A Facebook post published last week had many pontificating the possibility of a redesigned SX-R 1500 “race edition” JetSki. Featured front-and-center in the Kawasaki Motors booth in the Pacifico Yokohama, Japan boat show, a gorgeous black-and-lime green standup was on display alongside SX-R 160’s.

The SX-R in question is actually, a uniquely-designed “Hyperion” jet ski made by VK Composites and sold domestically through Rival PWC. Belonging to professional Kawasaki racer, Jimmy Wilson, the #300 Hyperion is actually a part of a far larger effort by Kawasaki to dominate standup racing yet again.

In an article published on JetSkiWorld.gr, Vasilis Moriatis spoke with Factory Team according to spokesman, Minoru Kanamori about Kawasaki’s efforts to expand its racing efforts globally. Working together with Wilson, Kanamori has been experimenting with different engine tunes and handling setups.

After returning back from Thailand where he joined Kanamori and the Kawasaki Factory Team, Wilson spoke with Moriatis stating, “The Factory Kawasaki ski is a mix of old (2-stroke) and new (4-stroke GP) in my opinion. The ski stays hooked up in turns and doesn’t slide out or hope coming out of the turns.

“I do like that the ski allows for more rider input entering the turns than most of the newer GP skis on the market. I say that because this ski will roll over more than most skis but it doesn’t fall over. It’s stable in the straight line but would be good in a slalom section as well.”

As an observer, it is very revealing how Kawasaki’s Factory Team has adopted the Hyperion design. Wilson is no stranger to aftermarket hulls and has been a worthy representative of Kawasaki, making this particular marriage of the racer bringing in a third-party’s design (and it being so readily accepted by a major factory team) particularly intriguing.

Déjà vu. One year ago, The Watercraft Journal announced that Chris MacClugage’s MACC Racing was officially partnering with Monster Energy for the 2023 P1 AquaX US National Championship season. 

As WCJ Editor-in-Chief Kevin Shaw stated in that 2023 announcement, MacClugage – called the GOAT by many – is one of the most decorated and highest winning World Champion athlete across multiple classes, including Pro Freestyle, Pro Ski GP, Pro Runabout /GP & AquaX Pro Enduro, with more than two dozen championships to his name.

Considering not only that impressive resume, but adding in an impressive victory by MacClugage at the final 2023 round in Kissimmee / St Cloud, it should come as little surprise that WCJ just received notice from Monster Energy that the adrenaline junky dream team of Monster and MAAC Racing is a done deal for the 2024 season. 

In addition to the renewed partnership, MacClugage has announced the lineup for the 2024 MACC Racing team, introducing new teammates Tim Miller and Cooper Caldwell.

After receiving the press release, WCJ contacted MacClugage to chat with him about the coming season, but Mac is currently in Spain, competing, but he promised to sit down with WCJ when he returns stateside to talk about the challenges, opportunities and plans for the coming race season and the newest MACC teammates. 

Read the full press release below:
MACC Racing is thrilled to announce the continuation of its partnership with Monster Energy for the highly anticipated 2024 P1 AquaX US Championships. As a pinnacle event in the world of personal watercraft (PWC) racing, the P1 AquaX series draws elite racers globally to compete at the highest level.

Following a challenging start to the 2023 season, Monster Energy MACC Racing finished on a high note with an impressive victory by Chris MacClugage at the thrilling final round in Kissimmee / St Cloud. The team’s triumph has set the stage for an exciting 2024 campaign, with a focus on carrying forward the positive momentum from last season.

In preparation for the upcoming championships, Monster Energy MACC Racing has bolstered its roster by welcoming Tim Miller, a seasoned competitor renowned for his achievements on the US National Tour and at the IJSBA World Finals. Miller’s addition enhances the team’s competitive edge and solidifies its position as a formidable force in the PWC racing circuit.

Alongside Tim Miller, the team is proud to welcome Cooper Caldwell, who will be competing in the P1 AquaX Amateur Enduro Class. At just 16 years old, Cooper Caldwell already brings a wealth of experience and success to MACC Racing. A two-time US Amateur National Champion, Caldwell’s impressive track record includes a 2nd place finish in the 2023 IJSBA World Championship Amateur Runabout Stock Class. His dedication and skill have already made him a rising star in the world of PWC racing.

The 2024 championship will see the team on Yamaha powered Jet Ski’s. Chris MacClugage, Team Owner, Rider, and two-time P1 AquaX US National Champion expressed his confidence in the team’s preparations for the upcoming season. “With the continued support of Monster Energy & Dean’s Team, I feel like we have the fundamentals in place for a successful season. Tim Miller is a great addition to the team. We have over 60 years of racing experience between us.” stated MacClugage. He also emphasized the team’s excitement in introducing rising star Cooper Caldwell to represent the team in the amateur class, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing young talent within the sport.

“I’m excited to be part of the Monster Energy MACC Racing team” says Cooper Caldwell. “I met Chris MacClugage at the 2023 World Finals in Lake Havasu & did a few coaching sessions with him. Chris helped me improve my riding style & learning from all his years of experience has made a big improvement to my performance.”

Caldwell added, “This is a huge opportunity for me & I’m thankful to my dad, Chris, Tim & Dean Charrier for their effort in getting my ski’s ready for the season. I’ve been training hard to prepare for this year’s championship. I know I have a lot to learn in P1 AquaX, but my plan is to listen to what Chris and Tim tell me, take care of the equipment and ultimately be on the podium.”

Tim Miller shared his excitement about his new venture with Monster Energy MACC Racing. Recalling his early days in the sport, Miller reminisced about lining up alongside a young talent who would later become one of the world’s best – Chris MacClugage. In recent years, Miller has been instrumental in developing skis for Cooper Caldwell, with the support of Dean Charrier. Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, Miller stated,” I’m looking forward to racing with Chris & being part of the Monster Energy & MACC Racing team. We’re ready to battle for the 2024 Championship.”

As the team prepares to embark on the 2024 P1 AquaX US Championship, the stage is set for an exhilarating season of competition with the opening round set to take place in Daytona Beach, 19-22 April.

About MACC Racing: MACC Racing is a leading force in the world of personal watercraft racing, known for its commitment to excellence and passion for competition. With a history of success and a dedicated team of talented athletes, MACC Racing continues to push boundaries and redefine standards in the thrilling sport of PWC racing.

About Chris MacClugage #30: Dubbed the GOAT, or the Greatest Of All Time by friends, colleagues & fellow competitors, Chris, who was once known as merely “The Kid” has grown into his own as the sport of jet ski racing. With 25 career championships, he’s become the most decorated and highest winning World Champion athlete across multiple classes, including Pro Freestyle, Pro Ski GP, Pro Runabout /GP & AquaX Pro Enduro. Chris also holds the current Guinness World Record for, “Most wins of the IJSBA Pro Runabout 1200 World Championships”.

About Tim Miller #37: With a racing legacy spanning back to 1988, Tim Miller stands as a seasoned figure in PWC racing, known for his expertise and dedication to the sport. A consistent top performer, Miller has secured top 10 finishes at the IJSBA World Championships since 2019, showcasing his enduring skill and competitive spirit.

About Cooper Caldwell #193: Cooper Caldwell is a rising star in PWC racing, boasting two US Amateur National Championships and a runner-up finish in the 2023 IJSBA World Championship. With a drive for success and a promising future ahead, Caldwell embodies the next generation of racing excellence.

About P1 AquaX: P1 AquaX is a premier personal watercraft racing series that brings together top racers from around the globe to compete in exhilarating and high-stakes races. With a reputation for delivering adrenaline-pumping action and showcasing top-tier talent, P1 AquaX sets the stage for intense competition and unforgettable moments on the water.

About Monster Energy: Monster Energy is a leading energy drink brand, renowned for its commitment to extreme sports and high-octane action. Partnering with athletes across various disciplines, Monster Energy fuels their pursuits, pushing the limits of what is possible.

About Dean’s Watercraft Performance: Since 1995, Dean’s Team has been at the forefront of the jet Ski racing world. Owned & operated by Dean Charrier – The world’s top tuner & custom parts manufacturer for race jet skis. Dean’s Team has consistently brought in National and World titles year in and year out.

While it certainly isn’t every day that we see PWCs as a topic in Forbes magazine, it’s no surprise that world-class Big Wave Surfer Garrett McNamara would be at the center of such a story. 

In a recent piece for the magazine, McNamara takes Forbes contributor Jim Clash out on jet skis at the notorious wave at Nazaré, Portugal, to bring the adventure writer up close and personal with this legendary wave.

In fact, Garrett McNamara is widely acknowledged for bringing about Nazaré’s recognition as a premier destination for world-class big wave surfing, when, on November 1, 2011, he set the world record for the largest wave ever surfed at 78 feet. The Hawaiian surfer has since dedicated much of his time to fostering the surfing community in Nazaré, an otherwise quiet fishing village just north of Lisbon. His accomplishment – which would later be turned into the HBO Docuseries 100 Foot Wave – set the stage for subsequent world-record breakers Rodrigo Koxa (80 feet) and Sebastian Steudtner (86 feet) at the same site.

In the Forbes piece, Clash recounts his time out on the PWC with McNamara, riding on waves of over 60 feet at times. 

McNamara tells Forbes, “…we rode horizontally across the top of a 60- to 70-foot wave and watched it break under us. You could see how far down the face was, with the [Praia do Norte] lighthouse in the background. It gives a great perspective of what we, as surfers, deal with. From where you were, you could totally understand what it would look like to drop into a big wave [without doing so].”

The drama didn’t end there either, as Clash writes of the nearly disastrous flip of their Jet Ski among the waves. While everything turned out safely without casualties, that kind of accident could be catastrophic if another wave had hit at the wrong time.

To read the full story, check out Clash’s write-up for Forbes here.

A spate of sedate color schemes seem to be desaturating much of the PWC world lately, with toned-down colors and muted hues popping up in everything from rash guards to wetsuits to ski graphics.

Unlimited PWC Products, however, is having none of that nonsense!  With a push of product teases and highlights over the past few months, the performance parts and apparel brand – already known for the  style and flare of their offerings – has splashed bold and eye-catching color across their website and social media pages, on everything from race gear to engine parts.

And Unlimited customers are tickled (Neon) pink (and blue, and green, and highlighter yellow) about the anything-but-boring aesthetic.

With a personality that harkens back to the 80s and 90s retro style, but updated with imaginative color blocking, modern detailing, and advanced materials, Unlimited is putting some pizazz back in the PWC game. The move is one finding favor with many recreational riders who are looking for gear and decked-out skis that look as fun as the adventures they head out on. The look is also one that has secured the attention of some well known names in the PWC race world, as evidenced by Raphael Maurin and Valentina Lezcano.

Be sure to check out Unlimited’s website, where you can find the hue to suit you, whether you are looking for accessories, apparel and riding gear,  engine parts and components, hull components, or steering and control essentials.

If, like us, you’re already looking ahead to those gorgeous Summer days out on the water, it might be about time to consider ordering a new watercraft for the season from our friends over at Cycle Springs Powersports. They’re offering a wide array of watercraft as we approach the season, with some real gems to highlight from the 2024 Sea-Doo lineup.

In a Facbook Post from earlier this year, they promote “Lightweight, compact and fuel-efficient, the 2024 Sea-Doo Spark is your passport to aquatic adventures. Easy to maneuver and designed for fun on the water, it’s the perfect fit for riders of all levels.” A quick visit to their online catalog shows the versatility of this affordable PWC, loaded to the brim with useful features, making it an accessible pick for a wide variety of riders, from enthusiasts to amateurs, without sacrificing an ounce of quality or power.

A little more exploration of their online catalog will bring up the 2024 Sea-Doo RXP-X, a jetski lauded for its new 325hp Rotax ACE engine, which is currently the most powerful jet ski engine out of the box! This kind of power is a boost for the most dedicated of racers, allowing you to boost from 0-60mph in a mere 3.4 seconds.

In another FaceBook post Cycle Springs promotes Sea-Doo’s line of fishing PWC, writing: “Capture thrills on the Sea-Doo FishPro personal watercraft. Enjoy hands-free fishing with rod holders and speed adjustment without touching the throttle. You’ve never fished close to wildlife like this before!” Again, they manage to show the full range and versatility of the Sea-Doo craft they’re offering this year.

Whether you’re a life-long fisher, a PWC enthusiast, or a dedicated racer– or if you’re just looking to try your hand at a new sport – be sure to check out the great deals on Sea-Doo 2024 offerings from Cycle Springs Powersports

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.