The IJSBA has announced the slate of VIP opportunities for the 2024 Short Block Technologies WGP-1 World Finals.

With IJSBA just announcing VIP and pit opportunities for this year’s World Finals in Lake Havasu City, and with VIP opportunities selling out early every year since 2001, now is the time to act!

In a release posted to the IJSBA website Monday, August 12, IJSBA Executive Director Scott Frazier said VIP access is not necessary, but the opportunities are there for those wishing to step up the standard pit experience.

“There is no requirement to procure VIP pits- there will be plenty of pit space for everyone,” Frazier said. “However, if you are looking for special pit placement and privileges, please read on.”

Designated “VIP Beach,” , the front area at the race site is exclusive to reserved spots and allows for easy pitting with the shortest distance to the starting line.

A popular VIP option is always the team option that comes with VIP access, without securing a VIP Package. For Combined Pit Placement, teams of five persons or more, who are sharing a single pit space, shall be eligible for reserved and early placement without any need for a VIP package. Those persons shall agree that only one parking pass will allow a trailer to be brought in and the other parking passes of that group will be for car parking only and in the upper parking lot. Those confirmed groups, who have all participating competitors completely pre-registered, shall be allowed early placement into a reserved spot.

For a full list of VIP options, see the full press release below.

IJSBA is pleased to announce the opening of VIP and combined pit opportunities for the 2024 Short Block Technologies WGP-1 World Finals. As with all years, IJSBA is enacting policies, procedures, and opportunities intending to make the World Finals pit environment more efficient, more fair, and, hopefully, more enjoyable. IJSBA has completely sold out of these opportunities since 2001 and interested parties are advised to reserve early.

These policies have reduced traffic, made pitting much easier, and have provided benefits to those attending World Finals and seeking an enhanced team experience. There is no requirement to procure VIP pits- there will be plenty of pit space for everyone. However, if you are looking for special pit placement and privileges, please read on.

The VIP beach is an up front area exclusive to reserved spots. This area allows for easy pitting with the shortest distance to the starting line. Spaces here have VIP applicants furnishing their own tents in 10×20 increments. Full sized motor vehicles are not allowed in this area (pickup truck, car, van, etc.) Anyone who uses this area must keep all of their watercraft, atv, chairs, and personnel fully contained within their reserved space. Additionally, all banners, tent tops, and other visible logos and artwork must be approved by IJSBA in addition to the approval of the reserved space. Please do not expect that any of this space will be available if not reserved even of you have booked these spaces in the past. These spaces do not include any reserved vehicle parking.

Other VIP opportunities:
Entry row: Some of the highest exposure which includes enough room for vehicle parking and full sized enclosed trailers. This is the row you pass when you enter the pits. Banners, tent tops, and large visible logos must be approved by IJSBA.

Combined Pit Placement: Teams, of five persons or more, who are sharing a single pit space, shall be eligible for reserved and early placement without any need for a VIP package. Those persons shall agree that only one parking pass will allow a trailer to be brought in and the other parking passes of that group will be for car parking only and in the upper parking lot. Those confirmed groups, who have all participating competitors completely preregistered, shall be allowed early placement into a reserved spot.

Combined Smaller Pit Placement: Smaller reserved section for groups of two or more.

VIP Option 1: Early pit entry, early check in, reserved trailer parking, early placement for 10×20 tent or rent a commercial tent.

VIP Option 2: 10×20 tent space on VIP beach (no other privileges).

Please email [email protected] if you have interest in any of these options.

Every once in a while, there is something posted online that makes you stop scrolling for a moment; something that connects, something that resonates and aligns completely with your perceptions or thoughts on a matter.

I came across just such a post on a couple days ago – one that matches The Watercraft Journal’s view of PWC as a whole, and my perception of the PWC family, as well as the attitudes of so many in the PWC world, that I felt it warranted sharing, in full and unedited, with The Watercraft Journal family.

Shared with permission of the author, and new Region 8 PWC racer, Brian Baker:

My life completely changed August 3rd & 4th – Most of my closest friends know of the many ups and downs I’ve had throughout my life. I won’t make this post any longer than it already will be.

I was a spectator to an event that I didn’t even know existed a year ago. I met Austin Jones out of the Buffalo, NY area and his family welcomed me with open arms. I honestly didn’t even know how to accept it. It’s a small world, mysterious I guess you’d say. I was messaged last year by Kris VanWie who’s in the race scene with his son Kris “Krash” VanWie Jr. out of B’Ville and he invited me out for some ride time. Kris put me on a Yamaha Waveblaster and I couldn’t even take off lol. I thought damn… I’m not going to be able to race without a ski. Then Kris said “Race yours”? I laughed at first and then said “really dude”? A bone stock 20yr. old ski out there racing lol – Then ‘Krash’ chimes in and says “Send it”! I put some thought into it, then some more and decided to send it. I was invited out by Joe DeMario who also races in the P1 AquaX to practice and I was grateful for all the advice as I was preparing for Plattsburgh.

The race weekend came quickly, I drove 4hrs. with gut wrenching butterflies and nerves having absolutely no clue what to expect or do. Saturday morning was here and all my unanswered questions were answered. Chris Scudder immediately began helping me by finding a beach cart. The first cart we attempted ended with a sheared pin on the cart (I began sweating more than I already was) so another cart had to be found – I don’t have a clue what to do I’m thinking at this point. Some time went by and there were less and less boats up in the parking area. Then someone yelled to me, “Hey Freeman is going to get you in”. My heart began beating normal again.

I ran 3 motos out of 4 (weather delay/called event) – I placed second with only one other novice racer, so yes I placed last. That’s where it begins – I did something I never thought I would do and it changed my life forever. I was accepted with the warmest welcome from the East Coast Watercross community. I’m beyond grateful and humbled by their support. The racing took me to a whole new level in life. I had an opportunity to go at the same time as Pro rider Tj Brito. I found something I love doing. I haven’t felt this happy in a very long time.

There are so many people I want to thank – Big big shoutout to the ECW STAFF and Director Shawn Dudek the ones who make it all happen. Always want to give thanks to the Course Marshals for assuring the safety of the racers. Thank you Andrew Freeman for getting me in the water. Thank you to Steve Hotchkiss for the time you took to chat with me. I met so many people, so if I forgot to personally thank you please know I am very very thankful. Until we meet again in the Glen, I’m ecstatic to be a part of the R8 family.

While summer rides on the lake and fun excursions with family are staples of the Sea-Doo life, our watercraft are capable of bringing you to remote destinations for truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Whether exploring areas far off the beaten path, fishing for a species never before caught on a PWC, or connecting with loved ones through a shared love of exploration on the water, Sea-Doos are the vehicle that can make these dreams a reality.

Sea-Doo’s upcoming Bucket List series will highlight exceptional experiences from of the Sea-Doo family, inspiring everyday riders to make the leap and check big things off their own bucket lists.

The first installment of the series will feature Sea-Doo ambassador Alvean Azurin, as she brings her niece on an exploration of remote Alaskan waterways alongside an Uncharted Society outfitter, where they experience the raw beauty of the Alaskan outback from a perspective few people have seen.

Stay tuned to Sea-Doo’s Facebook and Instagram for the first installment.

And when you’re out there chasing those Bucket List adventures, be sure to take along a pair of Sea-Doo Sunglasses – A Must-Have for Summer Riding.

Wherever you are riding this summer, beat the glare, protect your eyes, and see
everything around you with the help of Sea-Doo eyewear. Purpose-built to provide the ultimate clarity on the water, Sea-Doo sunglasses offer UV protection, floating frames, and modern styles to look as good as you feel when you ride.

Click here to find your perfect pair!

If you’ve been following along with the 2024 Paris Olympics, you may have noted that one of this year’s biggest peculiarities is the surfing competition. Unlike the rest of the Olympic contenders, surfers will be making their way some nine thousand miles across the globe to the island nation of Tahiti for their competition.

The Olympic Surf competition will take place at Teahupo’o, a small corner of the southwest Tahiti Iti peninsula, offering surfers the opportunity to compete on truly epic waves.

We covered the history and impact of Teahupo’o in an article back in March, but with the Olympics already underway, we wanted to highlight some of the impressive safety measures being put into place by the Olympic Jet Ski Water Safety Team to protect surfers at one of the world’s biggest waves.

A recent article from the Olympics newsroom covers the importance a professional water safety team makes when surfing a wave as formidable as Teahupo’o. Viewers of this year’s event will have already noticed the jet skis darting in and out occasionally to evacuate surfers from potential danger.

In preparation, the professional team begins each day with a briefing on the ocean conditions to minimize surprises. However, the biggest benefit comes from the water patrol tower, which stays in constant communication with the rescuers. “The water patrol dedicated to the competitors consists of four jet ski drivers staffed with ‘grabbers.’ Each jet ski has a sled attached, which the grabber uses to pull the athlete from the water,” the Olympic committee explains.

After a rescue, the patrol returns surfers to the water within only two minutes to avoid missed opportunities and ensure all surfers have the chance to catch the most opportune waves. The event becomes an incredible show of skill, not just among the many talented surfers, but also for the extremely well-practiced team of rescuers who make it all possible.

You can keep up with all the Olympic Surfing news here, as well as learn how to view the Surfing competitions live.

We at The Watercraft Journal would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of 27-year-old racer (Phillip) Ryan Samuels, who passed away this past weekend after a tragic collision between his PWC and another ski operated by his younger brother, Jonathan Samuels.

Friday night, Ryan and Jonathan had been working on skis for the Pro Watercross Race at Tugaloo State Park the following day, and had launched their skis after dark from the Poplar Springs Boat Ramp in Franklin County, just miles from Tugaloo State Park. Shortly after launch, the brothers reportedly collided, and Ryan was pulled from the water by an incoming boat and given CPR by someone on that boat, after which he was transported to the local hospital, but reportedly never regained consciousness.

Valentina Lezcano, fellow racer and friend to the Samuel family, had been with the brothers earlier in the evening, with Ryan donating parts from the engine of his own ski to make Valentina’s ski race-ready for in the morning. She talked of Ryan’s generous spirit and friendly smile and how he was always willing to lend a hand, and that sentiment was widely shared here in Stephens and Franklin County and the Gumlog neighborhood where Tugaloo State Park has long played host to Pro Watercross, and where the Samuels family is well known and well respected.

“​​Heavy hearts in Gumlog today. These brothers were the sweetest. Always smiling.,” wrote local resident April White, while the owner at Gumlog Trading Post wrote, “ We have known these young men for years. They were always respectful and polite and always gave me a loving hug.”

Saturday morning, prior to the start of the race day, Pro Watercross arranged and held a honorarium lap in honor of Ryan.

A Go-Fund-Me account has been set up to assist the Samuel family with his funeral expenses during this difficult time. Donations can be made here or by using the attached QR Code.