Recently, The Watercraft Journal has welcomed a whole new crop of Australian readers, partially because of our dedicated coverage of the QPWC series as well as our continually-growing coverage of the awesome freeride scene. Nevertheless, we are all very honored to have so many of our friends from the Land of Oz coming each and every day.
A big part of making our Australian coverage what it is has been our advertisers, and our newest is Melbourne’s Diptech Performance; the Northern Jet Ski Center is a one stop shop fixed in Melbourne, Victoria’s northern suburbs. Specializing in the sale of refurbished personal watercraft and jet boats, mechanical repairs and performance modifications to suit all our customers needs, Diptech has everything that you need to get you out on the water enjoying the water.
Stocked with the latest in JetPilot life jackets and accessories, Diptech Performance also stocks performance parts from RIVA Racing and R&D Performance, the best goods from Jettrim, Hydro-Turf and all you need to equip your ski for fishing or just give it a custom look. Diptech also has the newst diagnostic equipment available, and a full-sized testing tank to give you the best results for your watercraft.
Look out America, you are about to be invaded. Invaded by Aussies…well, five at least. Five of of Australia’s best freeriders are about to hit the Blowsion Surf Slam. But before they left Oz, we got the chance to have a chat and take some shots.
The Watercraft Journal: Mitch Young so tell us a bit about yourself and what got you into the sport.
Mitch Young: “I’ve been riding standup jet skis for five years. I have done a lot of sports in my life like surfing, football, MX, and skydiving and I was alright at all of them, but always got to a certain level and wouldn’t progress anymore. I have found with freeriding I am always progressing, my mates and I are always trying to raise the bar.
“My first ski was an SXR 800 believe it or not. It was also the first ski I flipped. Then I moved onto the JB1 then a Predator and now I’m on a small competition hull, a Krash Industries Footrocket. Inside is a Flame ignition, 950 Dasa, 148mm pump, 48 Novis, Power Factor. It has plenty of punch, which I love. I ride at a spot an hour and a half from home called Inverloch. It’s a beautiful coastal town in Gippsland. With a boat ramp and only a three minute ride to the surf it’s perfect and uncrowded. I’m very lucky to have the sponsors that I do, Jetpilot, AJSP, Krash Indistries, ATP, Dasa, Urcheon.
“As this sport is very expensive, whether it’s money, cheaper parts, free labor or free clothes, without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. So thank you. I have won the Australian Titles two years in a row, I’m still yet to win an IFWA round.
“This is my best year on tour, having earned a second place in Australia, fifth in France and another second in the UK, it took Mick Anthony and myself a lot of money and three years on tour to work out what the judges are looking for and what gets the scores. I hope for Surf Slam the same as I hope for every round, to win. But I know that this is going to be one of the toughest rounds this year. With only three points separating Mick and myself, and Pierre (seven-time world champion) not too far behind its going to be a close finish. Not to mention the other guys in the Top 20 who could easily knock us out in one of the earlier heats.
“For Surf Slam, I will be borrowing Zack Bright’s spare 850 Dasa Krash Industries Predator, which I owe a huge thank you to Zack for I’m sure one day I’ll be able to return the favor. Thanks everyone for your support and my mates back home who I ride with every weekend you guys are the best.”
WCJ: OK, Brodie Copp. Tell us about yourself.
BC: “I’m 21 years old, I live on the Gold Coast and my local ride spots are South Stradbroke and The Spit. I have been riding stand ups for three years now, starting out in 2011 on a Yamaha SuperJet. I began competing in the Amateur class for the Krash Industries Australian Titles in 2012 and ended up coming first overall. This was a great year for me because not only was I the Australian Amateur champion but I was also offered my first major sponsorship with JetPilot.
“Shortly after I became apart of the JetPilot team, Australian Jetski Parts also gave me the opportunity to represent their company as a sponsored rider. Not long after being picked up by these wicked sponsors, I sold my SuperJet and was on my first Rickter FR2 Evo1 as it came into 2013 and I began my first year riding in the Pro class.
“After coming second at the first round of the 2013 Krash titles, I picked up three more sponsors; Rickter, Dasa and Cold Fusion and I decided to build a fresh new Rickter Evo1 using the best parts that my new sponsors had to offer.
“The next round of the Krash titles was held in Melbourne and was also the first round of the IFWA world tour. I ended up 5th in the Krash titles and 9th in the IFWA which was not my best result but after giving it all I had I was happy to walk away with helpful feedback from international judges giving me something to work on for the next event.
“My definite highlight from this event was performing my very first double barrel roll and landing it in one of the Krash title heats where I competed against Mitch Young. Only a couple of months after was the final round of the Krash titles held on the Sunshine Coast. The surf was very small leaving it up to the high powered skis to perform, and luckily enough my new ski had a 950 Dasa engine helping me make it to the semi finals and finishing off with a third in the event and an overall 3rd in Australia for the Pro class.
“Over the past month, I have been training hard and riding as much as I can in preparation for the final round of the IFWA in America – the Blowsion Surf Slam held in Pacific City, Oregon. I am pretty excited about this event as it will be my very first overseas competition. My good mate Brandon Lawlor has been kind enough to lend me his sister’s Rickter to ride for the comp, which is set up almost exactly the same as mine. I am looking forward to pushing myself to the limits at this event and all events in the future to see how far I can go in this awesome sport.”
Brock Taylor, the 21 year old young gun that lives on the Gold Coast is an amazing rider to watch. Don’t get us wrong, they’re all good. Different styles, different techniques. But if you want to see something a little out of control, keep an eye on Brock. After hanging out with Brodie and Brock last Friday and having the pleasure to photograph these two legends rip up the big Surf on the Gold Coast, we heard only a week later that Brock had Broken his arm practicing. We had a quick chat.
WCJ: OK Brock Taylor, what happened? BT: “I was really looking forward to the next month coming up starting with heading over to the US for the Blowsion Surf Slam and coming back for Rip ‘n Ride and the Dasa Nationals.
“I went riding at Maroochydore on Saturday day and lost the ski in the air and ended up coming down onto my forearm which already had plates in it. Bit of a shame but everything happens for a reason and I look forward to getting back on the ski as soon as everything has healed probably.
“I just like to thank Worx Racing Products, JetPilot, Australian Jetski Parts and the Wetseat For all the help this year.”
Also in the mix is Mick Anthony and Dave McAleese. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to have a chat to these guy before they left. But we know one thing for sure, with Mick Anthony leading the IFWA points table and Mitch Young right behind him, everyone else better bring there A Game. And we’re sure Zac Bright and Mark Gomez and plenty of the other boys will be snapping at there heals with plenty of points up for grabs. So at the end of the day its not about the results, it’s about all the mates you make on the way. So don’t be shy, go up and say “G’day” to the Aussies and wish them luck.
All images courtesy of Photo by Skip. For prints or downloadable versions, please click the hyperlink.
The final round of the US Offshore Series by RPM Racing Enterprises will finish off a great season of racing, via the famous Dana Point to Oceanside & Back course on Sunday, September 21st. Horsepower, navigation, and the discovery of a high speed sweet-spot in varying conditions will no doubt be page in the playbooks of the top American offshore racers. The Dana Point to Oceanside & Back race can present flat water or five foot wall water.
Multi-time closed-course champion Mike “The Klipper” Klippenstien will again make the trip from Canada for the final round to compete against the best American West Coast offshore racing has to offer: former overall Triple Crown of Offshore champion and Mark Hahn 300 mile race champion Mark Gerner, multi-time Vet Master closed course IJSBA World Champion KC Heidler and Stock class racer Mike Perry. Team Green’s Monster Enegry Kawasaki Minoru Kanamori will also be there to attempt to add a win to his collection of world championships. Minoru’s wife, Emi Kanamori will also be there to contend for the Manufacturer Stock class.
Overall, the field will be an impressive one, as racers will compete for the overall victory on September 21st. PWC racers from all over the country are welcome to enter as nothing compares to take on the open waters; hammering the throttle, navigating the swells, and making on-course adjustments to compensate for the changing mood of the beautiful Pacific Coast!
All of us at The Watercraft Journal are very excited to welcome Aquacarts, Inc. to the ever-growing family of advertisers to the industry’s fastest-growing, most-read, most popular personal watercraft magazine. One might think that bringing Aquacart in at the close of the riding season might seem crazy, but consider where most watercraft end up during the off-season? That’s correct! On an Aquacart in your garage or shop, right?
We are excited to show how Aquacart’s variety of totes, stands, carts, and slings are instrumental tools in every PWC enthusiast’s work area. If you do your own service, modifications or just keep your ski at your own home, chances are you’re using an Aquacart, because there are fewer brands more dedicated to our industry. Established in 1993, Aquacart has been at the PWC game for over 20 years, providing innovative tools necessary to keep your ski safe and accessible.
Best of all, Aquacart has become a household name, with more watercraft dealers and marinas across the world using their products than any other brand. Made entirely in the USA, Aquacart engineers and manufactures some of the strongest, longest lasting equipment for the industry. Specializing in PWC beach carts, dollies, carts, showroom display stands, storage stands and lift harnesses, Aquacart products are made with heavy gauge steel and powdercoated to provide the toughest finish available.
Expect to see Aquacart appearing in future technical How-To features, product reviews and much more over the next coming weeks and months!
Years ago, we had the express pleasure of publishing a never-before-shot of Taylor Curtis getting barrelled in paradisaical surf spot Teahupoʻo on his honeymoon. It was a historical shot and we loved being able to play a small part in it. It’s taken nearly six years, but an equally talented freerider, Mitch Young from the Mornington Peninsula, Australia, has mirrored Taylor’s achievement.
Yet, the 28-year-old didn’t have to travel nearly as far. During a particularly big swell in an undisclosed surf spot, Young put his 5 years of freeride experience to the test. The Watercraft Journal got a chance to sit down with Young who shared his experience:
“I have dreamed about getting barrelled on my ski for a while now. With a surfing background, I knew exactly what swell and wind direction I needed for a particular surf spot that is renowned for big hectic barrels. After discussions with mates and keeping an eye on the charts, the date was set and the forecast was perfect.
“The second rescue ski I had lined up pulled out last minute so I organized a rental ski and the morning of the 21st of August, Ducky, Leggett, Jay and myself loaded up all that we needed and headed out off the Sorrento boat ramp. I had my stand jet ski up on my G-Board behind my sitdown jet ski, the trip on the sitdowns out to the break took us an hour to get to. Once there, Mitch the camera man jumps in and the wave turned on.
“I undertook a number of approaches to the wave until I found one that worked, not every wave did what I needed it to do, so I had to pick the right one which was proving difficult. Once I committed to a wave it was way too steep, there was no turning back. Myself and Jay had to go way out the back and put the standup back on the G-Board to refuel; it was a challenge but we got pretty good at it.
“The day was perfect, the sun was out, big sets on the horizon and dolphins in the distance. Finally, after a few attempts, I managed to get a couple of perfect waves and found myself as I dreamed, inside the barrel! I have never put my ski in such a critical position in the wave before, especially a wave of this size and magnitude.
“Once we got the shot and I was still in one piece we called it a day. Thanks to all that helped out that day without each and everyone of you this wouldn’t of been possible. A big thanks to my sponsors Jetpilot, Krash Industries, AJSP, ATP, Dasa for there continued support.”
The shots included in this article come courtesy of Mitchell Nibbs. Although Nibbs was kind enough to provide us with these few shots, larger full-resolution versions are available by emailing [email protected].
Today I was reminded of the simple bliss of the ride. Jetski Junkies member Travis Powers called an impromptu ride on the Peace River and both my wife and I were able to attend along with Travis’ fiancee Carli and Rich Decker.
The ride was simple in nature, about 60 miles or so round trip from fresh water to salt and back without hardly any real need for planning, spare fuel and as luck would have it, the need to carry lunch.
The ride took us southwest from Nocatee to Charlotte Harbor in Port Charlotte, FL. The river is mostly a 25mph zone that twists and turns from narrow to wide at ease, with some minor dead fall, debris and shallows to lookout for, mainly in the upper section as it narrows.
The water level was about nine inches below normal, some tidal influence in the lower part of the river below the local hotspot called Nav-A-Gators Bar & Grill, where we were able to stop for lunch and fuel as well.
The river was flat with some chop from airboat traffic. There seemed to be quite a bit of river side swimming, relaxing and BBQ’n going on. We also saw quite a bit of tubing, wake- and knee-boarding, which we don’t normally come across. I guess these folks are just use to swimming with those pesky green lizards with teeth [chuckle].
Taking our time and enjoying the scenery with friends and outstanding conditions surely made this ride very enjoyable.
Rides like these aren’t as common for me; most of the riding the Club has been doing are long tours and even recently a once an a lifetime jet ski ride out to the Bahamas, so this ride really allowed my wife and I to step back, take it slow and really enjoy.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it all, but today was a reminder of why we love this sport so much, and it’s because of the riding. I
t’s coming together, putting fiberglass (or plastic if a Spark) in the water, soaking in the sun, breathing the fresh air and carving up some water. When you are out there, nothing else matters, no stress, no bills, no college plan, no government intervention, just you, friends and the ride. I don’t care what your excuse is, what your afflictions are, what group you are with, what race is coming up and what ski you own or ride, because at the end of the day, if you aren’t stepping back to simply ride, then you may have forgotten what it is that truly ignited your passion in the first place.
Hey, it’s cool. We all like to save money. Frugality is a virtue after all. That’s why we’re excited to let you know that Hydro-Turf is ramping up the saving machine again to seriously hack away at their prices – but with a catch. Hydro-Turf is offering 25-percent off all mat kits, seat covers, and sheets of Hydro-Turf, as well as 20-percent all accessories if you pre-order today and pick up your order at their booth at this year’s World Finals.
See, Hydro-Turf won’t be carting out endless piles of mat kits and seat covers to the Finals. Rather, they are only bringing out those Will Call items pre-ordered prior to the event, so if you’re looking to save some cash on both the retail cost and shipping, and you already plan on being at the Finals, now is your chance.
Of course, the special discount code “CODE-TWJ” exclusive to the readers of The Watercraft Journal is still in effect, so if you’re interested in getting Hydro-Turf’s Hydration Roller Bag for $50 (that’s a $30 savings over retail) or a 15-percent discount on all mats, seat covers and sheets of Hydro-Turf, you can always use that (but the coupon code cannot be used on previously discounted items).
Here’s the original press release:
We are offering some pre-order discount specials, this applies to orders being Will Called at World Finals ONLY. There will be no direct shipping of any pre-order. All orders must be paid in advance, no COD’s.
We will NOT be bringing any mat kits or seat covers this year. We will be offering sheets, apparel (hats and shirts), and accessories (shock pads, side lifter wedges, kick tails, etc). If you need a specific mat kit, seat cover, or a particular color sheet we may not be bringing, I would definitely place an order. There are no guarantees that we can accommodate you when we arrive if you do not place an order in advance.
Orders will be accepted starting now and the last date to order is 09/30, as we are leaving with all product 10/07. Please email all orders to [email protected]
Orders must be picked up 10/09/14 – 10/12/14. If you do not pick up your order by the end of the event, you order well be donated to a Junior/Amateur rider on your behalf.
The following discount applies to regular stock material, and will not be applied to already discounted items, or partial kits. There will be no freight charges, as we are taking care of that for you. The discounts below.
Mat Kits 25% off retail Seat Covers $25% off retail Sheets 25% off retail Accessories 20%
The VXR feature a lot of styling DNA from the larger FX series runabouts.
Were Yamaha to simply carry over its 2014 lineup for 2015, many would have little reason to complain. The introduction of the SVHO (Super Vortex High Output) 1.8L powerplant and accompanying 160mm pump setup was enough to place the brand with the tuning forks in the top podium position in all four major runabout classes in the Pro Watercross Tour this year (Pro Open, Pro Limited, Pro Stock and Naturally-Aspirated).
The answer is the VXR. At the exclusive press intro of the 2015 Yamaha WaveRunner lineup, it was almost an unspoken fact that the VXR – and the entirely-revamped VX Series subsequently – was the focus of Yamaha’s attention.
New to the entire lineup is the innovative dual-throttle RiDE system, but unique to the VXR (and VXS) is Yamaha’s 5-stage electronic trim control.The VXR and VXS are also the only two in the VX family to use the naturally-aspirated 1,812cc High Output powerplant.
The complete overhaul of the VX Series came at the height of the recent fiscal crisis. “We were told were the economy to worsen,” Yamaha Product Manager Scott Watkins prefaced, “all other platforms (besides the VX) would be folded up, so we needed to design a hull that could work with all of our engines and perform in all segments.”
Consequently, the VX hull was lengthened from 126.8-inches to 131.5-inches and widened from 46.1-inches to 48-inches. Central to the new hull was increasing excitement, stability and ride comfort. The larger hull features modified hull strakes, softened bow chines and a entirely new keel shape.
These modifications nearly completely eradicate the “loosey goosey” feel of the outgoing VX that many in the media refer to as being “playful.” Rather, the new VX hull is a tighter handling, significantly more responsive ride that is predictable at speed and blazingly responsive.
Many firsts appear on the new VXR, including a larger swim platform, Hydro-Turf mats, a two-piece seat, and the lightweight NanoXcel hull and deck.The new VXR holds an impressive 24.6 gallons of storage, far exceeding the previous 15.1 gallons.
Although larger in overall size, Yamaha saved the VXR from gaining weight by producing the new VX hull and deck out of its NanoXcel material, while the new NanoXcel 2 is exclusive to the ’15 SVHO models. This allows the VXR to come in at a featherweight 767 pounds (dry).
“We gave up a little on the top end to tighten up the handling,” Watkins admitted. Referring to the old racer credo “fast is loose,” the design of the new VXR hull is firmly planted, while other hulls rise on a narrow keel, freeing up a lot of drag.
Remaining glued means there’s little searching or wandering, and the VXR does none of that. While, the VXR won’t break the sound barrier, its optimized power-to-weight ratio ensures it’ll stretch a smile across your face as it hits its low-to-mid-60’s top speed.
Of course, as with all of the VX and FX series, the VXR comes with Yamaha’s all-new dual-throttle system RiDE.
With the new design aesthetic of the VX Series, so comes a new digital dash cluster with very easy-to-read gauges. Fuel, trim, hours, speed and RPM are all highly visible.The new VXR features additional watertight storage beneath the rear passenger seat found in this screw-top removable container.
Yamaha has contorted itself to avoid the word “brake” in describing RiDE for fear of association to Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse (iBR), but that is ultimately RiDE’s purpose. As an on-water brake, RiDE is excellent, particularly in maximizing Yamaha’s dual-exit reverse bucket to direct water longitudinally, rather than laterally. This does eliminate the telltale vertical roost that alarms vehicles that you’re slowing, but it does keep the bow from diving under hard deceleration.
Although some would argue differently, we discovered that RiDE works to help “load up” or drag in the approach of a turn when the throttle is nearly or completely pinned.
By lightly feathering the left-hand throttle, the reverse bucket will work to slow down the VXR without fully overwriting the throttle, allowing the aggressive rider to maintain constant throttle throughout the turn. We practiced this maneuver several times over our two days with the VXR and smiled that we could in fact, “two foot” through the turns.
In our short two days with one of Yamaha’s pre-production VXR units, we were impressed with the execution of their “Mid-Level Segment” performance craft. This machine is no less as impressive – if not more so – than anything we’ve seen from the company.Five years of experience with iBR has trained us to be too hamfisted. RiDE doesn’t require a heavy hand, but a gentle touch, so take some time to get acclimated if you’ve spent a lot of time on Sea-Doos.
The Watercraft Journal enjoyed an exclusive two-days’ worth of time with the VXR, wherein we were free to explore Lake Oconee, Georgia at our leisure. Our initial impression of the new entry craft to Yamaha’s Performance segment is that it will leave you breathless. Both quite literally and figuratively. The VXR is like a rodeo ride on a rocket. Acceleration is immediate and will likely stretch every tendon and sinew holding your shoulders together.
Dropping a knee in the tray only taunts the VXR to corner harder. Full throttle hairpins will eject lesser riders so you best be ready. In long sweeps, the new hull tracks true and cleanly through mild to moderate chop without much direction, but will need a steadier handle and throttle control through anything rougher.
Ergonomically, the RiDE system and electronic trim pods add an extra inch of handlebar width. The steering head is locked in an upright position. We found it a bit tall for our tastes and wished for a telescoping option akin to the FZR. Nevertheless, everything is well placed, the gauge pod easily legible, and the race-inspired bolstered seat doesn’t have the claustrophobic feel that the larger Cruiser seats sometimes give.
Available in either Black Metallic with Laser Yellow or Torch Red Metallic, the VXR is the entry-level musclecraft that has all the potential of usurping Yamaha’s own FZ Series.
Taking another queue from the larger FX Series, the VXR features a removable screw-top watertight storage bucket beneath the rear passenger adding to the VX’s ample storage. Likewise, the VXR includes Yamaha’s folding swimstep and large platform covered in Hydro-Turf matting.
Retailing for $11,799, there are few runabouts from any brand that can be had for so less that delivers so much. Yamaha’s new VXR is already making waves before it has even hit dealer floors. Racers have already ordered dozens of these machines to be converted into Open class skis. We’re not telling you that there’s a run on 2015 VXR’s, but we are saying there’s plenty of reason not to sit and wait.
We full expect to see these lining up the Naturally Aspirated Runabout and Open Classes next year as well as the 200HP class in AquaX, as the VXR is a born competitor.
Normal, everyday enthusiasts are taking to the water every chance they can get as well. Personally, we think it’s from being cooped up over an extended winter that has so many refusing to give in. Thankfully, the weather is still holding strong (besides from some ill-timed showers) allowing for plenty of fun on the water. And with a new crop of exciting watercraft coming out of Yamaha’s Kennesaw, Georgia headquarters and more of the same from Sea-Doo and Kawasaki, people are strongly considering trading up for the new year.
All of this has spelled some serious readership for The Watercraft Journal. As it has been all year long, August proved our most popular month, welcoming considerably more first-time readers than in previous months, dramatically increasing our Australian and New Zealander readership, in addition to many more domestic regulars. This has allotted us the very humbling position of reaching over 85,000 individual “unique” readers since our November 2013 launch, which positions us to surpass 100,000 readers in our first year – a number that dwarfs other PWC magazines and rivals that of forums.
Over 16,000 readers a month is a lot of eyeballs. And wouldn’t you want those people reading about your company and products? Sure you do, and The Watercraft Journal is here to help you do that. After all, its our job to let the world know about the companies that make the PWC industry! Read the report below and see if The Watercraft Journal isn’t right for you and your brand. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and earning your business.
August 2014
Daily Content Reliably
We’ve said it before, but there’s nothing like reliability. Delivering on your promises is still paramount to us, and it’s disappointing when others claim to do the same when they simply (or won’t). The Watercraft Journal publishes everyday, Monday through Friday. It’s not hard to prove, just go to the magazine! Our commitment to publishing the best, most exciting, entertaining and informative professionally-written articles is proven. Nobody else can say that.
News articles published in July: 26
Feature articles published in July: 13
Total feature word count: 12,771 words*
News articles published in August: 23
Feature articles published in August: 13
Total feature word count: 14,217 words*
*When this number is translated to print publication standards equals a 112-page magazine. Please note that this number does not include an average of two uniquely-written news articles published daily.
Speaking To The Masses
It’s really easy to fall into the trap of doing what’s easy, especially if what’s easy works. What we’ve found though, is that offering a diversity of content is what works best, and that’s a level of commitment that others simply aren’t capable or comfortable doing. Racing coverage is fun, and nobody beats our next-day event coverage, but it’s not what most people read! In fact, we find fishing stories bring more readers than a giant race recap, can you believe it? Our dedication to bring our readers content from across the whole of our industry is what separates us from everybody else.
July
Total number unique readers: 13,696*
Total number of articles read: 34,403
Percentage of new readers: 64%
August
Total number unique readers: 17,028*
Total number of articles read: 42,824
Percentage of new readers: 62.4%
*This number is considered equal to an individual sale of a single copy of a magazine.
Publishing With Purpose
Many simply don’t understand how to use social media to their advantage. Having more “Likes” doesn’t automatically translate into traffic. Using our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and weekly newsletter to carefully engage our audience is a bit of alchemy for other magazines, but not for The Watercraft Journal, and our readership numbers prove it. Because after all, it’s all about readership, isn’t it?
July Facebook readers: 9,302
July Facebook weekly reach: 29,423
Top Five countries: Brazil, United States, Philippines, Argentina, Thailand
August Facebook readers: 10,026
August Facebook weekly reach: 21,325
Top Five countries: United States, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, South Africa
You Just Don’t Turn It Off
The riding season isn’t over, so don’t think we’re slowing down any time soon. In fact, quite the opposite. In the next month – heck, even the next few weeks – you’re going to be seeing quite a few new and exciting changes to The Watercraft Journal. Don’t worry, you won’t be losing any of the stuff you love, but we’ll be radically improving how you access the industry’s favorite PWC magazine. Likewise, we’ve got some really neat announcements coming that will sure to shake up the norm. So if you’re enjoying what you’re seeing from The Watercraft Journal now, just hang tight. Nothing is over. Nothing.
Well, what can we say? Sometimes we get scooped. But this time around it wasn’t from a competitive news source or online blog. This time it was Brisbane Kawasaki who got the scoop on the newest models from Kawasaki. How? By having them show up on a flatbed truck in front of their dealership!
Normally, when manufacturers are preparing to unveil the new crop of products, they carefully groom the media with nondisclosure agreements and handshakes vowing us all to secrecy until a specified date. Media packets are distributed, online files chocked full of photos are shared, and even members of the media are invited out to test ride the new stuff.
Although we haven’t received any hard data on the 2015 lineup, observation would reveal not much has changed for the new year apart from bold new graphics (BNG) and the 310R receiving a pair of iridescent green sponsons. No word on whether these sponsons are reshaped or adjustable (first blush would say no), and the custom-looking blue pinstripe iconic to last year’s model has been replaced with silver.
Speaking of silver, the plane Jane-but-not-boring 310X is resplendent in charcoal, while the Jetsound-equipped 310LX is literally unchanged from last year, metallic green and all. Not shown is a 310X Special Edition (SE), but our understanding is that the SE was as rare as hen’s teeth Down Under, so we can’t report whether the SE will be returning or not just yet.
Of course, we’re over a week away from the “official” reveal of the 2015 Kawasaki lineup, so maybe there will be more to talk about then. Until, then revel in what you see here. We didn’t expect too many changes for this year, particularly as bone stock 310s can compete with fully-built Ultras and Yamahas in the open ocean. Seriously, that’s pretty stinkin’ impressive.
A big part of making our Australian coverage what it is has been our advertisers, and our newest is Melbourne’s Diptech Performance; the Northern Jet Ski Center is a one stop shop fixed in Melbourne, Victoria’s northern suburbs. Specializing in the sale of refurbished personal watercraft and jet boats, mechanical repairs and performance modifications to suit all our customers needs, Diptech has everything that you need to get you out on the water enjoying the water.
BT: “I was really looking forward to the next month coming up starting with heading over to the US for the Blowsion Surf Slam and coming back for Rip ‘n Ride and the Dasa Nationals.
The ride was simple in nature, about 60 miles or so round trip from fresh water to salt and back without hardly any real need for planning, spare fuel and as luck would have it, the need to carry lunch.
Rides like these aren’t as common for me; most of the riding the Club has been doing are long tours and even recently a once an a lifetime jet ski ride out to the Bahamas, so this ride really allowed my wife and I to step back, take it slow and really enjoy.
