There’s only a week left until Australia’s biggest annual freeride event, the Cronulla Rip N Ride. This year marks the 8th anniversary of this awesome get-together of over 100 riders from all over Australia and the world coming to Cronulla, Sydney for a few days of freeride fun.
Not only is it the biggest event in Oz, but the biggest prize pool in Australia and maybe the world. How much? Over $30,000 worth of gear is up for grabs, thanks to Yamaha Australia and a heap of other great sponsors. Yamaha is giving away a brand new SuperJet again. That’s 5 years in a row and sixth ski to be given away.
The best thing about it is, anyone can be the one to take the SuperJet home. If you entered the event you have a one in 100 chance of winning. It’s a raffle, so everyone is super exited; pros, amateurs and rookies all get to ride together and have fun and learn from each other in a relaxed and safe environment.
The Watercraft Journal spoke with Mark Harman, National Marketing Coordinator for Yamaha Motor Australia and he had this to say: “For the eighth year running, Yamaha has proudly stepped up as a major sponsor of the Cronulla Rip ‘N Ride. There is no other watercraft event like this in the world, so we’re pleased to support the growing Freeride community by sponsoring this premier event.”
So if you’re in the area make sure you come down to Cronulla this September, 18th-through-20th and say “G’day!”
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) received confirmation through a press release that WatCon will participate in the trade show at the 2015 quakysense IJSBA World Finals held in Lake Havasu, AZ. Rock County Jet Ski, which owns WatCon, will make an appearance at one of the most prestigious events in the sport of jet skiing. The competition hosts the best riders in the world and the trade show is the place to see what is new to the sport of jet skiing.
John Zigler, President of RCJS and chief designer behind the thriving Watcon line of modification and enhancement parts states that, “Watcon is very excited to support the World Finals as the premier event in the sport and 2015 will showcase the best riders, equipment and teams in the world.” He adds, “Watcon has been busy developing new products this year and look forward to sharing them.”
Check out the trade show and competition if you are in the Lake Havasu area during the first week of October this year. Racing gets underway at 7am and the trade show begins at 9:00 AM, Tuesday October 6. For a complete list of events and times, check out the International Jet Sports Boating Association’s link on their website.
The functions for the week are listed in chronological order and there is an abundance of other quality information throughout the IJSBA website. Enjoy the event!
“Wait!” you’re questioning. “What’s this ‘Episode 1’ stuff?” And yes, you’d be right. A few months back we announced what we called The Watercraft Journal “2015 Long Haul,” a world record attempt at crisscrossing the entire State of Florida both ways. Together with Jetski Junkies’ Kev Hemingway, we put together an awesome attempt to minimize fuel stops, maximize efficiency, and execute a 300-mile ride that zigzagged across an entire state. Sounds pretty cool, right?
Thanks to Sea-Doo for providing us a pair of 155-horsepower, naturally-aspirated GTIs (a Wake 155 and GTI SE 155), Bob Chamberlain at Kool PWC Stuff who not only provided us with a pair of stout storage racks with a quartet of Rotopax fuel cans but showed up and installed them himself, PWC Life for a pair of water-wicking jerseys, Ride Power USA for keeping our smartphones (and GPS) charged, EZ Throttle for keeping our hands from cramping up, and Jet Renu for their support, we were able to make the ride.
Of course, if you’ve read the article, you’ll know that our first attempt was a bust when State Park employees decided to cut out of work 20 minutes early, leaving us stuck at our final lock well before the final 5pm closing time. Government workers, right? Well, that’s not going to stop us as we’ll be announcing a second attempt at this record – and best of all, everyone is invited to join the fun! We want to see 100 PWC charging the canal!
But here’s the big announcement, with this being our “pilot episode,” we’re looking to develop the “Long Haul” into a regular monthly web series! If you like the video below, please share it with your friends and family, as we want to get people excited about the first web show dedicated to making ridiculous attempts at world records and other harebrained rides! Because we’re in it for the Long Haul, it’s always about the adventure. Enjoy!
Wild monkeys in Florida, you ask? Absolutely. They live in Ocala, Florida, along to pristine waters of the Silver River. Many believe they were released or escaped during the filming of the Tarzan movie “Tarzan Finds a Son,” but this was not the case. The monkeys were released by tour boat operator Colonel Tooey to enhance his “Jungle Cruise” ride as to enhance the scenery. He bought six macaque monkeys and released them on a small island. He did not know that macaques are great swimmers and according to locals, they swam off the island within minutes.
Since then, the monkey population has grown to over 1,000 monkeys, but they have faced issues with some calling for their removal citing health risks and diseases. Over 25,000 citizens sign petitions to save the macaques and as of now, the State of Florida still holds that the monkeys don’t belong on the land but officials are no longer racing to clear them out.
This trip has been enjoyed by many boaters and jet skiers alike. “You need to rustle a bag of potato chips to bring them out,” claims Bill Hills, President of Space Coast Jet Riders and highly regarded expert on boating the waters of Florida and most of the Southeast. He was our gracious “Jungle Cruise” guide my first time many years ago. This trip was a combined group trip with the Central Florida Jet Riders and the Jacksonville Jet Riders.
There are a few rides that remind us of why we do this, of why we buy skis, of why we ride. “The Monkey Run,” as we have come to know it, is one of those experiences that makes you think that buying that jet ski was not only a good idea, but a great one. Arriving at Lake Griffin we got that anxious feeling and started to wonder if we would see monkeys that day. For the Monkey Run, we took Lake Griffin north from the Train Depot boat ramp at Herlong Park. It was a quick jog through a small waterway to the south end of Lake Griffin and a seven mile crossing to the top of the lake and on to the Ocklawaha River.
The Ocklawaha River provides a very scenic view of Mother Nature in her prime. From birds to alligators, riding it always gives one a feeling of serenity. Passing Big Pine and Little Pine Islands, we came up to Highway 42 bridge. From there, we blasted up the Ocklawaha River for another seven miles to the Moss Bluff Lock and Dam.
Originally built in 1925, it was a source of hydroelectric power. It was rebuilt by 1969 to what it is today and now serves as a source to control the lake’s elevation as well as provide waterway passage. With a tug of the bell, a call to the lock operator or a simple wave, we entered the lock. The main conversation of the day was whether 30 skis from the Jacksonville Jet Riders and Central Florida Jet Riders could fit in one lock.
The lock operator seemed to think so and with some three wide, we began our 20-foot drop to the lower Ochlawaha level. A small wake zone to the 464 bridge and it was now time to grab some throttle. As jet skis lineup single file as the river supplied plenty of lily pads on both sides (as well as some downed trees) providing some interesting opportunities for maneuvering.
With a train of riders ahead and behind, taking turns became almost second nature. After a few quick rights and lefts, we came up to a No Wake Zone and a quick left turn at the Silver River. Now we started to see the water beginning to clear and the underwater sights coming in to view. We made another right and headed up to the Ocala Boat Club for a quick lunch and to stretch our legs. Then it was a quick run out and back on to the Silver River to go see if we can find those monkeys!
The Silver River runs from its source in Silver Springs. The Silver Springs is one of the largest artesian springs in the world and generates nearly 550 million gallons of crystal clear water daily. It’s also a tourist attraction and glass bottom boat have been operating in the Silver Springs since the 1870s. The Silver Springs has been the site of several films like “Tarzan,” “The Seven Swans,” “Sea Hunt” and “The Creature From the Black Lagoon.” It’s over four miles of No Wake up the Silver River to the Springs, but the monkeys can be seen anywhere along the way.
With nature on full display, chatting and laughing with fellow jet skiers, the time and miles passed quickly until someone further up relayed that they have found some monkeys. With hearts racing with anticipation, first there were a few, with one just relaxing on a branch. And after some calls, more came out. Many more this time, in fact. We saw some large males, some juveniles and even mothers with babies who also came out to see what was going on. They looked straight at us taking pics and videos as if to say, “This group of tourists are quite peculiar in deed!”
They tolerated us and greeted those bearing gifts. Some seemed more excited than others as they moved from branch to branch. Some moved closer to get a better look as us or to see if we had snacks. A quick fight took place over a small piece of fruit, with the larger and more agile male monkey taking the prize. Survival of the fittest at its best. With monkeys and jet ski tourists having their fill of each other’s company and many pictures taken, we continued up to the Silver Springs.
When almost to the Springs, we pass several glass bottom boats filled with tourists. Now we got the fascinated looks and our pictures taken! I guess they were as surprised to see jet skiers as we were the monkeys just an hour earlier!
The Silver Springs lives up to its billing as you can see clear to the bottom. You can see some wooden wrecks, fish and whatever decides to swim on by. With the skis looking like they are levitating on thin air, riders idled around in amazement. Some took pictures, some took underwater videos, some got their feet wet in the cold spring water and others just took in the sights and chatted it up with fellow riders.
With time getting away from us, it was time to head back downstream, which proved to be way faster. Still courteous to boaters, we were even able to get a few waves from kayakers. We rendezvoused with those that didn’t make the trek to see the monkeys or the springs and we all made that right turn back on to the Ocklawaha River at after that pesky No Wake Zone.
With turns memorized a little better this time, we picked up the pace. Ski after ski moved down the river, riders enjoying the way back with fresh thoughts of the springs and for some, finally seeing monkeys. As we made our way back into the lock, the talk was now about when will we would do it again, some trying to get a signal to beat everyone else to posting pics on Facebook and others taking pics of the group and the lock.
Leaving out of the lock, a few stopped to take a quick break with the one taking a short dip. After realizing that log was actually three-foot ‘gator, it is time to go! Heading back down the Ocklawaha River to Lake Griffin, we only had seven miles left separating us from home ramp. It was a quick dash with the faster skis making it in first. Some now with new bragging rights to add to the day’s list of accomplishments. We all made it back in safely and all accounted for. As we pulled the skis out, many riders stood around to chat and share stories and the “did you see that” moments. Most grateful to see the monkeys. It was indeed a great day.
No, this is not a prank. Sea-Doo wants to pay you (actually, five lucky participants) $1,000 towards the “purchase of a new or unused Sea-Doo model or Sea-Doo parts, accessories and clothing.” Yup, all that just for making a solid guess at what Sea-Doo is cooking up for 2016. Of course, y’know The Watercraft Journal has dropped some serious hints and there’s been rumors swirling around for years now, so your chance of hitting the nail on the head is pretty dang close.
All you have to do is go to Sea-Doo’s “What’s Next” contest page and submit your guess. In fact, according the rules (listed below), it doesn’t even appear that Sea-Doo will even care if you’re right or not, as five contestants will be chosen at random to receive a winning prize package. But since you heard about the contest here, do us a favor and let Sea-Doo know that you first learned about the contest at The Watercraft Journal! It makes us look good.
Oh, but here’s what we can gather from the video below: The 2016 craft shown feature two color options: orange/black either GTR or RXT, a white/black RXT-X, and a black/red or orange RXP-X, and from all the shots of turbulent water, we almost *gasp* wonder if a new “rough water” hull might be coming out. The marketing types at Sea-Doo are pretty sneaky like that.
OK, here’s the official announcement:
BRP Ready To Launch 2016 Sea-Doo Line And A Chance At $1000 For Guessing, “What’s Next”
Valcourt, QC, Canada – September 7, 2015 – BRP is preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated 2016 Sea-Doo watercraft line by offering a chance at one of five $1000 prizes° towards a new of unused Sea-Doo model or Sea-Doo parts, accessories and clothing for thoughts on WHAT’S NEXT.
BRP is the world leader in watercraft sales, a result of continual industry leading innovation to improve the Sea-Doo owners’ riding experience making good days on the water great. The Sea-Doo SPARK model has been the catalyst for BRP’s ability to re-spark the industry making the dream of owning a Sea-Doo watercraft a reality for a much more broad audience. The 2016 Sea-Doo line will be launched Friday, September 18 at 10:30PM EST and is poised to extend the heritage of introducing benchmark-setting watercraft.
Watercraft enthusiasts and water lovers alike can go to sea-doo.com/whatsnext starting Tuesday, September 8th to provide their guess as to how Sea-Doo is taking watercraft riding to the next level in 2016. Visitors simply enter their information and provide their thoughts on what the Sea-Doo design and engineering teams have been developing and perfecting and what will be introduced on September 18th. Five random entrants will be chosen and rewarded with $1000 towards the purchase of a new or unused Sea-Doo model or Sea-Doo parts, accessories and clothing.
The conversation will extend to the Sea-Doo social media channels as visitors are offered 10 days of sneak peek looks at What Comes Next starting on September 8th up to the September 18th launch.
Conventional wisdom would have you thinking that in order to compete with Sea-Doo’s Spark that Yamaha would need to build an equally-compact, lightweight runabout priced below $5,000. Surprisingly, such is not the case. Although the highest selling watercraft for 2015 was (thus far) the Spark, it wasn’t the base model, but the high output (90-horsepower HO) Sea-Doo Spark 3-up with iBR version.
What does that tell you? It means that families want a compact three-seater with enough features to make it enjoyable, yet at a value enough to not break the budget. This gave Yamaha the mission to not only surpass the fully-loaded Spark’s perceived value by customers, but exceed it in every other facet imaginable (power-to-weight, storage, stability, and “fun factor”).
For the family looking to not only enter into the world of personal watercraft ownership, but to wring out of it the most fun and enjoyable experiences possible, Yamaha’s all-new 2016 VX Limited WaveRunner is an ideal fit. In addition to the purchase of the vehicle itself, owners are bathed in a cascade of additional offerings, making it one of the most heavily-optioned personal watercraft under $11,000 that we have ever had the joy of testing riding.
Let’s begin with the unit itself: The Limited boasts the all-new TR-1 1,049cc (1-liter) 3-cylinder 4-stroke powerplant announced last month. Replacing the heavier 4-cylinder MR-1, the new TR-1 shares much of its design with a similar 3-cylinder used in the brand’s snowmobile division. Moreover, the new plant is 40-percent smaller, 20-percent lighter, and cranks out 13-percent more power.
Set further back in the now far more vacuous VX engine compartment, the TR-1 takes full advantage of the Limited’s NanoXcel lightweight hull and deck material and delivers significant gains in throttle response, and packs all the punch of the outgoing 4-cylinder and more. During our testing, we were pleased to find a strong torque curve (without lulls or “flat spots”) that carried upward in a linear band.
Even on a hot and humid day in Kennesaw, Georgia, we fetched a top speed of 55.5 miles per hour, even with a single 230-pound rider. Weighing nearly 40-pounds less and producing an unofficial 125-horsepower, this new 3-cylinder power plant not only improves the overall performance of the Limited, but rightly cements Yamaha’s place as an engine manufacturer first, and a boat builder a close second.
And since the Limited is based upon the same Swiss Army knife VX hull used by the entry-level VX Sport, all the way up to the National Championship-winning VXR, the Limited’s ride is both controlled and sporty, able to happily lean in and cut a tight turn as easily as it tracks through mild lake chop. Snapping donuts is loose and playful when positioned right, ensuring that everyone will have a blast.
The Limited is swaddled in Yamaha’s Torch Red Metallic that glistens in direct sunlight, with jazzy black and white highlights, most prominently on the Cruiser-style tiered seat. The Limited also comes equipped with a king’s ransom of options including the increasingly popular RiDE dual-throttle braking and reverse system (which, responds famously with the new TR-1, far better than it ever did with the MR-1), Cruise Assist and No Wake Mode.
The Limited also includes possibly our favorite feature for which we pray becomes an industry standard, a 12-volt socket in the glove box. Ideal for charging a cell phone, GPS or VHF radio, the plug was incorporated to power an electric air pump (more on that in a second). The Limited is also adorned with four pop-up cleats and chromed “Yamaha” badging, as well as watertight storage beneath the rear passenger’s seat.
But, wait! That’s not all. Yamaha wanted the Limited to not only meet family’s needs but exceed their expectations. That is why the Limited includes a whole host of other accessories: a specially-made one-passenger towable raft and tow rope (all color matched to the Limited), a true ski tow eye, a special rope bag that attaches to the helm, folding reboarding step, a dry bag, and the aforementioned 12V pump to inflate the tube while out on the water.
Oh, and there’s one more thing: not only does the Limited come with its own special edition ski cover with a zipper access door to the glove box, but a hard case solar panel and trickle charger to maintain battery life while stored alongside or behind the house. In our view, the VX Limited is truly the best “family fun starter pack” we could ever see coming from a manufacturer.
Priced at $10,899, the Limited exceeds the VX Cruiser’s asking price by $400. In a quick web search, we found the total retail price of the included accessories nearly double the added cost over the Cruiser. And combining the 18.5 gallons of fuel capacity and the TR-1’s super-efficient fuel consumption rate, the VX Limited promises hours of fun on the water long before a pit stop is ever needed. Frankly, we think the Limited more than delivers on total value and definitely comes through in the fun department, and that should be enough to make up anyone’s mind.
All of us at The Watercraft Journal have enjoyed this year’s partnership with Jobe PWC. You’ll see how we logged some serious hours on our Ruthless Vest and have even had the kids getting the most out of their Children’s Vest. So just when you thought things couldn’t be better, Jobe steps up to the plate and knocks out two big releases for the new year: the 2016 Jobe Boating Catalog and the 2016 Jobe Wetsuit Catalog.
The next biggest announcement from the international riding gear and apparel manufacturer is the introduction of its all-new 2016 Jobe SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) catalog. Focusing on the lifestyle and functionality of the sport, the catalog makes you want to pick up the sport as much as purchase the awesome products listed inside its covers! Check it out here first!
Here’s the original press release:
The 2016 Jobe Collection Now that the summer is almost coming to an end, it is that time of the year again to start making plans for next year. Jobe has been doing that for a bit longer now and has proved to be totally ready for the future, because today they released their complete 2016 collection. Of course you can expect new products and innovations, but this year Jobe also chose to show you what their brand is really about!
Jobe Boating Jobe wants you to have fun on the water. To have unforgettable #jobemoments. Together with your loved ones you can enjoy your time on the water with their 2016 boating collection. Their boating guide perfectly visualizes this. You can expect the coolest towables to ride on, skis, kneeboards, wakeboards ánd all the accessories you could possibly wish for. You can find them all in this beautiful guide.
Jobe Wetsuits In their 2016 collection Jobe also emphasizes the fact that wetsuits do not solely exist to protect you and keep you warm; they can actually look good too! Besides using industry leading materials and construction methods, they are specifically designed for you to enjoy the water in style. Dress to impress with these wetsuits that appear in various trendy colors and models. Download the wetsuit guide now and be impressed by the fashion-like feeling of the guide.
Prefer to read a hard-copy version? It is available soon at your local Jobe dealer!
A very cool video featuring Alaskan born Tanner “Tanman” Thomas was posted on YouTube on August 3, 2015. Tanner is shown performing a double backflip on a jet ski which is one of the raddest performances we’ve seen. After 29 attempts of trying to complete the double backflip and landing [including one such attempt that we published earlier this past June -Ed], he eventually executed it perfectly.
Tanner manages to kill the highly skilled and gutsy maneuver by using V-wake (also known as double boat wake) to get the height for his many jumps. V-wake worked well for Tanner’s move. He piloted his standard watercraft, the custom “Ninja Edition”, a TC Freeride-built Rickter. Tanner reached the needed height and perfect rotation to execute the maneuver. It was the first time the double backflip had ever been landed (in the tray) on a personal watercraft.
We watched the video at least 10 times just to see Tanner keep landing it. We actually studied what he was doing just to see how in the world he was able to perfect such a tactical maneuver. He has amazing skills and will go far as long as he has the needed funds to get there! The video was presented by TC Freeride, one of his main sponsors. His other sponsors are Tyler Rental, Bam, Rickter, Dawson Construction, KMG Racing, Jet Lift, Alaska Diesel Power INC, Sigma Pro of Ketchikan, Alaska Marine Lines, Mystic Lubricants, Jet Pilot, Ketchikan H2O, Hout Enterprises, and DASA. He is also a Liquid Militia team rider.
Well, we think it’s safe to say that Yamaha is really enjoying these past few weeks. Not only was the launch of the 2016 lineup of WaveRunners a huge success, but now the Off-Road Division is riding a tidal wave of fanfare over it’s new YXZ1000R; not only the successor to the outgoing Rhino SxS, but a direct challenger to the turbo Can-Ams and Polaris RZR-S.
What many of us watercraft enthusiasts caught in the YXR’s unveiling was the incorporation of an all-new three-cylinder 4-stroke. Although sightly smaller in displacement than the WaveRunner’s TR-1 (998cc vs. 1048), the new three-cylinder shares much of the same architecture, mainly its 3-cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC, liquid cooled design.
Of course, besides the decreased cc’s, the new SxS plant also touts an aggressive 11.3:1 compression ratio and 10,500 RPM redline (not to mention vastly different exhaust and air intake arrangements). So what does this have to do with a modern SuperJet, you’re asking. And we’d tell you to just give us a minute. Jeez, you’re impatient…
We’ve been blathering on and on about paying close attention to what Raceski.com’s Rob Flores has been working on. Then, Yamaha introduces a lightweight 3-cylinder that is both compact and more powerful than the outgoing 1.1-liter engine. And now the new 3-cylinder engine platform shows up in Yamaha’s much-anticipated YXR1000R. Folks, Yamaha is making moves and we’ve got quite a bit of smoke to give us a enough reason to call “fire.”
Yesterday we received this incredibly low resolution cell phone picture of a lineup of Flores’ various race craft (see below). Obviously, Flo’s #88 Raceski.com is recognizable, as well as a pair of yellow-and-white SuperJets that we’ve seen before (above), but front-and-center is an all-black unit that is a bulbous, wide-bodied version of Flores’ other designs. Even the images of Flores’ prototype “wide tray” SuperJets weren’t as big as the one shown below.
Then came some really cryptic news: Apparently, Yamaha’s been messing with different configurations of the TR-1 marine engine. And since confirmation of the following performance rumors is completely out of the question, it’s worth mentioning each should be taken with the appropriate grain of salt:
In stock form, the TR-1 cranks out “somewhere between 115-and-125 horsepower.” When given a reflashed ECU with a custom tune, the TR-1 wakes up quite a bit, jumping up to 165 horsepower. Toss in a pair of forged pistons and you’ve got 185 ponies. Slap on a turbo and you’ve got an insanely nasty 3-banger, spitting out over 260 horsepower. Oh, and apparently that setup can last several hundreds of hours on the dyno, that is, according to our source.
If these claims are true, then the TR-1 has far more potential than just a entry-level runabout engine, a replacement to the 701cc two-stroke or even the larger 4-cylinders. But that’s an entirely different conversation. As it stands, Yamaha has an engine that’s ideal for a SuperJet, a handful of prototype hulls being produced by an IJSBA Hall of Fame racer, and a heck of a lot of interest in a new 4-stroke standup. Sounds like a homerun to us.
Unlike other former IJSBA heavyweights who have faded into the background, Mike Yellich is still on the scene participating heavily in not only keeping the sport vibrant but opening up new and exciting venues for enthusiasts to enjoy. Recently, Yellich reached out to The Watercraft Journal about his recent efforts:
In his discussions with the City of Lake Elsinore, Yellich explained, “There will be a area of land and lake to set up a buoys course just like they do at Body Beach or Mission Bay, but they will be charging a lake fee.”
In an earlier post on Facebook, Yellich announced, “Good news riders! We have an area! We are putting our business plans together with Lake Elsinore – City Hall business plan in to works. The site has been picked out by the city and we love it. I will be posting pics soon. Myself and Frank Galante are so stoked. We will have a buoy course at Lake Elsinore. Soon, maybe not this season. But 2016! It’s going to be a banner year next year and the future of the sport is now! …After being in it for over 35 years, it [looking in my eyes to be] on a rush to be one of the biggest sports in the future.”
Obviously, more updates are shortcoming, but the news is a boon for Southern California residents who’ve been looking for a central spot to converge, train, test and socialize much in the same way the aforementioned Body Beach and Mission Bay has served Lake Havasu and San Diego residents.
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