You might not have heard of the Norwegian Jetski Club and that’s OK. But, you should know that they are doing a better job at building the future generation of jet ski racers than anywhere else in the world. This is a big statement, and we mean every single syllable of it. The Norwegian Jetski Club has managed to create a complete culture of elevating youth racing through positive engagement, individual achievement and healthy competition.
Alumni of the Norwegian Jetski Club – as it caters to 8-to-17 year old riders – have gone on to compete in France’s stellar Freegun Jetcross Tour as well as other UIM sanctioned events. Part of the Norwegian Jetski Club’s success has been its accessing of professional racers to step in and coach the kids in improving techniques. One such racer did exactly that this weekend, Kevin Reiterer.
On the shores of Bergen, Norway, thirty kids lined up to train with the twelve-time world champion, spending three days “discussing tactics and trying out training techniques in and out of the water,” according to a press release issued by Reiterer’s camp. Despite the 3°C (37.4 Fahrenheit) cold water, smiles were had by all.
“I was really impressed how so many people of Norway, have so much passion for a summer sport and most of all are so passionate about it. It was an amazing experience and everytime they ask me, I will be back to hang out with them!” Reiterer stated. “The little guys dueled for hours in the wavy water, on and with many horsepowers.”
Reiterer vowed to return after competing in the G-Shock Pro Tour in Thailand. Until that time, enjoy the video recapping his experience as a guest coach below:
Wait, what? You might’ve seen these two stellar Sea-Doo RXP-Xs before. Built to order by WMF Watercraft for Amanda and Ryan Peters, these two machines were meticulously taken down, modified using some of the best parts and components made available by the personal watercraft industry, and reassembled, tuned and shown nationally in several boat shows before going back to the owners.
But as the new year dons, so do new interests and the Peters are interested in finding a new home for their favorite Sea-Doos. That is why WMF Watercraft is listing these fine skis for an insane bargain price of $26,999 for both skis, the trailer, and a pair of covers.
Just so you know, these two skis are perfect examples of WMF’s custom capabilities. Ryan’s dayglow yellow-and-black 400-horse Pro Open RXP-X features nearly everything RIVA Racing has for pushing a T3-hulled Sea-Doo deep into the 80’s, including RIVA’s billet steering system, trim tabs, intake grate, cold air kit, through-hull exhaust kit, intercooler, supercharger kit, valvetrain retainer kit, intake manifold element removal kit, and a race-tuned ECU.
Amanda’s RXP-X had all of the factory dayglow yellow panels on the RXP-X replaced with a Hot Pink Pearl. Modifications to hers aren’t as extensive as her husband’s, but equally impressive. Most of the tricks made to Amanda’s ski were to merely “unlock” the Rotax 4-tec engine, including the aforementioned intake manifold kit, quick flow exhaust kit, and air breather, along with a slightly retouched ECU.
For the potential buyer who loves serious horsepower and on-the-water performance, WMF’s pair of tuned Sea-Doos are an insane steal at $26,999. That’s at-new prices and excluding the thousands upon thousands of dollars of aftermarket parts and labor in building and test and tuning. Seriously guys, get on this deal.
It’s Friday. For the most part, it’s been an unseasonably cold April and you deserve a break. So for your enjoyment we present some harmless fun: this cool stop-motion film of a group of daring Playmobil big wave surfers charging some epic construction paper and cotton ball waves.
Filmed in parking lots, backyards and even some actual sandy beach, this little video is a feat of patience and suspension of disbelief. What’s great is that the video is clearly helmed by some experienced surfers, as a variety of waves, breaks and tubes are properly represented, as well as some larger than life almost North Shore-level waves.
Not to be forgotten, even some of the featured surfers are seen being towed in and picked up by personal watercraft, furthering exhibiting the commitment to realism. You gotta hand it to this group of filmmakers and their dedication to such a fun seemingly brainless flick. Of course, it’s said that true talent is making something look effortless, and these guys are showing a whole lot of talent.
One of the most neglected articles of riding gear (besides proper footwear) are gloves. It’s not often that we jump on a ski without a lifevest or even some protective eyewear, but gloves almost always go forgotten. It’s all the more confusing when considering that those who ride motorcycles are never without them. So what gives?
Jaunts on watercraft are almost always brief. Even those who are going out for a long ride neglect gloves are often thinking, “I’m not going to be pushing it. I’m just going for a cruise.” The problem: many thing wearing gloves is a “racing thing.” We’re here to say that such is not the case, even while reviewing Slippery’s race-bred Circuit Gloves.
Not only do gloves provide added tactility that wet, vulnerable skin can’t match, but they also protect from the elements, like chilling wind or fast-moving water spray. It might not sound like a heck of a lot, but it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Born from years of performance testing, the Circuit Glove was designed with the maximum comfort and mobility available. Learning lessons from its from the brand’s long racing heritage, the Circuit provides excellent grip while retaining a strong tactile feel via anti-slip gel print on the palm and fingertips.
Speaking of the palm, Slippery uses a unique perforated Clarino material for the palm that allows for maximum drainage without weakening the integrity of the glove. Likewise, the glove features a breathable, stretchy Innospan backhand for increased flexibility with a durable TPR closure. Slippery’s Circuit Gloves are all held together with flat-stitch seams for a more comfort fit.
Slippery manages to find some of the best-fitting and flexible materials available and the gloves don’t fail in that regard. Drying time is short thanks to the perforated palm and fingers, as well. Again, Slippery manages to make something so simple so right, and at $30.95, pretty affordable.
We found the Slippery Circuit Gloves both comfortable and durable, capably providing the extra traction and protection expected from the watercraft riding gear manufacturer. The large rubberized logo on the palm and knuckles are mainly there for aesthetic purposes but weren’t too distracting.
From the outside looking in, you would think that every Australian who loves riding personal watercraft in the surf is a professional freerider. More footage of amazing aerial action keep pouring out of the land Down Under than even America’s famed Oceanside, California.
One talented athlete, Luke Rotolone, has been publishing his aquatic acrobatics on his YouTube channel, showing off his skills behind the throttle of him lime green DASA-powered Trinity-hulled freeride ski or his equally hued WaveBlaster.
Personally, we get a kick out of seeing freeriders grabbing sick air with the slightly larger, slightly heavier ‘Blasters – if only just to prove the “I’d rather sit than quit” guys wrong. But changing people’s minds is never one single logical argument away.
We learned that Luke had fractured his pelvis rather badly recently and is recuperating rather well despite the presence of some new screws and plates holding him together.
Who: Chris Fischetti
Age: 40-something
Hometown: Global Aqua Moto headquarters (aka Lake Havasu City, AZ)
Years Riding: Before the words “PWC” or “watercraft” were ever mentioned. And when the only jet skis were JetSkis. When 440/550 standups were the only thing to ride.
Years Racing: Since “Stock 440” was a racing class and Pro Stock 550 could win you $1000 on a weekend!
Recent Races: SurferCross, WORCS Motocross, Hennesseys US Paddleboard Championships, Baja 1000, Barrettt Junction Downhill LongBoard race, Quick-N-Dirty MTB, and the 2014 Mark Hahn 300.
Weapon of Choice: 550 Limited
The Watercraft Journal: Fish, what have you been up to the past few years?
CF: I have been racing everything from standup paddleboards, surfercross, motocross, downhill skateboards, and mountain biking, but there wasn’t any jet ski races that had any rules that my skis could race in – or any that even wanting any of the sport’s veterans to come and be a part of the racing! So, I had to organize my own races, re-structure all the Vintage races classes, orchestrate a full promotional effort and a PWC expo all within two months just to race my standup! But this isn’t about me – it’s all about our cool sport!
WCJ: We noticed that you raced the Mark Hahn 300 race. How long has it been since you have been in a race?
CF: Seem like forever on a PWC or standup!
WCJ: Did this bring back some memories and spark something back in you?
CF: I raced a bunch of endurance races here in the States, but the Spanish Sea-Doo distributor flew me to race their two-day event in Spain, racing up and down the coast of Mediterranean Sea. It got so rough that one of the top guys bailed and couldn’t swim fast enough to get to his runabout. They found the ski, but not the racer. Luckily a sailboat picked him up – they found him down the coast in the other direction a day later! I broke way up the coast in really big, rough surf. There were no safety boats or rescue for miles. Luckily I limped the Sea-Doo into a small beach with a local cabana food/bar. Oh yeah, there was a topless beach too. Now that was a race!
WCJ: Tell us about the Aqua Moto Grand Prix race happening in Lake Havasu on May 3-4.
CF: We’re pairing up Lucas drag boats and vintage jet ski racing in Lake Havasu. It’s gonna be where tan lines meet the starting lines of high speed lake and beach action! It’s going to be a small, fun and professional race. I’ve got K38 as my safety team. We’ll have awards, prizes, and cool pre- and after parties. It’ll be in front of thousands of spectators. I know it is the same time as the Parker, AZ PWC race, but I had this opportunity to put the sport of jet ski racing in front of a large crowd with a professional and established racing organization and the chance of getting exposure outside our industry.
Chris beamed, “Many people came to Lake Havasu to see the world’s best racers, but they also came for the fun and lifestyle – just like a tailgate party at the big game. I helped promote the infamous desert party, which helped create the world’s best PWC race into an yearly destination world event.”
WCJ: What are you planning to accomplish with this one time event?
CF: This race will bring back old racers and bring some new local riders to the track that would never race the Parker race. The Aqua Moto Grand Prix is designed to rebuild the sport from the grassroots, and make it so any rider can now race under the class structure and race format I have put together anywhere in the world under any promoter. Hopefully some of the Parker racers will roll up so we can hangout and swap race stories. I have a lot of them!
WCJ: What do you think this sport needs to put it back on the main stage?
CF: I know what our sport needs to be back in the public’s eye. Without TV we can’t gain new racers, followers or sponsors. Without sponsors we can’t have purse money. Without a pro purse we can’t have real professional events.
“I had many other sponsors – clothing, sunglasses, wetsuit companies – all had me endorse their products and push and cross promote the watercraft lifestyle into many other action sports – including Snowcross! Now that was really crazy!” Chris recalled.
I just don’t know of any sport that doesn’t have any of it’s early leaders as a part of it. Motocross has MC, Emic, and Johnson. Ricky Carmichael is designing tracks for Supercross. Football, basketball, baseball has every player announcing, NASCAR looks to it’s history to make it more successful. Every major sport has a successful path that includes it’s history.
We need to show the extreme nature and radical action of racing. We need freestyle to showcase our riders on the level of all action sports. Standup racing needs more obstacles and a tighter track, runabouts need to be raced in a long course format with 30-minute motos and a huge backstretch with a giant safe Daytona first turn. Freestyle needs a man-on-man elimination format like surfing.
WCJ: Where do you see this sport heading and how are you planning to help grow it?
CF: I know that if this sport doesn’t get traction NOW it will never have the following or wheels big enough to get going. I know I can’t rebuild the entire sport myself either. When this sport was first evolving, I was there. And with the help of core riders, racers, and loyal spectators, we made this into one of the coolest watersports on the planet.
I put 25-plus years into building and promoting this sport worldwide, both on the track and off. I filmed, edited and produced my own tour video and “rapid ride adventure” that promoted the jet ski lifestyle. I raced every single class from Stock 440 to Modified big bore runabout, working with almost every aftermarket company and manufacturer to help promote and sell racing products from scoop grates to ignitions. With my pop’s determination and all my sponsors and support we won.
But again, this isn’t about me. So back to your question: can we all come together to regrow the sport? I have seen the sport’s history, I helped make it. Now we know what not to do.
Are you a full-sized runabout owner who wants to enjoy the ease and accessibility of launching your ski from the beach like those toting smaller stand-up jet skis? Because of the massive weight difference between the two, imagining hauling a hand-pulled balloon-tired dolly with 1,000-pounds of runabout on it down the shoreline is all but impossible.
But now, you can with anabolic steroids! Ha, ha. No, just kidding. Rather than chemically-induced performance-enhancing drugs, you just need the all-new Beach Rover All-in-One Jet Ski Lift & Dolly. Built by Shoreline Manufacturing, LLC in Holland, MI, the motorized Beach Rover is available with a Honda 5.5hp electric start engine, battery, and solar charging system (for an extra $1,000) over its standard pull-start configuration.
Similar to those large industrial lifts used to dry dock boats during the off season, the Beach Rover can power up a 20-percent incline as easily as it can drive down a beach without any pulling, tugging or heaving. It’s motorized knobby tires ensure that you won’t get stuck as it automatically lifts over 1,500-pounds worth of personal watercraft.
Built from stainless steel, the Beach Rover is safe for salt water use, the Beach Rover is easily assembled and easier to operate. Universal lifting brackets work for all PWC models and are tethered to eliminate swaying or swinging. If you think it’s great, it is. But at $8,500 it’s not cheap either. Watch the video below to see the Beach Rover in action.
A dismal lack of surf couldn’t dampen the spirits of these freeriders, as many cracked open their bags of freestyle tricks.
This year Mother Nature was cooperative with beautiful, sunny and warm weather, possibly the warmest Wavedaze ever. Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn’t so kind with the surf conditions. The swell was small and weak, and high winds created choppy water.
Wavedaze was moved two weeks earlier this year, but it didn’t stop people from coming; Dan Swartz and crew registered over 100 skis and welcomed many more spectators.
Starting seven years ago by a local group called the “Wavejunkies,” it has grown into one of the largest surf freeride events of the year, held annually on Virginia Beach, VA. Organized by Dan Swartz and the Wavejunkies, Wavedaze is very well organized event.
When you arrive, the Wavejunkies shuttle your ski from your truck or trailer straight to the water with provided ATV’s and beach carts. When you need to refuel, they will drive your ski to the beachside fueling station. Overnight security is also provided to watch the skis on the beach as well.
This year’s Wavedaze brought some of freeride’s best from across the nation, as well as from Canada, Mexico and France all the way across the pond!Burn Industries’ rider Zack Bright flew across the country with his iconic wildly-hued Krash Industries ski in tow for this weekend.
This has helped Wavedaze to attract international riders including Julian Herpsont from France, Abraham Ho from Mexico, and numerous riders from Canada.
The West coast was well represented this year too. The TC Freeride team made the long trip from California including Taylor Curtis, Brandon Lawlor, and Mark Gomez, as well as Zach Bright as the west coast distributor for Krash Industries. They were all on hand to ride and offer demo rides on the latest hulls from RRP/Rickter and Krash.
Additional hull builders Rage Composite Works and Aquabot were both set up on vendor row with their latest hulls on display and demo skis available to ride on the beach.
Jeff Bolte happily peels the lip off a small roller aboard his Rickter.
Other vendors present were title sponsor Rad Dudes and JetManiac with the latest in freestyle and freeride parts, helping to keep everyone riding all weekend. True Performance Engineering (TPE) had motors on display and Chris Rauen was selling shirts by RACU Design Co.
Travis Collette had a fantastic weekend, both winning the “Cherry Popper” award for completing his first backflip as well as getting engaged!
This year’s event included several classes of racing as well freestyle competition including Top Pro and Amateur riders. Mark Gomez won the “Sickest Trick for freestyle. Travis Collette won the “Cherry Popper” competition by completing his first backflip and also got engaged at Wavedaze with Crystal Cascarino. Congrats!
After the ride on Saturday evening, there was a raffle for great prizes donated by all of the sponsors. There were so many prizes that most who entered the raffle won something. This year, a separate raffle was held for a donated TPE 964cc cylinder kit with all of the proceeds were donated to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Water Rescue Squad and the AWA.
Although the skies were clear and the temperatures warm, the waves simply weren’t there. Many dusted off their freestyle skills and still put on a great show. Despite the low swell, everyone had a great time, proving that Wavedaze is always a great surf freeride and that everyone is exited for 2015.
For its seven year, the Wavedaze never fails to disappoint. Nearly 100 freeriders came to charge the water while many more were on hand to watch all the action unfold.
Today’s hyper-competitive world of freestyle jet skiing requires the very best in equipment. Long gone are the freestyle tricks that made Scott “Hollywood” Watkins legendary – 360s and headstands in the tray, fountains and nosestabs. If you’re not attempting a scarecrow or no-handed backflips, you’re not on the scoreboard.
So when you fork over your hard-earned money for what you believe to be one of the finest machines available on the market today, you expect to be getting the best. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened to Marcus Marchant. Marcus sold his modified SuperJet to allow him to purchase what he thought to be a “resprayed 2012 Rickter XFS.”
Unfortunately, the counterfeit unveiled itself upon immediate reception. As one familiar with the build quality of Rick Roy Products, Marcus was dismayed to see the sloppy construction of a fake. Sold by a “Maurice” at Jetimport CUBILLAS, Rick Roy Products has been made aware of the knockoff and will be handling preserving the veracity of their fine products on their own (most likely legal) level.
To all my Facebook Jetski buddies, just to make you aware that there are fake, yes counterfeit RRP Rickter hulls out there! I have been conned into buying what I thought was a resprayed 2012 Rickter XFS that turned out to be a brand new counterfeit!
I have had my heart set on getting one of these for the last year and have put my family through hell to get it. I have sold my beloved SuperJet, all my spares and various other bits just to fund it and am totally devastated. Because of this crook I am unable to compete in the European freestyle championships this year and I’m going to be off the water for the foreseeable future.
RRP are aware of this guy and have been trying to help me get my money back but to no avail so I have been left with no choice but to name and shame him.
So if you want a counterfeit Rickter XFS give Maurice a ring at Jetimport CUBILLAS on +34619885968 or email him at [email protected] or if you would like some fake RRP footholds etc go to his website at www.jetskicubillas.com
In an effort to help support safe boating practices, promote education and personal watercraft responsibility, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) has kicked off its second annual “PWC Safe Rider” program.
Sponsored by the PWIA and supported by its members BRP Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki, the Safe Rider program encourages riders to take the “safe rider pledge” by going to www.pwia.org, and filling out the promise, as well as download additional safety materials and information about the “Safe Rider” campaign. For those who complete the pledge, an exclusive decal will be mailed out.
For those who don’t know, the PWIA was founded in 1987 to better promote the “safe, responsible and enjoyable operation of personal watercraft.” Advocates for PWC manufacturers Yamaha, Kawaski and BRP, the PWIA provides a “unified voice for the industry and represents the interests of personal watercraft manufacturers in legislative and regulatory concerns.”
Here’s the original press release:
WASHINGTON, DC– The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) announced today that it is again promoting the responsible use of personal watercrafts (PWC) by encouraging safety and education.
Kicking off this Memorial Day weekend, the organization will launch its second annual Safe Rider program, educating users of PWC on safety and asking them to sign a pledge committing to the safe and responsible operation of their vessels.
“Our mission is to advocate for a safe and enjoyable experience on any personal watercraft,” said David Dickerson, executive director of PWIA. “Bringing the Safe Rider campaign to PWC users for a second year in a row will help us to continue to reach a larger audience with the message that PWC fun and safety go hand in hand.”
PWIA first launched the Safe Rider program in 2013 with an inaugural on-water event on Lake Lanier, Georgia in partnership with state legislators and local businesses. Following the local event, a nationwide call to action was initiated. Safe Rider’s pledge form asks that all PWC riders agree to the take the following steps towards safety and fun on the water:
• Scan the water for hazards and other boats • Avoid aggressive maneuvers • Follow local boating laws, including rules to prevent the transfer of invasive species • Examine your equipment • React to conditions • Insist on a safe distance from other boats, swimmers and fixed objects • Drive sober • Evaluate weather and waterways • Respect the environment by avoiding fuel spills and operating close to marine life
The pledge form can be accessed at www.pwia.org, along with more information about the “Safe Rider” campaign. Information on instructional courses and downloadable safety materials, including a brief handbook titled Riding Rules for Personal Watercraft and PWC Orientation Checklist can also be found at www.pwia.org.
“Responsible riding isn’t just about personal safety. Our pledge encompasses PWC etiquette for riders of every skill level in multiple locations or scenarios,” Dickerson added. “It includes being considerate of those around you. Being mindful of other vessels in your vicinity and how your rate of speed or wake affects them. And don’t forget about marine life, be sure to respect ecologically sensitive areas. Sign the pledge today, commit to its recommendations and start having fun on the water!”
