In a move that signals a fresh chapter for Palm Bay’s Jet Ski World, the young Joshua Komolangan, at only 18 years old, has taken the reins alongside his father Neil Logan. 

Jet Ski World operates a Jet Ski Zone in Palm Bay in Kent, UK – a designated waterski area set in a large natural bay, below the shelter of chalk cliffs, between Margate and Broadstairs that has been designated for powered water sports by Thanet District Council.

The duo seized the opportunity in July, infusing the establishment with new energy and vision. With a total investment of £180,000 (roughly $230,350), they’ve enacted a comprehensive renovation, breathing new life into the popular site at Hodges Gap.

Joshua, already making waves as the UK’s youngest RYA (Royal Yacht Association) instructor, is now poised to lead the charge in establishing a cutting-edge training center for watercraft proficiency. Having obtained his qualifications promptly upon turning 18, his passion for personal watercraft and dedication to safety drive him as he works to train fellow enthusiasts in the Margate area. They promise one-day proficiency courses that will equip jet skiers and power boaters with the skills necessary to ensure their safety and competence on the water.

Josh’s bond with his dad extends comfortably into the business realm, with Neil’s guidance complementing Joshua’s youthful vigor. Reflecting on his journey, Joshua told The Isle of Thanet News, “I have been into the sport for years and been doing it since I was extremely young. We (Josh and dad) have been going to Jet Ski World for a long time and there have been different owners”

The transformation extends beyond the water, as the Jet Ski World café undergoes a complete makeover. With a revamped interior, updated menu, and an array of events on the horizon, the venue promises an enhanced experience for patrons. Neil emphasizes the family-centric ethos driving their project, highlighting the involvement of his wife Isabelle and daughter Amelia in the operation.

Despite their bustling schedule, which includes managing care homes in Margate, the family remains undeterred in their commitment to Jet Ski World’s success. In fact, Joshua’s dual role as a full-time care worker and budding manager underscores his determination to excel in everything he does.

As Jet Ski World prepares to unveil its new training center, complete with instructor courses and proficiency training, the Margate community eagerly anticipates the dawn of a thrilling era in watersports education. With Joshua and Neil at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever for enthusiasts seeking both adventure and safety on the waves.

Check out the full writeup from The Isle of Thanet News.

As Paris continues warming up for the Olympics, a small contingent of the 2024 Summer Games competitors will be jetting down to Tahiti to prepare for a wholly different class of competition. For the second-ever Olympic surf competition, competitors from all over the world will converge on this small Polynesian island to tackle world-class waves in an area steeped in surf mythology.

While, of course, there are plenty of viable surf locations much nearer to Paris throughout France and Europe, the conditions at Teahupo’o, a small corner of the Southwest Tahiti Iti peninsula, offer surfers and viewers alike a truly incomparable experience.

Clocking in at 20 feet, the wave at Teahupo’o is far from the world’s tallest. Instead, it’s the wave’s impressive weight that brings the challenge. Teahupo’o is formed over the top of sharp, steep coral, which causes it to rise up sharply and crash with massive force. It is propelled by a heavy surge of water which can seem to rise up from nowhere before crashing down around the barrel.

The intensity is epic – epic enough that Teahupo’o is even known in the PWC world as the location of one of the most infamous tow-in crashes in PWC and surfing history. As reported in 2016 by The Watercraft Journal,  2005 saw a huge influx of surfers to Tahiti as record swells amped up the action at the already-challenging Teahupo’o site, and an inexperienced PWC rider ended up towing a surfer buddy out into the chop. And that’s when things went sideways.

“There was big chop on the waves and it was a little stormy on that crazy day in May. This was definitely no place for a dude with no driving skills to attempt towing a surfer into a wave,” reports stated. “Bastolaer almost paid the ultimate price for their actions. The ski that McIntosh was steering was literally picked up by a thick heaving wave. He bailed off the back after losing control, leaving the jet ski alone in the surf. That’s when the riderless machine tumbled precisely over Bastolaer’s head while both were within the confines of a massive barreling wave. It’s amazing that he wasn’t hit by the ski and came out unscathed. We aren’t so sure about the watercraft though.”

You can check out the video of the crash – one that hopefully will not be repeated as Teahupo’o continues to prepare for the Olympic Surf Competition – one that is drawing more and more interest from not only fans of the Olympic competitions, but surfers and sport aficionados as word of Teahupo’os reputation and history gains momentum. 

Apart from its strength, Teahupo’o draws in surfers with its rich history as well. The wave is found on the island of Tahiti in Polynesia, where surf originated in the 12th century as a sport for the island’s royalty. As for the Teahupo’o wave itself, the first recorded surfer here was a woman from the island of Raiatea in the 19th century. Many years later, in the 1980s and 90s, professional surfers returned to the area to tackle what many consider to be the world’s toughest wave.

The Olympics may bring a major draw to the surf opportunities in this remote part of the island, but for those who call Tahiti Iti home, along with those who have been making the trek to surf this wave for years, Teahupo’o’s draw goes beyond the adrenaline and hype. To hear those who have visited talk about the undeveloped shorelines–where they’d lay back and delight in Hinano beer, poisson cru, homemade jams, and chili oils–is to hear them talk of a paradise. They speak of the Mana, the Polynesian word for the spiritual energy which envelops this land.

Because of this, there will be considerations to ensure the ecological sanctity of the area, both before and after the Olympics. Olympians will be housed on boats offshore, to protect the reef and negate the need for development in the area. Islanders have already made strong opposition to the construction of a judge’s tower on the reef.

As July 27 approaches, be sure to keep an eye out for the epic water sports that will take place at Teahupo’o, to get a view of the sheer might of the ocean at one of her most legendary frontiers.

As the Olympics come closer, be sure to read Jen Murphy’s full write-up for Robb Report on her experiences and conversations with locals in Teahupo’o.

International Women’s Day may have sped by, but Yamaha knows a good thing when they see it, and they have turned the one-day recognition of the efforts, achievements and triumphs of women, especially those in the PWC world, into an ongoing effort and initiative. 

Highlighting one of the most well-known, and most talented, among the elite cadre of women racers in the PWC sport, Yamaha recently put the spotlight on Sophie Francis, saying “International Women’s Day celebrates the incredible achievements of women who defy expectations and rewrite history. Meet Sophie Francis, a true trailblazer in professional watercraft racing. Sophie made history as the FIRST woman in P1 AquaX racing history to clinch a podium finish in the fiercely competitive Pro Enduro class, dominated by male athletes. What makes Sophie’s victory even more remarkable? She achieved this incredible feat just three months after having a baby.”

And while Sophie Francis is an apt and appropriate representative of what the women of this sport can accomplish, Yamaha is taking the heart and soul behind International Women’s Day – the celebration of  all the phenomenal women who are rewriting the rules, breaking barriers, and making history – and is launching Women Run The Water, a movement that encourages and supports women who want to take control of their boating or personal watercraft experience.

Learn more about Yamaha’s Women Run the Water initiative and be sure to explore their resource library,  as well as inventory of 2024 WaveRunners as well as a website full of tips, technical information, deals and ideas.

International Women’s Day was celebrated worldwide last Friday, but in the PWC world, where some of the top racers, freestylers and race promoters/organizers are female – not to mention one of the best announcers in this, or any sport –  women are celebrated on the regular. Add to that, the fact that the demographic makeup of recreational riders is steadily shifting to become a more even mix of men and women, and you have a perfect opportunity to recognize the role women – and girls – play in keeping the PWC industry relevant and exciting. 

As BRP recently pointed out in a press release, women’s involvement in the powersports industry is not limited to “after the purchase;” and Sea-Doo put a spotlight on the active role played in the advancement of BPR’s line of powersport products by Product Analyst Marie-Eve Cyr – and her attention to making powersports ever more inclusive. 

Read the full press release below:

BRP is known for breaking the norm, pushing boundaries, and doing things a little bit differently than everybody else, so it should come as no surprise that their teams are some of the most diverse in the industry, ensuring their products meet the needs and expectations of riders from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders.

So with International Women’s Day taking place this month, we are putting the spotlight on one of the many women charting their course in the powersports industry at BRP—Marie-Eve Cyr.

As a Product Analyst on Sea-Doo’s Global Product Strategy team, Marie-Eve plays a key role in the new product development process, bringing her unique point of view and vision to strategy discussions steering the development and launch of BRP’s products.

Marie-Eve was lucky to be introduced to the world of powersports at a very young age, thanks to her family having a long-standing interest in the sport. Working at BRP, she blends fun and work, combining them to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the role.

“I am lucky to be surrounded by other women on my team, and to be able to share our experiences and visions to improve our work and our products,” said Marie-Eve. “For several years now, the women’s movement in powersports has been growing and I am grateful to be able to actively participate in it. I am lucky to be part of this community and to see it grow day by day.”

Marie-Eve’s passion for innovation in the industry guarantees all new Sea-Doo products are designed with a woman’s perspective in mind, ultimately leading to a more inclusive user experience, and hopefully, ushering a new generation of women into the sport.

With enough time cruising the water on a personal watercraft, even the most skilled rider is bound to rack up his or her fair share of scrapes and cracks over time. While a little bit of “breaking in” never hurt anybody, over the years, those scrapes and cracks can turn into actual hull damage, resulting in drag while you ride, and some major eyesores.

If, like many, the high costs of professional repairs make you think twice about ever addressing the fractures in your PWC, don’t worry, K-Speed offers an easy DIY repair solution that doesn’t mean cruising with a wad of duct tape on your hull!

MagicEzy’s watercraft repair sealants offer an economical, effective way to repair cracks and gouges of any kind. Their MagicEzy Hairline Fix is a colored sealant aimed at addressing spider cracks and hairline fractures in a matter of seconds, providing a smooth, glossy finish and preventing cracks from spreading. Their product requires no mixing or prep work and works great on fiberglass, plastic, and aluminum PWCs!

Five steps: Clean, Prime, Fill, Finish and Polish. It’s as easy as that.

Beyond that, though, the MagicEzy line of products can address significantly deeper damages.  

Check out the MagicEzy Hairline Fix from K-Speed, and their full video tutorial now!

There are people that are well-known in the PWC race family.  There are people that are popular, well thought-of and appreciated in the PWC industry. There are people that have contributed countless hours and untold effort to support, grow and promote the PWC community.

And then there is Mikey Young – who is all of those, and more. 

And now, Mikey Young could use a return of some of that blood, sweat, tears, energy, emotion and yes, cold hard cash. 

As many have heard, Young’s wife, Carrie, is facing medical battles right now, and the Young family needs the support of those in the PWC world – whether it is financial assistance, well wishes, prayers, organizing fundraising efforts, or other methods of giving back to someone who has poured so much of their life into this sport. 

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help the Young family with medical bills, and efforts are underway in the community to find other ways to support Mikey and Carrie.

Below is more detailed information, as provided on the Go Fund Me page and put together by Jan DeProspero of the PWC Racing Family Facebook page, with additional information about the medical challenges Carrie is facing, and about the Go Fund Me account. 

Dear Race Family,

I reach out to each of you with a heavy heart as we stand in solidarity during a challenging time for the Young family. Mikey’s wife, Carrie, has been courageously battling in the ICU for the past eight days, striving to recover from a severe illness. Initially admitted due to an inflamed pancreas, Carrie’s condition worsened into sepsis, resulting in complications that have impacted her kidneys, gallbladder, and other vital organs. Regrettably, doctors have informed us that Carrie will require permanent dialysis, with concerns lingering about sepsis affecting her bloodstream.

Many of you have expressed a heartfelt desire to help and without sharing the private details, Carrie’s medical bills continue to mount substantially and with the absence of medical insurance you can well imagine the strain the Young family is facing financially. Mikey has exhausted their savings in his unwavering commitment to Carrie’s recovery.

So, I humbly ask that we do what we do best – to come together as a family and surround them with love, support, and unwavering belief in Carrie’s healing journey. Let us unite in prayer, lifting up Carrie and the entire Young family, asking for strength, comfort, and healing. May each word of encouragement and every act of kindness serve as a ray of hope for Carrie, Mikey, and their loved ones. In this time of need, let us offer whatever assistance we can, knowing that together, we can lighten their burden and uplift their spirits.

Father, we lift up Carrie and the Young Family in prayer, asking for your blessing upon the hands and hearts of the medical team attending to her. Grant them wisdom, skill, and compassion in their care. Strengthen Mikey, Carrie, and the entire family, guiding them through this trying journey. May they continue to feel your presence and the outpouring of love and support from our community. While Carrie is unable to speak presently may she hear every encouraging word of prayer and feel every loving touch…….

If you would like to contribute, you can do so via this Go Fund Me page. Perhaps we can also organize an auction with the proceeds going to the Young family. I ask that you PLEASE SHARE THIS POST SO WE CAN GET THE WORD OUT QUICKLY

If you live in or have visited Europe, you’ve probably heard of a CE certification. If you’re considering moving here, or doing any watersports in the area for that matter, you’ll definitely want to make sure this important regulation is on your radar.

The CE Certification is a requirement for all recreational boats, yachts, and personal watercraft that are either sold or operating in European Union waters. Set up as a means to evaluate a boat’s seaworthiness, the CE certification has been around since 1998 and is used throughout the European Union to regulate where and when watercraft can travel.

The European Commission can give boats a ranking between A-D, based on a variety of factors including construction strength, stability, reserve buoyancy, and deck drainage. For reference, Category D watercraft are only permitted inland or within sheltered waters and to operate under winds up to force 4 (16 knots). Category A watercraft, on the other hand, are cleared to travel long voyages out into oceans, with winds over 40 knots and significant weather conditions/wave height.

Each boat is assessed independently, but in general, smaller PWCs fall within the C and D categories, limiting them to coastal and inland operations. While these limitations can be frustrating for some, there’s a good argument to be made for the importance of these tight regulations.

boatsales.com.au recently ran a piece on the unexpected sinkings of a large motor yacht off the country’s coast, and one of the findings of the coroner was that implementing a CE type system would provide greater security and accountability for watercraft regulated by Australian authorities. Offering a standard by which PWC owners and manufacturers can be held to may be one of the more effective ways to prevent such tragedies.

Of note: if you’re planning on importing an internationally manufactured PWC into Europe, it’s important to seek out an EU notified body to receive an officially recognized certification.

To find out what your PWC is rated, check out the International Marine Certification Institute website.