Take advantage of the Yamaha Perfect Choice Sales Event – while other dealers are struggling to find and stock personal watercraft, select modern Yamaha WaveRunners are in stock. Get one or two WaveRunners now with APR financing as low as 3.99% for 60 months.
This offer applies to any approved purchase of a 2017-2022 Yamaha WaveRunner using a Yamaha Credit Card. If you’re in the market for two WaveRunners, you can get them at 5.99% APR for 96 months. This offer is available for well qualified Tier 1 customers who finance through Yamaha Financial Services. Both offers are dependent on credit ratings and the higher your credit score, the better financing you will get.
Yamaha does offer higher financing rates for lower credit ratings. See your dealer for qualifications and complete details. You can use their pre-qualifying form to check out your financing options before heading to the dealer. Now you can estimate your payment online as well using their finance calculator with dropdown menus.
Head over to the Yamaha WaveRunner site and check out all the new colors and styles for 2022. The EX-Series models are priced to move with a starting price of $7,199. This is a great entry level ski that the whole family can enjoy. If you’re looking to indulge, spoil yourself with a PWC from Yamaha’s fully loaded Luxury lineup.
There are plenty of WaveRunners in between the EX and Luxury Series to choose from. Visit your local Yamaha WaveRunner dealer to see them in person or peruse the website at your leisure and choose your next ride.
What we’ve found during our testing of the new 2022 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy is that the Trophy is, without a doubt, the flagship of personal watercraft fishing available through a manufacturer today. BRP has put so much detail and thought into equipping this watercraft that it’s operating at tournament-level performance. In this feature, we’re going to walk you through all the features and standard equipment that comes with the Trophy, and how it compares to the lesser Sport and the entry-level Scout.
In talking about the Fish Pro, we really need to address personal watercraft fishing as a burgeoning sport. As personal watercraft have gotten more sophisticated people have been able to access places where a boat can’t. That’s a really big benefit for someone who wants to go out, kind of escape, and really have a very great personal experience that doesn’t require them to launch a big boat or have a bunch of friends. You can do this by yourself. Effectively making PWC fishing the next evolutionary step above of kayak fishing.
Sea-Doo got hip to this trend and introduced the Fish Pro back in 2019. Since then, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro has exploded in popularity and because of that, BRP decided, “You know what? We’re going for the fences,” and introduced the Trophy. Using the same platform for the GTX, RXT-X, and Wake Pro – the ST3. In designing the ST3, stability was key. They wanted to make sure that you were able to get up, move around and be stable, and not feel tippy when out in the water. So, they have these big footwells that anyone can move around the watercraft and not feel like they’re going to roll over.
Next was the Ergolock seat, giving riders a narrow saddle. Unlike other widespread seats, you sit in the watercraft, not on top of it. Another really unique feature for the ST3 is the center storage system. Instead of having to reach over the handle bars to access the front of the storage, they put storage in the middle of the craft offering an impressive 26.1 gallons of super accessible storage. And with the Trophy, it even includes netted divider so you can put drinks, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and anything else that you need inside.
One last feature is the LinQ platform. Their LinQ platform allows for optimal modularity when it comes to bringing extra gas, extra storage, or an extra cooler. The Fish Pro is unique because of its fixed extended rear deck; this isn’t so much an accessory as it is part of the Fish Pro itself. With it comes a 13 and-a-half-gallon cooler can be moved up onto these LinQ attachments, which will show a second set of LinQ attachments on the transom. Personally, we preferred the tank on the rearmost LinQ brackets because this allowed us more room to move around with the swivel seat.
For 2021, Sea-Doo introduced IDF or Intelligent Debris-Free System. If you manage to suck up some grass, weeds, or a stick in the intake grate, you don’t want to run that through the pump. Rather, you stop your engine, and the engage IDF button. IDF is going to give you prompts on the screen asking you to apply some throttle to purge the intake grate as it actually reverses the rotation of the impeller, pushing thrust forward through the tunnel to clear out the intake grate.
One of the neat feature that a lot of people have overlooked is the Fish Pro Anchor. Located high on the gunwale, the rider is able to operate the anchor with just one hand. So, while you have your rod in one hand, you can deploy the anchor. Sea-Doo has included a mesh bag with all your lead line. They even include its own dedicated cleat on the inside of the footwell, so you can wrap the lead for the anchor around that without having to reach in and grab all your rope while deploying the anchor.
Exclusive to the Trophy is the new swivel fishing seat. Simply take the back seat off, exposed a new dedicated perch. Pull out base from its mount on the Fish Pro cooler, and lock it in. Take the backrest its dedicated spot inside of the center storage, and slide it in place. This seat activates an electric signal that communicates from the perch to the dash, activating a cap on the throttle restricting the Sea-Doo to a maximum of 18 miles an hour. That is so if you’re going from one spot to another, you don’t have to take the whole seat down and put it back up again. You can just hop in the driver’s seat, take off, find a new spot where the fish are biting, get back in your swivel seat, and off you go.
Sea-Doo equips all three of the Fish Pro models – the Scout, the Sport, and the Trophy – with a Garmin Fish Finder. The Trophy receives the big fully adjustable seven-inch, full-color touchscreen, allowing the rider to toggle through all the pages without hunting for the right button. Any customer who purchases a Fish Pro gets one free token through Garmin for a high-resolution map of their local area. If you want to explore more maps, you’ll have to go to Garmin for additional tokens. The Garmin Fish Finder is paired to a through-hull transducer so that there’s no extra holes or anything hanging off the back that can get torn off.
One last standard feature is the BRP Tech Package. The Tech Package includes the BRP Premium sound system, as well as the larger 7.8-inch wide dashboard. It pairs perfectly with the sound system so that you can control your songs, your playlist, even the volume and tracks all through the controls on your handlebars. Under the seat, there are a few more things that not a lot of people shine a lot of light on, but is worth talking about. First, it’s running dual batteries. Second, it’s got a larger generator to help keep those batteries fed and to operate all the electronics on the Trophy. Inside, you also have the standard USB port so that you can plug in your phone and keep it charged in your waterproof case.
So, what makes the Trophy the flagship of the Fish Pro lineup? The Fish Pro Scout is the entry-level of the three. Based on the smaller GTI platform, the Scout comes with the naturally aspirated 130 horsepower engine. And, while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as you might find on the Sport, which is the middle of the three, and of course, the high-level Trophy, the Scout itself does come with a six-inch Garmin – not a touchscreen – and through-hull transducer. It also has the same 13-and-a-half-gallon cooler/tank as well as the same 18-and-a-half-gallon fuel tank so you can ride all day long, especially with that 130-horse engine. It also comes with three rod holders with mounts up front and all the way around the tank.
With the Sport, it comes with four rod holders, the same cooler/tank, same big gas tank, but with the ACE 1630 that makes 170 horsepower. Between the Scout and the Trophy, both ride on the same ST3 platform as detailed earlier with the extra LinQ mounts that you can add another cooler, an extra gas tank here, or a lot of different things. You can even have a dry bag if you’re going overnight. One last major difference between the Sport and the Trophy is while the Trophy comes equipped with the Tech Package that includes the larger screen that syncs with your phone, the Sport is not available with the whole Tech Package, but you can option it with the BRP Premium sound.
Finally, what truly sets the Sea-Doo Trophy apart from the Sport and the Scout is the new live well tank operated through this three-position toggle switch; with an on, off and timer setting. You can just turn it on or put it on a “timer,” where it will run on an interval that it refreshes the water in the tank every three minutes. It’s pumped from a input on the transom, ran through an electric pump and a filter, and fed right into the cooler. If you don’t necessarily need the live well, or if you’re cutting up bait or just washing down your ski, you can detach the live well’s feed and hose off your cutting board and your footwells. Then, when you’re done, you’ll simply pull back the lock, and it reattaches.
Ultimately, what is the 2022 Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy going to set you back? The lineup is actually surprisingly well balanced. The Scout starts at $13,899. If you’re stepping up to the Sport, you’re going up another $2,000 to $15,899. And then, if you want the Trophy, you’re going up another $1,900 to $17,799. It’s a really good bargain for everything you’re getting. This is easily the most well-equipped fishing personal watercraft available on the market. This is absolutely a groundbreaking machine. We’ve had a total blast on it – even though we didn’t catch anything. Nevertheless, we loved the first Fish Pro and with everything that Sea-Doo has put into the new Trophy just takes it all that much further.
Give your Sea-Doo a performance upgrade for summer with a JetX Performance Tune. JetX has Sea-Doo Watercraft Tunes available for many different models and years. The kits are easy self-installs that don’t require extra parts or mechanical knowledge. After flashing the tune, your jet ski will have an extra boost in acceleration and throttle response. It will have an overall increase in performance as well and flashing the tune will require you to run 91+ octane fuel.
JetX makes it easy for you to rent a kit or you can also choose to have the crew at JetX Powersports perform the install. If you decide to do it yourself, a security deposit is required for the self-install kit rental. The kit will be shipped to you unless you go to the shop for pick up. It includes the software and hardware required to flash the ECM.
All you need is an internet connection. Follow the instructions and your PWC will be tuned and ready to rip within minutes. Return the kit in good working order within 48 hours and your $450 deposit will be refunded to your account. If you decide to have JetX flash your tune, they can meet you at a convenient location or they will put you on the books and you can stop by at no extra charge.
All kits are $599.99 except for the Spark. It is $149.99. Check out the JetX Powersports website for all the details on turning your Sea-Doo up a notch. Make it an extra fast and fun summer with a JetX Performance Tune!
There’s nothing like screaming across the water on a lighting fast supercharged personal watercraft. The power, speed and agility of these muscle machines is unrivaled by their naturally aspirated counterparts. Purchasing a supercharged ski opens up a new world of possibilities, but also presents many challenges for veteran and first-time buyers alike.
Dealerships are eager to make a sale, and aren’t always upfront about the true ownership costs of today’s high-powered supercharged skis. Supercharged offerings from all three major brands boast competitive horsepower, displacement and capacity, but also differ in key ways. What all supercharged skis have in common is the need for high-quality, high-octane premium gasoline.
There is no secret shortcut when it comes to fueling up a supercharged PWC. The Kawasaki Ultra 310 requires a minimum AKI octane rating of 90, while the Yamaha 1.8L SVHO engine and the Sea-Doo/Rotax 1630 ACE 300 engine require a minimum AKI rating of 91. According to AAA, the national average cost of premium fuel (as of this writing) was $5.64 per gallon, meaning it would cost $119 to fuel up the new 21.1-gallon gas tank found on the 2022 Kawasaki Ultra 310.
When you own a supercharged ski, you must learn to plan ahead. Many marinas and remote fueling stations lack premium fuel. That means you must carefully plan your route, and either bring your own auxiliary gas tank (like the Long Hauler Auxiliary Fuel System) or limit your distance accordingly. A rule of thumb is to consume a third of your fuel on the way to your destination, a third on the way back, and keep a final third as a reserve in the event of an emergency.
If you plan to ride at slower speeds for longer distances and don’t want to deal with the issue of sourcing premium fuel, a naturally aspirated ski is your best bet. While octane boosting fuel additives are available from a variety of major brands, it is always best to utilize fresh premium gas from the pump whenever possible. This author owns both a naturally aspirated and supercharged ski, which allows for an endless combination of possibilities.
Sometimes situations arise where there is nothing but lower octane fuel available. While not always ideal, octane boosting additives can raise gasoline’s AKI rating by 1-2 points, thereby protecting your high-performance ski from detonation and knocking. Choose a product that contains MMT, a chemical that has been used in the United States for decades to boost octane levels in gasoline.
Another thing that all supercharged skis have in common is a hefty price tag. The current state of affairs in the global economy and supply chain has driven acquisition costs to new heights. Be prepared to spend upwards of $24,000 out the door without a trailer. You are looking at base MSRP plus tax, title, registration, document/dealer fees, freight, preparation, and destination, not to mention material/commodity surcharge fees.
Flagship offerings from all three major brands are priced competitively. The 2022 Yamaha FX SVHO Limited is priced at $19,099, while the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX has the highest base price of $19,999. The 2022 Sea-Doo GTX Limited 300 is the most affordable option, with a base MSRP of at $18,299. High or equally-equipped naturally aspirated skis cost (on average) about $5,000 less than their supercharged brethren.
Besides increased fuel costs, supercharged skis typically require more maintenance and upkeep than naturally aspirated ones. The Kawasaki Ultra 310, for example, requires supercharger drive belts and tensioner pulleys as regular maintenance items. Many Sea-Doo models (pre-ACE 300) require their superchargers to be rebuilt every 100 – 200 hours, while Yamaha superchargers have been known to require regular clutch replacements.
If a supercharger fails due to a worn bearing, shaft, clutch, or impeller, it could cause further damage to your engine. That is why all scheduled and preventative maintenance, along with regular pre and post-ride checks of all components are necessary. If you feel overwhelmed by the level of attention that supercharged skis require, you are better off sticking to naturally aspirated offerings.
Since supercharged skis include many additional components not found on naturally aspirated skis, maintaining and servicing these components can translate into to an increased maintenance cost over time. Ensure that you are prepared to assume financial responsibility for the higher costs of maintaining a supercharged ski before making a purchase.
If you are not mechanically inclined or simply don’t have the time to perform your own service and repairs, you might want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. This will give you peace of mind that your ski’s critical components will be protected from premature failure or defects in craftsmanship.
The sheer thrill of a supercharged ski makes most riders look right past the increased maintenance and ownership costs. If you don’t have a need for face numbing power and acceleration, you will be perfectly happy on a more affordable naturally aspirated ski. Consider what you want to get out of your ski and make a purchase that fits both your riding style and budget.
It’s that time of year when everyone is getting their jet skis prepped and ready for summer. Greenhulk Performance Parts has a good selection of oil change kits and other oil change related products to keep your personal watercraft maintained and operating smoothly.
The Hydro-Turf Oil Extractor makes it easy to change the oil on your 4-stroke PWC, sport boat, and other recreational vehicles. It holds 6 liters of fluid, and the container has a handle for easy transport.
Two XPS 4T 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil Change Kits are on offer. One of them is for the ROTAX 1500 CC or more engine and the other is for the ROTAX 900 ACE engine. Both include oil, filter, O-rings, and washer. They have everything you need to save time and money. Sea-Doo XPS 4T 5W-40 Synthetic Jet Pump Oil and regular XPS Jet Pump Oil are available as well.
Both come in 6-ounce sizes. If you only need to restock your oil, they have a warm weather synthetic blend for any BRP vehicle with a 4-stroke engine. Sea-Doo has a new 4-stroke summer grade recommended for all supercharged and non-supercharged engines.
For the Yamaha WaveRunner rider, a couple of Yamalube Watercraft Oil change kits are available. One kit is for 4-cylinder 1.8L only engines and the other is for non-1.8L engines. The kits include four and three quarts of oil respectively, Genuine Yamaha oil filter, and the necessary drain gasket.
And do not forget to use coupon code “greenhulk” at checkout to save 10% off of your purchase. Greenhulk Performance Parts reminds us that they cannot ship oil or liquids of any kind overseas.
There are some certain safety items that are required to have by the United States Coast Guard and most local water law-enforcement. The number one thing you must have is a life preserver (life jacket). This by far is the most important thing while riding. If you want some more information about life preservers check out this full length video from The Watercraft Journal.
It is also required to keep a fire extinguisher, tow rope, signaling device (typically this can be a whistle), and the key to the watercraft, which is also your engine cut-off lanyard. This is the bare minimum needed to get out on the water. However, here at The Watercraft Journal we encourage you to keep a few more things that can make a ride easier and more enjoyable.
Some other things you might want to consider is an anchor and anchor line/rope (along with docking lines and a tow rope in case you must rescue somebody). We have found that Sand Docker Anchors makes one of the best and easiest-to-use anchors on the market today. If you’re interested in purchasing one, use the discount code “pwcjournal” on their website for 10-percent off.
Sun protection is a very important when out on the water. Frankly, two of the most important things you can bring with you are eye protection and sunscreen. Eye protection will not only keep bugs and water out, but it can reduce the strain on the eyes from the reflection of the water. Windrider, a longtime supporter of WCJ has an excellent selection of sun protection apparel everything from shirts, hats, and so much more.
Our favorite product from them are their sunglasses because they not only have a great fit but they also float and are not bulky like other floating sunglasses on the market. Some other things to consider are a dry bag. Also, it is good to keep a waterproof floating box to store things such as your cell phone keys and wallet along with your boating license if required by your state.
Another item is a quality first aid kit. Now a full-blown paramedic kit may not be necessary but a general first aid/survival kit (in a waterproof box or container) is a good idea to consider. These can be found at any sporting goods store. The one shown in the picture is a simple first aid kit but will save your ride by making you comfortable in the event you have to use it.
For those that ride in saltwater flushing is a “must.” Like what is shown above in the photo, items such as a flush connection, a salt solvent/flush, the mixing bottle, a garden hose and a 5-gallon bucket. Obviously, you won’t be keeping these in your watercraft, but you may want to consider stowing in a trailer storage box.
Now this is just an overview of some of the things to keep. From this list the rider can subtract add and modify depending on the machine you own and type of riding they do. Somethings not mentioned above are things like fenders, food and water. (That is, depending on the length of ride.) Tool kit in case of a minor mechanical failure. Especially on those longer rides and offshore. A personal locating device, dye packs. Attached below will be videos from the watercraft journal that give move detail about different things you can bring depending on your machine and your riding style.
A quote from screenwriter C. Robert Cargill seems sadly poignant: “Not all destinies are fair […] We get the lives we choose, even when we don’t.” The world of professional personal watercraft racing was rocked Saturday night as word spread that Eric “The Eagle” Francis had passed away tragically during the MG (Marie-Galante) Race in Saint-Louis, Guadeloupe earlier that day.
After confirming the news, WCJ issued the following statement: “All of us at The Watercraft Journal are heartsick to learn of the passing of world champion racer, Eric “The Eagle” Francis while competing in Guadalupe this weekend. Eric was one of the hardest-charging racers today, a loving husband to Sophie and a dedicated father, as well as a good friend to so, so many in our sport. Godspeed, Eric.”
As of now, details are slim. The five-time world champion had arrived in Guadalupe with his wife, Sophie and daughter earlier that week. Water conditions were deemed as “moderate” for Saturday. After not checking in for the final stage of the event, a search party was sent. Eric’s undamaged Kawasaki Ultra 310X JetSki was located with Eric found unresponsive a short distance away.
Eric had piloted Kawasaki Ultras as a privateer to global success for half a dozen years before joining the Broward Motorsports Racing Team. In a career wrought with big wins and heated rivalries, Francis bolted into the limelight with a handful of national and world P1 AquaX championships and several visits to Guadalupe for its challenging offshore races.
On the water, Francis was ferocious, determined to prove his mettle. Off the water, Francis was approachable, friendly and welcoming – and slipped effortlessly into the role of a loving husband and father in recent years. In the news’ wake, major racing bodies like ProWatercross, P1 AquaX and the IJSBA have shared their condolences online as well as hundreds of friends and fans.
We may have lost Eric, but The Eagle gained his wings.
Update: Dennis Mack has launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for Eric’s widow, Sophie and their two daughters. Click HERE to donate. A second GoFundMe created by Michelle Petro was launched later, which can be viewed HERE.
A little over half a year ago, The Watercraft Journal – the world’s most popular PWC magazine – teamed up with the premier brand for boating and sailing apparel, Windrider to custom-design what we believe is the single-best riding jersey possible: the WCJ Long Sleeve Riding Jersey.
Made using Helios material proven to provide UPF 50+ protection from the sun, stellar stain resistance and most importantly, superior water wicking and breathability, each jersey features durable mesh lining the inside length of the torso all the way down the sleeve to the elbow. That means this shirt provides awesome ventilation to regulate body temperature even while wearing a life vest!
Currently available in a subdued Sunset Red pattern, WCJ Long Sleeve Riding Jersey isn’t as gaudy or flashy as other riding shirt patterns out there.
Adorned with the WCJ logo across the chest and at the base of the neck in back, each jersey is cut slightly larger than typical shirts including a longer cut torso. That means your jersey won’t ride up your lower back while you’re riding at speed for no unsightly sunburns! (See the size chart below.)
Priced at $50.00 USD each, the WCJ jersey is more affordable than other riding shirts and with a shorter turnaround. So equip yourself with the best riding jersey on the market by visiting The Watercraft Journal store HERE.
We’ve told you a little bit about Radinn Electric Jetboards, now let’s delve into them a little deeper and into their latest line of jet boards. Radinn revamped and upgraded the jetboards for 2022, giving the rider the ability to completely customize their surfing experience.
This is great news for Radinn riders. With Radinn using a detachable modular system for their electric boards, you can own multiple boards without having to buy a jetpack for every board. Now, let’s dive in, starting with the Freeride X-Sport.
This is Radinn’s most durable board. It is built using ultra-resistant hull technology, the kind that wind surf boards and white-water kayaks are made of. It’s also reinforced with fiberglass. If you want to take on rough conditions, the X-Sport is for you! This is the board for the person who is a little rough on equipment and likes to try uncharted waters.
Take it anywhere and if you hit a debris patch, chances are, the board will be okay. The X-Sport is the only jet board in the G3 line that has a quad fin set up. Ride it as a twin fin to get a little looser on the water. Use the quad set up for more control. The X-Sport can reach speeds up to 35 mph. It has a starting price of $9,345.
Check out the Freeride for an all-round board made for all the water conditions. This is the premium all-purpose model designed to build your skill set. It has the stability you need to get started and is responsive enough for you to make some nice turns.
The hull is designed to cut through choppy waters and the jet is directed down, which creates added thrust when you are turning. The Freeride is available in white or black with a twin fin setup. The white is called the Urban Rebel, and the black is called the Element. This board starts at $11,245.
The third board in the G3 line is the top of the line Carve, available in sleek Phantom Black and a stylish white and blue Tarifa model. These are high performance boards and are super responsive. Get your carve on and throw huge sprays with powerful cutbacks. You can also ride rail to rail on this board. The Carve is loose and lightweight making it great for riding waves. Drop in, set your rail, and fly down the line looking for a section to hit to get some air.
The Carve has an LTD Hull Tech design, which is more susceptible to dings than the other boards. Though it is comprised of several layers of fiberglass, carbon fiber, resin, paint, and varnish it does require more care than the other two models. This is the board to purchase when you want to take your riding to the next level. It has a base price of $13,495.
When you decide to purchase a Radinn jet board, click the configure button, choose your board, whether you want standard or pro performance, a standard or extended range battery. Pro performance gives you more speed and extended range allows you to ride longer.
All Radinn boards have FCS fin boxes and come with a set of FCS-II Standard Fins. You can always buy different models of FCS fins at your local surf shop or online. The boards are equipped with a powerful G3 Jet located at the back of the board and powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Download the compatible Radinn app to activate your board.
The app is rich in content like tutorials, and it contains all the settings for the operation of your jetboard. It also tracks your rides with GPS so you can see how fast and how far you rode. The app is a must have to activate batteries and jetpacks. Once you’re activated you can upgrade performance settings, get firmware updates, customize your jetpack speed, and a whole lot more!
The battery is tops in the motorized surfing market, giving you almost an hour of ride time with their extended range battery. All of the boards are controlled with a Wireless Hand Controller using Bluetooth 5.0 technology. The controller features a stepless trigger giving smooth and precise throttle control. Give it a squeeze and go!
Radinn’s product page is loaded with accessories and upgrades to give you the full Radinn experience. There are two jetpacks to choose from. The standard jetpack is recommended for beginners while the Jetpack G3 Pro is for the advanced rider who wants higher speeds. The line up also includes four different chargers, including a couple of speed chargers. The chargers are available in US, EU, and Universal.
If you’re looking to upgrade to more speed and acceleration, two Powerpacks and an upgraded nozzle are available. Grab a boardbag to protect your investment. These bags are durable and spacious, and come with wheels making them easy to drag through airport when taking a surf trip.
Add a set of foot straps to stay locked in when ripping and jumping wakes. For the beginner, Radinn offers a Starter Strap that loops around the nose of your board to give you some extra help when learning to pop up. This is similar to what Bethany Hamilton uses to pull herself up on her surfboards.
Every complete jet board comes with a neoprene accessory case. The case includes a Wireless Hand Remote and Charger, an ankle leash with a built-in kill switch, a pair of FCS Fins II, rinse bottle, and a product manual. This is all you need to start making new waves with a Radinn Jetboard!
Most high school seniors spend hours watching from gymnasium bleachers as each student is called by name to walk across a stage. Somerset Island Prep decided to change the paradigm and shake things up- Key West style (I’m not talking about Fantasy Fest or 6 toed cats).
Florida boasts more personal watercraft per capita than any region on Earth, so it made perfect sense when Somerset Island Prep school in Key West decided to hold their commencement ceremony via personal watercraft.
Key West is a relatively small island, measuring in at just eight square miles. Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is home to around 25,000 full-time residents. Its not surprising, then, that this small charter high school had a graduating class of only 15 students.
Family and friends watched from the shore, while grads strapped on lifejackets under their gowns, and boarded watercraft just steps away from Key West’s famous Mallory Square. Videos released on Twitter and YouTube show graduates zipping around the harbor enroute to accept diplomas from the school principal, who was also on a personal watercraft.
How did this wacky tradition start? The school conducted its first watercraft-based commencement a few years ago at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and masking rules were in place, and the school decided to implement a creative solution to a problem that high schools across the county faced.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and its draconian mandates are largely behind us, the tradition stuck. Now this small school of 80 students holds all of its annual commencement ceremonies out on the water. Personal watercraft fans will all agree that if given the choice between being stuck in a high school gymnasium or enjoying a nice afternoon by the water- they would take the latter.
“This final ceremony for our seniors represents the same theme that has played out throughout the entirety of their time at Island Prep: that no barrier is too large to overcome and that through creativity and hard work we can overcome any challenge,” Principal Tom Rompella said in a statement issued by the school and reprinted by the Miami Herald.
In addition to our 825 miles of sandy beaches, 7,700 lakes, 11,000 miles of rivers, and 2,276 miles of coastal shoreline, Florida can also boast that its home to the country’s first- but hopefully not the last- personal watercraft graduation.
