With the July 4 weekend just around the corner, and racing underway in many US race tours settling into their 2024 season, The Watercraft Journal made a quick run through the race results and upcoming calendars to provide an overview of the top competitions shaping up for the season, taking a look at the emerging rankings, with many familiar names, and some unexpected challengers. 

Today we’ll take a look at all things IJSBA, as reported through IJSBA.com.

The first US IJSBA results of the season came out of Washington, where Pacific Northwest Watercross battled torrential rains in their season opener at Vance Creek in Elma on April 27-28. At the end of the weekend, Curtis Pitman took the Ski Stock 2 Stroke Lites class, with Elif Baydar in second and Cole McIntyre taking 3rd. Elif Baydar took home the Ski Women’s 2 Stroke Lites win, and Wyatt Kennedy walked away with the Ski Junior (10-15 2-stroke lites) win. In X2 Vintage/Sport Spec, it was Tom Hobeck taking first, Chip Perkins in second and Jared Holland taking third. Runabout Open (Any Ski) was all Greg Moyer and Ski Open GP (Any Ski) saw Elif Baydar take first and Nathan Clements claim second. In the Ski Vet Open (35+) class, it was Elif Baydar (1), Paul Cota (2) and Garrett Marr (3).

In Ski Stock (4-stroke 1050-1500), Paul Cota took first, Nathan Clements took second, and Garrett Marr claimed third. Ski Vintage (550-650) finished with Chris Obuch in first, Jordan Smith in second, and Nathan Clements in third, while the Ski 2-Stroke (No AM Hull) class was Wyatt Kennedy (1), Cole McIntyre (2) and Nathan Clements (3). 

Pacific Northwest Watercross heads to Vance Creek again this weekend for the second weekend of their 2024 season.

On June 1-2, the new owners of East Coast Watercross made their debut in Webster, Massachusetts. Following are the posted results:

Round 1 (Saturday June 1)

Womens 1100 Limited: 1 Teri Burke, 2 Hanna Senra, 3 Kelly Stringer
Stock runabout 800: 1 John Bick
Novice runabout 4 stroke: 1 Judy Ciocco
Beginner 1100 Limited: 1 Joe Yetman, 2 Tanner Batzold, 3 Brody Sebben
Pro/ Am sport spec: 1 Brad Nickerson, 2 Nathan Dalli, 3 Noah Dalli
Pro/am Ski Lites: 1 Jack Cutts, 2 Billy Beers Jr., 3 Troy Gancarz
Superchicken: 1 Warren Burke, 2 Thomas Hager
Pro/Am runabout Rec Lites: 1 Mike Northrup, 2 David Anderson, 3 Ian Smith
Pro/am Ski GP: 1 Rick Sherker, 2 Brayden Sebben, 3 Kelly Wilcox
Pro/am runabout 1100 Open: 1 Cory Dickson
Pro/am runabout 4 stroke: 1 Jay Edworthy, 2 Ian Smith, 3 Mike Northrup
Pro/Am womens Rec Lites: 1 Kelly Stringer, 2 Julia Kapelewska, 3 Emily Petrowski
Pro/Am X2 Open: 1 Doug Wintle, 2 Karlk Hausch, 3 Kayla Pliszka
Junior X2: 1 Warren Burke, 2 Kristopher Van Wie Jr. (DNF)
AM/Nov 1100 limited: 1 Jon Dean, 2 Noah alli, 3 Colby Stringer
Pro/am Ski Stock: 1 Rick Sherker, 2 Brayden Sebben, 3 Charlie McCarthy
Pro/am 4 stroke Ski Lites: 1 Sebastian Wilcox
Ex/pro runabout 1100 limited: 1 Jay Edworthy, 2 Brian Baldwin, 3 Dave Davidson
Vintage ski 550: 1 Cove Batzold, 2 Kyle Pelletier
vintage ski open: 1 JonJon Mozonski, 2 Derrick Stec
Junior sport spec: 1 Liam Beers, 2 Avery Nickerson, 3 Ryder Downey
Amatuer Freestyle: 1 Karl Hausch, 2 Tom Clam
Pro 1200 freestyle: 1 David Oski, 2 Joseph Gluck

Round 2 (Sunday  June 2)
Womens 1100 Limited: 1 Teri Burke, 2 Hannah Senra, 3 Sydney Czarcinski
Beginner 1100 Limited: 1 Joe Yetman, 2 Brody Sebben, 3 Tanner Batzold
Pro/ Am sport spec: 1 Colby Stringer, 2 Brad Nickerson, 3 Lucas Kean
Pro/am Ski Lites: 1 Jack Cutts, 2 Troy Gancarz, 3 Sebastian Wilcox
Superchicken: 1 Warren Burke, 2 Thomas Hager
Pro/Am runabout Rec Lites: 1 Ian Smith, 2 Joe Demario, 3 David Anderson
Pro/am runabout 1100 Open: 1 Cory Dickson
Pro/am Ski GP: 1 Rick Sherker, 2 Brayden Sebben, 3 Jack Cutts
Pro/am runabout 4 stroke: 1 Jay Edworthy, 2 Ian Smith, 3 TJ Brito
Pro/Am Women’s Rec Lites: 1 Kelly Stringer, 2 Julia Kapelewska, 3 Emily Petrowski
Pro/Am X2 Open: 1 Doug Wintle, 2 Teri Burke, 3 Kayla Pliszka
Junior X2: 1 Warren Burke, 2 Kristopher Van Wie Jr.
AM/Nov 1100 limited: 1 Noah Dalli, 2 Jon Dean, 3 Justin Kean
Pro/am Ski Stock: 1 Rick Sherker, 2 Charlie McCarthy, 3 Brayden Sebben
Pro/am 4 stroke Ski Lites: 1 Sebastian Wilcox
Ex/pro runabout 1100 limited: 1 Jay Edworthy, 2 Brian Baldwin, 3 Dave Davidson
Vintage ski 550: 1 Cove Batzold, 2 Alexander Unrue
vintage ski open: 1 Derrick Stec, 2 Jonjon Mozonski
Junior sport spec: 1 Avery Nickerson, 2 Colin Beers, 3 Ryder Downey
Biggie Smalls/ Junior: 1 Emilio Demario
Amatuer Freestyle: 1 karl Hausch, 2 Tom Clam
Pro 1200 Freestyle: 1 Joseph Gluck, 2 David Oski

East Coast Watercross heads to Sylvan Beach, NY this weekend for the second weekend of their 2024 season.

On June 10, IJSBA posted the following results from the Great Lakes Watercross season opener on the second weekend in June.

Round 1 June 8
Junior Rec Lites: 1 Isabelle Gahagan, 2 Mason Puccio, 3 Kali L. Bohat
Junior Ski Lites: 1 Brodie Murphy, 2 Reese Gahagan, 3 Zayne Genrich    
Sport Spec: 1 Justin Eblin, 2 Jack Eidt, 3 Lanny Blackmore
Pro Am Runabout GP: 1 Kyle Niquette
Pro Am Runabout Stock: 1 Carson Petersen, 2 Patrick Sarenich, 3 Kyle Niquette
Am Runabout 1100 Limited: 1 Joseph Ruetz, 2 Scott Trolinger, 3 Andrew Schaaf
Am Runabout 1100 Stock: 1 Maddie Elders, 2 Brad Bohat, 3 Erich Nehls
Vintage Ski 550: 1 Anthony Cellucci, 2 Scott Hyke, 3 Timothy English
Vintage X2: 1 Rod Hall, 2 Jen Doidge
Veterans Rec Lites: 1 Justin Gotsch, 2 Craig Fritz, 3 Ryan Rasmussen
Pro Am Ski GP: 1 Dustin Voss
Pro Am Ski Stock: 1: Heber Blackmore, 2 Olin Blackmore, 3 Steve King
Novice Ski Lites: 1 Emerson King, 2 Dylan Genrich, 3 Jack Eidt
Amateur Rec Lites: 1 Ryan Rasmussen, 2 Jaymie Bohat, 3 Nick Krupka
Pro Am Ski Lites: 1 Dustin Voss, 2 Trevor Schmitt, 3 Marvin Gahagan

Round 2 June 9
Junior Rec Lites: 1 Mason Puccio, 2 Isabelle Gahagan, 3 Matt Voss
Veterans Rec Lites: 1 Justin Gotsch, 2 Edward Gahagan, 3 Craig Fritz
Sport Spec: 1 Justin Eblin, 2 Jack Eidt, 3 Lanny Blackmore
Pro Am Runabout GP: 1 Kyle Niquette
Pro Am Runabout Stock: 1 Carson Petersen, 2 Jarret Peterson, 3 Patrick Sarenich
Beginner Runabout: 1 Steve Bransted
Am Runabout 1100 Limited: 1 Scott Trolinger, 2 Andrew Schaaf
Am Runabout 1100 Stock: 1 Brad Bohat, 2 Maddie Elders, 3 Erich Nehls
Junior Ski Lites: 1 Reese Gahagan, 2 Brodie Murphy, 3 Zayne Genrich
Novice Ski Stock: 1 Travis Branson, 2 Nick Krupka
Pro Am Ski GP: 1 Dustin Voss
Pro Am Ski Stock: 1 Heber Blackmore, 2 Olin Blackmore, 3 Steve King
Vintage Ski 550: 1 Anthony Cellucci, 2 Timothy English, 3 Gina Cellucci
Vintage X2: 1 Rod Hall
Novice Ski Lites: 1 Dylan Genrich, 2 Cody Hritz, 3 Jerod Delong
Amateur Rec Lites: 1 Maddie Elders, 2 Alex Thundercloud, 3 Ryan Rasmussen
Pro Am Ski Lites: 1 Zach Genrick, 2 Dustin Voss, 3 Trevor Schmitt

Great Lakes Watercross heads to Prarie Du Chen, Wisconsin this weekend for rounds 3 & 4.

Be sure to check in next week when we’ll finish up the IJSBA recap with the NautiWater Racing results and review the P1 AquaX, AJSA and international race series results.

The HydroDrags ‘24, presented by FuelTech, may have ended nearly a month ago, but talk of the event – with its slew of world records and jaw-dropping 141 MPH run – with no nitrous – is still turning up the excitement in the world of Watersports. 

 The 141 MPH run, sans-nitrous, was accomplished by Cuco Performance, riding in place of Jose Hernandez on his Yamaha GP1800R Jet Ski managed by FuelTech’s FT550 ECU. In addition Cuco Performance’s record-setting run, FuelTech also played a part in performances that took 1st-3rd in Pro Stock, Pro Speck, Unlimited, and Super Stock classes.

And while talk is great, and reminiscing, and even a little bit of bragging, is all well and good – there’s nothing like black and white proof – or actually full color proof in this case.

Earlier in June, FuelTech posted a new video, “Hydrodrags 2024 new WORLD RECORD! World’s Fastest JetSki! | FuelTech USA” to their YouTube Channel

In addition to the chance to watch the lightning fast rounds of the HydroDrag, FuelTech provide the direct links to the next step for those interested in diving into the world of HydroDrag Racing, with information about the FuelTech Hub Dyno Experience, FuelTech FT Education Training and a library of FuelTech Tech Articles.

And when you’re finished marveling at the 141 mph adrenaline boost, don’t forget that FuelTech is still offering customers a chance to steal the spotlight with FuelTech Customer Spotlight. 

With the upload of an entry form, and photos and/or videos of your ride, as well as how you use FuelTech products, you could land on FuelTech’s spotlight page, garnering bragging rights and notoriety for your build. 

The process is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Show Your Ride: Jet skis, cars, trucks, snowmobiles, tractors or something else entirely, if it runs FuelTech, they want to see it

Show your Fuel Tech: Be sure to include pictures and/or video of your FuelTech products with your Customer Spotlight Submission

Show off: Share pictures and/or video of your vehicle in action to show off what your ride can do.

 And last, but not least, the FuelTech HydroDrags t-shirt is now available for just $25 on the JetTech Facebook page. 

Fathers Day is making significant gains in popularity.

Once known as the forgotten holiday, the National Retail Foundation reported in 2014 that Father’s Day was the smallest American gift-giving holiday.

This year, 75% of consumers say they will celebrate Father’s Day and Father’s Day spending is projected to reach $22.4 billion this year, according to a yearly survey by the NF anRd Prosper Insights & Analytics. It is the second-highest figure in the survey’s history, following last year’s record of $22.9 billion.

Despite shoppers planning to spend an average $189.81 on gifts and celebrations, #dad’sdaydisappointment is bound to still be a trending hashtag in the days after Fathers Day, when fathers across the nation unwrap ties, cologne, Hawaiian shirts and bargain-rack golf, fishing and barbecue tools. 

The Watercraft Journal readers, however, have a secret weapon against the dangers and pitfalls of Fathers Day Gift Giving. Just yesterday, SeaDoo released their curated list of perfect Fathers Day gifts, available directly from the Sea-Doo Shop

Topping the list are the Sea-Doo Floating Polarized Lagoon Sunglasses –  $59.99

With their bright polarized chrome colored lenses and advanced UV400 solar ray protection, the Sea-Doo Floating Polarized Lagoon Sunglasses are your new go-to pair from sand to sea. Fear less about losing these to the water thanks to floating frame tech, while air-injected arms have an ultra-light feel. A removable and adjustable safety strap system completes these sun-loving glasses.

Next up, we have the Unisex Sea-Doo Non-slip Riding Boots – $99.99

Push your limits without putting undue stress on your ankles in the unisex Sea-Doo Riding Boots. Styled like a pair of on-land boots, these performance boots have good looks and plenty of tech primed for serious rides. Water drains quickly thanks to ventilated mesh uppers and perforated insoles, while an all over urethane coating serves as an exterior barrier for debris. A lace closure, heel pull tab and non-marking rubber soles round out these double-duty kicks.

For those more chill summer nights, there’s the Sea-Doo Men’s Sunset Tech Zip-Up – $99.99

Those chilly pre-ride mornings or post-wave cookouts call for the luxe, warm Sea-Doo Men’s Sunset Tech Zip Up. Polyester and spandex join forces to create plush brushed back fabric. Anti-microbial and anti-pilling finishes ensure durability so this hoodie lasts. Adjust the hood for versatile coverage and store your essentials in the 2 hand pockets and 1 hidden elbow pocket. A Sea-Doo logo rounds at the left chest adds extra interest to this staple piece.

Or the Sea-Doo Men’s Windproof Jacket – $99.99

You’re an outdoor lover through and through. If there’s no stopping you, even when the weather isn’t cooperating, the Sea-Doo Men’s Windproof Jacket is your new best friend. Water-resistant and quick-drying material keeps moisture from soaking through, so you stay dry when you’re outside. Windproof technology also comes to play, blocking icy winds so you can focus on your fun. Exterior hand pockets keep essentials safe and close at hand, while the adjustable and stowable hood adds versatile coverage where you need it.

And for the perfect Fathers Day outing, you can’t go wrong with the Sea-Doo 3.7 US Gal Cooler Bag – $169.99

Sleek, stylish soft-sided thermal insulated bag is perfect for keeping your refreshments cool for up to 48 hours. Waterproof, sealed construction with durable material is easy to clean. Carry handles and removable shoulder strap for easy transport to and from the water. Features outside ID pocket and magnetic top closure for quick access and a sure seal.

And there’s more where those came from. Be sure to check out the full lineup of gifts perfect for the father in your life – even if that’s you!

Go faster. Accelerate harder.

If those phrases cause a spike in your heart rate, then GreenHulk PWC Performance Store’s current sale on the  Fizzle Z53+ Supercharger Impeller may be just what the doctor ordered.

Designed for the 2024 RXP-X 325 and RXT-X 325 models, this state-of-the-art upgrade comes with typical gains reaching 5-6+ PSI over OEM wheels – peaking at over 24 PSI at 9,000 RPM – resulting in an unparalleled boost in both top speed and throttle response.

With the Fizzle Z53+, you can achieve up to a roughly 3 MPH speed gain and sharper acceleration from more torque and horsepower.

Crafted from billet aluminum, the Z53+ is lightweight, designed for efficiency with precision-engineered aggressive blade geometry paired with an integrated nut and raised center section, ensuring explosive acceleration, maximum boos and peak speeds – all without supercharge housing modifications. 

And for a limited time, the added adrenaline comes at a discounted price of $557.07

Also on sale right now is the Fizzle Sea-Doo 300 Supercharger Shaft Holding Wrench. Whether you’re servicing the supercharger, swapping out impeller wheels or checking clutch slip tension, this specially designed wrench fits all Sea-Doo 300 HP models from 2016 to present and is crafted with precision and durability in mind. ensuring a perfect grip on the supercharger shaft without causing damage.

All for a discounted price of $37.15. 

And while you’re at it, you can get $4.50 off the RIVA Sea-Doo 2018+ RXT/GTX, 2021+ RXP & 2020+ GTR/GTI Engine Service Cover Washer Upgrade Kit with discount code ‘greenhulk’  These sturdy,  Precision-machined stainless steel washers are electropolished, providing excellent fit and an awesome cosmetic upgrade along with increased durability. A must for repeatedly removing & replacing your engine service cover for regular maintenance & inspection. Kits includes 13 precision-machined stainless washers along with installation instructions.  

Discount code ‘greenhulk’ will also get you $14 off a RIVA Sea-Doo Exhaust Race Plate.

Be sure to check out all the GreenHulk website for all of the Performance Store’s products, and stay up-to-date on all GreenHulk special offers by following their social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and the GreenHulk Garage YouTube Channel. 

With over 55-percent of new personal watercraft sales going to people who’ve never owned a PWC before, the likelihood of someone getting their hands on a top performing machine who have otherwise, zero understanding of the degree of maintenance and upkeep these machines require, is pretty high.

Salesmen love to make a killer sale on a big dollar watercraft but often do very little to inform the customer of the hours of labor it takes to keep these machines up and running at premium, tip-top condition. Thankfully, Cycle Springs Powersports of Clearwater, Florida is the tip of the spear when it comes to keeping customers’ skis up and running right.

Their service center chews through hundreds of customer’s PWC keeping them running all year ’round. And with their 50-Day Service Package, they run through a who’s who of manufacturer-required checks before sending them out. So if you’re a new owner and have racked up your first 50 days of riding (no matter how many miles – at least from what we can find), bring it in for this must-have maintenance service.

Per Cycle Springs Powersports here’s what they say about their 50-day service:
By the time you reach 50 days of use on your personal watercraft, those next-level excursions on your Cycle Springs watercraft have made choppy waters your happy place. But, to keep your machine running its best, it’s time for a 50-day watercraft maintenance. Our Powersports specialists understand the intricacies of jet ski maintenance and apply precision and care to every detail of your watercraft maintenance. Your technician will:

• Check ECU for Codes • Check & Clean/Change All Engine Filters
• Check ECU for Hours • Change Gear Lube for Lower Gear Casing
• Compression Test Operation • Check & Grease Propeller Shaft Splines
• Check Cooling System • Grease All Fittings & Grease Points
• Check & Adjust Throttle and Shift Cables • Check & Fill Power Trim Fluid
• Check & Adjust Idle • Retorque All Cover Plate Bolts
• Inspect Fuel System • Change Spark Plugs
• Inspect Ignition & Electrical System • Check Timing Belt Tension
• Check Battery Condition • Check & Change Anodes
• Change Oil & Filter • Inspect & Adjust Top Cowling Latch
• Change Water Separating Fuel Filter • Check Trailer Tires and retorque lug nuts

We take your safety and the performance of your personal watercraft personally, ensuring every aspect of your machine’s function is ready for the adventures ahead.

We know a lot of you guys are getting really good at tuning and building customized personal watercraft. And with the aftermarket offering top-of-the-line performance parts to unlock the true potential within these machines, building a run-of-the-mill Sea-Doo or Yamaha into a real lake burner is becoming surprisingly easy.

With that said, have you considered turning that into a side hustle or full-time gig? If so, you have an opportunity to use this newfound interest to segue into a new career and register to become a vendor of Active Jet Sport parts and accessories. Dealers and shops who see enough volume can apply at this portal to earn special pricing and offers from AJS.

Per Active Jet Sports, they state: “We offer special discounts to volume purchasers through our wholesale account portal. These accounts are not meant for individual customers and have a minimum order value requirement.

“To register for wholesale discount go to My Account and select “Shops / Dealers / Wholesale” from the User Type drop down. All applications will be reviewed, once approved you’ll be able to sign-in and see updated pricing.”

It’s really very easy and many of you who spend your weekends wrenching on other people’s PWC could easily apply to save big on larger purchases. Hit this link to see everything you need to know to register and become a vendor today.