other activities of IJSBA. This committee is comprised of experienced competitors, event organizers, active high level sponsors, and media professionals are also invited to participate.
World Finals Track Design Committee. This committee will advise on track design for the annual World Finals. This committee is comprised of very highly experienced competitors and premiere event organizers.
To reiterate, IJSBA has opened these committees in the past and persons have not followed through in their promises to participate. It is hoped that this time will see diligent professional participation. Participation will involve thoughtful review, clear articulation of positions, ability to work in disagreement, and the meeting of deadlines for written statements of advice. If you believe you are a fit for participation in this committee, please email a curriculum vitae and statement of interest to [email protected].
With autumn now in full swing (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere!), many of us are feeling a sense of emptiness as the pleasures of the water and our favorite activities seem so far away. While PWC season may feel like a distant memory, that doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from your watercraft life this winter. To help fill the void, we’ve put together a few ideas for watercraft enthusiasts to make the most of the off-season!
First, if you haven’t done so yet, winterizing your PWC is a crucial step before the full cold weather sets in. Simple steps like draining water from the engine, stabilizing the fuel, and checking for potential damage are routine for many, but their importance can’t be overstated. Winter is also an excellent time for maintenance or upgrades. Installing new parts during the off-season is often the smartest move, as it allows you to make improvements without sacrificing riding time. Plus, you’ll have a whole set of upgrades to look forward to in just a few months.
Another way to stay connected is by participating in local or online PWC groups that keep our community vibrant year-round. We’ve been enjoying several YouTube channels that give us fresh ideas for next season. There are also virtual meet-ups, events, and tutorials that offer opportunities to learn and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Be sure to check in with your local PWC businesses too; many offer special events, promotions, and workshops throughout the winter.
Ultimately, the off-season is a great time to plan for the next PWC season. Virtual groups and tutorials can help you prepare for new adventures, while small upgrades and maintenance will ensure a smooth start. The time you invest now will pay off when you’re back out on the water next season. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for our community!
While there’s nothing quite like getting out on a PWC yourself to feel the spray on your skin as you cruise across the water, we know that for many of our readers, the peak watercraft season has already passed, and they may be looking for alternatives to get their fill. Thankfully, with so many great YouTube channels offering a plethora of vlogs and follow-alongs, there’s always a way to stay connected to our favorite watersports, on or off the water.
Recently, the Jetcast YouTube channel has been putting out some top-quality PWC fishing videos, giving us a taste of the adventure with them! The Jetcast videos are full to the brim with fun stories and technical information as we follow along to see what’s in store for Mark and the team out on the water.
Their latest video, “Fishing Far Offshore in Great Conditions! Tips and Techniques for Better and Safer Adventures,”was a perfect blend of action and advice, as we watched Mark and friends fish about 25 km off the east side of Moreton Island. They eventually make it out to the reefs and snag some nice catches, but perhaps the most engaging part of the video for our readers will be the technical information shared throughout. From advice on reel selection for PWC fishing to crucial safety tips, there’s a treasure trove of information, making it well worth the watch if you’re interested in doing some PWC fishing of your own.
We don’t want to spoil much more of the video, but be sure to check it out the next time you’re longing to be back out on the water for a little taste of top-tier jetski action!
Do you know how to dream? Not rookie league, amateur hour dreams, but the real deal —Pro Show, full-fledged, champion-level, once-in-a-lifetime dreams. You know the ones, those Bucket List Dreams.
Now for the important question (relax, it’s not a test, and since you’re reading WCJ, the answer is most likely yes) — does that Bucket List Dream involve PWCs?
If it doesn’t — no harm, no foul; please exit stage left and we have some nice parting gifts for you.
OK, those of you that are still here — The Watercraft Journal has some exciting news for you! But first. let’s take a look at that PWC dream again. Can you see it? Where would you go? Who would you have with you? What would you be doing? Can you feel the excitement building? Do you want that dream?
Now don’t go calling the Department of Labor, this isn’t manual labor. But you do have to rev up your imagination, kick-start your creativity, and think BIG, because the Sea-Doo Bucket List Contest has now kicked off, and you can Win that dream adventure.
Any PWC enthusiast residing in Canada or the United States now has the opportunity to funnel their passion and imagination, fine-tuning their PWC Bucket List Dream Experience, and enter the competition for a chance to live out that dream.
“We’re very proud of our engaged community and their deep connection and passion for being out on the water. It would be a privilege to have one of them be selected to live out their dream as part of the Bucket List content series,” said Jeremi Doyon Roch, Global Brand Director for Sea-Doo, Alumacraft and Manitou.
And for even more good news, the hard part is turning your dream into a concrete, describable, realistic adventure (PWC trips to Mars don’t count – that’s the wrong kind of trip) — the actual entry part is easy-peasy.
For a chance to win the trip of a lifetime, and be featured in Sea-Doo’s next Bucket List content, all you have to do is visit the contest website, fill out an entry form and submit a video detailing what your dream Sea-Doo Bucket List experience would be.
It doesn’t get much easier than that — it’s all on one page, and the entry form is simple and straightforward. All that is required is your name, your email address, your country and city of residence, your instagram handle, and two photos of yourself riding a PWC, with a short typed description of each image; plus answering whether you have a boating license. Then all that is left is filming a video of yourself answering the following questions:
What is your dream on-water adventure and why?
Explain to us your connection to water! Why are you drawn to it?
What would it mean to you to win this trip?
Then, on the entry form, provide a link to your video (preferably an .mp4 or .mov format file) via Google Drive (make sure the file is set to allow full access when sharing) and you are entered to win! Not only will you get to cross out one of the top items on your bucket list, but you get to share that experience worldwide through the Sea-Doo Youtube Channel, you get the opportunity to perhaps inspire others to join the PWC Community and share in your passion for the sport, and you’ll get memories to last a lifetime – not to mention some pretty hefty bragging rights.
So dream BIG, and enter today. The contest is open now, and entries will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, December 6, 2024.
*Only one entry per person is permitted. Participation is open only to residents of Canada and the United States (excluding its territories and possessions). Must have reached majority in province/state of residence.