In a marine accessory market flooded with offshore imports and copy-paste hardware, it’s getting harder to find products that are actually built where they say they’re built.
Sand Gator isn’t outsourcing. They’re not assembling parts from three different continents. And they’re not quietly shifting production overseas to shave pennies.
They’re still building every Sand Gator Shallow Water Anchor right where they started — in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Designed, Built, and Shipped From Illinois
When Sand Gator says “100 percent American made,” they mean it.
The patented anchoring system was designed in-house. It’s manufactured in-house. And it ships directly from their Illinois facility. There’s no middleman factory and no mystery supply chain. What you order is what their team builds.
In a category where many marine accessories are mass-produced and rebranded, that level of control makes a difference. It means tighter quality control, better materials consistency, and the ability to refine the product based on real-world feedback instead of waiting on overseas production cycles.
For riders, that translates into something simple: confidence.
Simple Wins
If you’ve spent any time at a busy sandbar, you’ve seen it — drifting skis, heavy traditional anchors tossed overboard, ropes tangled in storage bins, or someone sprinting into waist-deep water trying to keep their PWC from bumping into a neighbor.
The Sand Gator was built to eliminate all of that.
It’s lightweight. It’s compact. It fits in most PWC storage cubbies. And it deploys in seconds in sandy or pebbly bottoms.
The serrated edges are aggressive enough to bite and hold — even in light surf — but not sharp enough to slice up your gear in storage. That detail alone tells you the product wasn’t rushed to market. It was thought through.
Too often in the marine world, people are sold on the sizzle and disappointed by the steak. The Sand Gator takes the opposite approach. No unnecessary bells. No complicated mechanisms. Just a stake-style shallow water anchor executed well.
Built for the Way We Actually Ride
The Watercraft Journal named the Sand Gator Shallow Water Anchor its “Official Anchor of the Year” for 2026 for a reason. It checks the boxes that matter to riders:
Easy to carry
Easy to store
Fast to deploy
Strong enough to hold full-sized PWC
Designed specifically for the way we use our watercraft
Now, knowing it’s built start-to-finish in Illinois adds another layer to that story.
When you drive a stake into the sand and your ski stays exactly where you left it, that reliability doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of controlled manufacturing, consistent materials, and a company that hasn’t handed its production off to the lowest bidder.
Sand Gator’s commitment to American manufacturing doesn’t stop at anchors. Their premium American-made bungee dock lines follow the same philosophy — built tough, UV-protected, and designed to handle real-world abuse.
It’s a simple formula: build it here, build it right, and let the product speak for itself.
In a time when “American made” often feels like a marketing sticker, Sand Gator is quietly doing the work behind the label.
While the race world is already in full-tilt mode — endurance teams fine-tuning fuel stops and closed course riders fine-tuning hole-shot starts — the rest of the PWC community is quietly gearing up for something just as demanding: mission season.
Island runs. Fishing dawn patrols. Reef hops. Overnight expeditions. And every single one of them starts with the same question:
Where’s all the gear going?
That’s where Jet Tech comes in.
Made By Watermen, For Watermen
Based in Burleigh Heads, QLD, Jet Tech wasn’t built in a boardroom. It came from riders who were tired of accessories that looked good on a website but wilted under real saltwater abuse.
Surfing. Fishing. Wakeboarding. Jet boating. Long-haul ski missions in open ocean conditions. The crew behind Jet Tech lives the same lifestyle most of us aspire to — and they design gear accordingly.
Corrosion-resistant hardware. Reinforced stress points. Welded seams. Purpose-driven systems. It’s all tested in the kind of conditions that don’t forgive weak stitching or cheap materials.
Their mission is simple: remove limits. Build accessories that let riders go further, carry more, and stress less.
And when it comes to dry storage, that mission hits home fast.
The 10L Ski Series Dry Bag
Small. Simple. Necessary.
The 10L Ski Series bag is built for the essentials — phone, keys, wallet, small towel, handheld VHF, maybe a compact speaker. The stuff that absolutely cannot get wet.
Constructed from 500D PVC with welded seams (no stitched weak points), it’s designed to lock out spray, sand and salt. At this size, it tucks easily into a front hatch without eating up your entire storage compartment.
What it adds: peace of mind on shorter runs. What it costs: $39. How it changes the experience: you stop thinking about your phone every time you spear a wave.
There’s also an outer zip pocket for quick access — not watertight — but ideal for grab-and-go items at the ramp.
The 35L Backpack Dry Bag
Now we’re talking mission-ready.
The 35L version doubles as a true backpack with integrated shoulder, waist and chest straps to keep weight tight and centered when riding. That matters more than people realize — loose cargo shifts, and shifting cargo changes handling.
This is the sweet spot for riders carrying:
Camera bodies and lenses
Drones
Tool rolls
Tackle kits
Full change of clothes
Reinforced stress points and the same 500D PVC construction mean it’s built for heavier loads. There’s also an inner zip pocket for organization and an outer access pocket for the non-critical items.
For photographers and content creators — especially those shooting from skis in unpredictable conditions — this bag changes the equation. Instead of wrapping expensive gear in hope and towels, you’ve got a system designed for saltwater environments from the start.
What it adds: secure, wearable storage. What it costs: $99. How it changes the experience: you can run harder knowing your camera gear isn’t one rogue roller away from disaster.
The 195L Touring Dry Bag
This is where Jet Tech leans fully into expedition mode.
At 195 liters (110x50x35cm), this isn’t just a bag — it’s a transport system. Built for camping gear, swags, food, spare clothing and serious cargo, it’s reinforced to handle heavier equipment and long-haul abuse.
The real innovation here is integration. The touring bag features eight Jet Tech sled latching points, designed to pair directly with their sled systems — effectively turning your ski into a modular trailer setup while still remaining compatible with Jet Tech Adventure Fish Boxes.
What it adds: true overnight capability. What it costs: $195. How it changes the experience: day trips become weekend missions.
For riders pushing range and planning multi-stop routes, dry storage stops being a convenience and becomes survival-level critical. Weather shifts. Conditions change. Gear gets tested.
Jet Tech builds with that reality in mind.
Built to Last, By Design
Durability is more than marketing copy — it’s sustainability in practice. Longer-lasting gear means fewer replacements, less waste, and more seasons of use.
Jet Tech openly leans into that mindset: build it tough, refine it constantly, reduce unnecessary waste in packaging and materials, and keep evolving. Sustainability isn’t a tagline for them — it’s tied directly to longevity.
And that feels appropriate for a brand built around the ocean.
As race skis line up for holeshots this season, adventure riders are lining up fuel maps and packing lists. Different disciplines, same truth: you can’t fully enjoy the ride if you’re worried about your gear.
Jet Tech’s dry bag lineup doesn’t reinvent the PWC — it removes one more variable from the equation.
Back east, most eyes were locked on Lake Alfred, Florida, where East Coast Watercross kicked off the East Coast Watercross IJSBA series with Rounds 1 and 2 of the East Coast Watercross Winter Watercross Series. We’ll dive into those results later this week — and look ahead to Rounds 3 and 4 returning to Lake Alfred this coming weekend.
But first, we turn our attention west.
This Saturday, February 28, the desert air over Lake Havasu State Park will crackle to life as the 22nd Annual IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 returns for another running of what’s widely regarded as the toughest, longest and most challenging PWC endurance race in the world.
Presented by Hot Products, Ford Bros. Racing, Systems Real Estate, Inc., Riva Racing, Impros, Anderson Powersports, Performance Fiberglass, Works H20 Designs, Monster Watercraft, Lake Havasu Jet Ski Rentals and LG1 Designs, the Hahn 300 isn’t just another stop on the calendar — it’s a badge of honor.
The World’s Longest Continuous PWC Race
Promoted by RPM Racing Enterprises and led by race director Ross Wallach, the Mark Hahn 300 has, over the past two decades, cemented its place as a cornerstone of endurance racing.
Unlike the tight, moto-based format many racers cut their teeth on, the Hahn 300 is a test of stamina, strategy and sheer mechanical resilience. Teams rotate riders, manage fuel windows, navigate traffic and chop, and keep machines alive over 300 grueling miles of continuous competition. It’s part sprint, part chess match — and part survival.
Since relocating from Crazy Horse Campground to Point Beach inside Lake Havasu State Park in recent years, the event has found a new rhythm. Runabout teams utilize the Windsor launch ramp once the race is underway, while Stand Up competitors stage from Point Beach. The modified Le Mans–style start — racers already mounted, lanyards out, dead engine in the water — delivers one of the most electric moments in the sport.
32 Teams and Counting
As of February 11, Wallach announced that 32 teams are pre-registered for Saturday’s race — a strong showing that underscores the enduring draw of this event.
And here’s the key detail for anyone still on the fence:
Late registration remains open only until Wednesday, February 25.
Miss that window, and you miss the race. For teams still dialing in logistics, wrenching late into the night, or waiting on that final green light from sponsors or crew — the clock is officially ticking.
For registration questions, racers can contact Dawn at [email protected] or reach Wallach directly at (310) 318-4012.
What to Know If You’re Attending
Lake Havasu State Park Day Use fees for race day are $25 per vehicle (includes up to 4 adults), with each additional adult $5. Pits are designated and first come, first served — aside from priority pit spaces.
Move-in begins early, and as any Hahn veteran will tell you, endurance race mornings start long before the green flag drops.
There’s something different about Havasu in late February. The air is cool, the water deceptively calm in the early hours. Then the engines fire, the pack surges forward, and for the next several hours the lake transforms into a battleground of horsepower and heart.
The Season’s First True Test
While regional rounds and sprint formats build momentum, the Mark Hahn 300 sets a tone. It’s the kind of race that defines seasons before they truly begin — exposing weaknesses, rewarding preparation, and reminding everyone exactly how deep the talent pool runs.
Later this week, we’ll circle back to Lake Alfred and break down who struck first in the East Coast Watercross opener — and who looks poised to carry that momentum into Rounds 3 and 4.
But for now, all eyes turn west.
The desert is calling. The clock is running. And 300 miles await.
RIVA Superstore is actively looking for an A-level, BRP-certified technician to join the Deerfield Beach team — and they’re not just filling a slot. They’re looking for someone serious about the craft.
Here’s the short list:
BRP Certified (mandatory)
Minimum 4 years experience
Your own tools
Proficient with B.U.D.S. (Bombardier Utility and Diagnostic Software)
Bonus points if you can navigate Lightspeed POS
If you’re the kind of tech who can diagnose a finicky Sea-Doo, keep clean documentation, and knock out clean, detail-oriented work without cutting corners — you’ll fit right in.
And this isn’t some fly-by-night shop.
Family-owned since 1979, RIVA operates three South Florida locations (Deerfield Beach, Miami, and Key Largo) and services the full spectrum of powersports, motorcycles, PWC, and boats. They’ve built a reputation as one of the premier dealerships in the region — and that means steady work.
The upside?
Comprehensive health plans
Strong 401k employer match
Paid time off
Employee discounts
A team culture built on diversity, inclusion, and respect — welcoming talented techs from all backgrounds and creating a safe, supportive place to do great work and actually enjoy it
A tight-knit, “mom & pop at heart” culture with real cross-team collaboration
RIVA describes themselves as mission-focused, gear-driven, and building the next generation of motorsports in South Florida. If you’re looking for more than just another wrench-turning job — and want to work somewhere that lives and breathes this industry — this could be your move.
For most personal watercraft owners, the experience begins at the dealership or boat ramp. What remains unseen is the complex manufacturing process required to transform raw composite structures and mechanical components into a finished Sea-Doo watercraft. Recently, The Watercraft Journal was invited to tour BRP’s Sea-Doo assembly plant in Querétaro, Mexico—a facility responsible for producing the majority of Sea-Doo personal watercraft sold worldwide.
The visit offered rare access to the full assembly process, providing insight into modern personal watercraft manufacturing, quality control procedures, and the scale required to support global demand for Sea-Doo models ranging from entry-level recreational units to high-performance and touring platforms.
The Querétaro Facility: Sea-Doo’s Global Production Hub
Located approximately three hours northwest of Mexico City, the Querétaro plant serves as the central assembly location for Sea-Doo watercraft. The facility employs thousands of workers across multiple shifts and operates nearly continuously during peak production periods. From this single location, completed watercraft are shipped to more than 130 countries worldwide.
The plant itself is expansive, with multiple assembly lines operating simultaneously. Each line is organized around specific product families, allowing Sea-Doo to produce both its smaller, lightweight Spark models and its larger GTX, RXT, and Wake series watercraft within the same complex.
Engines, electrical systems, jet pumps, and molded hull components arrive in carefully organized staging areas before entering the assembly line, where they are integrated into complete watercraft.
Hull Preparation: Where Each Watercraft Begins
The assembly process begins with composite hull staging. These unfinished hulls form the structural backbone of each watercraft and are molded from composite materials engineered to balance strength, weight, and durability.
At this stage, the hulls appear as bare shells, lacking the recognizable features of a finished personal watercraft. Each unit is tagged and digitally tracked throughout the assembly process, allowing technicians to monitor installation progress and maintain detailed production records tied to each individual watercraft.
From staging, hulls move onto the primary assembly line where internal components begin to take shape.
Installing Engines, Fuel Systems, and Internal Components
As hulls advance along the assembly line, Rotax engines are carefully lowered into place using overhead lifting systems designed to ensure precise alignment. Fuel tanks are installed and pressure tested prior to final integration to verify system integrity.
Electrical wiring harnesses are routed through the hull, connecting ignition systems, sensors, and digital instrumentation. Each installation step follows a carefully controlled sequence designed to ensure proper fitment and system functionality.
Digital torque tools are used to tighten fasteners to exact specifications. These tools record torque values electronically, allowing assembly data to be logged and referenced if necessary.
Separate Assembly Lines for Spark and Full-Size Models
Sea-Doo Spark models follow a slightly different assembly path compared to full-size fiberglass-based watercraft. Their lightweight Polytec construction and simplified architecture allow for efficient assembly while still incorporating the same quality control principles.
Larger models—including the GTX Limited, RXT-X, and Wake Pro—require additional assembly stages due to more complex systems, larger engines, and additional electronic features.
Despite these differences, both assembly lines operate under similar procedures and oversight.
The Hull and Deck “Marriage” Process
One of the most visually distinct stages of assembly is the joining of the upper deck to the hull. Prior to joining, technicians apply industrial adhesive along the bonding surfaces to ensure a secure structural connection.
Robotic systems assist in applying adhesive evenly, after which the upper deck is carefully lowered onto the hull and secured.
This step transforms the watercraft from an open assembly platform into a fully enclosed machine.
Testing and Functional Verification
Testing procedures are conducted throughout the assembly process. Engines are started and operated briefly under controlled conditions while connected to water circulation systems that simulate cooling during normal operation.
Electronic systems, instrument displays, and sensors are verified to ensure proper operation. These tests help confirm functionality before the watercraft proceeds to final inspection.
Final assembly steps include installation of seating, trim components, and model-specific graphics.
Final Inspection and Global Distribution
Once assembly and testing are complete, each watercraft undergoes final inspection. Technicians visually verify component installation, system completeness, and overall fit and finish.
Finished units are then wrapped, secured in shipping frames, and staged for transport. Trucks depart regularly from the facility carrying completed Sea-Doo watercraft to distribution centers and dealerships around the world.
A Rare Look Inside Modern Personal Watercraft Manufacturing
Touring Sea-Doo’s Querétaro assembly plant provided valuable insight into the processes involved in building modern personal watercraft. From composite hull staging and engine installation to electronic integration and final testing, each stage reflects the coordination required to support global production.
For enthusiasts, seeing how Sea-Doo watercraft are assembled offers a deeper understanding of the engineering and manufacturing behind the machines riders use every day.
The assembly process itself remains largely unseen by the public, making opportunities like this tour a rare glimpse into the manufacturing side of the personal watercraft industry.
As the days get a little longer and throttle fingers start twitching, the International Jet Sports Boating Association is shaking off winter and dropping a steady stream of updates aimed at the 2026 season and beyond.
In the span of a few days, IJSBA has released news touching three very different corners of the sport: participant liability and insurance, long-term rule development, and early details surrounding the 2026 World Finals in Lake Havasu City. Taken together, it feels like the organization signaling that it’s time to get serious — race season isn’t that far off.
A Clear Line on Risk and Insurance
First up was a detailed announcement regarding additional insurance and assumption of risk for competition members.
If you found your eyes glazing over halfway through, you’re not alone — but here’s the practical takeaway:
IJSBA reiterated that sanctioned competition is inherently high-risk, that membership is required to compete, and that competitors agree to assume those risks as a condition of participation. The organization makes clear that it does not provide insurance coverage for riders and that competitors must hold both IJSBA and independent event promoters harmless for losses incurred during competition.
The notable shift isn’t a rule change — it’s the explicit invitation for riders to proactively contact IJSBA at least two weeks prior to an event if they wish to negotiate terms or explore procuring individual insurance coverage.
In plain language: the door is open for discussions, but the responsibility remains squarely on the competitor. In an era where motorsports insurance and liability are under increasing scrutiny across the board, the clarification reads less like a surprise and more like a formal tightening of language.
It’s not glamorous news. But it’s foundational — and it’s part of the reality of high-speed, water-based competition.
A Nine-Director Rules Evolution Project
On a much more forward-looking note, IJSBA also announced a joint initiative with WGP-1 World Series organizers and IJSBA Europe to create a nine-director Rules Director Project.
The goal? Shape the evolution of the IJSBA Competition Rule Book beginning with the 2027 season.
The proposed structure includes nine subject matter experts from The Americas, Europe, and Asia/Gulf/Oceania, acting as liaisons between the broader racing community and the IJSBA Board of Directors. The organization is actively recruiting highly qualified individuals with technical expertise in personal watercraft, engines, and motorsports engineering, along with a Vice-Chairman to help coordinate the effort.
For racers and builders, this is the headline: rule development is being formalized into a more structured, globally collaborative process.
That suggests two things:
Long-term technical planning is becoming a bigger focus.
There may be meaningful rule evolution coming for 2027 and beyond.
If you’ve ever had strong opinions about class structure, technical allowances, or enforcement processes — this is the lane where those conversations are intended to live.
45 Years in Havasu and an 80s Throwback
And then there’s the part that gets the blood moving again.
IJSBA released the working logo for the 2026 World Finals, marking the 45th consecutive year the event has been held in Lake Havasu City — an almost unheard-of run for any major motorsports event in a single location.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for October 3–11, will once again serve as a stop on the WGP-1 World Series calendar, further reinforcing the growing overlap between the two organizations’ global footprints.
Beyond the racing, IJSBA is also expanding the PWC Fest and Poker Run concept introduced last year at Crazy Horse Campground. For 2026, the celebration leans fully into the sport’s roots with an 80s throwback theme — fitting, given that the World Finals traces back to the early boom years of stand-up watercraft.
Expect performance workshops, another poker run, special meetings, a new fishing component, and a heavy dose of nostalgia. Invitations are reportedly going out to 1980s-era brands and partners to help amplify the anniversary atmosphere.
Winter may still technically have a grip on most of us.
But the calendar says race season will be here before we know it — and IJSBA is clearly done hibernating.
Full press releases below:
IJSBA Announces Open Negotiation For Additional Insurance And Assumption Of Risk
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) sets forth specific standards and requirements for all competition membership holders to participate in events sanctioned by IJSBA. Membership is a support affiliation with an organization which has the goal of encouraging Personal Watercraft Events with an emphasis on competitions. These competitions are usually high speed in nature carrying very high degrees of risk. All motorsports events are very dangerous. Water based motorsport competitions, including Personal Watercraft and all forms of boats are extremely dangerous due to the nature of a lack of real braking mechanisms on the water. Persons join IJSBA to aid IJSBA the active role of furthering these exact type of events as a common goal. An IJSBA Competition Membership is a requirement to participate in an IJSBA Sanctioned Event and Competition Membership holders agree to abide by the terms set forth in the IJSBA Rule Book and the IJSBA provided agreement to participate at each sanctioned event. Event promoters are independent entities from IJSBA who put on events exclusively for persons who have joined IJSBA to further IJSBA’s goals.
All competitors, as consideration for being allowed to participate in an event, and also as a condition precedent to receive permission for participating in any event, must evaluate the circumstances at each event and expressly agree to assume any and all risks for participating in the very event that the participant has chosen to encourage by joining IJSBA as a Competition Member. Other requirements including completely holding IJSBA and the event organizer harmless for any losses and completely abandoning any rights to seek redress for any losses incurred by the very event that the participant encouraged. IJSBA provides the competitor no insurance of any kind which could cover the participant for any losses. Participants have been injured and even killed at Personal Watercraft Competitions and these are very real risks for participating. If a potential participant would like to approach IJSBA to negotiate these terms or to try and procure individual insurance that could provide coverage for some losses incurred at an event then those persons should contact IJSBA by emailing [email protected]. Such contact should take place at least two weeks prior to the event in order to determine the costs that would be attributed to a change in the mandatory participation agreements or to procure insurance.
IJSBA Releases WGP-1 Assisted Nine Rule Directors Project
IJSBA is sharing news of the following joint project between IJSBA, IJSBA Europe, and the WGP-1 World Series Organizers to create a nine director team of subject matter experts to oversee evolution of IJSBA’s Competition Rule Book for the 2027 Season onward. This system was proposed by the WGP-1 organization and will be implemented by IJSBA. IJSBA is recruiting, in the territories of The Americas, Europe, Asia/Gulf/Oceania, a nine person team to be the liaison to the general public in the process of preparing new rule suggestions to the IJSBA Board of Directors and to consult on suggested parameters for new rule approval processes. IJSBA will be conducting a recruiting process where IJSBA will seek very highly qualified persons with technical expertise in Personal Watercraft and general engine and motorsports engineering. IJSBA will also recruit a Vice-Chairman of the Rules Director Project to assist IJSBA with coordination with the nine directors. If you would like to be considered as a director, please send a cover letter and resume to IJSBA by emailing [email protected].
IJSBA Releases Working Logo For The 2026 SBT World Finals
IJSBA is pleased to release the working logo for the 2026 Short Block Technologies World Finals which takes place this October 3-11 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This year’s World Finals marks the 45th consecutive year of the event and all installments have been in Lake Havasu City!!! This 2026 World Finals will also be the second stop of the 2026 WGP#1 World Finals. Stay tuned for more details coming more frequently.
2026 SBT World Finals PWC Fest To Include 80s Throwback Celebration
IJSBA is coming out of winter hibernation regardless of what the groundhog says. This week, IJSBA is getting the ball rolling on the PWC Fest and Poker Run portions of the 2026 Short Block Technologies World Finals which takes place October 3-11 at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This event is also the second stop of the WGP#1 World Series. Last year, IJSBA launched an introductory PWC Fest and Poker Run that was quite a success for a soft first shot! IJSBA’s World Finals will celebrate a 45th birthday this October and we are sending invitations out to a lot of 1980s nostalgia product companies to come share the fun. We have noticed how many of our partners are using 80s imagery for their promotions this year. This year’s PWC Fest will feature comprehensive workshops about watercraft performance, another poker run, special meetings, and an all new fishing component. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting information from IJSBA.
TEWAMOTO showcases its HydraX electric personal watercraft concept model at the Miami International Boat Show.
TEWAMOTO showcases its HydraX electric personal watercraft concept model at the Miami International Boat Show.
The future of personal watercraft is quietly charging in. TEWAMOTO, a U.S.-registered mobility brand with global ambitions, rolled out its HydraX electric PWC concept this weekend at the Miami International Boat Show, offering a glimpse at what high-performance electric riding could look like.
“HydraX is more than a design concept,” said Wayne Wang, TEWAMOTO’s Founder and COO. “It’s about redefining the balance between performance, freedom, and environmental responsibility. We want to show that clean, quiet, high-powered riding isn’t just possible — it can be genuinely fun.”
HydraX is designed with real-world riding in mind. Its fully electric powertrain delivers over 240 horsepower, while a 5C ultra-fast charging system can bring the battery from 30% to 90% in roughly five minutes. Beyond raw numbers, TEWAMOTO emphasizes usability, reliability, and a lower long-term cost of ownership compared with traditional gas-powered models. The concept is clearly aimed at riders who want performance without the noise, emissions, or maintenance headaches.
Orca Carbon
While TEWAMOTO’s HydraX grabbed headlines, it wasn’t the only electric PWC making waves in Miami. Taiga Motors showed off its new Orca Carbon, the company’s flagship electric PWC now hitting the Florida market, where water sports culture is strong and EV adoption is growing. Meanwhile, Hypercraft, not yet in the PWC space, highlighted its complete electric drive systems for boats and other marine applications — another reminder that the electric tide is rising across watersports.
The Miami International Boat Show offered a clear signal: electric personal watercraft are no longer a niche experiment. Between HydraX, Orca Carbon, and the innovations from Hypercraft, riders can expect more options for powerful, quiet, and environmentally mindful watercraft in the near future.
Press Release
TEWAMOTO Unveils HydraX Electric Personal Watercraft Concept at the Miami International Boat Show
MIAMI, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TEWAMOTO, a U.S.-registered and globally focused mobility brand, unveiled its HydraX electric personal watercraft design concept at the Miami International Boat Show, showcasing its latest vision for high-performance electric mobility on the water.
“HydraX is more than a design concept — it reflects TEWAMOTO’s long-term thinking about the future of water mobility,” said Wayne Wang, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of TEWAMOTO. “We believe that meaningful electrification is not simply about changing the power source, but about redefining the balance between performance, freedom, and environmental responsibility. With HydraX, we aim to demonstrate that high-performance water sports can be clean, quiet, and genuinely enjoyable.”
As the global marine and water sports industry continues to transition toward electrification and sustainability, TEWAMOTO positions HydraX as a forward-looking exploration of how power, environmental impact, and real-world usability can be integrated into the next generation of personal watercraft.
HydraX and the Future of Electric Personal Watercraft Performance
HydraX is a fully electric personal watercraft concept designed for individual water sports enthusiasts who seek exceptional performance while also valuing sustainability and long-term cost efficiency.
Developed around real-world riding scenarios, HydraX addresses several key limitations of traditional gas-powered personal watercraft, including noise, emissions, restricted water access, and high maintenance costs. Its core highlights include:
Fully electric propulsion, delivering zero emissions and low noise, enabling access to more regulated and environmentally sensitive waterways.
A high-output electric powertrain exceeding 240 horsepower, positioning HydraX among the most powerful electric personal watercraft concepts in the industry.
5C ultra-fast charging capability, allowing the battery to recharge from 30% to 90% in approximately five minutes, significantly reducing downtime.
Lower total cost of ownership, minimizing long-term maintenance and energy expenses while enhancing overall riding enjoyment.
Rather than focusing solely on peak performance figures, HydraX emphasizes stable power delivery, usability, and reliability across high-frequency riding scenarios, reflecting TEWAMOTO’s user-centered approach to electric mobility design.
Miami: A Global Stage for the Future of Electric Water Mobility
The Miami International Boat Show is one of the world’s most influential events for the marine and water sports industry, bringing together leading brands, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the globe. TEWAMOTO’s decision to debut HydraX at the show underscores its commitment to engaging the global market in a broader dialogue on the next phase of electric personal watercraft development.
The unveiling of HydraX also marks an important milestone in TEWAMOTO’s expansion beyond electric two-wheel mobility, extending its technological capabilities and design philosophy into water-based applications.
About TEWAMOTO
As a U.S.-registered, based, and globally focused international company, TEWAMOTO brings together top talent in design, engineering, and manufacturing from around the world. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to deliver clean, powerful, and fun mobility experiences for the next generation of riders. We are not just building vehicles — we are building a new way of moving, playing, and living with energy.
Valentine’s Day is usually reserved for candlelit dinners and bouquets of roses. But in the world of personal watercraft, love looks a little different. It looks like a gallon of SPF 50, a steady hand on a dock line, and the monumental patience required to listen to a thirty-minute dissertation on the benefits of a new intake grate.
Personal watercraft riders are passionate people. We tinker. We upgrade. We obsess over small details that most people would never notice. We check oil levels. We research impellers. We listen closely for changes in tone that only we can hear.
We pour time into these machines because they give us something back — freedom, adrenaline, clarity.
But behind most riders is someone else quietly making space for that passion.
They tolerate the weather app refreshes during dinner.
They nod and agree — again — while we explain why this hull design really is different from the one we had three years ago.
While we’re out carving glass or chasing swells, they’re often the ones managing the chaos on the shore. They are the masters of the “truck and trailer dance,” backing down a crowded ramp with nerves of steel while we wait in the water. They are the ones who hold the dock line in the baking sun, ensuring the hull doesn’t kiss the concrete while we run back to the rig because we forgot the lanyard (again).
They’re the ones who adjust weekend plans around event schedules. Who understand why a forecast shift matters. Who don’t question why the garage light is still on an hour after we said we’d be inside.
They’re the ones who pack the cooler, remember the registration papers, and make sure our phone has a full charge.
They’re the one who overlooks the new sponsons sitting on the dining room table or the fact that the garage has slowly been overtaken by jugs of race fuel and fiberglass repair kits. They understand that for us, a “quick oil change” is a three-hour spiritual retreat, and they don’t roll their eyes (too hard) when we start talking about pitch angles and impeller diameters for the tenth time that week.
They know this isn’t just a machine.
It’s freedom. It’s dopamine. It’s peace and adrenaline and adventure and relaxation all rolled into one squeeze of the throttle.
And they get it — not because they’re interested in torque specs or pump geometry — but because they get us.
On Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to make jokes about parts budgets and upgrade lists. But long after the engine cools and the trailer is parked, the person who held the dock line is still there.
Still listening.
Still encouraging.
Still saying, “Go ride. I’ve got this.”
That kind of support deserves more than a quick thank you shouted over the wind.
So today, while you’re checking fluid levels and watching the forecast, take a minute to recognize the person who keeps your passion afloat.
After all, the ride is always better when you have someone worth coming back to shore for.
With the 2026 models already in motion, Sea-Doo is expanding the LinQ ecosystem and electronics options to give riders more storage, smarter navigation, and greater versatility on the water.
The latest accessory rollout leans hard into what most riders actually want more of: storage, range, and better situational awareness. If you’re already invested in the LinQ ecosystem, this year’s additions feel less like gimmicks and more like practical upgrades you’ll actually use.
A Bigger Cooler That’s Actually Built for the Ride
The new LinQ 5.3 US gallon (20L) Cooler ($265.99) steps up capacity without stepping outside the quick-attach simplicity riders already love.
It locks in place with a quarter turn, uses rotomolded construction for durability, and Sea-Doo claims up to five days of ice retention thanks to upgraded insulation and a fully sealed lid. It holds 34 standard cans and includes horizontal locking handles so you can still mount LinQ Lite accessories on top.
For riders doing long sandbar days, fishing runs, or just packing smarter for a full afternoon on the water, this is a meaningful bump over previous smaller LinQ coolers. One note: it cannot be mounted on the LinQ Stackable Fuel Caddy.
Floating Mat Holder Keeps the Party Off the Swim Platform
If your crew is the “anchor and hang out” type, Sea-Doo’s new LinQ Rear Floating Mat Holder ($134.99) makes bringing a rolled mat significantly easier.
It installs tool-free in seconds and secures mats up to 28 inches in diameter, holding up to 30 pounds. It’s a simple addition, but one that keeps bulky foam from being wedged awkwardly under bungees or strapped across seats.
Switch owners can double them up for larger mats — but for PWC riders, this is really about reclaiming deck space without sacrificing swim time.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 9” GPS Option
The biggest move in this release might actually be electronics.
Sea-Doo is offering the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 9” sv GPS ($1,727.99) as part of the accessory lineup, bringing a bright, sunlight-readable 9-inch touchscreen into the mix. It comes preloaded with worldwide basemaps and is compatible with BlueChart G3 coastal charts (sold separately).
The unit includes Wi-Fi connectivity for pairing with Garmin’s ActiveCaptain app, sharing maps, and accessing Quickdraw Community data. It’s standard on the FishPro Trophy, but now more broadly accessible for riders who want true marine navigation capability instead of relying solely on phone apps.
For anyone running unfamiliar water, fishing offshore structure, or just wanting more than basic dash data, this is a serious step toward full marine integration.
Redesigned Covers and Expanded LinQ Utility
Sea-Doo has also updated its mooring and trailering covers with improved airflow and more protective materials, aimed at better long-term storage protection.
And while pricing still needs confirmation, a new LinQ Multi Cargo Rack promises significantly expanded carrying capacity for fuel caddies, bags, and additional gear — continuing the trend of turning the rear deck into modular, configurable storage space.
Sea-Doo’s 2026 accessory push doesn’t scream “radical redesign.” Instead, it doubles down on modularity, range, and real-world usability — which, honestly, is where most riders feel the difference.
The new accessories are available now through Sea-Doo dealers.
Caldwell Racing isn’t easing into 2026—they’re stacking the deck.
Fresh off a strong 2025 campaign in P1 AquaX, the Texas-based team is rolling straight into the inaugural IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series with an expanded rider lineup, new technical partners, and a schedule that touches nearly every major corner of the sport. Between IHRA, WXGP, and select IJSBA events, Caldwell Racing is clearly positioning itself as an all-in, everywhere-you-look program for the coming season.
The timing couldn’t be better. IHRA’s new Pro Watercraft Series debuts in 2026 with a $250,000 prize pool and a stated goal of elevating watercraft racing alongside its established Offshore Powerboat Racing platform. For teams looking to grow visibility and sharpen their competitive edge, the series represents a major opportunity—and Caldwell Racing is one of the first to plant its flag.
“We’re confident our team will be competitive across all relevant areas in 2026,” said team owner John Caldwell, pointing to both sponsor support and momentum carried over from last season.
Camden Powell
A Lineup Built to Win—and Grow
Headlining the 2026 effort is Camden Powell (#44), who joins Caldwell Racing to compete in Pro Ski GP and Pro Endurance. The 22-year-old Purdue University senior has already proven he can run at the front, finishing third overall in Pro Enduro during the 2023 P1 AquaX season while battling factory-backed talent. Powell’s résumé spans endurance and closed-course podium
s, and Caldwell made it clear the motivation behind the signing was simple.
“We went after Camden because we believe he can win,” Caldwell said. “I’m into winning.”
On the endurance side, Cooper Caldwell (#193) returns after back-to-back championships in P1 AquaX’s 200AM (2024) and 300 AM (2025) classes. The Fort Worth native enters 2026 focused on defending his 300 AM title while continuing to prepare for an eventual step into the Pro Endurance ranks. He’ll also contest select closed-course events, including WXGP and Pro Watercross stops, after earning a runner-up finish in Runabout Stock at the 2025 IJSBA World Finals.
Another young standout, Baron Mernik (#297), continues his rapid rise after an impressive rookie pro season in 2025. The 16-year-old finished third overall in P1 AquaX’s 200 AM Endurance class, notching wins at Kissimmee and Clearwater, and followed that up with multiple strong results a
t the IJSBA World Finals in stand-up competition. In 2026, Mernik is expected to race across several ski classes while also entering select endurance events.
Rounding out the rider lineup is Straus Mernik (#55), who transitions from motocross into personal watercraft racing in the Sport Spec AquaX class. While new to the water, Straus brings high-level motorsports experience and will continue contributing to Caldwell Racing’s team management efforts. He also enters 2026 as a member of Monster Energy’s Monster Army, representing the brand both on dirt and on the water.
Cooper Caldwell
Leroy Whittaker
Baron Mernik
Cooper Caldwell
Straus Mernik
Straus Mernik
Experience in the Pits—and on the Course
Behind the scenes, Leroy Whittaker (#777) returns as Caldwell Racing’s Head Team Mechanic. Based in the Cayman Islands, Whittaker brings extensive technical experience along with recent competitive success, including the 2025 Cayman Islands Watercraft Association Amateur Limited Championship and a second-place finish in Pro Runabout at the 2026 East End Surf Challenge. His role will be critical as the team juggles multiple riders and series throughout the year.
New Partners, Broader Reach
Caldwell Racing’s 2026 program is backed by a mix of returning and new partners. Longtime supporters Monster Energy, MTI Boats, J Caldwell Custom Pools, Circus Media House, Jettrim, Jettribe, Dean Strong, and RP Elite Motors & Marine remain on board, while Kommander Yamaha, Riva Racing / MapTuner, and 6D Helmets join the program for the upcoming season.
Off the water, fans can expect continued behind-the-scenes coverage through Caldwell Racing’s YouTube series with Circus Media House, offering a look at race prep, travel, and the day-to-day grind of a modern multi-series program.
With proven riders, emerging talent, and a schedule that spans endurance, closed-course, and festival-style events, Caldwell Racing heads into 2026 with one clear goal: compete at the front—and help push the sport forward while doing it.
Full press release follows below.
Caldwell Racing Goes All-In for 2026 With New Team Lineup and Sponsors Ahead of IHRA Pro Watercraft Series Fort Worth, Texas – February 4th, 2026
After a highly successful 2025 season in the prestigious P1 AquaX Series, Caldwell Racing is carrying its momentum into the off-season, wasting no time in preparing for the highly anticipated inaugural 2026 IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series.
This new chapter for Caldwell Racing arrives close behind the launch of the all-new IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series, a championship series driven by a “Bold Vision for the Sport” and highlighted by a $250,000 prize pool for the 2026 season. With plans to partner alongside IHRA’s Offshore Powerboat Racing Series, the initiative is poised to elevate visibility and
unlock new growth opportunities for both sports.
Caldwell Racing will also compete in the WXGP Series during the 2026 season, a three-event, festival series designed to unite high-speed watercraft racing with community engagement and celebration. Last but not least, Caldwell Racing is excited to participate in select IJSBA-sanctioned Pro Watercross National Tour events as part of its “Road to Havasu” campaign.
“I feel like this is going to be a great year for watercraft racing,” said Caldwell Racing owner John Caldwell. “With the continued support of our sponsors and the momentum our race program carries from 2025, we’re confident our team will be competitive across all relevant areas in 2026.”
Caldwell Racing is grateful for the continued support of its valued partners, including Monster Energy, MTI Boats, J Caldwell Custom Pools, Circus Media House, Jettrim, Jettribe, Dean Strong, and RP Elite Motors & Marine, while also welcoming new partners to the
program: Kommander Yamaha, Riva Racing / MapTuner, and 6D Helmets.
2026 Caldwell Racing Team Line Up
Camden Powell – #44 Pro Ski GP / Pro Endurance – Syracuse, IN
Joining the Caldwell Racing program for the 2026 season is 22-year-old Camden Powell of Syracuse, Indiana. A senior at Purdue University, Powell brings proven success at the highest levels of personal watercraft competition. During the 2023 P1 AquaX season, he finished third overall in the Pro Enduro class while competing against the sport’s top Sea-Doo- and Yamaha-
backed athletes. His versatility extends beyond endurance racing, with multiple podium finishes in closed-course competition, including a second-place result in Pro-Am Ski GP on the Pro Watercross Tour.
“We went after Camden because we believe he can win. I’m into winning,” said Caldwell Racing owner John Caldwell. “Adding a rider of Camden’s caliber to our lineup brings a new level of excitement as we head into the highly anticipated 2026 season.”
Cooper Caldwell – #193 300 AM Endurance – Fort Worth, TX
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in personal watercraft racing, Cooper Caldwell will continue his career in the IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series’ 300 AM Endurance class for the 2026 season. After claiming the 2025 P1 AquaX 300 AM class
championship, and the 2024 200AM class championship, Cooper enters 2026 focused on defending his title while continuing to sharpen his skills in preparation for a future move into the Pro Endurance ranks.
Cooper will also compete in closed-course racing at select WXGP and Pro Watercross Tour events in the Runabout Stock class, where he earned a second-place finish at the 2025 IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
In his first professional racing season in 2025, 16-year-old Baron Mernik made an immediate impact on the P1 AquaX circuit, finishing third overall in the 200 AM Endurance class, highlighted by notable race wins in Kissimmee and Clearwater. He also competed in stand-up competition at the IJSBA World Finals, where he earned third overall in Junior Ski Modified 1100, sixth overall in Junior Ski 4-Stroke Lites, and seventh overall in Amateur Ski Modified 1100.
Baron is slated to compete across multiple stand-up categories, along with select runabout endurance classes, during the 2026 season.
Straus Mernik – #55 Motocross / Sport Spec AquaX – Fort Worth, TX
New to personal watercraft racing but no stranger to high-level motorsports competition, Straus Mernik will expand his racing efforts from motocross to watercraft in 2026, competing in the Sport Spec class. Alongside his on-water program, Straus will continue to support Caldwell Racing’s team management efforts while remaining focused on his motocross career.
Additionally, Straus has been selected for Monster Energy’s Monster Army program for the 2026 season, where he looks to represent the iconic “Green Claw” on the podium—whether on dirt or on the water.
Rejoining Caldwell Racing for the 2026 season is team mechanic Leroy Whittaker of the Cayman Islands. In addition to his extensive experience as a professional PWC mechanic, Whittaker is also a proven competitor on the racecourse. He captured the 2025 Cayman Islands Watercraft Association National Tour Amateur Limited Championship and has opened the 2026 season with a strong second-place finish in the Pro Runabout class at the 2026 East End Surf Challenge.
Whittaker will serve as Caldwell Racing’s Head Team Mechanic throughout the 2026 season, providing technical support and race-day assistance to Camden, Cooper, Baron, and Straus as needed.
Beyond competition, Caldwell Racing will continue its YouTube content series in partnership with Circus Media House, offering viewers an inside look at the team’s race program—from practice sessions and race weekends to the lifestyle that surrounds the sport.
With a proven foundation, an expanded 2026 lineup, and strong partner support, Caldwell Racing heads into the season focused on performance, growth, and elevating the sport both on and off the water.
In a marine accessory market flooded with offshore imports and copy-paste hardware, it’s getting harder to find products that are actually built where they say they’re built.
Built for the Way We Actually Ride
