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PWC Racing Heats Up Coast to Coast as Multiple Series Launch Key Mid-Season Stops

Jessica Waters
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PWC Racing Heats Up Coast to Coast as Multiple Series Launch Key Mid-Season Stops

Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we check in with race organizations across North America as the 2026 season continues to build momentum in every direction. From HydroDrags preparing for its November championship push and Great Lakes Watercross gearing up for a major summer stop in Wisconsin, to Pro Watercross continuing its national tour in Texas and the Western Canadian Watercross Association kicking off its season in Alberta, the action continues to span every corner of the sport.

This week also saw PWC Sprint Racing open its Round 1 and Round 2 weekend in Ohio with a unique format and strong class payouts, while junior development and national tour racing remained a central focus across multiple series. As always, the depth of competition and range of regional styles continues to define the heartbeat of the sport as the season moves deeper into summer.

HydroDrags

While the next green flag may still be months away, preparations are already underway for the 2026 FuelTech HydroDrags World Championships presented by Chris J Performance.

Series showrunner Billy Tew recently announced that registration and discounted lodging information for the November championship event will be released soon, giving racers an opportunity to begin making plans for one of the sport’s premier straight-line racing weekends. Tew also noted that a limited run of long-sleeve athletic event shirts is currently being organized ahead of the fall finale.

Although HydroDrags is currently in its offseason stretch following the spring event, series representatives have remained active within the performance watercraft community. Members of the HydroDrags team recently attended JP Racing’s 3rd Annual Meet & Greet Ride, where racers and enthusiasts had an opportunity to learn more about the various HydroDrags classes, from junior divisions through the Unlimited ranks.

With registration details expected soon and the countdown to November already underway, anticipation is beginning to build for what has become one of the most anticipated drag racing events on the personal watercraft calendar.

Great Lakes Watercross

Great Lakes Watercross returns to action this weekend as the 2026 tour heads to Traxler Park in Janesville, Wisconsin, for Rounds 3 and 4 of the championship season. The June 27-28 event will be held in conjunction with Janesville’s annual Star-Spangled Saturday celebration, creating what could become one of the largest and most spectator-friendly stops on the Great Lakes calendar.

Hosted on the Rock River at RAJ Stadium, the event is being presented in partnership with the legendary Rock Aqua Jays water ski show team. Beyond the racing itself, fans can expect live music, carnival rides, food trucks, a nationally recognized water ski show, and a Saturday night fireworks display, giving racers and spectators plenty to enjoy both on and off the water.

On the competition side, several championship battles are already beginning to take shape following the opening rounds in Kendallville, Indiana. One of the tightest contests can be found in Ski GP2, where Camden Powell and Jay Finlinson enter Janesville tied atop the standings with 113 points each. Finlinson currently leads Ski GP, while Powell holds a narrow advantage in Ski GP3, setting up another important weekend for both title contenders.

The closest battle on the runabout side may be in Veterans Runabout Lites, where Edward Gahagan and Ryan Rasmussen are deadlocked with 108 points apiece, while Erich Nehls sits just two points back at 106. With so little separating the top three, every moto in Janesville could have significant championship implications.

Other current class leaders include Dustin Voss in Pro Am Ski Lites, Jason Seeley in Naturally Aspirated Runabout, Kyle Niquette in Runabout GP2, Justin Eblin in Sport Spec, Madison Elders in both Runabout Lites and Women’s Runabout Lites, Kali Bohat in Junior Runabout Lites, and Brad Bohat in Runabout GP3.

Registration remains open through Thursday afternoon (June 25), with early entries showing strong participation across the board. Runabout Lites leads the way with 10 registered competitors, while Vintage Ski 550, Veterans Runabout Lites, Runabout GP2, and several other classes are also expected to draw competitive fields.

Following Janesville, the series will continue to Harbor Beach, Michigan, on July 18-19 before heading to Racine, Wisconsin, and ultimately concluding the 2026 championship season at Red Arrow Park in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on August 22-23.

PWC Sprint Racing

PWC Sprint Racing opened its Round 1 and Round 2 weekend June 19–21 at Voice of America Park in West Chester, Ohio, bringing AJSA-sanctioned competition and a structured, multi-stage format designed to reward both raw speed and racecraft across the board.

The Ski GP3 class featured a notable payout structure for both Saturday’s Round 1 and Sunday’s Round 2 events, with $700 going to the winner, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Additional awards included $150 for the Iron Man winner and $100 for the B Main winner, with additional class payouts also planned throughout the weekend.

On the results side, Sunday’s Round 2 action saw Jeremy Buurma earn the Ski Open win, while Jax Rowe captured the GP3 victory. Rowe’s performance stood out across the weekend, with additional notes from Mike Remar dubbing it “The Rowe Show” following his strong showing. In other listed results, Kylie Meier was also noted as a Ski Open winner, while Jax Rowe again appeared atop the GP3 class results for Round 2.

The series continues to build its identity around a distinctive race format beginning with hot laps, where each racer completes a single practice lap before immediately running a timed hot lap. That time determines qualifying heat starting positions, with the fastest riders earning first gate choice for their heats.

From there, racers advance through a series of qualifying motos, with last chance qualifiers and potential B Main events depending on class size. A unique inverted qualifying heat is also used, where the field is flipped at the halfway mark of the race before restarting for the second half. The final segment is scored using a two-moto system, with the second half serving as the tie-breaker to determine starting positions for The Show.

Each class then culminates in The Show, a feature race of 12 to 15 laps (as determined by race officials), run under a winner-takes-all format to close out the weekend.

Pro Watercross

The Liqui Moly Pro Watercross National Tour continued its 2026 season with Round 5 at Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock, Texas, where the series placed a spotlight on the future of the sport during the IJSBA Junior Nationals while still delivering a full national tour stop across all classes.

Under the banner of “Ten Rounds. One Championship,” the event brought together Pro, Amateur, Novice, Women’s, Vintage, Freestyle, and Junior competitors, all racing for national points in a 4-moto format with Motos 1 and 2 contested on Saturday and Motos 3 and 4 on Sunday. Combined results determined overall awards, with the event also carrying national broadcast exposure through CBS Sports Network as part of the tour’s ongoing television partnership.

The weekend, however, was widely defined by its junior presence. The IJSBA Junior Nationals drew athletes from across the country, with organizers and teams highlighting the depth of talent and enthusiasm on display throughout the long race days at Buffalo Springs Lake. Junior riders in particular were praised for their consistency and commitment, with many noting the challenging conditions and full moto schedule as a testament to the dedication growing within the next generation of the sport.

Slalom results from the Junior Nationals showcased strong performances across multiple divisions. In Junior 1100 Mod, Tristen Hiebert posted a winning time of 26.32, while Ian Nuschke topped the Adult Runabout field at 24.87. Taylor Smith led Adult 4-Stroke Lites with a 27.91, while Junior 14–17 4-Stroke Lites saw Javier Falcon take top honors at 27.22. Additional winners included Cash McClure in Junior 10–13 Lites with a 27.85 and Briton Reinhard in Junior 14–17 Lites with a 26.18, among other class leaders across a broad junior and amateur field.

Beyond the racing itself, Buffalo Springs Lake earned consistent praise from racers and families throughout the weekend, with many noting the venue’s scenery and hospitality as a standout stop on the national schedule. The event combined racing with a festival-style atmosphere at a free spectator venue, adding to its appeal as both a competition and a community gathering.

The broadcast team also saw a last-minute change prior to the weekend, as Mikey Young was unable to attend due to weather-related travel issues. Joey Domingue stepped in alongside Dave Arnold and Kyla Desrosiers to deliver coverage, with livestream production provided by Charles Guinchard Photography and additional filming support from Digital Wave Productions for upcoming CBS Sports Network episodes.

Off the water, Pro Watercross emphasized the importance of the Junior Nationals within the broader national tour structure, noting the opportunity for young athletes to compete alongside riders from across the country while building momentum toward season-ending championships. The Lubbock stop also continued the series’ broader 2026 campaign messaging centered on growth, national exposure, and a structured championship chase.

The 2026 Pro Watercross National Tour continues next with stops scheduled in Avon Park, Florida, followed by Norman, Oklahoma, Vienna, New York, and ultimately Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where the season will culminate at the National Finals.

Western Canadian Watercross Association (WCWA)

The Western Canadian Watercross Association opened its 2026 season with Rounds 1 and 2 at Rattlesnake Lake near Medicine Hat, Alberta, bringing together racers, families, and supporters for the opening stop of the tour under clear skies and favorable water conditions at Golden Sheaf Park.

The opening weekend, sponsored by Conlon Motorsports St. Albert, marked the first points-paying rounds of the season, with organizers celebrating strong turnout and community support despite challenging early-season expectations around weather. While official winner listings were not fully detailed for all classes, series officials recognized Round 1 and 2 winners across the field and highlighted a successful start to the championship campaign.

Racers and teams noted that water levels and conditions ultimately cooperated, helping deliver a full weekend of racing alongside a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The event also served as a key kickoff for the 2026 WCWA tour, with competitors beginning to establish early momentum in the championship chase.

The WCWA emphasized its grassroots structure and community-driven approach, offering four core competition divisions throughout the season: Stand Up/Ski, Sport/Spark, Runabout, and Freestyle. Each class is structured around rider experience and machine performance, helping support both new and experienced racers across western Canada.

Looking ahead, the tour continues with Rounds 3 and 4 scheduled for July 11–12 at Stafford Lake near Lethbridge, Alberta, followed by additional stops at Alberta Beach (Lac Ste. Anne) near Edmonton in August as the season progresses toward its championship stretch.

Alongside racing, the WCWA continues to promote accessibility and participation in the sport, encouraging new riders to join through its non-profit structure while maintaining a steady regional tour schedule across Alberta.

That’s a wrap on this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup. From national tours and championship chases to regional openers and junior showcases, the 2026 season continues to show the full range of what personal watercraft racing has to offer.

Strapinno Prime Day Sale Spotlights A Common Mistake When Buying Tie-Down Straps

Jessica Waters
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Strapinno Prime Day Sale Spotlights A Common Mistake When Buying Tie-Down Straps

For many personal watercraft owners, corrosion is simply part of life. Between repeated launches, road spray, rain and saltwater exposure, trailer components often take a beating long before the riding season ends.

Yet one of the most overlooked pieces of towing equipment may be the tie-down straps securing your watercraft to the trailer.

According to Strapinno, not all stainless steel retractable tie-down systems offer the same level of corrosion protection. The company recently highlighted the differences between traditional stainless steel tie-down assemblies and “all stainless” designs, a distinction that can be particularly important for riders who frequently launch in saltwater environments.

While some retractable tie-down systems incorporate stainless steel components, other parts of the assembly may still rely on conventional steel hardware. Over time, those components can become vulnerable to corrosion when regularly exposed to moisture and salt. Fully stainless steel assemblies are designed to provide enhanced corrosion resistance throughout the entire system.

For many watercraft owners, the choice comes down to where they ride. Freshwater riders may find standard stainless-equipped straps perfectly adequate for their needs, while those who regularly launch in coastal waters often place a premium on maximum corrosion protection.

Beyond material selection, convenience has become an increasingly important factor when choosing trailer accessories. Traditional ratchet straps can leave excess webbing hanging loose, require additional storage when not in use and often add extra steps to the loading process.

Retractable systems aim to simplify that process by keeping the strap contained when not in use and reducing the amount of time required to secure a watercraft at the launch ramp.

Customer feedback appears to support that approach. Reviewers frequently cite ease of installation and operation as major advantages, with many noting that all necessary mounting hardware is included. Others have praised the stainless steel construction and reported strong performance in marine environments, including saltwater use.

Several customers also highlighted design features intended to protect watercraft finishes. One reviewer noted that traditional ratchet mechanisms on previous straps occasionally contacted the hull and scratched the gelcoat, while the retractable design eliminated that concern. Other users praised the plastic-coated hooks and integrated retention system.

Durability was another recurring theme among customer reviews. Owners described the ratcheting mechanism as robust and dependable, while several customers reported replacing lower-cost alternatives in favor of the retractable design.

Perhaps equally notable was customer feedback regarding support after the sale. One reviewer who experienced a slow retracting mechanism reported receiving a same-day response from customer service and a replacement unit within days, describing the experience as evidence of a company that stands behind its products.

The discussion comes as Strapinno launches its Prime Day promotion, offering 20 percent off select retractable tie-down straps through Amazon US from June 23 through June 26.

As summer riding season reaches full swing, many owners are focused on maintaining their watercraft. However, trailer equipment plays an equally important role in getting riders to and from the water safely. Whether towing across town or across several states, selecting the right tie-down system may be one of the simplest upgrades a rider can make before the next trip to the launch ramp.

One Man. One Sea-Doo. 1,200 Miles on a Glacial Alaskan Waterway

Jessica Waters
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One Man. One Sea-Doo. 1,200 Miles on a Glacial Alaskan Waterway
Charles outside Kaltag, AK. Photo by Colby Esmailka

When Charles Peterson launched his Sea-Doo from the banks of the Nenana River on June 13, his wife Jana was already at her phone, tracking his dot on the map and preparing to coordinate fuel stops across some of the most remote stretches of Alaska’s interior. A glacial waterway flowing north out of the Alaska Range and forming the eastern boundary of Denali National Park, the Nenana meets the Yukon just miles from its namesake town — and it was there, at that confluence, that Peterson pointed west and didn’t look back. He had been planning the trip for a year. By 12:10 p.m., he was gone.

The goal: Ride approximately 1,200 miles down the Yukon River and up the Norton Sound coastline to Nome — solo, on a personal watercraft, through terrain that most people only experience from the window of a bush plane.

The goal: ride approximately 1,200 miles down the Yukon River and up the Norton Sound coastline to Nome — solo, on a personal watercraft, through terrain that most people only experience from the window of a bush plane.

Peterson, a Nome resident who spent years living in Kiana before returning home, had originally planned the journey by boat. Then he stumbled across YouTube videos from PWC adventurer Adam Swords and reconsidered. The Explorer Pro 170, he decided, was the right machine for the job. He purchased his ski fully outfitted through TeamCC of Wasilla, Alaska, adding a Waterman Unlimited inflatable collar — a buoyancy ring that wraps the hull for added stability in open water — and four 5.3-gallon fuel cans for range. The rear seat came off to make room for an additional dry bag. Into the main cargo hold went tools, a coast guard-approved safety kit, a spare battery, and a Starlink Mini. 

“I had my clothes, tent, sleeping pad, food, Jetboil (portable stove system), a Grayl water filter bottle, and first aid kit in my dry bag strapped behind me just in case something went wrong and I had to abandon the ski,” he told The Watercraft Journal. 

Near Golovin AK. Photo by Stephanie Sampson

He also toted along a spare impeller, wear ring and oil change kit, and his InReach – a satellite communicator that lets riders signal for help far beyond cell range – stayed clipped to his life jacket for the duration of the trip.

The Yukon consumed the first four days. Peterson called the river’s current “very strong and powerful” and said certain stretches were genuinely dangerous — but navigable for someone who knew how to read water. He did. His father, Walt Peterson, had taught him how to camp and survive in the Alaska bush. His father-in-law, Lorry Schuerch, had taught him how to read a river. Both men’s lessons showed up repeatedly on the water.

Mother nature cooperated – for the most part – with his plans.

“The weather was pretty decent, in my opinion, except the wind that blew against the current, which caused some waves, which slowed me down,” he said. “I went through a few rain storms and witnessed some amazing lightning.”

Debris was the constant adversary. Horizontal logs were manageable; the vertical ones, lurking just below the surface, were another matter. A stick found its way into the jet intake between St. Michael and Unalakleet and nearly stopped the trip. Peterson used the Sea-Doo’s iDF — the Intelligent Debris Free system, which reverses the impeller to blow debris back out through the intake without the rider ever leaving the seat — to clear it, though that particular instance required a few tense moments before it worked. “I thought I was going to have to go swimming there for a minute,” he said.

What he didn’t fight was the people. From the moment he left Nenana, Alaska showed up for him at every stop. Cynthia Erickson welcomed him in Tanana. In Ruby, Willy Dozette was waiting. The list grew daily in towns and villages with names that herald the history and heritage of the land — Andrew Dementieff in Holy Cross, Charles Heckman in Pilot Station. In Mountain Village it was Hillary Gregory and Stan George, and whole crews turned out in Kotlik and Saint Michael. In Kaltag, Colby Esmailka and his grandfather Edgar invited Peterson in, fed him a home-cooked spaghetti dinner, helped him sort fuel, and sent him off with full tanks and a full stomach. In Unalakleet, Tony Haugen handed over a fresh pair of insulated gloves to make sure he was ready for the coast. And in Golovin, the friendly but unknown faces were replaced by the familiar when niece Stephanie and her family were among the locals waiting to greet him.

 “No matter where I stopped, there was some kind of connection,” Charles said. “I was treated so well.”

Jana coordinated all of it from Nome, posting daily updates to Facebook and fielding messages from strangers willing to drive to a riverbank with gas cans.

Charles, with his family after his journey. “I made it home safe this afternoon with a smile on my face.,” he posed. He thanked those who helped him along his trip: “Your helping hand means more to me than you know; people like you make what makes Alaska feel like home.”

“I was nervous at first – they do call it ‘the Mighty Yukon,’” she admitted in a short interview with WCJ. “But after day one, I felt better! He had amazing people down that river and up the coast who were more than willing to help and that put me at ease.”

She tracked his InReach dot, running mileage calculations by hand and posting updates that drew hundreds of followers into the journey. By day three and a half, he had covered 650 river miles. By the time he reached Golovin on June 19, she calculated he had logged roughly 1,100 miles at an average of 220 miles per day. One push remained.

Friend and crabber Tommy Stasenko had advised him to watch the weather and make for Nome by Friday. Peterson launched from Golovin, hugged the coastline north, and pulled into Belmont Point around 2:15 p.m. on June 19. 

Jana’s post was simple: “My husband Charles Peterson made it into Nome.”

He was home in time for the Midnight Sun parade the next morning — with plans to tow the Sea-Doo out to Salmon Lake afterward for one more ride. Back on shore, he thanked his family — Jana, Kaya, Paige, Lane, and Ty — for always believing in him.

Peterson said turning back never seriously crossed his mind. “I really enjoyed it. Not saying it was never dangerous — I was just taught by some of the best on how to not only survive but enjoy it while in the moment,” he said with a nod to the lessons learned from his father and father-in-law. 

He does, however, wish he’d remembered to buy SD cards before he left Nenana. He’d planned to film the whole thing.

“Next time,” he said. 

Peterson is already talking about doing the run again, this time with a few friends and a couple of nephews along. After that, maybe Kotzebue, then up the Kobuk River. Jana is angling for a family version — slower, village by village, taking their time. Charles is also considering starting a YouTube channel.

And, Adam Swords – when you read this, he said to tell you ‘thanks.’

U.S. Embassy Issues Second Bahamas Jet Ski Warning as Industry Pushes Back

Jessica Waters
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U.S. Embassy Issues Second Bahamas Jet Ski Warning as Industry Pushes Back

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has issued its second safety alert in just over a year warning American tourists to avoid renting jet skis in The Bahamas — this time broadening the advisory beyond crime to indict the rental industry’s regulatory framework as a whole.

The June 15 alert, accompanied by a video public service announcement from Ambassador Herschel Walker, cites a documented pattern of fatalities, serious injuries, and sexual assaults linked to unlicensed and uninsured operators working Nassau’s most popular beaches. “We’ve lost an American life to a preventable accident,” Walker said in the video. “Too many of our visitors have been hospitalized with serious injuries.”

Photo by Carles Rabada

The embassy’s first warning, issued in April 2025, was narrowly focused on a series of sexual assaults by jet ski operators who solicited tourists on beaches near downtown Nassau and Paradise Island before taking victims to isolated islands near New Providence. The new alert folds those incidents into a wider indictment: since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized in jet ski accidents in The Bahamas, three of whom required emergency medical evacuation to the United States. In August 2025, Alaska Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Robert Rosa was killed off Paradise Island when an unlicensed operator driving an unregistered boat struck his watercraft during a Nassau vacation.

Sexual assault reports have continued to accumulate. The embassy recorded three in 2024, two in 2025, and two more already in 2026. Victims reported being solicited for rides on Junkanoo Beach, Saunders Beach, and Cabbage Beach before operators took them to isolated locations.

The alert identifies “rogue operators” — unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft — as the core problem, and notes that oversight of even designated rental areas is “sporadic at best.” U.S. government employees stationed in The Bahamas are already prohibited from renting or riding jet skis on New Providence and Paradise Island, a restriction the embassy is now extending as a formal advisory to American tourists at large.

Walker did not stop at the warning. He directly called out the Bahamian government’s Jet Ski Task Force, established in 2025, for going dormant. “A task force that does not meet cannot protect lives,” he said, calling on the government to activate it, enforce existing regulations, and bring accountability to the industry.

The task force convened the following morning.

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president and a Task Force member.

Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president and a Task Force member, confirmed to Nassau’s Tribune Business that the group met on June 16 — one day after Walker’s public call to action. Sands acknowledged the effort had “gone somewhat silent in the last two to three months,” but struck a conciliatory note, saying the embassy’s concerns and the Bahamian tourism industry’s goals are aligned. “I certainly don’t take this as an attack on Bahamian tourism,” Sands said. “It’s certainly a recognition of concerns brought to our attention, and we need to be a bit more timely in how we address it.” He also pointed to the challenge of enforcement in a nation whose geography — multiple beaches and isolated cays — creates persistent opportunities for unscrupulous operators to resurface after crackdowns elsewhere.

Not everyone received the warning without objection. John Rosen, a South Florida operator who owns Jet Ski Fort Lauderdale, traveled to Cabbage Beach to speak with Tribune Business in defense of Bahamian operators. Rosen argued the embassy overstated the risk, estimating between 250,000 and 500,000 rentals over the three-year period in question and contending the incident rate amounts to a fraction of a fraction of total activity. He also noted that the Bahamian government recently prohibited operators from riding on the same watercraft as renters — a direct response to the assault pattern. The embassy’s warning, Rosen said, risks damaging legitimate operators who have done nothing wrong.

Whether his math moves American tourists is another question. The warning has received wide pickup in U.S. mainstream media at the height of peak travel season.

The Bahamas remains at a Level 2 travel advisory — “Exercise Increased Caution” — from the U.S. State Department, a designation unchanged by the new alert. The embassy is not advising Americans to avoid The Bahamas. It is advising them not to get on a jet ski while they’re there.

WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup (June 18)

Jessica Waters
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WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup (June 18)

Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we check in with race organizations from coast to coast as the heart of the 2026 season continues to take shape. From East Coast Watercross preparing for its return to Pennsylvania and Wild West Watercross heading to Rio Vista, to recent action from AJSA and the Best of the West Series, there’s no shortage of activity as racers chase championships across the country.

East Coast Watercross

East Coast Watercross now turns its attention to Round 2 of the 2026 season, scheduled for June 26-28 at Kittanning Riverfront Park in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

After opening the season June 5-7 in Laconia, New Hampshire, the series is preparing for what organizers expect to be one of its largest events of the year, with more than 100 racers expected to converge on the Allegheny River for three days of competition, entertainment, and family activities.

Working alongside local partners including the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber, East Coast Watercross is once again emphasizing the festival atmosphere that has become a hallmark of many of its events. In addition to racing action on the water, the weekend schedule includes a free showing of Zootopia 2 on Friday night, a riverfront flea market, food vendors, inflatable attractions, foam parties, balloon artists, a car show, and live music throughout the weekend.

East Coast Watercross showrunner Shawn Dudek recently highlighted the involvement of local sponsor Allegheny Mariner, which will host live entertainment following the day’s racing activities. The waterfront restaurant is expected to serve as a gathering point for racers, crews, and spectators throughout the weekend.

While Kittanning is the immediate focus, several championship battles are already beginning to take shape following Round 1 in Laconia.

In Pro Am Ski GP, Dudek currently leads the standings with 226 points, followed closely by Charles Guinchard at 209 and Sebastian Wilcox at 199. Wilcox sits atop the Pro Am Ski Lites standings with 233 points, holding an early advantage over Ben Corcetti and Austin Jones.

One of the closest battles in the series can be found in Pro Am Runabout Stock, where Ian Smith and Jay Edworthy emerged from the opening round tied at 226 points apiece. Edworthy currently holds the advantage in Pro Am Runabout 1100 Limited after scoring a perfect 240-point weekend in Laconia, ahead of Dave Davidson and Smith.

Other early championship leaders include Colin Beers in Sport Spec and Daniel Clarke in Vintage X2 Open as racers begin the long march toward the season finale at Sylvan Beach, New York, August 28-30.

Following Kittanning, the series will head to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, July 10-12 before continuing to Plattsburgh, New York, July 31-August 2, setting up a busy summer stretch for one of the most active tours in personal watercraft racing.

PNW WaterX

PNW WaterX racers are already preparing for one of the most unique events on the series calendar as attention turns toward the Apple Pie Jamboree, scheduled for July 17-19 in Pateros, Washington.

While the race itself is still several weeks away, organizers recently announced a significant change to how starting positions will be determined. Rather than using the traditional random draw system, starting-line positions for the event will be based entirely on the order in which racers register.

Under the new format, competitors hoping to secure a favorable position on the line will need to move quickly when registration opens July 1 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Series officials emphasized that registration order will directly determine lineup positions, adding a new strategic element before racers ever reach the water.

The event will coincide with Pateros’ annual Apple Pie Jamboree festivities and is expected to attract racers from across the Pacific Northwest. Organizers have already begun encouraging competitors to verify account information and registration details in advance to avoid delays once registration opens.

Race weekend will feature a full slate of competition beginning July 18, with registration, rider meetings, and course orientation leading into racing activities following the community parade. Competition continues July 19 with a full day of racing action.

PNW WaterX officials have also released camping and logistics information for the event, noting that space at the Methow River Boat Launch will be extremely limited and reserved primarily for racers and event staff. Overflow camping options will be available nearby if needed.

The Apple Pie Jamboree has become one of the more distinctive stops on the regional racing calendar, combining community festivities with competitive watercraft racing. This year’s revised registration system adds another layer of intrigue as racers prepare to battle for track position before the first green flag ever drops.

Wild West Watercross

Wild West Watercross is shifting its attention toward Round 3 of the 2026 season, with racers set to converge on Rio Vista, California, June 27-28 for what promises to be one of the most meaningful stops on the organization’s “Road to Sparks” championship campaign.

While the series has spent recent weeks sharing highlights from Round 2 at Camp Far West, much of the conversation heading into Rio Vista centers on the event’s role as the Jim Lambert Memorial Race. Longtime PWC announcer Kurt Knollenberg will return to California to call the action, helping commemorate a man whose influence helped shape personal watercraft racing throughout Northern California and Nevada.

Lambert, founder of DJSA and a longtime Region 2 promoter, was instrumental in building the area’s grassroots racing scene. Wild West Watercross officials say the Rio Vista event serves as both a celebration of Lambert’s legacy and a reminder of the community that helped establish watercraft racing throughout the region.

Beyond the racing itself, organizers continue to emphasize the family-oriented atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the series. Competitors attending Rio Vista are being encouraged to participate in a community pancake breakfast organized by the Lyons Club, while sponsor-supported giveaways and registration tent prizes will once again be part of the weekend festivities. Racers will also have opportunities to win products donated by supporters including Dirty Delta Performance, Wild West Watercross and The Ski Clinic.

As the championship chase continues, Rio Vista represents an important midpoint in the season before competitors head north to Topaz Lake, Nevada, for Round 4 in July and ultimately the series finale in Sparks, Nevada, in August. With championship points on the line and a tribute to one of Northern California racing’s most influential figures, Round 3 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events on the Wild West Watercross calendar.

American Jet Sport Association

The American Jet Sport Association wrapped up Round 2 of its Southern Summer Series recently in Knoxville, Tennessee, drawing a strong turnout of racers, families and spectators for another busy weekend of competition.

Series officials thanked racers, sponsors, volunteers and supporters following the event, while also recognizing Visit Knox Sports, HobbyTown Knoxville and Alcoa Good Times for helping make the Knoxville stop possible. Attention now turns toward Round 3, scheduled for July 3-4 in Spindale, North Carolina.

Several classes produced standout performances during the weekend. In Freestyle competition, Kyle Edwards claimed the overall victory ahead of Schyler Tiedemann and Michael Petro. Teagan Hill topped the Pro Ski 1050 class, while Tyler Lester earned victories in both SuperCourse Pro Am 300/200 and AR 1800 Runabout Stock.

Youth racers continued to play a major role throughout the event. Logan Fleming captured the Jr. Ski Futures overall win and was awarded a new Traxxas Disruptor courtesy of HobbyTown Knoxville and Traxxas. Colt Myer claimed victory in Jr. Sport Spec, while several junior competitors also appeared on podiums throughout the weekend’s competition.

Other notable winners included Kylie Meier, who earned victories in both Ski Women’s Stock and Ski 1500 Stock Pro Am, Kelly Myhan in Pro Am Runabout 1100 Limited, Jax Rowe in Sport Spec, Neal Orussa in AR 1100 Runabout Stock, Dustin Higdon in Ski Vet, and Jordan Blevins in Ski Vintage Evo.

With two rounds now complete, racers will have only a few weeks to prepare before the Southern Summer Series resumes in North Carolina for what promises to be another competitive holiday weekend of racing.

Hydro-Turf Best of the West Series

The Hydro-Turf Best of the West Series completed Round 5 of its 2026 championship campaign June 13-14 with the Summer Slam at BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona. While triple-digit temperatures created challenging conditions throughout the weekend, racers, crews and spectators battled through the heat to produce another strong turnout for one of the West Coast’s premier watercraft racing series.

Following the event, organizer Dawn Carey thanked racers, families, sponsors and supporters for helping make the weekend a success despite the extreme conditions, noting that competitors “pushed through and absolutely kicked butt all weekend long.”

Several riders turned in standout performances during the Summer Slam. Travis Billings swept both Junior Ski 10-12 classes, scoring perfect 240-point weekends in Junior Ski 10-12 Lites and Junior Ski 10-12 4-Stroke Lites. Mark Queen claimed top honors in Junior Ski 13-15 Lites, while Ryder Bliss earned the Sport Spec victory over Jake Venditto and Landen Ayers.

In Ski Pro-Am Lites, Brice Chambers captured the overall win ahead of Jack Cobb, while Devin Matthias topped the Ski Novice Lites field. The Runabout GP/Open class saw Cesar Oliveres take the victory, followed by Brian Cams and John Kennedy.

The strong showing by junior racers once again highlighted one of the Best of the West Series’ defining strengths, with multiple youth divisions producing some of the weekend’s largest and most competitive fields.

Series officials are expected to release updated championship standings in the coming days as racers begin looking ahead to the next stop on the 2026 Best of the West schedule.

That’s a wrap on this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup. With race season heating up from coast to coast, we’ll continue keeping an eye on the racers, organizations and events helping drive the sport forward. We’ll be back next week with more results, previews and developments from across the world of personal watercraft racing. Stay tuned to The Watercraft Journal for continuing coverage throughout the 2026 season.

Must Every Ride Be a Group Ride?

Jessica Waters
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Must Every Ride Be a Group Ride?

Safety experts recommend riding with a partner whenever possible, yet many personal watercraft owners spend much of their time on the water alone. The advice is well-intentioned and grounded in simple practicality. A second rider can assist in an emergency, help with mechanical issues, or summon help if something goes wrong. Most experienced riders don’t argue with that logic.

But despite those recommendations, solo riding remains a very real part of personal watercraft ownership.

Which raises a question worth asking: must every ride be a group ride?

Spend a few minutes scrolling through social media and it’s easy to conclude that personal watercraft ownership is largely a group activity. Most of the images we see feature groups of riders gathered at sandbars, waterfront restaurants, organized events and destination rides.

There’s nothing wrong with that. Those rides are often memorable, photogenic and worth sharing.

Yet many riders may spend far more time riding than posting about riding.

If that’s true, are solo rides simply underrepresented in the conversation?

Or perhaps more accurately—are they just less visible?

The personal watercraft community has no shortage of group-focused content. Poker runs, weekend meetups, destination rides, and sandbar gatherings all paint a picture of a sport built around shared experiences. And for many riders, that picture is completely accurate.

But it may not be the full picture.

The rides we remember most aren’t always the rides we do most.

For some riders, the ideal day on the water involves a convoy of skis, a planned route, and a group gathering at the end of the run. For others, it’s a launch ramp with no schedule, no group text, and no expectation beyond simply heading out and seeing where the water leads.

There’s a subtle divide there—not of right and wrong, but of purpose.

Be honest: when you think back on your last full riding season, how much of it was actually spent riding with others? And how much of it was solo?

For many owners, the answer has less to do with preference and more to do with reality.

Work schedules don’t always align. Friends may not own watercraft. Family obligations, weather windows, and last-minute free time often turn planned group rides into unplanned solo ones. In many cases, the choice isn’t between riding alone and riding with friends.

It’s between riding alone and not riding at all.

Group rides absolutely have their place. They bring energy, shared experiences, exploration of unfamiliar waterways, and the kind of memories that tend to get photographed, filmed, and repeated. There’s a reason they dominate so much of what we see online—they’re dynamic, social, and easy to share.

But that visibility can create its own impression.

If most of what we see is group riding, does that subtly suggest it’s the “standard” way to enjoy a PWC?

Or are solo riders simply quieter about how they spend their time on the water?

This isn’t about suggesting one approach is more valid than the other. In fact, most experienced riders likely move between both depending on the day, the conditions, and the opportunity.

The balance between what’s shared and what’s experienced is worth considering.

Because in many cases, the most common way people ride may not be the most visible way people ride.

And those aren’t always the same thing.

So here’s the question:

When you look back on your time on the water this season, what defined it more—group rides or solo rides?

And maybe more importantly, does it match the picture of PWC culture most often seen online?

So which is it—solo rider, group rider, or somewhere in between? Let’s see how the WCJ community breaks it down.

ShoreDocker Modular Docking Ramp Makes Access to Water Easier

Jessica Waters
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ShoreDocker Modular Docking Ramp Makes Access to Water Easier

What would you do with a little more time in your weekend? One less line to wait in at the launch ramp. One less trailer to hook up. One less logistical hurdle standing between you and a day on the water.

Maybe you’d spend another hour fishing before sunset. Maybe you’d take the family out for an evening cruise. Maybe you’d spend a little longer at the sandbar with friends. Or maybe you’d simply enjoy the peace of knowing your personal watercraft is already waiting at the water’s edge when you’re ready to ride.

For many PWC owners, time on the water is precious. Work schedules are busy, weekends seem shorter every year, and every minute spent launching, retrieving and trailering a watercraft is a minute that could be spent making memories on the water instead.

That’s the idea behind ShoreDocker’s easy-to-use docking systems.

Rather than spending valuable time loading up a trailer, driving to a public launch and waiting for your turn at the ramp, ShoreDocker helps put your personal watercraft where it belongs — ready for your next adventure whenever the mood strikes.

Anyone who has visited a busy launch ramp during the height of summer knows how quickly a day can become consumed by logistics. Launching the ski, finding parking, retrieving it at the end of the day and loading everything back up can take far longer than most owners would like. By the time the process is complete, some of the excitement has already been replaced by frustration.

ShoreDocker offers an alternative that focuses on convenience and accessibility. With your watercraft stored at the water’s edge, getting underway can be faster and easier, allowing owners to spend more time doing what they bought a personal watercraft to do in the first place.

That extra time can add up in meaningful ways.

It might mean one more lap around the lake when the kids on the tube are yelling, “Just one more ride!” It could be one final test session for riders chasing a little more speed or dialing in a recent performance upgrade. Maybe it’s an early morning cruise before the lake wakes up, when the water is glass calm and the world seems a little quieter. Or perhaps it’s simply a chance to sit on the dock, take a deep breath, and enjoy a few moments of peace before the weekend’s activities begin.

Sometimes the biggest benefit isn’t measured in minutes at all.

It’s the freedom that comes from knowing your next ride doesn’t require a checklist of chores before you ever touch the water. It’s having the flexibility to take a quick ride when conditions are perfect or enjoy a relaxing morning cruise before boat traffic begins to build.

Beyond convenience, ShoreDocker’s roller-based docking systems help keep your watercraft elevated out of the water when not in use, providing secure storage while keeping your PWC ready for the next outing.

At the end of the day, most people don’t buy a personal watercraft because they enjoy trailering. They buy one for the freedom, adventure and experiences that come with being on the water.

ShoreDocker’s docking systems help remove some of the obstacles that stand between owners and those experiences, allowing them to focus less on the process and more on the moments that make ownership worthwhile.

After all, more time on the water starts with easier access to it.

World Champions Headline Opening UIM Aquabike European Championship in Mira

Jessica Waters
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World Champions Headline Opening UIM Aquabike European Championship in Mira

The first round of the UIM Aquabike European Continental Championship is less than a month away, and the entry list for the July 3-5 event in Mira, Portugal is already shaping up to be a strong one. Several current and former Aquabike World Champions have confirmed their participation, setting the stage for a competitive opening round.

Among them is current Ski GP1 World Champion Oliver Koch Hansen, who arrives in Mira with momentum but something still to prove on the European stage. The Danish rider has steadily climbed the European Championship standings — fourth in 2023, third in 2024, second in 2025 — and a strong result in Mira would put him in contention to add a first European title to his existing world crown.

One of the more anticipated storylines heading into Mira is the return of Jonna Borgstrom, the 2021 Ski Ladies GP1 World Champion, who has been away from Aquabike competition for several seasons. Borgstrom has European Championship pedigree — she claimed a European title back in 2017 — but she’ll need to reestablish herself at the top level against a competitive field that includes her own sister, Sofie Borgstrom.

Runabout GP1 competitor Samuel Johansson brings a different kind of pressure to Mira. The fellow Swede and 2024 World Champion is already a two-time European titlist (2019 and 2022) and will be looking to claim a third European crown.

In Freestyle, reigning World Champion Roberto Mariani returns to a venue where he has found success before, having won last year’s Mira round on his way to claiming an eleventh European Freestyle title. His son Francesco Mariani will also be on the water, competing in the Ski GP4 Junior category.

Portuguese fans will have home riders to cheer as well, with Paulo Nunes, Lino Araujo, and Joana Graca among the local contingent confirmed for the event.

Read the full release below:

12 June, 2026
MULTIPLE WORLD CHAMPIONS CONFIRMED FOR OPENING UIM AQUABIKE EUROPEAN CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN MIRA, PORTUGAL

Friday, June 12th – With less than a month until the UIM Aquabike European Continental Championship gets underway in the season’s first instalment in Mira, Portugal, the growing entry list of riders already confirms the presence of multiple Aquabike World Champions set to battle it out on July 3-5.

The pressure will be on for current Ski GP1 World Champion Oliver Koch Hansen to maintain his excellent form from last season and translate his success on the world stage to the European Championship. So far, the Dane has been on a constant upward trajectory in his European Championship standings, coming fourth in 2023, third in 2024, and second in 2025. That means the only way is up for Koch Hansen, with a strong result in Mira needed to set him up to add a first European title to his name.

Having been absent from Aquabike racing in the past few seasons, Jonna Borgstrom makes a much-anticipated return for the opening race in Mira. The 2021 Ski Ladies GP1 World Champion is no stranger to European Championship success either, having won a European title in 2017, but with almost a decade now separating her from that title she will have to prove her pedigree at the top of the sport once again. Trying to stand in her way will be Jonna’s own sister, Sofie Borgstrom, against whom she will compete in Mira.

Fellow Swede and former World Champion Samuel Johansson will be hoping that success in Mira sets him up for a third European Championship title, with the Runabout GP1 star having already claimed European titles in 2019 and 2022 on his way to claiming the sport’s highest accolade with his World Championship win in 2024.

Roberto Mariani is another current World Champion already confirmed for Mira, with the Italian freestyler hoping to emulate his first place finish from last year’s round in Mira that helped him go on to claim a stunning eleventh European Freestyle title. Roberto will not be the only rider from the Mariani family fighting for success in Mira, with his son Francesco Mariani also on the entry list, competing in the Ski GP4 Junior category.

With more riders joining the entry list by the day as racing in Mira looms closer, past success for the many World Champions competing in Mira will bring no promise of repeated victory, with a great many challengers preparing to make Aquabike history of their own. Among those challengers will be a significant contingent of home talent with the likes of Paulo Nunes, Lino Araujo, and Joana Graca among those filling up the ranks of Portuguese riders for local fans to cheer on.

WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup (June 11)

Jessica Waters
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WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup (June 11)

Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we check in on one of the biggest race weekends of the season as the IHRA Professional Watercraft Series prepares to head to Lake of the Ozarks for Round 3 of its 2026 campaign.

Momentum continues to build for the series following a successful stop in New Orleans that generated 92 total entries, 88 unique racers, more than 3,000 laps of competition, and over 100 hours of track time. With strong registration numbers and several of the sport’s top names already committed, Lake of the Ozarks is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated stops of the year.

The IHRA Professional Watercraft Series heads to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, June 12-14 for Round 3 of the 2026 season, and organizers are expecting one of the largest and most diverse events on the schedule.

The weekend will feature closed-course racing, endurance competition, freestyle exhibitions, waterfront entertainment, and a variety of fan-focused activities as the series continues to expand its footprint beyond traditional race formats.

Series officials have spent the past several weeks building anticipation for the event, highlighting growing registration numbers and the addition of several new classes. Organizers recently released the official race schedule, noting that Ski GP competitors will contest Moto 1 on Friday, Moto 2 on Saturday, and Moto 3 on Sunday.

The event follows a strong Round 2 showing in New Orleans, where several racers arrive at Lake of the Ozarks carrying significant momentum.

Among the standout performers were Coy Curtis, who claimed the Ski GP victory, and Jay Edworthy, who topped a stacked Pro Endurance 300 field that included Camden Powell, Vanjae Ramgeet, Deven Farthing, Noah Skipps, and Tory Snyder. Eric Lagopoulos captured the Runabout GP3 win, while Emy Garcia led the Ski GP Women’s class. Knox Ritchie earned the Ski GP2 victory, Lukas Cervera topped Ski GP3, Cash McClure won Ski Junior, and Talan Farthing claimed the Sport Spec class.

Many of those racers are expected back in action this weekend, joined by an entry list loaded with recognizable names from across the PWC racing world.

The Pro Endurance field alone features racers such as Anthony Radetic, Camden Powell, Jay Edworthy, Jason Russo, Jay Finlinson, Noah Skipps, Tory Snyder, Ian Smith, Vanjae Ramgeet, and Eric Lagopoulos. The Ski GP class is equally deep, with Camden Powell, Coy Curtis, Deven Farthing, Revin Harris, River Crawford, Ryder Wildeboer, Ryland Webster, Ben Reber, and several other championship-caliber competitors already registered.

Additional classes continue to draw strong participation, including Ski GP2, Ski GP3, Sport Spec, Junior competition, Runabout GP3, Vintage classes, endurance racing, and freestyle exhibitions.

For the IHRA Professional Watercraft Series, Lake of the Ozarks represents another opportunity to build on the momentum generated during its first two rounds while showcasing a broad cross-section of the sport. If registration numbers are any indication, racers and fans can expect a packed weekend of competition when the green flag drops Friday morning.

That’s a wrap on this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup. We’ll be back next week with a look at the results from Lake of the Ozarks and the latest developments from across the world of personal watercraft racing. Stay tuned to The Watercraft Journal for continuing coverage throughout the 2026 season.

How to Actually Pull Off a Group Ride (Without Losing Half The Crew by Lunch)

Jessica Waters
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How to Actually Pull Off a Group Ride (Without Losing Half The Crew by Lunch)

Every rider has experienced it. Five machines leave the launch ramp together, but by lunchtime one rider is running on fumes, another disappeared two miles back, nobody can agree where to stop for food, and the group’s fastest rider is already halfway to the next county.

Group rides can create some of the best memories in personal watercraft riding. They can also turn into a logistical headache surprisingly quickly. The difference usually isn’t horsepower, experience, or even the destination. It’s planning.

Earlier this month, Florida-based women’s riding group the Throttle Queen Riders proved the draw of group rides when they held their first-ever group ride out of Ed Stone Boat Ramp, destination Silver Glenn Springs

By all accounts – it went off without a hitch. “It was a huge success,” group admin Yvette Aponte Reyes wrote afterward. “So many came out to ride and participate with us. Lots of food and laughter. It was great to meet so many new faces and groups.”

For a first-time event with new riders, unfamiliar faces, and the usual chaos of a launch ramp morning, that outcome doesn’t happen by accident. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced groups running serious open-water routes — think circumnavigation runs requiring insurance verification, tow service, and a 6:30 AM departure — operate with an entirely different planning tier, but the same underlying principles. Whether you’re running a casual cruise to a spring or a full-day ocean passage, the framework that keeps a group together is largely the same.

Here’s how to build it.

Designate a Ride Leader and a Sweep Rider
Nobody likes being “in charge” until the group gets separated and someone has to make a call. Before anyone hits the water, identify one person as the ride leader — they set the pace, make route decisions, and are the point of contact if something changes. Equally important is the sweep rider, who takes the last position and is responsible for making sure nobody gets left behind. The sweep should be an experienced rider who’s comfortable running slower than they’d like and communicates clearly with the leader. If you don’t have both roles filled before you launch, you don’t have a plan.

Build the Route Around Your Least Experienced Rider
The pace of any group ride should be set by the newest rider, not the fastest one. This isn’t charity — it’s how you keep the group intact. A ride that splinters within the first hour because half the group rode away from the other half isn’t a group ride, it’s just a coincidental departure. If the skill gap in your group is genuinely wide, the honest solution is to split into two groups with separate leaders rather than forcing everyone into an uncomfortable compromise. But if you’re riding together, you’re riding together. The fastest rider’s job on a group ride is to be a good group rider.

Share the Route Before Anyone Launches
Maps, screenshots, GPS waypoints, notable landmarks — get all of it out before the engines start. Every rider should know the full route, not just the first stop. Include fuel points, meeting checkpoints, and any sections where conditions might require closer attention. If someone’s phone dies or they get separated, they should still be able to piece together where the group is headed. A quick group text the night before with a screenshot of the route takes five minutes and eliminates an enormous amount of confusion on the water.

Know Your Fuel Range and Plan Around It
The one-third rule is a simple mental framework worth sharing with your group: use one-third of your fuel getting out, keep one-third for the return, and hold one-third in reserve. Not every machine has the same range, and not every rider pays close attention to their gauge. Before you launch, have a brief conversation about fuel capacity across the group. Identify the shortest-range ski, and plan your fuel stops around it — not around the machines with the biggest tanks. One rider running dry mid-ride doesn’t just strand that rider. It stops everyone.

Establish Communication Before You Leave the Dock
Waterproof phone cases, VHF radios, pre-agreed hand signals, designated meeting points — whatever your group uses, make sure everyone understands it before the ride begins. Decide in advance what the protocol is if someone falls behind: does the group hold position, does the sweep stay back, is there a checkpoint where everyone waits? Pick two or three landmarks along the route as rally points so that if communication breaks down, everyone knows where to regroup. “We’ll figure it out on the water” is not a communication plan.

Keep the Group Size Manageable
There’s no hard rule on group size, but experienced ride organizers will tell you that somewhere around six to eight machines is a natural ceiling before coordination starts to break down. There is a reason seasoned riders refer to larger group rides in terms of “herding cats.” Ten skis on the water together require active management. More than that and you’re essentially running an event, which means you need more structure, not less — multiple sub-groups with their own leaders, staggered departures, checkpoint accountability. If you’re organizing a large-scale ride, lean into that structure rather than hoping the group stays together on goodwill.

Run a Pre-Ride Safety Check Together
Before the first engine starts, take five minutes as a group. Kill switch lanyards on. Life jackets fitted and fastened. Fuel levels confirmed. Anyone with a mechanical concern speaks up now, not two miles out. It sounds basic, but it’s the kind of basic that gets skipped when everyone’s excited to get on the water. The sweep rider is a good person to own this checklist — it reinforces their role and catches the things individuals miss when they’re rushing.

Establish an Accountability Protocol
The sweep rider counts heads at every checkpoint before the group moves on. Full stop. If the count is short, the group holds position until the missing rider is located or contacted. This doesn’t need to be formal or heavy-handed, but it needs to be understood before you leave the dock. The most common version of a rider getting truly lost in a group situation isn’t a dramatic emergency — it’s a series of small moments where everyone assumed someone else was keeping track.

Set the Etiquette Expectations Early
No surprise racing. No wake jumping around riders you don’t know. No cutting inside another rider without a clear signal. Good group riding has a positive side too: maintain reasonable following distance, communicate before passing, stay in the leader’s wake when conditions require it. A quick two-minute conversation about on-water behavior before launch sets the tone and gives you something to point back to if someone starts riding outside the spirit of the group.

Have a Backup Plan for Everything
Weather changes. Skis break down. Someone decides halfway through that they’ve had enough and wants to head back. Build your plan with the assumption that at least one thing will go differently than expected. Know the nearest boat ramp to every major point on your route. Identify who in the group has a tow rope and basic mechanical knowledge. Make sure at least one rider has a number for on-water towing service saved in their phone. The backup plan isn’t pessimism — it’s what lets everyone else relax and enjoy the ride.

Think Bigger: Charity Rides and Community Events
Group riding doesn’t stop at your friend circle. At this time of year, charity rides are happening in most local riding communities — organized events that raise money for causes while putting dozens or hundreds of skis on the water together. If there isn’t one in your area, that’s an opportunity. The Throttle Queen Riders built something from nothing — a group, a route, a first ride — and came back from it with new friends and a community that didn’t exist before. That’s what a well-run group ride can become.

The water is more fun with people in it. The planning just makes sure they all end up at the same place.

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