Gallery: 2014 Jettribe Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Championship

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July 21, 2014

Jeff Lane rode his #83 Kawasaki Ultra 300LX to a fantastic fifth place finish overall.

I believe that when you die, only three things will go with you: the relationships you made, the knowledge you learned, and the experience you gained. For all the time we spend slaving over work, fretting over nonsense and yelling at bad drivers on your commute home, the things that truly matter are not things at all. Because, when the day comes where we meet our maker, it’s very unlikely that his first question will be, “So, tell me about your job,” after all.

The annual Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Championship (LB2CAT) – this year presented by Jettribe, Sea-Doo, Sea-Tow, Hot Products, Hydro-Turf, Oakley, Jet Re-Nu, Kawasaki, The Watercraft Journal, Pro Rider Magazine and PWCOffshore.com – is one of those experiences that will go with you throughout your life. Even if you only do it once, it’ll be something you’ll never forget. This year would mark my fourth bout with the 52-mile open ocean enduro, and possibly my most memorable.

Although Jonathan Mangan’s Open Class 300X was one of the first to DNF, Evelyn Mangan finished strong, coming in 22nd place.

Alberta, Canada’s Mike Klippenstein fought a mechanical issue but pulled through and earned 13th place overall.

The road to yesterday’s race – held on Sunday, July 20th – began six months earlier at Kawasaki’s 2014 model introduction in the Florida Keys.

As I raced Brand Manager Bret Snider across a field of emerald green sea, we were wowed as multi-world champion and Kawasaki product development guru Minuro Kanamori streaked past as if we were standing still. Bret and I had laughed that we would partner up for the LB2CAT, but I was the one who took it a bit more serious.

Although Bret had responsibilities that would keep him from participating, he made good on lending the use of a bone-stock 2014 Kawasaki Ultra 310R to use. Equally, he also provided me a riding partner, Kanamori. The two of us were entered in event promoter Ross Wallach‘s Manufacturer Stock class. Restricted to traction mats, seat covers and handlebar modifications, the pair of 310R’s required no such modifications and went to the water 100-percent showroom stock.

Over the race’s 8 years under Ross Wallach’s direction, the race has become more streamlined and straight-forward, helping eliminate confusion and improve rider satisfaction.

A total of 32 racers dared the elements and the threat of mechanical failure to charge the open ocean. Unfortunately, fate would claim fives machines.

As the entries began to pour into Mark Gerner’s PWCOffshore.com email inbox, I sought about reached out to companies for support. Immediately, perennial lifestyle brand JetPilot provided an Apex Race John and Apex S/E vest, a pair of Immersed shorts, gloves and JetPilot’s Race Boots.

Western Power Sports, ponied up a Fly Racing F2 Carbon Trey Canard Replica helmet, Fly Racing Pro Lite Carbon Leatt neck brace and a pair of Dragon Alliance MDX Hydro goggles. Finally, Hurricane Industries created a custom wrap for our 310R’s hood.

The day before the green flag would drop, the Pacific was almost eerily flat. Smooth 1-to-2 foot rollers appealed to flat-bottom hulled riders and those less physically prepared for the hour-plus-workout (such as myself), while others riding deep-draft Kawasakis voiced concern.

As Lady Luck is a fickle mistress, reports of like water conditions were mistaken, providing cross-hatched 2-to-4 foot chop and errant rollers that surprised many.

Queensland, Australia’s Christian D’Agostin (and crew) traveled across the planet to race the LB2CAT only to suffer cooling issues and forfeit the race. For their efforts, the team received the “Longest Distance Traveled” award.

This sunbathing sea lion was more than content occupying the end of the dock, seeing all the racers off.

A field of 32 total riders suited up and idled out to the staging area by 9am Sunday, having passed tech inspection and the rider’s meeting earlier. Gentle northbound winds blew the lingering marine layer inland, revealing Santa Catalina Island in almost unprecedented clarity. Navigation – at least southward to the island – would not be a problem.

The lineup of watercraft was impressive: Craig Warner returned from Georgia to battle for his fifth all-time win, as well as his third consecutive win to boot. Gerner wanted to oust his teammate with his much anticipated R&D Performance T1 Turbo-powered Ultra. Likewise, Canadian-by-way-of-Lake-Havasu Mike “Kliper” Klippenstein had his 90mph R&D turbo FX SVHO at the ready.

Yet, interestingly, the field of Pro Open skis was doubled by those entered in the Manufacturer Stock class. With a purse of $1,200 at stake, a dozen racers vied for the cash prize. Only a couple Sea-Doos were present, while Yamahas could be counted on a single hand. The rest were a field of Kawasaki Ultras, the deep-V rough water design having proved itself time and again.

RPM Racing Enterprises’ Ross Wallach pulled off yet another fantastic LB2CAT, ensuring safe and systematic racing in an environment that is both dangerous and unpredictable.

PWCOffshore’s Mark Gerner had to sit this year out as his turbo-powered Kawasaki developed a hiccup and had to come back early.

With three helicopters swirling overhead, Wallach signaled the “go” and watched as dozens of skis boiled the saltwater. Directly out of the breakwater was a melee of cross vehicle traffic, rough water and racing watercraft. Almost immediately, several skis went down, including Jonathan Mangan and Mark Gerner, who noticed a drop in boost and wisely opted to bow out before permanently damaging his craft.

Klipper was next to drop out, as he was spotted pulling his seat off to examine his engine. Next was Queensland, Australia’s Christian D’Agostin who traveled all of the way to the States to compete on a brand-new Ultra 310X SE. At the head of the first pack, Warner led closely shadowed by Kanamori who rode his Manufacturer Stock 310R with unmatched ferocity. Core PWCOffshore rider KC Heidler followed like a man possessed.

In the second pack, husband-and-wife duo Brittany and Curtis Marker reeled in and passed half a dozen riders aboard a naturally aspirated FX HO and Ultra LX, respectively. Wounded Warrior Anthony Radetic impressed all aboard a current model RXP-X 260, refusing to let off the throttle despite the brutal water the Sea-Doo chewed through.

Our Manufacturer Stock Ultra 310R performed admirably but left much to be desired in the way of fuel mileage, as the “low fuel” alarm sounded half way back to the mainland.

With a time of 57 minutes (a couple minutes short of his previous time record), Monster Kawasaki’s Craig Warner claimed his third consecutive and five-time overall LB2CAT championships.

Behind the pack, Klipper’s teammate, Charles Anderson – aboard a inked-out FX SVHO – caught a cross-angled roller and was violently thrown from his runabout. The ejection injured the racer’s angle, but he reboarded and soldiered on, refusing to relent.

The clear skies encouraged boaters and fishermen to take to the channel, making for quite a bit of traffic and therefore rougher waters than what Mother Nature was already dishing out.

Although I was equipped with some of the very best gear available, I struggled to maintain a steady pace. Fatigue crept down my forearms and into my hands, making throttle control a herculean task. Lactic acid burned in my thighs and ever increasing exhaustion softened my resolve. By the half-way mark, I was nearing something like a groove when the “low fuel” chime began to sound.

My elation at the beginning had faded into determination half way through and now had mutated into desperation. I was a man passing through the 5 stages of grief.

With literally no fuel left in the tank, Kawasaki’s Minoru Kanamori feathered the throttle all the way in only to be passed in the final moment by KC Heidler.

Kanamori’s sub-60 minute time initially worried officials until other Manufacturer Stock 310-powered Ultras soon followed.

Fooled by the obscured shoreline, I mistakenly started to rely on my dizzied vision rather than my Garmin GPS and soon found myself a couple of miles west of my destination. “You just wanted to take a quick look at the loading docks,” I told myself. The joke wasn’t funny then, either.

Drawing closer to the Queens Gate breakwater, the undulating seas began to smooth. I knew I was back in the pack, but didn’t care. Despite my weariness I was still happy to be out there, testing my mettle. With a solitary flashing bar on my fuel gauge, I leapt up, viced the throttle and burned through what fuel and energy the ski and pilot had left in their reserves.

Warner had passed the yellow Sea-Tow boat 25 minutes earlier, earning his record win and marking his place in offshore racing history. In dramatic fashion, Heidler bested Kanamori in the final seconds of the race, as Kanamori’s stock ski surged and coughed from its fuel lines running dry. A field of Kawasakis crossed the line, testifying to the ski’s offshore prowess.

Not all participants make the trek aboard four-strokes. Tibi Imbuzon’s Yamaha SUV has made this race several years in a row.

Without these companies The Watercraft Journal wouldn’t have been able to participate in this year’s LB2CAT – huge thanks go to Kawasaki, JetPilot, Fly Racing, Dragon Alliance and Hurricane Industries!

Confusion at the turn boat led to a mix up between me and dynamo Tera Laho. We unknowingly shared the same race number, and had marked my pass around the turn boat as her and not me. Unfortunately, Laho’s built Yamaha FX suffered supercharger clutch issues forcing her to return back before reaching the island. Since the turn boat had called her, Tera was marked as the seventh ski to cross the finish line.

Thankfully, the swap was quickly resolved and many were happy to learn they had suddenly stepped up in ranking. As for me, I was never more happy to be floating idly at the mouth of the Los Angeles River, having crossed the checkered flag in 20th place – not too bad considering my woeful lack of training, an unexpected detour and waning fuel supply.

Again, even as I ache with sore muscles and what can only be a bruised tailbone (I came down pretty hard on the seat more than a couple times), I have to say that I couldn’t be happier. The Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Championship is an accomplishment, a feat that many are too timid to dare. Unlike other rides, this race is more about the experience than the trophy (although winning is always nice), and that is why I implore you to schedule accordingly to join me next year – because I’m coming back for more.

Racers and enthusiasts alike come for the challenge but return for the camaraderie. This experience is unlike any other.

All images courtesy of Justin Stannard.

2014 Jettribe Long Beach-to-Catalina Offshore Championship

Overall Results: 1. Craig Warner, 2. KC Heidler, 3. Minoru Kanamori, 4. Michael Perry, 5. Jeff Lane, 6. Tony Hoa, 7. John Feeney, 8. Bill Scott, 9. Derek Newton, 10. Dave “Pirate” Tew, 11. Tom Cruz, 12. Tommy Kolleck, 13. Mike Klippenstein, 14. Brittany Marker, 15. Akira Tanaka, 16. Curtis Marker, 17. Anthony Radetic, 18. Scott McIntosh, 19. Chris Dobbins, 20. Kevin Shaw, 21. Brandi Price, 22. Evelyn Mangan, 23. Tibi Imbuzon, 24. Charles Anderson, 25. Kelsey Albert, 26. Terry Rowden, 27. Tammie “Ocean” Priselac; DNF: Jonathan Mangan, Mark Gerner, Paul Pham, Christian D’Agostin, Tera Laho

Pro/Am Open: 1. Craig Warner, 2. KC Heidler, 3. John Feeney, 4. Mike Klippenstein; 4-Stroke Stock: 1. Derek Newton, 2. Akira Tanaka, 3. Brandi Price, 4. Evelyn Mangan, 5. Tammie “Ocean” Priselac; Vet/Master Open: 1. Dave “Pirate” Tew, 2. Tom Cruz, 3. Scott McIntosh, 4. Chris Dobbins, 5. Tibi Imbuzon, 6. Charles Anderson; Mfg. Stock: 1. Minoru Kanamori,2. Michael Perry, 3. Jeff Lane, 4. Tony Hoa, 5. Bill Scott, 6. Tommy Kolleck, 7. Brittany Marker, 8. Curtis Marker, 9. Anthony Radetic, 10. Kevin Shaw, 11. Kelsey Albert, 12. Terry Rowden

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Book Your “Land & Sea Jet Ski Adventure” Trip

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 18, 2014

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When The Watercraft Journal’s own personal watercraft fishing guru, “JetSki Brian” Lockwood isn’t out reeling in some of the best fishing off of the North Carolina and Virginia coastline, he’s hosting thrill seekers and fellow PWC fishermen on his personally-guided PWC tours.

Recently, Lockwood made it known that he’s now booking complete “Land & Sea” adventures for those looking to soak in some great scenery, fishing and excitement offshore, as well as take in the sights, history and fun on terra firma as well.

His new “Land & Sea Jet Ski Adventures” is another way that you can enjoy the diversity of freedom that personal watercraft can offer as well as enjoy much of what these southern states have to offer on land as well.

In an entry originally posted on June 3rd, Lockwood wrote:

“[We] had a great Jet Ski Fishing and Adventures Inc. on a picture perfect day with Laura and Brian from Topping, Virginia, as well as Frances and Frank of Mechanicsville, VA. We departed from Whitehouse Cove Marina in Poquoson and went up the York River to River Walk in Patriot Tours & Provisions – Yorktown Segway PT Tours where all four went on a guided Segway trip.

“We then ran the skis along Gloucester and across Mobjack Bay to New Point Comfort Light for a walk along the pretty beach there. Then it was back across the Chesapeake bay for about a 35 mile total trip.

“If you want to go on a “Land and Sea” Jet Ski Adventure give me a call and book a trip 757-342-5780. Here are some pictures from today.”

Sea-Doo Issues Recall on Spark Steering Systems

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 17, 2014

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Unlike what many would believe, a manufacturer issuing a recall is actually a good thing. Well, of course it’d be ideal if a product didn’t require a recall at all, but the presence of a public recall is actually a good indicator that said manufacturer is willing to address a problem and provide a positive solution.

With it being the first production year of the all-new Sea-Doo Spark, there are bound to be foibles in the vehicle’s design – as no ski is perfect (or something like that). That the Spark’s steering system is susceptible to breakage when an excessive amount of pressure is applied is a bitter pill to swallow, but that Sea-Doo is fast moving on the problem and is addressing the issue in such a professional manner is a great sign.

We say this because we don’t want commentators declaring this recall as being a “black eye” on the Spark’s otherwise fantastic inaugural year. Admittedly, this recall touches on the Spark’s very publicly argued use of lightweight plastics rather than traditional fiberglass, metal and plastic parts. But again, Sea-Doo’s dealer network is already taking action to replace handlebar/steering systems on unsold units as well as existing customer’s Sparks.

Here’s the original release:

July 15th, 2014
Re: Sea-Doo® SPARK^TM Watercraft – Possible defective steering column/handlebar

Dear Sea-Doo Watercraft Owner,
This notice is being sent to you in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada and is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Boat Safety and other applicable laws. BRP is conducting a voluntary safety recall of some MY2014 Sea-Doo Watercraft models. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected watercraft.

What is the potential problem?
The steering column / handlebar may have been incorrectly manufactured by our supplier and it may break under rough riding conditions. This could cause the operator to lose his balance and hit the personal watercraft resulting in serious injuries or even death.

What should you do?
Call an authorized BRP Sea-Doo Watercraft dealer and make an appointment to have your watercraft repaired. The dealer will perform this work at no charge to you.

As you are now aware of the details of this safety recall, if you continue to use your personal watercraft, in the above described condition, be aware of the risks described herein.

What to do if you feel this notice is an error?
This notice was mailed to you according to the most current information we have available. If you no longer own this watercraft or some information in this notice is incorrect, please contact BRP at your earliest convenience.

If you have questions, need assistance, or to find the nearest authorized BRP Sea-Doo dealer:

Visit www.sea-doo.com
Or call: 1-888-272-9222
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern time Monday to Friday

Your continued satisfaction with your watercraft is important to us. Please understand that we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your watercraft’s proper operation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
After-Sales Service Department

Vicious Rumors and Vile Gossip: Turbos Converge on LB2CAT

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 17, 2014

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OK, this is going to be a far shorter chapter of “Vicious Rumors and Vile Gossip” but we wanted to squeak this one in before this weekend as we prepare for the annual Long Beach to Catalina Offshore Championship happening this Sunday, July 20th. The race, as it stands, is the longest, most challenging open ocean offshore race there is in the United States of America.

Warner had admitted that the boosted 1.5L is able to go much faster than the champ’s high-70/low-80mph average, but is dialed back to preserve the powertrain as it bounds over the Pacific rollers.

While, in comparison to races like Guadalupe Island’s Karujet, the insane Russki and Jet Raid in Greece, the LB2CAT’s 56 mile-round-trip doesn’t seem like much. But those who dare to compete will attest that the Pacific Ocean can be a cruel and often schizophrenic mistress and can quickly change from glass to brutal overhead chop in the matter of yards.

With nearly a decade of races under the direction of RPM Racing Enterprises‘ Ross Wallach, the west coast promoter has seen his share of broken skis, and riders coming in either injured, out of fuel or woefully lost. On the table for 2014 is possible history in the making, as Kawasaki’s Craig Warner aims to set the world record for consecutive wins, as others look to usurp the world champion.

Of course doing so not only requires the utmost in physical prowess and riding skill, but the right equipment. Being one of the only racers in the world supported by Factory Kawasaki, Warner’s offshore Ultra is a turbocharged affair capable of pushing over 400 horsepower.

Warner’s dominance has baited the likes of Lake Havasu City, Arizona’s Mike Klippenstein who will be competing on his Hydrodrags-worthy turbo’ed Yamaha FX SVHO. Touting R&D Performance’s T2 turbo kit, Klipper’s wicked Yamaha embarrassed the field at last March’s Jettribe Lake Perris Grand Prix Endurance race, and hopes to do the same again this weekend. In fact, it was this FX SVHO that encouraged PWCOffshore‘s own Mark Gerner to purchase a near identical SVHO two weeks ago.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona’s Mike Klippenstein piloted this R&D Performance T1 turbo-powered Yamaha FX SVHO to a heady win in March and looks to repeat this weekend.

In fact, its Gerner who is making the biggest strides to steal Warner’s thunder. The Watercraft Journal was given exclusive insight to the sportsman racer’s plans, which include the yet-to-be-released R&D Performance T1 turbo system for the Ultra 300/310. Starting back as early as April of this year, Gerner’s Kawasaki became the test mule for the aftermarket power-adder.

Spotted during testing late last week, Gerner’s turbo Ultra has been on a dead-locked goal of competing in this Sunday’s LB2CAT.

“I can say with assurity that this is unlike any other built Ultra Kawasaki I’ve had the pleasure of riding. The quick-spooling of the turbo comes on hard – harder than anything I’ve felt before,” Gerner explained.

With the Yamaha T1 turbo system already available through R&D Performance, official word on the availability of the T1 for the Kawasaki has yet to be announced.

While The Watercraft Journal has yet to peek under the hood of Gerner’s Ultra, a glance at R&D’s “Turbo Parts” catalog page reveals some finer details to the kit, like the options between a Borg Warner or Garett GTX turbocharger, Borg Warner inlet and outlet kits, billet brackets and their own R&D Turbo Intercooler.

“I hope to have it ready in time. We’re keeping it below 8,300rpm. We’re chasing down some last minute engine problems,” Gerner sighed. “The engine’s been rebuilt many times before, so we know were the weak link is.”

Seven Deadly Questions With Brian Baldwin

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 16, 2014

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The Watercraft Journal: Brian, thanks for spending a few minutes with us; for those of our readers who aren’t familiar with your racing career, please tell us how you got started.
Brian Baldwin: Watersports have been a huge part of my life since I was born. I grew up on Lake James in Marion, North Carolina. My family bought jet skis around 1986 and I have been hooked ever since. I got a lot of my inspiration watching Scott “Hollywood” Watkins, Larry “The Ripper” Rippenkroger, Victor Sheldon, Harry Goacher,Chris “Flyin’ Fish” Fischetti and Jeff Jacobs. They helped instil a serious passion for the sport in me and racing is basically all I have wanted to do since. My first race was in Daytona in 1999 and I won all rounds of my class. I went on to win the next three rounds and took the overall in my first regional series. The winning continues today with two Pro World Titles and national Pro National Championships.

WCJ: This year, you were one of the big wave of racers who left Sea-Doo for Yamaha. What comparisons between the SVHO-powered FZR and the RXP-X helped you make the switch?
BB: The Yamaha FZR SVHO is the total package. The FZR has screaming horsepower combined with awesome handling making much more rider and racer-friendly. The power coming from the 1.8 liter engine – capable of speeds over 80mph with very few modifications – is insane. After being introduced to the FZR and taking it for as spin, I felt like it was the ski for me. The potential that the Yamaha showed along with the amazing support offered by Yamaha Factory Racing made switching to Yamaha an easy choice for me. I am thankful to have finally had the opportunity to be a part of a totally supportive, forward-moving manufacturer and team like Yamaha Factory Racing!

WCJ: Obviously, being part of the big push by Yamaha this year brought you to joining the RIVA Racing/Dean’s Team. Can you tell us how that happened?
BB: Dean Charrier of Dean’s Team approached me and stated that Yamaha was looking for “a few good men” and after talking to Scott Watkins from Yamaha, I had made up my mind. Scott really pumped me up for the season and it really made me feel good knowing he recognized my potential. With guys like Tim Judge and Dean in my corner I knew the season would be great even though there has been a learning curve. We learn more as the season progresses and I expect to really show what I and this Yamaha can do at the Colonial Beach race coming up. I am continually impressed with how much brute power the Yamaha FZR has.

WCJ: Being part of the Factory Yamaha team is a big deal! I’m sure there’s a lot of pressure on you. What are you mindful of to better represent your sponsors (Yamaha, RIVA, JetPilot, FLY, etc.) than before? And as a followup, for those racers looking for major sponsorship, what do you see where they can improve?
BB: In all racing, the bottom line is all about winning the race and a championship title and that is my plan for the season! There is a lot more to winning than just being on the podium. Not only is winning a part of it, but how I hold myself accountable, my poise and my determination. I feel that no matter the outcome of the race or events that happen to determine the outcome, I win if I handle myself and my situation with dignity around other racers and spectators. And of course, there is that moment when I just kill it and have to give my famous “WOOOOOHOOOOO!” and that is when everyone knows it has been a good day at the races.

The goal to all of this is to make PWC racing exciting and open for the younger racers to become involved and helping the sport grow. The sport has seen a resurgence and looks to be going the right direction. We have some awesome promoters putting on great races in a great venues, and the manufacturers building skis that are raising the bar – its looking like an awesome future for PWC racing!

WCJ: With this weekend’s Colonial Beach, Virginia race marking the half-way point for the Pro Watercross Tour, can you tell us how the year’s gone so far? What’s been working great, and what changes have you had to make?
BB: There have been some growing pains, but we are still in top contention for a National Tour title. A lot goes into tuning and tweaking a winning ski and with the new equipment we are learning every day. The Yamaha powerplant has been awesome and with a few more tweaks, I am confident I will stand in the winners circle the last three rounds

WCJ: When you’re not killing it on the closed course, you spend the rest of your time at Champion Powersports. How’d you come to own and operate your own business?
BB: I realized the need for a competent repair shop in our area and that’s what I set out to do. We have an awesome loyal customer base which we have been fortunate. We are all about doing right by the customer are proving that one customer at a time. Basically, I love what I do and I’m slightly obsessed with jet skis so it makes for good business.

WCJ: OK, here’s your chance for some gratuitous shout-outs; who would you like to thank?
BB: The Good Lord above, Yamaha Factory Racing, Scott Watkins, Tim Judge, Riva Racing, Fly Racing, Jet Pilot, Jet Lift, Viztek, DMack racing, My wife, Maranda, my family, and Dean Charrier.

Video: Seabreacher Australia’s X-Model Submersible Watercraft Goes Nuts

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 16, 2014

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In keeping with last week’s unusual trend of showcasing some very unique (to say the least) forms of personal watercraft, we thought we’d cap off the fun with this great video of Seabreacher Australia’s makoshark-themed X-Model.

According to the press release, “The Seabreacher X is the latest and most advanced submersible watercraft that we have built to date: This exciting new version is based on the dolphin-inspired Seabreacher J, but it has a more aggressive Shark-style body. The X model also steps up the performance envelope with a 260hp supercharged engine, propelling the vessel to a top speed of 43 Knots (80 km/h) on the surface and 22 Knots (40 km/h) below.

“The Seabreacher X can sustain high speed dives below the water and then breach the surface, launching the entire vessel clear out of the water. The new fully vectored thrust system mimic the tail articulation of real aquatic animals like sharks and dolphins. The custom tuned exhaust system also gives the vessel a more throaty growl as it tears across the surface.”

Many of us have already seen the Seabreacher in action – particularly at the IJSBA World Finals. Equipped with a pretty cool a snorkel-mounted video camera that can transmit live video to LCD screens for the pilot and passenger during dives, GPS navigation, and on board stereo system with iPod docking, the Seabreacher X-Model is really a pretty cool machine, and is one step closer to helping you fulfill your dreams of becoming James Bond.

Video: Caloundra Jetski Hire & Safaris Offers a Gentler PWC Experience

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 15, 2014

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Here’s a bit of reality: the majority of people who are buying new watercraft are older people. Yup, dealers and manufacturers alike report that the average buyer ranges between 40-to-60 years old. And most sexagenarians aren’t big into tearing up the closed course or streaking offshore at full throttle.

So for those older enthusiasts (or even those who would like to just dial back a little and just cruise), Caloundra Jetski Hire and Safaris wants to give them a chance to enjoy Caloundra (on the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland, Australia) with a different, more laid back “jetski experience.”

Caloundra Jetski Hire and Safaris’ City Explorer Tour is “more about taking the time to enjoy the surroundings,” according to owner Ken Jeffreys. The ride will guide a group of PWC along the tip of Bribie Island and along Bulcock Beach to Golden Beach in a 40 minute trip.

“There’s nothing better than seeing people out on paddle boards or walking along the boardwalk enjoying Caloundra,” Jeffreys continued. “People love the experience of jetskis but don’t always want that full on adrenaline blast, so this is a way where they can get that but at a slower pace.

According to a report in Sunshine Coast Daily, the new tour adds to the experiences Caloundra Jetski Hire and Safaris offer. The Pumicstone Passage has become a playground for new innovative water-based businesses including Larc About Tours, the amphibious environmental tours where the vehicle goes directly from road to water.

Jefferys concluded, “It’s an extraordinary piece of waterfront here and there’s nothing better than seeing it from the water.”

Video: NY Couple Rescued From Sinking PWC

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 14, 2014

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We’ve all had days out on the water where things have gone well, just really bad. Unfortunately, a couple launching from New York’s Jamaica Bay in the Rockaways around 9:30 at night on Monday, June 23rd had one of those days. Clearly breaking several state and city boating ordinances, the nighttime ride went sour when their Sea-Doo’s engine died and began rapidly taking on water.

Thankfully, the two were stranded in shallow water, near Big Egg Marsh where they spent the entire night waiting for a rescue. According to David Console of the NYPD Harbor Unit, that’s when, “their friend reported them missing at around 12:30 at night and that’s what started all the searching.”

Because their watercraft had no running lights, nor did the couple carry cell phone, flares, or other signally devices, it took emergency crews six hours to find them.

In a report by CBS News, the shallow marsh provided little help. “It’s a small, small island-type marsh with large grass, but it’s sharp over there so they couldn’t walk on it,” explained Andrew Novellano, with the NYPD Harbor Unit. “They’re almost like razor blades so they couldn’t even stand on them.”

Upon rescue, the couple were hypothermic. They were taken immediately to Saint John’s Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia and released.

Video: Kool PWC Stuff Supports Take Point Now Veterans Record Attempt

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 14, 2014

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It’s a great thing to rally behind those who would step up to preserve freedom, especially as they risk considerable harm to themselves in doing so. Many a fine organization has risen up to advocate our nation’s wounded soldiers and we applaud each of them.

Recently, we were introduced to Take Point Now. Not solely a charity, but as the official website describes, “an imperative, a call to action. It’s a command. It is our effort to inspire our fellow veterans to take back their awesome, extraordinary lives.” A crew of six are looking at doing exactly that…by setting a new world record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a jet ski.”

Informing us of this exciting effort was our friends at Kool PWC Stuff. Owner Chris Chamberlain stated, “we have recently donated a couple of custom racks to these guys! You should look into them.” Indeed we did, and were impressed with what we found.

Using two runabouts, a Kawasaki STX-15F and a Yamaha FZS SHO, John Pignone, Greg Raney, John Kilby, Erika Christie and Jim Kieffer are looking at traveling the Atlantic Coast – and making a stop at the Pro Watercross Tour event in Colonial Beach, Virginia – before crossing “the pond.”

The team has a great deal of history together, as they served together from 2004 to 2005, in the Al Anbar province in Iraq. Then known as Major Ewing, Staff Sergeant Kilby, Sergeant Raney, Sergeant Pignone, and Lance Corporal Dixon, the team experienced “both physical combat and mental stressors and challenges. Ten years later, the team is still together and focused on a new objective – breaking the Guinness World Record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a personal watercraft (PWC).”

Currently, Take Point Now is in the midst of training, equipping and navigating their route before executing it later this summer. Take Point Now maintains a very active YouTube channel updating regularly with new videos and webisodes. We strongly suggest checking them out and following their journey.

Real Review: Dragon Alliance MDX Hydro Goggles

By

Kevin Shaw

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July 11, 2014

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The waterproof foam also rests nicely on your skin thanks to the micro-fleece lining, and won’t feel spongy even when wet from sea-spray or sweat thanks to its water-wicking material.

It’s been an inside joke for years. After one particular outing with the Kawasaki crew, where we ventured through some severe weather off of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, I lost two pairs of Bomber sunglasses and a favorite pair of goggles. Exposing my eyes to searing salt spray and whipping winds that day left me in an irritable mood the rest of the trip. And since then, whenever I join Kawasaki’s media group, I am been greeted with a complimentary pair of goggles.

Although appreciative of the many pairs of cheapo goggles in my gear bag, my choice of eye protection tends to sway a little more picky. For riding on water, two things are a must – and are intrinsically tied – ventilation and clarity. So often riders resign themselves to whatever is handy, be it a pair of snow goggles, motocross goggles or even swimming goggles. None of these are ideal as they fail to meet the needs of riding a personal watercraft.

That is why I am so drawn to Dragon Alliance’s MDX Hydro Goggle. Designed specifically for watersports (i.e. riding your personal watercraft), these beauties feature waterproof tri-layer neoprene face foam that not only is designed to survive prolonged exposure to water, but also keeps out unwanted water from entering.

Fantastic drainage is achieved thanks to cast-in drain vents in the frame.

The foam is also what allows the Dragon Hydros to float in case you do lose them, but the 1 1/2-inch strap features a silicone bead that grips firmly to your helmet (if you’re wearing one). The frame is made from polyurethane, which keeps it lightweight and flexible.

But Dragon’s lenses are where it shines most. The frames allow for wide, panoramic lenses opening up your range of vision far more than others we’ve tried. Of course, their lenses are 100-percent UV (UVA/UVB) proof and coated in a proprietary anti-fog treatment. And all anti-fog lenses are available in polarized, blue and all available lenses for MDX framed goggles. And of course, switching out lenses is made easy so you can adjust tints or replace scratched lenses.

Not once did we find any cause for demerit while using our two pairs of Hydro MDXs. Visibility was at a maximum regardless of weather or temperature. Adjusting them to fit young adults or even children was a cinch. We simply felt that the fitment, visibility and comfort of these goggles were leaps ahead of any we have tested before.

Eye protection is a must, as is a life vest. We strongly recommend these. Do not let the $69.95 retail price dissuade you. They’re worth it. We picked up our from Western Powersports, but can also be found at Optima Racing and Thrust Innovations.