Undoubtedly, the topic of illegal immigration is becoming the biggest news to hit the press as border patrol agents apprehend over 1,100 persons (including an average of 205 children) each day. Notable among these apprehensions is the percentage of whom hail from Central American countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Obviously, political pundits are having a field day with this, as many who have been decrying the lack of federal support are using this recent surge as evidence of a failing policy, while others on the opposing side of the aisle are looking to redefine the definition of “illegal” into a slanderous term, thus up-heaving the political debate.
Last month, NBC witnessed and filmed one such illegal immigrant as he boarded a Kawasaki’s STX-15F and sprint across the Rio Grande River only to casually walk up the shore of Anzalduas County Park in Mission, Texas as a border patrol agent’s SUV drives by. The individual was noted as being part of a small group who used the JetSki to traverse the river and deposit a dozen or so immigrants a day into the county park.
The NBC report states, “Ten minutes was all the time needed on Saturday for a man to jump on a jet ski in Mexico, cross the Rio Grande River into Anzalduas County Park and hop in car that nonchalantly bypassed police vehicles and park gates.
“Sgt. Dan Broyles, who patrols Anzalduas County Park, said his job has never been easy, but recently, “it’s like digging a hole and throwing the dirt up a hill.”
“Broyles said he feels like he is “on the front lines in a non-violent invasion,” as 1,200 people cross this strip of the Rio Grande every day, including up to 400 unaccompanied children.”
Undeniably, south Florida is the Mecca of PWC’ing; abundant waters on the inside and out, well over a thousand miles of trails, and a riding season that last all year long. Unfortunately, for some enthusiasts, location, travel time, and the expense it takes to get there can be a trip-killer. For those not so inclined to travel quite that far, a great alternative are the waters along the northern rim of the Gulf of Mexico. And, at the center of it all, on Mississippi’s “Gold Coast” lies Biloxi.
In the early 1990’s, when coastal Mississippi saw gambling legalized, the city of Biloxi had no trouble attracting major players of the gaming industry. Even after the destruction left in the wake of hurricane Katrina, the casinos came back in full force adding elaborate hotels with a full compliment of amenities. Of these amenities, important to those of our kind are oversized parking facilities (ie – your truck and trailer), proximity to water, and in some cases, the ability to dock where you’re staying.
Over the last three years, I’ve dragged my pair of Sea-Doo RXTs back and forth along the rim of the Gulf from Southeast Louisiana to the Florida panhandle. Each trip resulted in tracking navigable waters from the swamps to the gulf, making notes, and taking pictures – all the while shredding water with family, friends, and other enthusiasts. Having just completed my most recent excursion – thereby scratching off the final trail from my list – I’ve compiled a list of five “must do” rides. While the trails are not ranked – each is certainly worth the effort – they are listed from west to east. Also noted with the customary attributes will be the approximate travel distance and time from Biloxi. So, without any further ado, let ride!
Although technically two separate trails that do share some “common” water, the Honey Island venue has become a favorite of mine. Since both trails share the same drop-in facility, the La France Marina, it was impossible to omit either one. Ramping aside, the two trails are nothing alike.
The Honey Island Swamp tour, which includes quite a bit of travel across the border into Louisiana, is a cruise throughout the lower Pearl River drainage. Cruising this trail includes travel from the large open waters of the lower Pearl, through the estuarine marsh, to the hardwood swamps. Bikini Island will serve as the main area for a beach break while Carey’s and Friday’s “ditches” will require skilled navigation as you traverse the multiple branches of the Pearl River.
The Inside-Out trail is just as the name implies: Half of the travel occurs in the marsh – and hang on! You’ll need to bring your “A” game as you carve your way through the Campbell Inside Bayou, Campbell Outside Bayou, and Grand Prairie Bayou. Even with your GPS marked, wrong turns with the likelihood of parking your bike are distinct possibilities for trail rookies. If the wind is down, you can circle around the outside, across the Mississippi Sound, and back in to complete the loop.
Trail Tip: Pack your own lunch and make this trip only between Memorial Day and Labor Day as LA Wildlife Management Area PWC laws apply.
Bay St. Louis
Launch: Bay Marina & RV Park
Travel Distance/Time: 32 miles/45 minutes
Total Trail Miles: 100
This trail consists of bay crossings and the out-and-back runs of rivers and bayous that feed it. Open views of the marsh will contrast with the hardwood-lined banks in the upper reaches of each run. Likewise, the trails will become a bit more challenging the further upstream you travel. Tide and local rainfall amounts will likely determine how far you push the trail.
On the east side of the bay lies the Wolf River. Care should be taken to follow the channel markers that line the river bed as you enter the river’s mouth. Traveling upstream, the river winds its way northeast from the marshy bottom to the pine-lined banks. The going is fairly easy, at least as far as the rail bridge, but reaching I-10 may not be attainable depending on water depth. Cautious navigation is required.
Back on the bay’s west side is where most of the fun lies: Both Bayou LaCroix and the Jourdan River will each become more remote once you get west of Hwy 43. As far as a beach break goes, the lower and upper Jourdan will have more to offer. Rotten Bayou will offer a small side trip, but you may not travel too far before the bayou resembles more of a creek.
Trail Tip: Run the west-side trails first, then return to the marina for a refuel. Now head across the bay for the east side runs including the open waters to Pass Christian and a late lunch break at Shaggy’s.
Biloxi’s Back Bay
Launch: Gulfport Lake Boat Ramp
Travel Distance/Time: 15 miles/25 minutes
Total Trail Miles: 104
What Bay St. Louis lacks in sights (excepting Mother Nature), Biloxi’s Back Bay and the trails that surround it will more than make up for it.
By launching out of Gulfport Lake you’ll get a grand and NWZ-free tour of the stately homes residing along the waterside and leading into the bay proper. If the wind is down, the bay can be easily navigated but take care to follow the channel markers to stay out of the shallows. Once you near mid-bay, near the I-110 span, the bay really opens up and the view is quite amazing.
On the bay’s east side lies Old Fort Bayou. The initial run up Old Fort Bayou appears a little sketchy as you’ll travel over some shallow water shoals but it isn’t long before the deep water shows up. Travel ten miles in and you’ll find the I-10 overpass and the wonderful aroma of BBQ drifting through the pine forest. The Shed BBQ in Ocean Springs is north of the interstate and just around the bend – and certainly worth the stop.
The Back Bay’s west side is more about R&R. Both the Biloxi and Tchoutacabouffa River will offer opportunities for beach breaks – it’s really just a matter of how far you want to ride or need to ride to find a patch of sand to claim as your own. Near wear both rivers meet the bay is the ever popular Grasshopper Island – party central for most weekends on the water.
Trail Tip: Make the long Back Bay crossing before noon to avoid wind and chop and grab an early lunch (while beating the crowd) for some Shed BBQ.
The ‘Goula Glades
Launch: Tucei’s Fishing Camp
Travel Distance/Time: 18 miles/26 minutes
Total Trail Miles: 77
The Pascagoula River is a single entity that a few miles above I-10 seeks two avenues on it’s way to the Gulf of Mexico. In between the east and west branches lie miles of intersecting bayous, the occasional sandbar or beach, and trails of plenty meandering through the “‘Goula Glades.”
Travel through the P’goula drainage, is a bottom-to-top and counter-clockwise “ugly” loop. Heading north on the eastern branch you’ll find some impressive sand dunes that will make for a more than adequate stop. Just before traversing over to the western branch and heading south, you’ll have the opportunity to go north on the P’goula’s main route.
On the western branch, the trail south returns you to your starting point but the venue offers skilled riders the opportunity to test their mettle: The Whiskey & Creole combo bayous will take you off the main route, but it is so worth the fun. Taken at speed, oncoming traffic and the trees lining the route will demand your A game.
During our visit, we went “off the grid” as we explored the small, twisty bayous and sloughs that meander through the marsh. Although the occasional patch of grass and spots of low water were inevitable, we found the unmarked routes both challenging and fun. Wrapping up the ride, we finished our day at Huck’s Cove, the local burger & beer joint right on the water.
Trail Tip: Starting on the southwest end of the trail has you ending at Huck’s Cover for R & R.
The Mobile & Tensaw River Loop
Launch: Battleship Parkway Ramp
Travel Distance/Time: 65 miles/60 minutes
Total Trail Miles: 68
Here’s yet another true loop that offers a change in scenery as well as a few historic waypoints that are certainly worth the effort.
Leaving the very north end of Mobile Bay behind, the trail goes north on the Tensaw River. The first waypoint is Gravine Island, easily ten acres of piled up sand and an easy anchorage for summertime mariners. Heading further north via Big Lizard Creek, the trail crosses the drainage to the west side where you’ll find the Mobile River just below the I-65 “Dolly Parton” bridge.
Heading south from the bridge, Big Bayou Canot will offer you a much more scenic ride, while taking you out of the way of commercial traffic. Once you make the rail bridge – the location of one of Amtrak’s worst passenger rail disasters – try to spot the track-side memorial on the east side of the bayou.
Further south, you’ll find the side trip into Chickasaw Creek and then the state port adjacent to downtown Mobile. Of interest here, you’ll cross over the I-10 tunnel while the vehicles traveling it commute nearly sixty feet below you. Finally, and saving the best for last, passage around the southern tip of Pinto Island will bring you back in Mobile Bay and alongside the mighty WWII era battleship, the USS Alabama.
Trail Tip: Pack a lunch or plan to be off the water before the crowds mass their troops at the restaurants located along Battleship Parkway.
And there you have it: Five different venues, three states, and nearly 500 miles of hydro-trails waiting to be shredded, and all within a one hour drive of Biloxi. And, if that isn’t enough, you really don’t have to look far; chances are you crossed some trails just getting to Mississippi’s Gold Coast. Here, along the Gulf’s north rim, the water never really ends and the trails go on forever…
All of these trails and others can be easily found via pwctrailfinder.com
If Franky Zapata’s parade of jet-powered boards and toys haven’t already hammered down the point, not all watercraft are created equal. We caught word of the next big thing in water jet-propelled fun, the Jetsurf. It’s pretty self-evident by the name and the pictures, but as you can imagine, it’s a strap-in surfboard that – you guessed it – is ran with a jet pump.
While motorized surfboards have been around since the 1960’s, Dr. Martin Sula perfected his 8-year project as – Jetsurf – in 2008. According to the press release, “all power boards are produced in one factory using the highest standards of production technology and utilizing the best materials and components currently produced in the EU to guarantee maximum precision and efficient service.”
Now part of this weekend’s Swatch Free4Style, the Moto Surf Grand Prix (MSGP) will be hosting its next race in picturesque Estavayer-le-Lac in Switzerland, this July 4, 6 and 7.
As the release states, “The high-energy aquatic race, which has thousands of devoted fans around the globe, is going to be presenting a strong line-up of international riders ready to battle it out during the three-day event. Offering true thrill and excitement to more than 28,000 action-thirsty spectators, the first and only international Moto Surf competition will feature 24 athletes testing their limits, strength and endurance by riding high-performance motorized boards powered by Jetsurf.”
The GTI SE 130 is the highest-selling PWC in Sea-Doo’s lineup and deservedly so. We found it equally fun and fuel friendly.
There’s often a disconnect between what is a good choice and what is the best choice. A noble maxim unto itself, it can be applied to a lot of life – including purchasing a new watercraft. Among auto dealers, there’s a saying, “The sports car might get you into the dealership, but you’ll drive home in a new minivan.” While the sports car is definitely an attractive option, it might not fit your budget or intended use. Equally, the same can be said of shopping for a PWC.
For us, it’s easy to get spoiled when testing riding one or two new personal watercraft a month. Having access to the sport’s most well-optioned, high-powered machines rife with creature-comforts and innovations, it’s easy to forget that people actually have to pay for these things! That is why we new it was important to get out and ride what people are really buying.
Enter the 2014 Sea-Doo GTI SE 130. Believe it or not, you’re looking at the single-most popular Sea-Doo today. In fact, sales of the GTI and GTI SE (in both 130 and 155 horsepower configurations) are what allow things like the RXP-X and GTR to exist.
Sharing the same platform as the rental-level GTS, the luxurious GTI Limite 155 and the rip-snorting GTR, the GTI is a capable machine in a variety of conditions.Displacing 1,494cc, the naturally-aspirated Rotax 1.5L produces a modest 130HP.
Priced at a dollar under $10,000 (MSRP), the GTI SE 130 is no stripped down rental. All GTIs (as well as all other units besides the GTS and base-model Sparks) comes standard with Sea-Doo’s Intelligent Brake & Reverse. Not enough praise is given to this feature we think, as all new BRP runabouts come stock with it, and people take stock equipment for granted.
The brake/reverse level safely overrides the throttle applying a low-slung grate that drag-brakes the Sea-Doo to a stop in nearly half the distance of skis without. Equally, the iBR starts you in Neutral and allows docking – be it loading or offloading a trailer, or pulling up to a dock – a worry-free exercise. No finagling with wonky reverse levers or off-throttle assistance.
Storage is slight but sufficient, providing 30.8 gallons between the bow stowage and glove box. All GTI-hulled runabouts have the same collapsible bulkhead separating the storage from the engine compartment and can be easily removed or installed.
Steering on all GTI-based units is fixed, but benefits from the iTC and iBR ergonomic toggles featured on the handlebars.The glovebox is deep and can fit a couple of 20 ounce bottles of water in addition to a pair of sunglasses and your wallet and keys. Unfortunately, none of the GTi’s storage is watertight, so be wary of your more precious cargo.
The gauge cluster is clutter-free and easy to read with a center LCD screen reading vitals in real-time. The speedometer is fed by GPS, so you’re actually going as fast as it tells you, and the Mode toggle allows you to cycle through speed, tachometer or clock displays. As with a SE, we also enjoyed Sea-Doo’s VTS control, allowing us to adjust the trim setting at will.
The medium-sized runabout (132.6-inches) rides on a medium-V hull that comes to plane quickly and rides smoothly through wind-whipped chop. The gently stepped hull remains stable while being playful and a little loose in tighter turns when provoked. We could perform aggressive S-turns without fail as well as a wild snap turn when throttled hard, and always with nary a fear of rolling too far on the rail.
Even at Sea-Doo’s lowest available horsepower setting, the 1.5-liter Rotax engine produces enough grunt in Sport mode to stretch a smile across your face. The combination of lightweight (790-pounds dry) and the snappy Sport tune available through BRP’s Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) toggle, makes for a great package. But again, the people who buy the GTI SE 130 aren’t looking for end-all performance. Quite the opposite, really.
Included in the SE package is Sea-Doo thickly-padded folding swimstep and wide boarding platform.First introduced in 2009, the Intelligent Brake & Reverse technology remains unchallenged.
Capable of running all day on 87 octane, the GTI SE 130 is the quintessential gas sipper. Holding 15.9 gallons of fuel in its belly is almost more than enough. Long distances are bridged with hardly the gas needle dipping. When set in ECO mode, the GTI is even more of a gas miser, stretching out every gallon further and further. A full day of riding failed to use up a whole tank, even as the hour clock ticked by.
The GTI SE 130 also proved itself as the ideal test mule for beginner riders. Although available with a Normal and Learning Key, we found ECO mode worked just as well. Our novice rider quickly picked up confidence as they maneuvered the runabout around boat traffic and careening riverbeds. We intentionally spent a significant amount of time as the passenger and found the rear of the bench seat quite comfortable. The rear hand grips are wide-set, the seat narrow enough to keep knees from rubbing.
For us, it’s all about the fun factor. The import hybrid-like fuel mileage is a plus, but ultimately, is it fun? And the answer is yes. The GTI SE 130 is a great platform that allows for a lot of enjoyment. No this isn’t the supercharged sports car that still whispers our name from across the showroom floor, but this ain’t no soccer mom’s minivan either.
Even with the Spark in all of its variations cannibalizing a small portion of GTI sales, the 3-seater entry-level craft remains the backbone of Sea-Doo sales – and for good reason.
It’s been a week of ups and downs, as we’ve been very fortunate to have been contacted by some very worthwhile organizations wanting our help in promoting their charitable events. A couple of days ago, we brought to you the heart-wrenching tale of four-year-old Emerson Meredith’s struggle with leukemia and the Van Beek’s Flip for Emerson GoPro Weekend to help offset her surmounting medical costs.
Today, we want to alert to the annual Ride for Dad charity ride happening this July 12, 2014. Targeted at collecting donations for prostate cancer research and education, the Ride for Dad rides (there’s four of them this year) have raised over 13 million dollars to the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation.
Recently, we were contacted by GreenHulk member “K447” (or Keith), who let us know more about this upcoming Rideau Ferry ride.
He wrote: Each year Ride for Dad, which began as a motorcycle charity event, hosts multiple watercraft charity rides. There are now four in Eastern Canada, including the July 12, 2014 ride I will participate in. Riders are asked to collect donations for prostate cancer research and education. Each year there are more riders and the donation total grows.
The signature moment for the Rideau Ferry ride (named for the launch location) is when all the watercraft and chase boats are collected together in a lock to pass between two sections of the waterway.
Last year there were over sixty watercraft in the lock, perhaps this year there will be more!
The ride itself is done as a poker run with several waypoints. Round trip takes about four hours, maybe five.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men (I presume the US statistics are similar). It generally affects men over 40. Successful treatment depends on early detection. In the longer term, research into improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention will further improve our capacity to deal with this disease.
The majority of watercraft enthusiasts are male and we are all susceptible to this.
What the what? It’s already July? It seems like only yesterday we were griping about winter dragging on too long, and now it’s sweltering by 8 o’clock in the morning (not that we’re complaining). We’re already half way through the Hydro-Turf Pro Watercross Tour, having just published our next-day coverage of the Sparks, Nevada stop, with only a few more stops to go before the IJSBA World Finals! How time flies, right?
Looking back on the past month, we’re humbled to announce we’re still bringing in the most readers of any personal watercraft publication, be it day-to-day, week-to-week or monthly. We’ve received countless compliments regarding the quality, tone and quantity of our content, and it’s only going to improve. We’re narrowing down on providing a lot more “do it yourself” technical articles, tutorials and “how to” stories that will enable our readers to enjoy the most out of their watercraft.
As each month’s “By The Numbers” is really for the benefit of our current advertisers, as well as to help those who have yet to enjoy participation with The Watercraft Journal tofamiliarize themselves with this magazine, below we have created a thorough and informative look at the industry’s most widely read magazine.
June 2014
Reliable, Daily Content
There’s something to be said about reliability. Delivering on what you promise is still a big deal in our eyes, and it’s disappointing when others claim to do the same when the truth is they don’t. We publish everyday, Monday through Friday. It’s not hard to verify (just go to the magazine!), proving our commitment to publishing the most exciting, entertaining and informative professionally-written articles.
News articles published in May: 23
Feature articles published in May: 13
Total feature word count: 14,845 words*
News articles published in June: 26
Feature articles published in June: 11
Total feature word count: 9,926 words*
*When this number is translated to print publication standards equals a 106-page magazine. Please note that this number does not include an average of two uniquely-written news articles published daily.
Popular Performance
Producing more articles than anybody else doesn’t do you any bit of good if nobody is reading them. Thankfully, that is not the case for The Watercraft Journal. The quality grade of our content combined with our unmatched velocity has garnered us the largest reading audience of any personal watercraft magazine today. Our advertisers get access to more potential customers than with any other publication through endemic feature articles, monthly news releases and updates and high impact advertising.
May
Total number unique readers: 12,308*
Total number of articles read: 35,695
Percentage of new readers: 60%
June
Total number unique readers: 12,437*
Total number of articles read: 34,141
Percentage of new readers: 59.33%
*This number is considered equal to an individual sale of a single copy of a magazine.
Social Marketing, Not Just Media
Using social media to your advantage doesn’t just mean dumping money down its throat, but mindfully targeting the right audience to get the most for your investment. Our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and weekly newsletter are carefully crafted, monitored and customized to bring more engaged and interested readers to the magazine. It’s not “Likes” we’re after, but readership.
May Facebook readers: 8,324
May Facebook weekly reach: 40,923
Top Five countries: Brazil, United States, Philippines, Argentina, Thailand
June Facebook readers: 8,678
June Facebook weekly reach: 29,960
Top Five countries: Brazil, United States, Philippines, Argentina, Thailand
Reporting The Good News
The year isn’t even over and the manufacturers are reporting record numbers in new and used sales. And it’s through new unit sales that we measure the health of our industry. Because more and more people are interested in personal watercraft, they are doing their research, looking into what PWC meet their needs/wants, and are coming to The Watercraft Journal for industry news and happenings in the sport. It’s that simple. If you want your brand in front of more eyes than anywhere else, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Watercraft Journal isn’t prone to publishing much in the way of “cheesecake” but we can tell that the JetSkiShop’s model has a really good personality.
It’s a topsy turvy world when you live on opposing sides of the equator. When it’s summertime in the northern hemisphere, our neighbors below are just starting to put away the sunscreen and flip flops. And likewise, when we’re shoveling snow and fighting back headcolds, our Aussie brethren are enjoying some of the best riding around.
That’s why we’re so excited to welcome the JetSkiShop to The Watercraft Journal. Because we publish five days a week, all year long, partnering with the Queensland, Australia dealer and service center will not only provide us with great content from Down Under when we’ve packed up for the winter, but we’ll be working closely with James Tod and the JetSkiShop crew to develop new and exciting articles year-round!
As Australia’s leading Honda Aquatrax dealer (and the only Authorized dealer in South East Queensland), the JetSkiShop is one of the largest pre-owned dealers in Australia. From out of their two story showroom and facility, the JetSkiShop has full workshop that not only services its customers’ maintenance needs, but also builds race-grade craft!
“From servicing any make and model, to full engine rebuilds, our fully qualified Honda factory technicians trained in and at AMI in Daytona, have the knowledge of everything that is watercraft. Our experienced mechanic’s can service, rebuild or help you with any other problems you may have, and have your watercraft ready for you as soon as possible to get you back on the water.”
In addition to new and used PWC, the JetSkiShop stocks a wide range of JetPilot gear, tubes, tow ropes, wake boards, knee boards, genuine Honda accessories and aftermarket parts. Needless to say, we’re excited to be working together with such a professional and custom-friendly company and look forward to bringing you more from JetSkiShop!
“Peg leg Pete” McAfee is working to help raise funds for the mounting medical costs of young Emerson Meredith’s fight against leukemia.
Having a daughter the same age as the little girl for whom the Van Beek’s Flip For Emerson GoPro Weekend is for, what about to read is almost too difficult to imagine.
The Watercraft Journal was lucky enough to talk with freerider Pete McAfee who was willing to reveal the very touching story behind this honorable and worthwhile event happening this July 11th through the 13th at Van Beek’s Landing, Hanford, CA.
Pete explained: “This little angel is Emerson Meredith. Her father Josh and I were good buds growing up and roommates for about three years after high school. Last year, on June 17, Josh’s wife, Samantha took Emerson to the pediatrician because she had bruises that wouldn’t go away, a 101 fever that kept popping up every few days, a stomach ache and she was looking pale and tired.
“They ran some blood work and an hour later they got the call that made their world stop turning, “I need you to come back to the office. She has leukemia.” As you could imagine, they couldn’t even comprehend those two sentences. Twelve hours later they where in Fort Worth, TX meeting with an oncologist. It was midnight. They started blood transfusions immediately because 85% of her blood cells were blasts (cancer). The next day Emerson went into surgery to have her portacath put in and chemo started immediately after. Their new normal had begun.
“It has been one year since that day. One year of procedures, illness, lumbar punctures, holding down their baby while poison is pumped into her. One year of being more blessed and more grateful than ever before! One year of love and support from friends, family and total strangers!”
Understandably, the Meredith’s are facing some daunting challenges, one being surmounting medical costs. Because of this, Pete went to work seeing how he could help:
“I was talking to my buddy Daniel Van Beek about [Emerson], and he agreed to make his event a benefit to raise money for her. It’s taking place in Hanford, CA, July 11-13. It’s gonna have lots of riders hitting v-wakes. The event will be held on riverfront, private property with free camping. We’re trying to get a band to come out and play. Oh, and there will be a huge smoker BBQ pit.
“We are trying to get sponsors to donate a dollar per backflip (up to a certain amount) to raise money for her.
“We’re also putting together a Pro and Amateur prize package for the best trick (shirts, hats, gift cards). We will also be selling t-shirts for $20 to raise money for Emerson.
“The treatment continues, but [the Merediths] are celebrating how far they have come. They are thankful for their strong willed, intelligent and beautiful Emerson!”
The Meredith family thanks would like to thank everyone for their love and support! They ask that you look at the blessings in your life and appreciate them. Life can change in an instant.”
The annual Norris Lake Couch Riders Cove Tour (NLCRCT) featured three kinds of weather, some sparky new rides, lots of outdoor grilling, great friends, and miles of clear, smooth water.
Every May this disorganized, unorganized international group of riding enthusiasts gathers at Shanghai Resort on beautiful Norris Lake in LaFollette, Tennessee. The ride originated as Jet Stream Fest in 2000 at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, morphing into The PWC Jamboree on Percy Priest Lake, before finally settling into its current digs at Shanghai in May of 2005.
A total of 50 people took part in the event this year, coming in for a few days or the whole week.
The Founding Fathers (as they are known), literally found a house on Norris one year and rented it. The overflow took shelter at nearby Hickory Star resort, and The Couch Riders Cove Tour began.
From morning to sunset, whether the mercury said 85 or 58, sun and clouds, wind and rain, we rode. The Sea-Doo #Sparksomefun tour showed up just as the drizzle ended on Thursday, and we were able to test out the new watercraft. (Big thanks to Andy and Sea-Doo for bringing the tour to us!)
The Spark is a fun ride, and while not a long-range touring craft, it could be a good fit for new riders, or as a companion ski to a larger boat. It is stable enough we were able to do in-water trades, bouncing back and forth between the two- and three-seater to test both.
After long days of riding, we hike the hill from the dock to our rooms at Shanghai for grilled dinners and nightly Texas Hold ‘em games in front of a blazing fire on the cabin porch. The whole week has a summer camp kind of feel about it.
Because this is a pre-season trip, we have the lake to ourselves, except for the occasional annoyed fishermen.
Even with all that, the riding takes first place here. Clear water, as flat and reflective as a mirror, stretches for miles.
Norris Lake is made from the damming of the Powell and Clinch Rivers, creating two connected bodies of water with over 800 miles of shoreline, and nearly 34,000 acres of water.
Narrow, winding creeks make fun single-file speed runs. Wide open main lake allows us to spread out and ride side by side, throttles pinned, like some new age wild-west posse.
Ride too far up the Clinch River, and you’ll find rapids and shallows, hopefully not too late to turn around! Head the other direction, and you can ride some truly rural water up the Powell River. Make sure to fuel up at Blue Springs Marina – if you go past this last chance stop, the Powell runs for at least 20 miles past it.
Whether it’s Bubba Brews, Stardust or Twin Cove, the marinas dotted along the shoreline are destinations in themselves, offering the biggest drinks and nachos, to the wildest wings.
This year, the water is down about 10 feet, exposing rock walls and little caves and crevices made for exploring all over the lake, and making the Jumping Rock and Jumping Bridge a bit more of a challenge for those who like heights.
Listen, we all know that the sport of freestyle is evolving at a faster rate than ever imagined. The advances in materials and technology used on these machines is seconded only by the amazing athleticism of these riders. Today’s freestyle routines are unlike anything conceived even a decade earlier.
As aftermarket hull and engine builders continue to create, develop and produce some amazing products, we’re watching athletes test their mettle in new and exciting ways. Lee Stone’s “scarecrow” maneuver executed only a couple of years ago at the IJSBA World Finals, which was first perfected by wave-riding freeriders in the surf, is now a watermark trick expected by some of the world’s best.
Now, we think we’ve found the next big thing: the “reverse cowboy” backwards-facing backflip on an X2. No, we’re not joking. Performed by Takaaki Murao, the Chiba, Japan resident works at Jet Sports Entrance in the same district of Tokyo. Takaaki is already a world-established freerider who regularly executes some incredibly articulate moves while riding the waves on his SuperJet, but this time took to flatwater on a heavily modded Kawasaki X2 to wow onlookers.
Undoubtedly, the topic of illegal immigration is becoming the biggest news to hit the press as border patrol agents apprehend over 1,100 persons (including an average of 205 children) each day. Notable among these apprehensions is the percentage of whom hail from Central American countries like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Although technically two separate trails that do share some “common” water, the Honey Island venue has become a favorite of mine. Since both trails share the same drop-in facility, the La France Marina, it was impossible to omit either one. Ramping aside, the two trails are nothing alike.
