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WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup Looks at a Packed Schedule of Racing As Championships Draw Closer

Racing

Jessica Waters

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August 13, 2026

WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup Looks at a Packed Schedule of Racing As Championships Draw Closer

Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we check in with the organizations, racers, and championship battles shaping the 2026 personal watercraft racing season. This week, HydroDrags builds anticipation for its November World Championships with a new class aimed at recreational riders, Great Lakes Watercross heads into its season finale after a stretch of rough water and even rougher points battles, Pro Watercross kicks off three straight weekends on the Road to Havasu, and IHRA confirms its championship-stretch schedule remains locked in.

HydroDrags

With the FuelTech HydroDrags World Championships still more than three months away, series founder Billy Tew is already building momentum for the November 21-22 event at Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Florida, promising more than $8,100 in total payouts across the weekend’s lineup of classes.

Tew confirmed HPT Turbochargers-backed rider Joey Jimenez as one of the riders to watch heading into the event, noting Jimenez is a two-time winner from the May Nationals in both the Unlimited and Turbo No Nitrous classes. Payouts vary by class, with Turbo No Nitrous and Unlimited offering the largest purses at $700-900 for first place, while Pro Stock, Pro Spec, Superstock, and Sea-Doo vs. Sea-Doo each pay $500 to the winner. Junior racers (ages 13-16) compete for a smaller purse topping out at $300. Most classes cap entries at 10, though Turbo No Nitrous and Unlimited allow up to 20 racers each.

Spectator admission remains affordable, with single-day tickets running $30 in advance through the HydroDrags app ($40 at the gate) and weekend passes at $40 online ($50 at the gate). Kids 10 and under get in free.

One class organizers are especially eager to grow is Drag Slaloms, a closed-course discipline introduced this year for both stand-up and runabout riders. Racers launch off the pad, run 660 feet before breaking off to hit a set of markers, then turn back through the markers again before racing back to the pad for a photo finish. “Harder than it looks and not all about speed,” Tew said, adding that several traditional drag racers who tried the class during testing came away with a new respect for it. The format is aimed at giving recreational and closed-course riders in Florida a class of their own, and entries are limited.

As with previous HydroDrags events, registration is handled exclusively through the series’ mobile app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, where racers can also find complete rules, waivers, and discounted room blocks near the venue with a reserve-now-pay-later option. Tew reiterated the series’ continued emphasis on safety and technical enforcement to keep racing fair and competitive, with entries limited across every class due to the venue’s time restrictions. The event remains IHRA sanctioned, with FuelTech as title sponsor and Chris Jr. Performance presenting.

Great Lakes Watercross

It’s been a busy stretch for Great Lakes Watercross since we last checked in following Traxler Park in Janesville. That June 27-28 weekend, held alongside Janesville’s Star-Spangled Saturday celebration, brought out a big crowd and an even bigger fireworks show, though Mother Nature had the final say — the last two motos were canceled due to thunderstorms and lightning. Novice Ski Lites went to Reiss Williams, while Emerson King topped Runabout Lites, with GLW crediting the city of Janesville and the Rock Aqua Jays for hosting one of the series’ most spectator-friendly stops.

From there it was on to Harbor Beach, Michigan, July 18-19, for the Harbor Beach Cup, sponsored by Jarman Powersports and featuring some of the season’s richest payouts — $6,000 to the Runabout 1100 Limited winner and $2,000 to the top Sport Spec finisher. Photographer Troy Fisher, a familiar name behind the lens throughout the GLW season, called Harbor Beach the largest and roughest course the series had run all year, yet said it somehow produced the tightest racing at the front of the field. The weekend also brought a jolt to the season-long Team Points Challenge, with Jet Stars and RNR emerging from Harbor Beach dead-locked atop the standings at 1,398 points apiece heading into the final rounds.

Racine, Wisconsin, played host August 1-2 for Rounds 7 and 8 at North Beach, a weekend GLW had already marked as a double-points event before a single wave broke. And the waves were the story — Lake Michigan served up 6-8 foot conditions that forced organizers to scrap Saturday’s closed-course program entirely in favor of freestyle and free-riding, pushing both rounds to Sunday with a single long moto each. Racer Travis Branson described the conditions as challenging for everyone on the water, recounting a broken fuel pump after landing off a wave in Ski GP2 and a borrowed boat from fellow racer John William Osborne to get back on the water. Branson finished the weekend 6th in Naturally Aspirated, 3rd in Ski GP2, and 3rd in Sport Spec. Despite the rough water, GLW thanked Racine County, Enjoy Mount Pleasant, New American Home Improvement, Ignite Race Fuel, Kwik Trip, Freestyle Factory, Watcon, and Jarman Powersports for helping pull off the free, family-friendly weekend, which also included the Midwest Beach Championships volleyball event on North Beach’s sand.

With the double points from Racine now factored in, the championship picture heading into the finale has taken real shape. Justin Eblin holds a comfortable lead in Sport Spec at 555 points over Travis Branson, while Joe Clark has built a similarly strong cushion in Ski GP2 with 517 points. Several other races remain tighter: Marvin Gahagan leads Pro Am Ski Lites at 434 but is being chased closely by Whitney Treder, Dustin Voss, and Justin Treder, all within 33 points of the top spot. Runabout GP2 is even closer, with Kyle Niquette (474), Alex Dobson (472), and Carson Petersen (447) separated by less than 30 points after Petersen’s double-points weekend in Racine helped him claw back into contention following two missed rounds. Ryan Rasmussen leads both Veterans Runabout Lites and Runabout Lites, Justin Treder tops Vintage Ski 550, Jason Seeley leads Runabout 1100 Limited, and Lane Clark holds the advantage in Junior Ski GP3. The Team Points Challenge stood at Jet Stars 1,398, Jet Jockey 1,324, and Ignite’s 2 Wicked 1,277 heading into Racine, though an updated tally following that weekend’s double points had not yet been released.

All of it sets up a season finale at Red Arrow Park in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, August 21-23, presented by Visit Manitowoc. The free-to-watch weekend will run a tight schedule, with practice and two motos Saturday followed by a final chance to race and Round 10 Sunday, with season championship awards presented immediately after. Payouts for the finale include $1,750 to the winners of both Ski Limited and Runabout Lites. Beyond the on-water title battles, GLW is also asking its community to weigh in on end-of-season honors, including Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Racer, Most Valuable Racer, and the Ed Bohat Memorial Sportsmanship Award, with nominations open through the series’ online form. Troy Fisher Photography will also run a giveaway tied to the Manitowoc round, with details to follow on the GLW group page.

Pro Watercross

Pro Watercross co-owner Shawn Dudek — who also serves as showrunner for East Coast Watercross — provided fans with an extensive update this week, previewing a stretch of three consecutive race weekends on the Road to Havasu National Tour. Dudek said the run marks some of the busiest racing the organization has put on all year, and he’s healing up well from a recent leg injury, noting he’s still working back up to full weight-bearing but progressing steadily.

First up is Round 6 at Lake Verona in Avon Park, Florida, August 14-16. The event has drawn strong community backing, with the City of Avon Park and its Community Redevelopment Agency partnering to install checkered-flag banners along the historic downtown ahead of the race weekend, an effort the city said it hopes to reuse for future racing events. Dudek said the weekend will include a racer party at the Phouse, a bar near the event’s host hotel, the Hotel Jaracaranda, a 1920s-era property he described as a can’t-miss stay for anyone attending. A freestyle competition, supported by Tigercraft, will follow the day’s closed-course racing and run into the sunset hours. Admission remains free for spectators, with food trucks on-site throughout the weekend, and local sponsor Cabrera Motorsports was already on the ground ahead of race day, thanking sponsors for their support as the team prepared to compete.

From Avon Park, the tour heads straight to Round 7 at Lake Thunderbird State Park’s Hog Creek Campground in Norman, Oklahoma, August 21-23. Dudek said the narrow-cove layout should race similarly to a well-received stop the series ran in Lubbock, Texas, and that he’s optimistic about how the new track map will play out.

The tour then moves to Sylvan Beach, New York, for a combined East Coast Watercross/Pro Watercross event — run as a single race weekend under two sets of trophies — before a break precedes the tour’s Lake Havasu stop at the Windsor, held the weekend immediately before the IJSBA World Finals. Dudek noted that racers do not need to have qualified through the season to enter the Havasu event; anyone who hasn’t previously raced a Pro Watercross round is welcome to show up and compete. Pro Watercross will also be on hand to assist with World Finals operations.

By Dudek’s count, the four races remaining this stretch will bring his personal 2026 total to 16 events between Pro Watercross and East Coast Watercross, a pace he called wild even by his own standards. He acknowledged the series’ social media has been quieter than usual as the team resets ahead of a three-week run on the road, but said racers still have time to qualify for World Finals if they haven’t already locked in a spot.

IHRA Professional Watercraft Series

IHRA’s Dustin Farthing confirmed to The Watercraft Journal this week that the series’ remaining schedule is holding steady, with Williamsburg, Virginia, still set for September 4-6 and the season-ending World Cup in Lake Havasu City running September 15-20, with Monster Energy bringing a band to headline Friday night and freestyle motocross and BMX entertainment planned for Saturday and Sunday. With several other series racing this weekend and next, WCJ is keeping this update brief for now — look for a fuller IHRA report as Havasu draws closer.

From closed-course drag racing in Florida to championship deciders on Lake Michigan, this week’s roundup is a reminder of just how much ground the 2026 season covers — geographically and competitively — as organizations head into the stretch run.

Roxen Takes Production Watercraft on European Dealer Tour Before Returning to Cannes

News

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August 12, 2026

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Roxen Takes Production Watercraft on European Dealer Tour Before Returning to Cannes

When we last checked in with Roxen Innovations in May, the Swedish electric watercraft manufacturer was working its way through the European certification process for its ROXEN electric watercraft. Since then, the company has continued moving forward, with production underway and the watercraft now being put through extensive real-world testing with dealers across Europe.

In early July, the Roxen team embarked on a European tour that took the production watercraft through Sweden, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Italy and France. According to the company, the tour included more than 100 test runs in a variety of waters and environments, reportedly covering more than 3,700 miles of travel.

The goal was to put Roxen in the hands of dealers and allow them to experience the watercraft firsthand in different conditions. While the company didn’t provide specific performance data or individual dealer feedback, Roxen said the response throughout the tour made the extensive travel worthwhile.

The European tour represents a notable change in the company’s position compared with our May update. Roxen has moved beyond the development and certification-focused stage and is now actively demonstrating production watercraft to potential dealers across the continent.

Next Stop, Cannes

The next stop on Roxen’s European schedule is the Cannes Yachting Festival, where the company says ROXEN has again been named to the festival’s Innovation Route.

The Innovation Route highlights technologies focused on the future of yachting, including electric and hybrid propulsion, sustainable materials, solar integration and smart onboard systems. The route spans both of the festival’s ports and gives selected exhibitors additional visibility throughout the event.

Roxen was also part of the Innovation Route at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, making its return this year another useful marker of the company’s progress.

The company will arrive in Cannes following a summer of European dealer testing rather than simply presenting a developing concept. That’s a meaningful difference from where Roxen stood when we first began following the project.

With production underway, certification work progressing and the company now taking its watercraft directly to dealers across Europe, the next stage of Roxen’s development is becoming increasingly focused on getting the ROXEN into the hands of customers.

We’ll continue following that progress as the company heads to Cannes and beyond.

Kawi Performance Proves Not Every Solution is Shiny and New

News

Jessica Waters

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August 11, 2026

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Kawi Performance Proves Not Every Solution is Shiny and New

When Kawasaki owners think about Kawi Performance, the first things that probably come to mind aren’t used parts.

They’re performance upgrades, engine builds, supercharger components, cooling upgrades and the kind of Kawasaki-specific knowledge that has helped establish Kawi Performance as a go-to resource for riders looking to get more out of their machines.

But not every Kawasaki problem calls for more performance.

Sometimes, you just need a part.

Maybe you’ve got an older Kawasaki sitting in the garage that needs a few things before it can get back on the water. Maybe you’ve got a kick-around ski that doesn’t justify throwing a pile of money at it. Maybe you’re chasing a problem and aren’t even sure which component is responsible. Or maybe you simply need an OEM replacement and don’t necessarily need to buy it brand new.

That’s where a lesser-known side of the Kawi Performance catalog gets interesting.

Alongside its extensive selection of new Kawasaki performance and replacement parts, Kawi Performance maintains a dedicated inventory of used parts.

At the time of writing, that section includes nearly 50 listings, covering a surprisingly broad range of Kawasaki components. And while “used parts” can sometimes bring to mind a mystery box of questionable take-offs, that’s not really the approach KP takes.

The company provides information about the condition and functionality of the parts, giving buyers a better idea of what they’re actually purchasing before they place an order.

That’s an important distinction.

When you’re buying a used part from an unknown seller, you’re often left wondering whether it worked when it was removed, whether everything necessary is included, or whether you’re simply buying somebody else’s problem.

With Kawi Performance, you’re getting that Kawasaki-specific expertise behind the listing.

One particularly good example is the Kawasaki reverse bucket.

Kawi Performance offers the component new as well as used, and the listing explains the differences rather than simply lumping everything together.

The new units are OEM, while the used units have been tested to ensure they work and function properly. KP also points out that used buckets may show sun fading and may or may not include the quick-connect male fitting.

That might seem like a small detail, but it’s exactly the kind of information a buyer wants before spending money on a used component.

You’re not being told that a used part is “like new.”

You’re being told what it is.

And sometimes that’s all you need.

A Practical Option for Project Skis

There are plenty of Kawasaki owners out there who aren’t building a race ski or chasing another few miles per hour.

Some are simply trying to keep an older machine alive.

A project ski might need an intercooler. A reverse component might have failed. Something in the trim system might need replacing. A restoration might be missing an OEM piece that isn’t particularly exciting but is absolutely necessary to get the machine finished.

That’s where a good used part can make a lot of sense.

It can also make sense when you’re diagnosing a problem.

If you’re not sure whether a particular component is actually the culprit, spending top dollar on a brand-new replacement just to find out that it wasn’t the problem can get expensive in a hurry.

A properly tested used component can provide another option — particularly for an older machine where the goal is getting back on the water rather than building the newest, most expensive version of the ski possible.

And that’s really what makes the used inventory at Kawi Performance worth knowing about.

It’s not replacing what KP is already known for.

It’s another tool in the toolbox.

Before “performance”

Kawi Performance has built its reputation around helping Kawasaki owners get more from their machines. That can mean a faster ski, better acceleration, improved cooling or a carefully selected combination of parts that works together properly.

But there’s another side to performance that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much.

A ski that doesn’t run isn’t very useful.

A ski that’s sitting in the garage because one component failed isn’t benefiting from that shiny new performance upgrade sitting in somebody else’s shopping cart.

Sometimes the best upgrade is simply getting the machine back on the water.

And sometimes the best way to do that isn’t with something shiny and new.

It’s with the right part, at the right price, from someone who understands the machine it belongs on.

That’s a pretty good reason to keep Kawi Performance’s used-parts inventory in mind the next time your Kawasaki needs a little help.

Because whether you’re building a high-performance machine or just trying to get an old favorite back in the water, sometimes “good enough” is more than enough.

Check out Kawi Performance’s current used parts inventory

Is Your Jet Ski Supposed to Be This Loud?

News

Jessica Waters

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August 10, 2026

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Is Your Jet Ski Supposed to Be This Loud?

Somewhere in the last couple years, “waterproof Bluetooth speaker strapped to the handlebars” turned into custom-molded speaker pods, 800-watt marine amps, and lithium battery banks built specifically to keep the music going. PWC Bracket is reportedly backlogged on orders for their new Kawasaki 12F/15F pods — 6.5″ drivers pushing 400 watts, after they tested 8″ speakers and found there just wasn’t room on the ski. GreenHulk’s running Rockford Fosgate kits. RIVA’s finishing out performance builds with Wet Sounds systems. This isn’t a niche mod anymore — it’s a real market, and it’s not slowing down.

But scroll the comments on any of these posts and you’ll find the PWC world isn’t fully sold. Under one recent audio upgrade showcase: “You’ll never beat the sound of a crisp 2 stroke.” Under a GreenHulk post promoting an audio upgrade kit promising “massive sound,” one commenter leaned toward the sound of thru-hull exhaust instead — to which a GreenHulk team member, whose last name might have rhymed with “Gaddis,” chimed in: “That’s my favorite audio.“

It’s not really a sound-quality debate, either — a lot of the enthusiasm is as much about the look as the volume. The best builds don’t read as bolted-on; the pods are shaped and finished to look like they rolled off the factory line that way, just better. Some kits even throw in customizable lighting you can control from your phone, because apparently sounding good wasn’t enough — now it has to glow, too. That’s arguably a bigger draw for some owners than the decibels.

And there’s a real reason to think about all this beyond taste: PWCs already carry a noise reputation that’s cost the sport actual water access before — there’s a real history of noise complaints factoring into bans and buffer zones on certain lakes and waterways. Cranking a sound system that can be heard from shore isn’t just an etiquette question, it’s the kind of thing that feeds a perception the sport has fought for decades.

So — where do you land?

Music.

Quiet.

Or the snarl of a two-stroke and the whine of a supercharger spooling up — the sound of your machine, and nothing else.

Drop your answer below. If you’re Team Music, bonus points for telling us what’s actually on the playlist out there.

GreenHulk Shares Preventative Reinforcement for Modified 2017-18 Yamaha GP1800 Hulls

How-To
Hull

Jessica Waters

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August 6, 2026

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GreenHulk Shares Preventative Reinforcement for Modified 2017-18 Yamaha GP1800 Hulls

For owners of modified 2017-2018 Yamaha GP1800 personal watercraft, GreenHulk Performance has published a detailed guide outlining a preventative reinforcement designed to address a potential weak point in the hull around the intake grate mounting area.

Before diving into the repair, GreenHulk is careful to put the issue into perspective. According to the company, this is not considered a widespread problem. Thousands of GP1800s remain on the water without incident, and only a small number of hull failures have been documented. Even so, owners running significant performance upgrades and speeds above stock may want to consider reinforcing the area before problems develop.

The concern centers on the intake grate insert section of the 2017-2018 GP1800 hull. In that location, Yamaha’s original design leaves a thinner section of fiberglass supporting the intake grate inserts. Under normal recreational riding this generally isn’t an issue, but repeated hard landings, rough-water riding, higher pump loads, and increased speeds can place additional stress on that section of the hull.

Rather than simply repairing damaged hulls, GreenHulk’s solution focuses on strengthening the area before cracks occur. The process involves removing the factory inserts, rebuilding the recessed section with fiberglass and epoxy, and replacing the original inserts with larger Yamaha FX SHO intake grate inserts that distribute loads across a broader section of the hull. The guide also covers the necessary hardware changes, sealing procedures, and installation tips to complete the modification.

For readers interested in performing the upgrade themselves, GreenHulk has documented the entire process with step-by-step photos, measurements, recommended materials, and installation notes. The company has also made the oversized FX SHO intake grate insert kit available through its online performance store, allowing owners to source the required components from one place.

If you own a modified 2017-2018 Yamaha GP1800—or are planning future performance upgrades—the guide offers a thorough look at both the reasoning behind the reinforcement and the complete installation procedure.

You can view the complete tutorial on the GreenHulk forums, along with the recommended parts kit available through the GreenHulk Performance Store.

Broward Motorsports Breaks Down PWC Storage for Longer Days on the Water

News

Jessica Waters

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August 5, 2026

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Broward Motorsports Breaks Down PWC Storage for Longer Days on the Water

From built-in compartments to adventure-ready cargo systems, here’s what riders should consider when comparing storage capacity on today’s top touring personal watercraft.

Horsepower, acceleration and top speed often dominate the conversation when riders begin shopping for a new personal watercraft. But ask someone who’s spent countless weekends exploring waterways, cruising to waterfront restaurants or making all-day rides, and they’ll likely tell you another feature quickly climbs the priority list: storage.

The ability to bring along towels, dry clothes, safety equipment, snacks, drinks, dock lines and other essentials can make the difference between cutting a ride short and comfortably staying on the water for hours. It’s one reason the team at Broward Motorsports recently compared the storage capacity and touring features of three of today’s most popular large-displacement personal watercraft: Yamaha’s FX series, Kawasaki’s Ultra lineup and the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro.

While published storage figures provide a useful starting point, the comparison also highlights an important point for buyers: choosing the best storage setup isn’t always about finding the biggest number on the spec sheet.

What Do Nearly 170 Liters of Storage Really Mean?

Storage capacity is typically listed in liters or gallons, but those numbers don’t always paint a clear picture.

A storage capacity of around 168 liters is enough to accommodate the gear many riders pack for a full day on the water. That might include a pair of beach towels, a soft-sided cooler, a dry bag with extra clothing, dock lines, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses and other personal items, while still leaving room for smaller necessities.

As rides get longer, storage becomes less about convenience and more about flexibility. Instead of carefully choosing what gets left behind, riders have room to pack for changing weather, additional passengers or spontaneous stops along the way.

Just as important as capacity, however, is how that storage is organized. Multiple compartments can make frequently used items easier to access, while larger cargo areas are often better suited for bulky gear. The most practical storage system is one that keeps equipment organized and readily available without requiring riders to unpack half the craft to find a dock line or waterproof jacket.

Three Different Approaches to Touring Storage

Although each of the three featured models targets riders looking for comfort and long-distance capability, each approaches storage a little differently.

The Yamaha FX Cruiser HO and FX HO offer a claimed 168.3 liters (44.5 gallons) of built-in storage along with a 70-liter (18.5-gallon) fuel tank. For riders who prioritize integrated storage and premium touring comfort, the FX platform has earned a reputation as one of the segment’s most well-rounded options. Its expansive built-in compartments make it easy to carry everything needed for a full day on the water without relying on additional accessories.

The Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX and Ultra 310 models offer nearly identical cargo capacity at 168.5 liters (44.5 gallons), but pair it with one of the largest fuel tanks in the category at 79.9 liters (21.1 gallons). That additional fuel capacity can be especially appealing for riders planning extended excursions or covering longer distances between fuel stops. Combined with the Ultra’s reputation for stability in rougher water, the platform is well suited for riders who regularly spend entire days exploring.

The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro takes a different approach. Sea-Doo lists the model with 198.9 liters (52.3 gallons) of total storage capacity, a figure that includes its removable 100-liter LinQ Explorer Bag. Rather than focusing solely on integrated compartments, the Explorer Pro embraces a modular cargo system designed for adventure touring. Riders planning fishing trips, photography outings or longer expeditions may appreciate the flexibility of carrying additional waterproof gear using the LinQ system.

Storage Is About More Than Capacity

Comparing published storage figures is helpful, but experienced riders know there’s more to consider than total volume.

The location of compartments, how easily they’re accessed while floating, and whether gear can be separated into smaller organized spaces all contribute to the ownership experience. Keeping a phone, wallet and keys in an easily accessible compartment is often more convenient than storing everything together in one large bin.

Likewise, modular cargo systems offer a different kind of versatility. Riders who frequently pack extra gear may appreciate being able to expand storage for longer adventures while keeping the watercraft streamlined for shorter rides.

Ultimately, the “best” storage setup depends on how the watercraft will be used.

Matching Storage to Your Riding Style

For riders who primarily enjoy afternoon cruises or visits to local sandbars, nearly any of today’s premium touring platforms provide enough room for the essentials.

Those who regularly spend entire days on the water may benefit from larger integrated storage compartments and generous fuel capacity, allowing them to pack more gear while extending time between fuel stops.

Adventure-minded riders who fish, camp, photograph wildlife or simply enjoy exploring unfamiliar waterways may find additional value in expandable cargo systems that accommodate waterproof bags and specialized equipment.

Passenger use is another consideration. Two-up riding naturally means twice the gear, making storage capacity even more important for keeping towels, clothing, drinks and personal items organized throughout the day.

Practical Features Often Matter Most

As personal watercraft have evolved into capable touring machines, buyers have begun paying closer attention to the features that improve day-to-day ownership rather than focusing solely on performance figures.

Storage, comfort, fuel range and convenience are the kinds of features riders appreciate long after the excitement of a new purchase wears off. While horsepower may attract attention on the showroom floor, it’s often the practical touches that make every ride more enjoyable.

Broward Motorsports’ comparison serves as a reminder that choosing the right personal watercraft isn’t always about finding the biggest engine or the highest top speed. For riders who enjoy spending full days on the water, storage capacity, fuel range and overall practicality can have just as much impact on the ownership experience. Taking the time to compare not only how much each model carries, but also how that storage is organized, can help ensure your next PWC is ready for everything from an afternoon cruise to an all-day adventure.

Every FuelTech Order This Month Could Earn You a $250 Gift Card

News

Jessica Waters

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August 4, 2026

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Every FuelTech Order This Month Could Earn You a $250 Gift Card

Whether you’re planning a complete ECU upgrade, replacing sensors, or just picking up wiring components for your next project, FuelTech is giving customers a little extra incentive throughout August.

The company announced that every order placed through FuelTech’s online store between now and August 31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $250 FuelTech gift card. Best of all, there’s no minimum purchase required—every qualifying order receives one entry.

FuelTech has become a popular choice among high-performance personal watercraft builders thanks to its standalone engine management systems, digital dashes, data logging capabilities and extensive tuning options. From weekend lake builds to championship-level racecraft, FuelTech hardware continues to find its way into some of the fastest machines on the water.

If you’ve been waiting to pick up a new ECU, harness, sensors, or other tuning components, August may be a good time to place that order. Every purchase through August 31 automatically qualifies for the giveaway, giving customers a chance to put a $250 gift card toward a future project.

For complete giveaway details and eligible products, visit FuelTech’s website.

Video: How Kawasaki Created the Jet Ski… and Lost the Market

News

Jessica Waters

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August 3, 2026

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Video: How Kawasaki Created the Jet Ski… and Lost the Market

Every now and then, a video comes along that makes you stop what you’re doing and watch the whole thing.

This week, that’s exactly what happened with a recent documentary from the YouTube channel Telltale Boats. While the channel has built its audience by exploring the history of iconic boat builders and marine engine manufacturers, it recently turned its attention to the personal watercraft industry for the first time—and the result is a fascinating look at how Kawasaki created an entirely new category before eventually surrendering much of that market to its competitors.

Rather than focusing on horsepower numbers or today’s latest models, the documentary dives into the origins of the personal watercraft, beginning with inventor Clayton Jacobson II and Kawasaki’s decision to build a stand-up machine that demanded skill and balance. It follows the evolution of the original Jet Ski, explores how the brand name became synonymous with the entire sport, and examines the industry’s shift from stand-up performance machines to the sit-down recreational models that ultimately attracted a much broader audience.

One of the video’s most compelling observations comes right at the beginning:

“People say Jet Ski the way they say Kleenex.”

It’s a simple comparison, but one that perfectly captures how deeply Kawasaki’s brand became embedded in popular culture. Even today, riders routinely refer to every personal watercraft as a “Jet Ski,” regardless of whether it’s built by Kawasaki, Yamaha or Sea-Doo.

From there, the documentary traces the growth of the industry through Kawasaki’s early dominance before presenting its own argument for how changing consumer preferences—and the rise of more accessible sit-down models from Yamaha and Sea-Doo—reshaped the market. Whether you agree with every conclusion or not, the presentation is well-produced, thoroughly researched and offers an engaging look at one of the most important chapters in personal watercraft history.

The channel itself is also worth noting. Although Telltale Boats only launched earlier this year, it has already built an impressive following by producing documentary-style videos that explore the stories behind some of boating’s best-known brands and products. Their first venture into personal watercraft history is a natural fit for longtime enthusiasts who appreciate the sport’s roots as much as its latest innovations.

If you’re looking for something to watch, we’d recommend giving this one a look. Whether you’ve been riding since the stand-up era or only recently discovered the sport, chances are you’ll learn something along the way—or at the very least find yourself revisiting a fascinating chapter in PWC history.

Editor’s Note: Telltale Boats has already followed this documentary with a second installment examining Yamaha’s rise in the personal watercraft market. We’ll take a look at that video in an upcoming story.

Worth Watching: Every now and then, we come across a video, documentary, interview or other content we think PWC enthusiasts should see. Whether it’s a deep dive into industry history, a technical breakdown or a unique perspective on the sport, we’ll highlight content we believe is worth your time. Inclusion in Worth Watching does not necessarily imply endorsement of every opinion or conclusion presented by the creator. Rather, it reflects our belief that the content adds value to the conversation surrounding the personal watercraft community.

WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup Highlights Championship Battles, Summer Momentum and New Havasu Opportunities

Racing

Jessica Waters

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July 30, 2026

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WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup Highlights Championship Battles, Summer Momentum and New Havasu Opportunities

Renee Hill: IT’S HAPPENING LADIES….
WOMEN’s SPORT SPEC at the 2026 WORLD FINALS! We need ten women to preregister. Looking forward to racing with all you ladies. 🏁🏁🏁🏁

Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we check in with the organizations, racers, and championship battles shaping the 2026 personal watercraft racing season. This week, IJSBA opens the door for a potential new World Finals class, several regional tours prepare for another busy race weekend from New York to Washington, and championship battles continue to tighten as the summer schedule heads toward its final stretch.

IJSBA Opens Entries for Potential Women’s Sport Spec World Finals Class
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) has opened a registration drive for a proposed Women’s Sport Spec class at the 2026 Short Block Technology World Finals.

The announcement reflects the continued growth of women’s personal watercraft racing, with organizations across the country reporting larger Women’s Sport Spec fields throughout the 2026 season. Most recently, Wild West Watercross drew a 13-rider Women’s Sport Spec lineup at Topaz Lake, while other regional series have also seen increased participation in women’s competition.

According to IJSBA, the proposed class will become part of the 2026 World Finals if at least 10 racers submit prepaid entries. Competition would be held between Oct. 6 and Oct. 8 during race week, utilizing a three-moto format with the field capped at 18 competitors.

Racers interested in competing are encouraged to contact IJSBA and indicate their intent to enter. The 2026 SBT World Finals, the 45th consecutive running of the championship, will take place Oct. 3-11 at Crazy Horse Campgrounds & Resort in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

East Coast Watercross
The SBT East Coast Watercross Tour returns to action this weekend as racers head to Plattsburgh City Beach in Plattsburgh, New York, for Round 4 of the 2026 championship. Online registration remains open through midweek, with racers able to save on entry fees by registering in advance before checking in on site.

Series owner and Race Director Shawn Dudek also provided fans with a candid update following injuries sustained during the previous round in Pennsylvania. While continuing his recovery, Dudek said preparations for the remainder of the season are moving full speed ahead, with Plattsburgh kicking off an ambitious stretch of events that includes Avon Park, Florida, Norman, Oklahoma, the Sylvan Beach finale alongside Pro Watercross, and ultimately the World Finals in Lake Havasu.

The Plattsburgh course will feature the same popular layout used in 2025, including its split finish-line approach that produced several dramatic last-lap passes. Dudek noted that Lake Champlain’s conditions can vary from calm water to five-foot surf, making the venue one of the most unpredictable stops on the calendar.

Looking ahead, East Coast Watercross is already building excitement for its season finale at Sylvan Beach on Aug. 28-30. Sunday’s “Vintage Day” will encourage racers to dust off retro race gear from the 1980s and ’90s, while competitors who complete all five East Coast rounds this season will be entered to win a “Golden Ticket” providing free entry for one class throughout the entire 2027 season.

American Jet Sport Association Southern Summer Series
The American Jet Sport Association returns to action this weekend as the Southern Summer Series heads to Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County, Virginia, for Round 4 of the 2026 championship. Racing will take place July 31 through August 2, with organizers once again pairing high-level competition with a full weekend of activities designed to draw spectators and introduce new fans to the sport.

Saturday’s schedule features opening ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m., followed by closed-course racing, freestyle exhibitions, live music, food trucks, a vendor village, and even a virtual jet ski experience for families. Racing continues Sunday morning before the weekend concludes with an awards presentation and additional freestyle competition.

In the days leading up to the event, AJSA has also partnered with the Pulaski River Turtles baseball team for a community kickoff at Calfee Park, helping promote the race weekend while connecting racers with local fans. It’s another example of the organization’s continued emphasis on building relationships with host communities beyond race day itself.

That outreach will continue later this summer when AJSA brings an invitational watercross exhibition and freestyle demonstration to Chattanooga’s River Games and ChattaWake festival on August 14. Rather than serving as a championship round, the event will showcase personal watercraft racing to a broader audience along the Tennessee River.

The organization has also demonstrated its willingness to listen to competitors. Following racer feedback, AJSA recently reversed an earlier decision to make the Pulaski event a double-points round, returning instead to the standard championship format after determining the midseason change could unfairly impact racers who had planned their seasons around the original schedule.

PNW WaterX Monster Watercraft Series
The PNW WaterX Monster Watercraft Series is already turning its attention to Round 4 after a successful Apple Pie Jamboree in Pateros, Washington. Following two days of racing on July 18-19, series officials thanked racers, crews and fans for another strong turnout, with complete results now available on the PNW WaterX website.

Now the focus shifts north to Deep Bay Park in Oroville, Washington, where Round 4 will take place August 1-2. Registration recently opened, and, as was the case in Pateros, starting positions will once again be determined by the order racers register online, rewarding those who sign up early.

Beyond preparations for the next round, the organization is also highlighting one of the season’s more unique fan-driven traditions by asking followers to vote for the 2026 PNW WaterX “Most Improved Racer.” The eight-rider ballot recognizes competitors who have made significant strides throughout the season, giving fellow racers and fans an opportunity to celebrate progress alongside podium finishes. Nominees include Cassie Kennedy, Taylor Meliza, Rodolfo Mendoza, Hannah Mac, Lincoln Schulyer, Gabby Small. Kyle McLean and Levi Wheeler.

With championship battles beginning to tighten and another weekend of racing just days away, the Pacific Northwest series continues to blend competitive racing with community involvement as it heads into the second half of its 2026 schedule.

Wild West Watercross
Wild West Watercross completed Round 4 of its 2026 season last weekend at Topaz Lake on the California-Nevada border, where racers battled rough water, big air, and another strong turnout as the series continues its Road to Sparks championship campaign.

While organizers celebrated winners across a wide range of classes—including Harley Ritchie in Ski GP, Cesar Olivares in Runabout Open, Cody Mackie in Runabout 1100 Stock, and Ashley Deman in Women’s Sport Spec—the weekend also highlighted one of the series’ biggest success stories: continued growth in racer participation. Wild West noted that 13 riders took the line in Women’s Sport Spec alone, another encouraging sign for one of the fastest-growing divisions in regional watercraft racing.

Throughout the weekend, organizers also took time to recognize the people working behind the scenes, thanking longtime photographer Cliff Cassel for documenting the event while acknowledging the sponsors who continue to support the series. It’s a small gesture, but one that reflects the community-first atmosphere Wild West Watercross has become known for throughout the western racing scene.

With Topaz Lake now in the rearview mirror, attention turns to the season finale at Sparks Marina in Sparks, Nevada, August 21-23, where the remaining championship battles will be decided.

Hydro-Turf Best of the West Series
With the dust finally settling from Round 5 at BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona, the Hydro-Turf Best of the West Series has released its updated championship standings, giving racers their clearest look yet at the title battles heading into the final two weekends of the 2026 season.

Several divisions remain wide open. Cooper Schenyder has established a solid lead in Ski Expert GP, while Brice Chambers continues to pace the Pro Am Ski Lites field ahead of Ryan Poper. Poper, however, has responded by taking over the Pro Am Ski GP standings, where only a handful of points separate the top contenders. Other championship leaders include Cesar Olivares in Runabout GP/Open, Tanner Haig in Ski Mod 1100, Tony Parker in Sport Spec, Andrew Cecere in Ski 2-Stroke Limited, and Tate Cleverly in Runabout 1100 Stock.

The women’s divisions have also begun to separate, with Sophia Benson opening a commanding advantage in Ski Women’s Lites and Shainie Seidenberg leading Ski Women’s Stock 1500. Meanwhile, one of the season’s strongest junior performances continues to come from Travis Billings, who remains out front in Junior Ski 10-12 Lites.

Although competitors battled extreme desert temperatures throughout the Parker weekend, racers praised both the event and its organization. Nixon “Dog Father” Cole described Round 5 as “a scorcher,” crediting the staff for delivering a successful weekend despite the heat while noting his own championship hopes remain firmly on track.

With only two race weekends remaining, every moto now carries championship implications. The series returns September 18-20 at Mission Bay in San Diego before crowning its 2026 champions the following weekend, September 26-27, at Lake Havasu State Park in Arizona.

From world championship opportunities to grassroots regional battles, the 2026 PWC racing season continues to show the depth and diversity of the sport. While every series and organization faces its own challenges, the growing number of events, classes and opportunities available to racers is a positive sign for the future.

As summer racing reaches its peak, WCJ will continue tracking the stories, competitors and organizations helping move personal watercraft racing forward — both on the racecourse and throughout the communities that make these events possible.

GreenHulk’s Latest Deals Cover Both Ends of the Sea-Doo Spectrum

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Jessica Waters

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July 29, 2026

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GreenHulk’s Latest Deals Cover Both Ends of the Sea-Doo Spectrum

Whether you’re looking to make your Sea-Doo more comfortable on long days of riding or you’re building a high-horsepower engine that can handle serious boost, GreenHulk has something worth checking out this week.

For everyday riders, RIVA Racing has expanded fitment on its popular RS5-120 seat covers to include 2018-and-newer Sea-Doo Wake Pro 230 models alongside the 2018+ RXT 230, RXT-X 300, and RXT-X 325. Handmade in the USA using ultra-grade marine vinyl, ballistic nylon, and RIVA’s proprietary non-slip traction material, these seat covers are designed to improve both comfort and rider confidence while giving your watercraft a fresh new look. Even better? They’re currently on sale.

On the opposite end of the performance spectrum, GreenHulk has also announced that the Aquasport Performance Block Guard for the Sea-Doo 300 HP Rotax 1630 ACE is back in stock. Precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the block guard reinforces the cylinder walls to reduce flex under high-boost, high-horsepower applications while maintaining proper coolant flow through integrated cooling ports. It’s a purpose-built upgrade for engine builders chasing serious performance—and after selling out previously, it’s once again ready to ship while supplies last.

Whether your next project is making your ride more comfortable or making it considerably faster, GreenHulk’s latest promotions have both ends of the Sea-Doo community covered.

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IJSBA Opens Entries for Potential Women’s Sport Spec World Finals Class The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) has opened a registration drive for a proposed Women’s Sport Spec class at the 2026 Short Block Technology World Finals.

Wild West Watercross Wild West Watercross completed Round 4 of its 2026 season last weekend at Topaz Lake on the California-Nevada border, where racers battled rough water, big air, and another strong turnout as the series continues its Road to Sparks championship campaign.

IJSBA Opens Entries for Potential Women’s Sport Spec World Finals Class
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) has opened a registration drive for a proposed Women’s Sport Spec class at the 2026 Short Block Technology World Finals.

Wild West Watercross
Wild West Watercross completed Round 4 of its 2026 season last weekend at Topaz Lake on the California-Nevada border, where racers battled rough water, big air, and another strong turnout as the series continues its Road to Sparks championship campaign.