This past February 1st was Superbowl Sunday in the States, which is nearly its own holiday in many households. While the rest of the nation is buried in snow, beneath Florida’s iconic Skyway Bridge this past Sunday was an accumulation of jet ski hotheads brought together for the single purpose of teaching and learning the ins and outs of PWC racing.
Thanks to the efforts of Brad Clark and Brent Venderley of Kaotik Products and IJSBA-sanctioned Region 7 Hydrocross Racing (together with the Jetski Junkies Jet Ski Club), a showcase showdown of pro and amateur racers, rec riders and youth gathered with the interest in learning what it takes to become a circuit PWC racer. Nobly dubbed the “Free Open Track Day,” the day’s event allowed PWC enthusiasts from all walks of life to come out in play.
The day did start off very windy, but soon settled down and sunny skies, 75-degree temperatures and a long high tide in Tampa Bay made for a perfect track day. The day kicked off with lunch, which was graciously supplied by the Watercraft Superstore (WCSS) and hand-delivered by WCSS’ own Carrie Sinwelski who spent the day hanging with all of us, discussing traction mats, custom seats and more.
After lunch, the buoys were dropped in and it was time to warm up! All the top 4-stroke runabouts from Kawasaki, Yamaha and Sea-Doo were there in addition to plenty of standups, ‘Blasters and more, a complete measure of jet skis graced the Skyway Beach. Two types of races were held, closed course and an island endurance race.
For those of you not familiar with closed course racing, a track of buoys was laid out for the racers to weave in and out of for stated amount of time or laps. On this day, it was 5 laps and the skis were categorized by either type or engine size so the standups and ‘Blasters ran together and then the runabouts together.
The island endurance race was a simple 2 lap, 20-mile, WOT run out under the Skyway Bridge around the fishing pier up the Intra Coastal Waterway cutting back into Tampa Bay finishing at the Skyway Beach. The closed course racing was awesome to watch, the location was prime for all the spectators who made their way off I-275 to watch all the awesome fun racing and stand up flipping taking place.
The day ended with a great raffle with products donated by Kaotik products, PWC Muscle, SeaDooForum, Watercraft Superstore, WCP, Fulmer Helmets and more. Well over thousand dollars in products were raffled off and everyone who bought a ticket won a prize! Everyone walked away from this experience with smiles on their faces and the anticipation of the next open track day.
All images courtesy of Kenny Gore and Carrie Sinwelski. Video by Brad Clark.
The last few days we at The Watercraft Journal have been paying close attention to the efforts being made around the globe to ensure and increase water safety, both for boaters and swimmers. Earlier this week, we shone some light on Sea-Doo’s on-going support of the Surf Life Saving Australia organization. Today, we want to introduce you to Water Rescue, a watercraft-borne rescue team specializing in water sports events.
Jobe PWC was kind enough to provide us a transcript of their interview with Water Rescue technical director and head instructor Jens Kammann. A talented and dedicated water enthusiast himself, Jens has shown exceptional professionalism in his field and provide some great insight to the world of water rescue:
For a couple of years now, Jobe is sponsoring Water Rescue: a rescue team specialized in water sports events. They are active at different PWC events worldwide. We spoke to the technical director and head instructor of Water Rescue Jens Kammann, about the cooperation between Jobe and Water rescue and his role in it. It’s time to kiss and tell.
Jobe: Hi Jens, nice to meet you! Can you tell us a little more about water rescue? Jen Kammann: Of course! Water rescue is a special rescue team on the water. We are present at different events, like IJSBA World finals United States and the King’s Cup Thailand (PWC World Cup). Everywhere we are, we work as a team together for safety. That’s our most important task.
Jobe: Could you tell us why water rescue has chosen Jobe as a partner? JK: Usually we are 10-12 hours a day on the water. We do this day by day, so it’s important to have high quality neoprene clothing on the water. A top quality is necessary, which Jobe offers. We recommend Jobe wetsuits as they withstand our requirements. Also the perfect fit and comfort is essential to us. The entire team is thrilled by the high quality and fair prices Jobe offers!
Jobe: Is being in a rescue team a tough job? JK: PWC racing is an exciting sport – for athletes and the crowd. Nevertheless safety rules and service will help to get it done as best as possible. A couple of our rescue marshals are track marshals as well. Safety starts before the race and we care for this too. This can be a tough job, because we work in all weather conditions. By sun rising until sun doom we are constantly on the water.
Jobe: Who is your favorite Jobe athlete? In the PWC sport this is Rainer Eidner. He’s a PWC legend in Germany and all around the world. Beside him, Silke Hummel is a fantastic racing driver. She’s also member of our rescue team and she has got so much experience!
Jobe: Do you have any last words for the Jobe fans? JK: Our rescue team trust all of the Jobe clothes, from shoes, neoprene suits up to the gloves. Without good material we can’t exceed this hard job and look after the safety during so many water sports events. We thank Jobe for supporting all our rescue jobs. Ride safe!
Admittedly, the differences between Yamaha’s 2015 SVHO-powered FZS and FZR are almost indistinguishable. The prices are identical, with a US MSRP of $14,699. Both come equipped with Yamaha’s most powerful high performance engine and pump package ever assembled – featuring the Super Vortex High Output 1,812cc supercharged dual overhead cam, four-cylinder 4-stroke. Both ride on Yamaha’s purebred closed course-handling, deep-V hull formed from an all-new NanoXcel 2 material. Both share identical cockpits, swim platforms and storage. So what’s there to differentiate the two?
Apart from color options (the 2015 FZR is available in only Torch Red Metallic, as the FZS is sold in either Pure White or Black Metallic and Azure Blue Metallic liveries), the FZS is offered with an extended rear saddle that offers seating (although incredibly snug seating) for three persons. The longer passenger seat also equips the FZS with a useful tow hook, as towing a tube or wakeboarder/skater legally requires a flag person to alert when the towed has fallen into the water, and seating for all three.
We got our hands on this Pure White FZS on a steely gray day and together with its owner, Danny Dugard, put it through the paces.
Normally, we like to get our hands on a new vehicle and personally beat on it until we can’t see straight. This time around, we wanted to get a second opinion, so we reached out to our friends at Queensland, Australia’s JetSkiShop who introduced us to Danny Dugard, the recent owner of a new 2015 FZS.
When asked we Danny opted for the Yamaha, he replied, “Reliability is everything to me. I’ve always been a stickler when it comes to Japanese quality built/engineered products. The peace of mind that I don’t need to ask a friend to come on a long trip with me just in case. The speed, stability, hole shot, maneuverability, hook up and all of it together works for me. It’s such a versatile ski, you can use it for pretty much anything. The best thing I like about it is it instils confidence in the rider and when a product delivers on its promises then I’m happy.”
Danny told us, “I’ve even taken out my 67-year-old mother-in-law and she had a blast. When it was time to get off, she was smiling from ear to ear. The wife and kids love it too. My 3-year-old daughter has made up her own jet ski dance move which we caught on our GoPro and that’s just priceless.”
This past year has shown the big Yamaha’s capabilities when equipped with aftermarket components. Incredible speeds and handling are within arm’s reach with just a few upgrades, which only testifies to the time and care given in developing the FZ series WaveRunners. Backing the stock FZ skis is a performance-bred 8-vein pump filled with a 160mm impeller, a and 3-degree nozzle featuring diffuser veins and a large 85mm exit diameter. So even in stock trim, the SVHO is a wild ride in and of itself.
“The big plus are the forged internals, which means if I want to do some upgrades down the track I know the SVHO engine is strong enough for a few if necessary,” Danny outlined. “It’s like riding an R1 but on water. The first time I went flat stick for a few seconds my heart was pounding out of my chest, the wrinkles on my face disappeared (for a few seconds) and my adrenaline spiked through the roof. To believe it you just have to get on one of these bad boys and test it for yourself, once you do you’ll be hooked!”
The FZ Series (FZR and FZS) feature the industry’s only telescopic steering system, allowing for multiple points of adjustment for sitting or standing. Missing from the FZ units is Yamaha’s RiDE brake and reverse system. Engineers decided against the added weight of the system as many performance enthusiasts were looking for the maximum in fun.
For 2015, Yamaha introduced NanoXcel 2. While the current NanoXcel material reduces the weight of conventional SMC fiberglass runabouts by upwards of 37-percent, Yamaha developed a major revision to their process to shave another 18-percent over the standard NanoXcel. By using a new resin made from “nano” clay and glass micro bubbles that uses less material, NanaXcel 2 permits for stronger, more rigid and lighter decks, liners and hulls. All of this adds up to a weight savings of an impressive 35-pounds off of the previous FZR and FZS.
As this reduction frees up performance, it also increases fuel mileage. Daniel reported, “A full tank will last the day with the family tubing, wake boarding, etc. In saying that if you’re out with a few friends and your making that HKS supercharger work overtime, well then that’s another story. I look at it this way, it’s not a car, you don’t use it every day, maybe once or twice a week (for me anyway) so if I have to fill the 70 litre (18.5 gallon) fuel tank up twice it’s a cheap weekend spent with friends and family.”
Although handsome in its own right, the Yamaha FZS SVHO appealed to Daniel in the brand’s reliable longevity and edge-of-your-seat performance.
Revised white-faced analog gauges make visibility easy. “I love them,” Daniel beamed. “The gauges are clear to read and easy to follow. The fuel gauge is easily visible and a quick glimpse will tell you all you need when doing just over 100kph (60mph).” The hood of both FZ units features a new water-dipped faux carbon fiber cowl that covers the Yamaha’s 21.3 gallons of storage. Likewise, beneath the rear seat is a screw-top, watertight storage bin.
And whether you find yourself only managing once or twice a month, or as often as Danny (“We try get out at least once every two weeks, I would love to go out once a week if I could but life is hectic sometimes so that’s not always possible. The ski does get a good workout during the summer but the winters here aren’t too bad, nothing a wetsuit can’t fix.”), the Yamaha FZS is possibly the most top-end, hard-turning performance available in a three-person runabout.
With the 2015 racing series beginning to gel, we’re starting to see racers and teams shore up sponsorships and announce their plans for the year’s events. Yesterday, we were alerted that industry graphics leader, IPD Graphics has recently joined in a partnership with Pro Watercraft Racing as the official graphics sponsor for Pro Watercraft’s race team.
IPD Graphics published the following press release on their Facebook page: “Proud to announce [that] IPD signed on to be the Official Graphic Sponsor of the Pro Watercraft Racing Team for 2015! Pro Watercraft Racing is lead by handling mastermind Chris Hagest, and is responsible for creating the best handling products in the industry and used by the top riders in the industry, riders such as Stian Schjetlein, Kevin Reiterer, Jimmy Wilson, etc.”
IPD Graphics’ own Casey Mauldin explained to The Watercraft Journal, “We’re excited to announce that IPD Graphics has just signed the deal with Pro Watercraft Racing to be the official graphic supplier for the Pro Watercraft Race Team for the 2015 race season.
“We’ve long been advocates of Pro Watercraft Racing’s brand of handling products, and have much appreciation for CEO Chris Hagest in bringing the JR Star program to light.
“Pro Watercraft Racing is bringing in some big guns this year in Stian Schjetlein from Norway to race the Pro Ski classes, along with Guy Vinatieri for the Amateur Ski classes. We are more than excited to be affiliated with this great company and great team, and look forward to what they can bring in 2015.”
There’s seemingly no end to the photos, videos and coverage pouring out of last month’s Thrust Innovations Daytona Freeride. While none could compete with The Watercraft Journal’s stellar 48 hour post-event coverage and massive photo gallery thanks to our own Pavi Machotkova, we had to bow in respect to the absolutely unrivaled footage from Seth Zaluski’s Spectrum Innovations. The videography house has captured some of the best action and event action imaginable, and this year’s video recap from Daytona Beach, FL is no different.
Seth explained to Pro Rider Magazine, “From my eyes, the Daytona Freeride offers the best of both worlds – riding and filming. First, I already knew it would be a dope event where I not only get to ride, but also spend time with friends from around the country! Then there’s the knowing that three, 18 hour days of non-stop filming, in addition to riding, was approaching.
“Taking on the challenge of riding and filming the event can be stressful but rewarding, with last year’s video receiving over 10,000 views from over 45 countries. Well, here we are again, the event is over and the edit is done, but not before hitting record on my cameras over 1500 times, which leads to 1500 five to ten second clips that have to be viewed, cut down, selected and put into project form. Then, the edit itself takes me roughly 40 hours of post production upon returning to home.”
So far, Spectrum’s 2015 Daytona video has reaped in over 5,750 views in only a couple of weeks. We want to help Seth in his goal to exceed last year’s 10,000 views.
Everything in Australia wants to kill you. At least, that’s what the Internet wants you to believe. But the heavy surf conditions and treacherous undercurrents of many of Australia’s beaches actually throw some credibility to the meme. That is why Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) exists, to help keep ocean-goers safe from harm. Recently, SLSA representatives from across the continent tested the latest in Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft, Evinrude E-TEC engines and Can-Am All Terrain Vehicles in their respective fields.
As reported by OZPWC, “the event started at BRP offices where the group were shared information about how BRP plans to continue to support the SLS movement to help save lives on Australian beaches. Product testing was then conducted at Wanda Beach and included testing on the new Sea-Doo Spark and Search and Rescue watercrafts.”
Coastal Risk and Safety Manager, Anthony Bradstreet from SLSA explained, “BRP product help Australia’s surf lifesavers patrol and perform rescues with greater efficiency and rapid response. BRP understands our core mission of saving lives, and this next generation of product they are bringing to the market, will further support this mission.”
BRP has remained a sponsor of SLSA for the past five years, having provided equipment for over 160 clubs around Australia. Through the BRP Equipment Grant, the company has proven its commitment to SLSA in assisting with the delivery of lifesaving equipment since its establishment in 2009.
“Surf Life Saving (SLSA) is an iconic community service across Australia. BRP’s products are well suited to the demanding surf conditions and provide the unparalleled maneuverability and high performance essential for effective beach patrols,” said Gregoire DuPont, Vice President and Regional General Manager BRP Asia-Pacific.
There’s only a couple more weeks and winter will finally be behind us. The only good thing about the winter is that it has allowed me some time to grab some good pictures of the bald eagles that have lived around my house for seven years now. I still have been making it out on the water to take in the sights but fishing has been slow.
Destinations include New Point Comfort Light, Chesapeake Light Tower offshore of Virginia Beach, and the wetlands and marshes of Poquoson. Each tour is personalized to the needs and desires of our customers. Whether you are looking for an exhilarating fishing adventure or in the mood for some sightseeing, Jet Ski Fishing and Adventures has something for everyone. Now is your chance to experience the thrill of PWC fishing with me, Jet Ski Brian.
Recently, Todd West wrote, “I have been from the Eastern Shore to the Outer Banks to the Bahamas with Bryan and you will appreciate his attention to detail and his desire to show you the best of this great sport that we have come to love.”
Likewise, Ted Sensenbrenner reviewed his adventure with Brian, “To many the thrill of PWC fishing is the self-reliance required and the puffery that comes with man versus nature. When it comes to fishing, a PWC is actually versatile. It’s easy to troll, jig, or simply drift fish. You can anchor easily and use it as a dive platform or stand to spear fish.”
Finally, “As we reached the Southern Tower and started to rig up, I watched Brian crank in his first amberjack. What a sight! You soon forget how tiring it is as the excitement of a big fish grabbing your lure takes over. I think all in all, we each landed a dozen, with one of mine being the largest at 45 inches.” Jerry Aycock wrote. “Brian started a new niche in our sport.”
You can also pay attention here, at The Watercraft Journal. I will be contributing jet ski fishing articles here all year. There’s lot of great PWC info there. So until then, here are some jet ski and recent pictures I have taken recently. Enjoy!
Hey! Did you know that treasured comedian Dan Aykroyd played a pivotal character in 1984’s “Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom?” Yeah, many don’t because the scene featuring the former Ghostbuster was all but completely scrapped, leaving the “Saturday Night Live” alum with a single line of dialogue and a few forgettable seconds of screen time. Alas, “that’s Hollywood as they say,” and we got a wee bit of a taste of that when we watched the long-awaited web series “Roustabout,” documenting comedian Kurt Braunohler’s jet ski adventure from Chicago to New Orleans.
The Watercraft Journal was invited to not only participate in the Comedy Central show, but reach out to its hundreds of thousands of readers throughout the United States and abroad and help support Braunohler’s quest to raise $50,000 for sustainable livestock in African villages. The premise seemed noble enough, but the method was somewhat flawed: the comedian would ride an ostentatiously-wrapped Yamaha FX HO from Chicago, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana, riding down the Mississippi. Of course, those familiar with these waters would highly recommend another route. But again, that’s Hollywood, folks.
Fatefully, the trip – dubbed “Roustabout” – would be a near unmitigated failure. Braunohler would circumvent much of Ol’ Miss for the Tennessee River or simply by land (that’s what they call “Hollywood magic,” folks) and would fail to raise little more than half of his funding goal. That’s not to say that the result of filming (back in June of 2014) wouldn’t result in some entertaining television (although the language is significantly not safe for work (NSFW)). And, unless you’re really glaring closely at your screen, you’ll likely miss the mere seconds of The Watercraft Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw aboard a brand new black and blue 2014 Yamaha FX SVHO (see Episode 8).
Nevertheless, we’re happy to have played a (very) small part of this endeavor, and hope that you might see it a worthwhile cause to donate – even if in some small way – to this charitable effort.
As this year is shaping up to be a wild one – at least as far as the future of personal watercraft racing is concerned – we’ve seen companies of all shapes and sizes scramble to decide where to send their sponsored riders. Of the three OE manufacturers, Kawasaki has remained the most withdrawn from the racing world. With fewer and fewer riders brandishing the iconic Kawi Green hue on the water, some have begun to fear for the worst.
Kawasaki’s reported, “Craig Warner has flown the Kawasaki Jet Ski flag in competition with glowing results. The multi-time world champion is a force to be reckoned with in endurance racing as well, as he rides his Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 310R at peak levels.”
Jettrim. What comes to mind when you hear that name? How about custom upholstery, seat covers? Bitchin’ Stitchin’? Jet Ski Museum? How about the man, the face behind Jettrim, the one man with the largest heart, the Legendary Gary Hart, known to many as “Super G.”
Who knew back in 1979 that a small business that came about from a high school hobby would turn into Hart’s Upholstery and blow up into what is known today as Jettrim! It was Gary’s passion and dedication that made Jettrim a phenomenal success. His knowledge was so vast that it led him into so many facets of upholstery that even Gary i’m sure was surprised at times. Jettrim was not only the mecca for upholstered Jet ski parts, but you could pretty much ask for anything and a few bitchin’ stitches later, viola! A masterpiece!
Sadly, on November 13, 2014 the world lost an amazing person. Gary’s passing left his wife Kelly to run Jettrim came with challenges. Kelly has had to make some hard decisions, and has decided to turn the reigns over and pass ownership over Frank Walsh as of February 1, 2015. Frank knew both Kelly and Gary very well and is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of Gary and Jettrim. Frank brings with him the enthusiasm of many sports and will be adding new products as time goes by.
And although we can’t divulge any top secrets, we can let you know of an exciting change coming: the return of Dean Morton! Dean and Gary worked together for almost 20 years, and with Dean’s return on January 26th, he’s sure to be an instrumental piece to what makes Jettrim the best in their field! Oh, and don’t count Kelly out! Kelly will be staying on as the bookkeeper and working the phones and continuing the Jettrim sponsorship programs as usual.
So if you find yourself in Havasu, stop by Jettrim and say “Hi” to Kelly, Nugget and give Frank your new ideas, he’d love to hear them!
