Fewer former professional competitors in our sport have done more to revolutionize the industry than Rick Roy. The former pro freestyle and freeride athlete sought to wholly change the equipment used in these high level forms of competition by developing first, the adjustable handlepole (now standard equipment on the 4-stroke TR-1 powered Yamaha SuperJet) and then his own line of stand-up and fixed seat skis.

Under the name Rick Roy Products (RRP), Roy accrued a veritable whos-who of professional and burgeoning athletes, all using his Rickter skis. Unbelievably lightweight, durable and masterfully crafted, the Rickter skis became nearly mandatory equipment for wave jumpers, freeriders and otherwise top tier competitors. Rickters had become the standard.

Unfortunately, certain circumstances have made continuing production in Thailand untenable for RRP and production at their current facility has ceased – per a public press release, which we’ve included in its entirety below. Per RRP, this halt in production is temporary as the company seeks to relocate its manufacturing.

Here’s the complete press release:
After a very successful career as a Pro Freestyle competitor and Freeride pioneer, it was time for Rick Roy to take his passion to the next level with innovative equipment. First was the RRP adjustable handle pole, which forever changed the functionality and look of the stand-up PWC. Many parts and innovative concepts followed. Rick decided to push it a step further and designed freeride and freestyle hulls with many innovative features, it again had a huge impact on the sport and PWC Industry.

We developed a partnership and opened a business, Rickter Composites, in Thailand; the factory was located in Thailand and produced the Rickter hulls and accessories.

The RRP Business has helped and enabled many individuals to start/grow their own companies as distributors or dealers, allowing them to make a living from the sport they love.

We want to thank all our distributors and dealers worldwide who have supported Rickter and RRP over the years. A special thank you to Hiro for the Ninja product line and all the riders and team members who have been so dedicated to our Rickter brand, and without them, we would never have had all this success that we have enjoyed.

But mainly, we want to thank you, the customers that have believed in the brand, supported it, shared their passion with us, and created what Rickter-RRP became, the leading brand in our industry.

As you can imagine, managing an overview of a factory remotely halfway around the world is not easy and comes with its own sets of challenges. Despite all the effort that we put in, we couldn’t keep it going. It is, therefore, with regret that we announce the end of the production of Rickter hulls at our Rickter Composites factory in Thailand.

We are evaluating different options for manufacturing Rickter hulls and accessories with new partners. We will keep you informed of the time and place.

The RRP (Rick Roy Products) parts division of our business is not affected by this temporary halt in hull production, and we will continue to produce the complete line of RRP products. We have plenty of RRP products in stock at RRP USA and will continue developing new products. Innovation remains the key to the RRP company and brand.

With all the technological advances and CNC Machining production, many companies worldwide have created companies specializing in copying parts. It is very important that the industry stand together and encourage those who innovate and develop products rather than encouraging those who copy them. Encouraging and supporting innovation is to ensure the sustainability of our sport.

Thank you for your support;
Rick Roy Products
26 April 2023

IFWA World Champion Abraham Hochstrasser recently announced his recent partnership with Monster Energy. Hochstrasser (often named “Ho”) has been a tidal force in the world of competitive freeride jet skiing in recent years with incredible performances at Navarre and other massive surf breaks around the world.

The global scale competition has made the race for the championship a costly one and many local athletes struggle to drum up funds to allow them to skip from continent to continent, so signing on with one of the leading energy drink lifestyle brands is a huge boon for Ho, who’ll need to be present at each event to maintain his title.

Ho wrote on Facebook: “It is an honor and privilege to be able to represent Monster Energy! I am thrilled to be able to continue taking this dream even further together this 2023; we have achieved so much and done amazing things together, so thank for making my dreams come true and supporting me during this journey! To the whole team at home in Mexico I have no words to express my gratitude! Gracias familia!”

Prior to the global shutdown in 2020, Canadian jetboat manufacturer Sealver Waveboat made a big splash in the US market by introducing its line of personal watercraft-powered boats. Unfortunately, severe quality control issues, surmounting manufacturing costs and in large part, the pandemic all crippled the company’s ability to satisfy demand. Here’s the rub: public demand didn’t go away.

So the team who brought these boats to the American market doubled down in a big way: they brought the whole operation to the US. Rebranded and reorganized as Galar Marine, the “jet ski boat” is back, bigger and better! By being manufactured in the States, the team is able to control every aspect; from molds to interiors to paint and decal applications – everything!

Right now, Galar Marine is looking to build a strong dealership network. There’s already some major innovations in the works that’ll open up their lineup to a broader audience of jet skier, so these boats are primed to go big very quickly. If you’re looking to get in on this opportunity, contact Galar Boats Sales Manager, David Mitchell at (561) 312-1909.

Powerboat P1, the premier international powerboat and personal watercraft sports promotor, has announced that Monster Energy will become the Official Energy Drink of the five-venue P1 AquaX USA National Championship – which is scheduled to launch in Michigan City in early July.

“Motorsports are a major part of what Monster Energy is all about and we support racers and motor racing the world over,” said Monster Energy Vice President of Motorsports Dave Gowland, in a press release.

Monster Energy will be represented with extensive branding and signage opportunities on race days, and some events will feature Monster sampling opportunities. Monster will also receive VIP hospitality and media exposure through P1’s TV broadcast agreements with Bally Sports Regional Sports Networks and CBS Sports.

“[Monster Energy] prides themselves on being ‘all-action’ and love racing, power and larger than life opportunities, and our high-energy, lifestyle events will provide the brand with a platform to get in front of people and interact with fans.”

“Their decision to sponsor our range of marine motorsports is testament to the growth of our business over the last twenty years, with strategic partnerships and television coverage playing key roles.” Said Powerboat P1 CEO, Azam Rangoonwala.

Unless you’re living in Florida where it always seems to be summertime, the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is readying for warmer weather – and that means dusting off your old riding gear just to realize that Mother Nature has taken it’s toll! Not to worry though, because RIVA Racing if offering some great deals for Jetpilot riding gear online!

In order to get you properly suited up and looking as good as your watercraft, RIVA has slashed prices on life vests, full and spring wetsuits, gloves, booties and more. Find the sizes, colors and combination that best fits you and your summertime look! Plus, RIVA is offering free shipping on orders over $150, which in today’s market is a huge deal.

This is a blow-out sale with savings up to 35-percent, meaning that RIVA is looking to clear out its current inventory, so don’t be surprised if you wait too long and the size or color you want is gone. They’re moving limited quantities as quick as they can so stop in and start shopping NOW!

In 2022, a number of P1 AquaX racers suffered mechanical issues that race officials attributed to the aggressive ECU tunes being run by many participants. The exorbitant cost of components and repairs was one of the main factors that deterred new racers from joining the P1 AquaX National Championship.

In an effort to reduce the number of mechanical issues that racers suffer while on the course, the 2023 rule book was amended with new lower speed and RPM limits. Skis in the Pro Class will now be required to run stock impellers, amongst other safety and performance related changes that were implemented.

In announcing these influential rule book changes, P1 AquaX has appointed Adrian Wilson as the new Technical Director for its US series. Wilson will provide competitor oversight, drive compliance with new rules, and provide recommendations on improving risk management and safety strategies.

Wilson is a former AquaX competitor in the UK, and has performed the role of Technical Director for the Jetsport Racing Association of Great Britain (JSRA) and at the World Cup in Thailand in 2022. “I’m delighted to continue my involvement with P1 AquaX racing by taking on this role,” commented Wilson.

The 2023 P1 AquaX series kicks off in July- 50 miles outside of Chicago in Michigan City- where both Pro and Am Enduro racers will compete on Lake Michigan. Stay tuned for more details from P1 AquaX about their latest sponsorship and broadcast agreements.

The 2023 P1 AquaX Rulebook and race calendar can be viewed on the AquaX website: www.p1aquax.com