Editor’s Note: The Watercraft Journal is thrilled to announce that Ashley Haude will once again be joining the WCJ family, providing articles, tutorials, reviews, videos and more.
Hello fellow wrenchers and riders! I’m excited to be joining The Watercraft Journal family again after five years, during which, my husband and I put hobbies aside to jump into self employment. Who knew starting a small manufacturing business would take so much time?!
Some of you might know me as “chixwithtrix” from my Chix Life YouTube channel covering various motorsports builds, tips, and adventures.
My watercraft riding journey began in the summer of 2015 when I tried riding a stand up jet ski for the first time.
Let’s just say it didn’t go well!
From there, I quickly progressed to buoy training, built several Lites class skis, bought a sit down, learned to ride a freestyle hull, and competed, finishing 6th in my class at the IJSBA 2017 World Finals.
After building a couple Pro Watercraft ProForce GP skis and later undergoing several orthopedic surgeries (unrelated to riding skis), I took nearly half a decade off to recover and take the self-employed leap. Now, I am back to building and riding a 2022 Yamaha Superjet and a 2024 Fast Powersports GP1R. Even though I’m nearing 40, I also hope to enter a race or two and share the event with you!
Throughout my journey I’ve focused on helping others learn how to ride and improve on their skis. Getting the hang of a stand up jet ski isn’t easy, and when I started, there weren’t many resources to jump-start the learning process. That’s where my “How to Ride a Stand Up Jet Ski” video series came in. The first video launched on my YouTube channel in 2017 and now has nearly 500,000 views.
I also created several other How To videos covering shallow water starts and deep water starts, 180-degree slides, and advanced cornering tips for those moving through their stand up jet ski journey. As time goes on, the recording gear I used back in 2017 just couldn’t keep up with today’s video and audio standards. So, in late 2024, I jumped on my Superjet to create a new “How to Ride” video. I grabbed three GoPro cameras, dusted off my Just1 MX helmet, and dug out my old motovlogging in-helmet lavalier microphone (not waterproof, by the way) to record an updated version.
The new video highlights different ways to get into your tray, how to get started, how to turn, tips for going faster, and even how to climb back on your ski after a tumble… all with multiple camera angles and clear audio!
Now that I’ve joined the WCJ family again, I have more ‘How To’ riding and racing articles with videos planned. Like finding resources for how to learn to ride a stand up, there wasn’t much out there for more advanced racing and cornering tips. Most racers tend to keep their hard-earned knowledge to themselves, making it hard to explain the riding and racing thought process. I’ve experienced many mistakes and triumphs on and off the buoy course over the years. This new writing opportunity will allow me to find new ways to improve and share my discoveries with you!
In addition to providing practical riding skills, the field of sports psychology and training holds a wealth of information that deserves to be explored. What draws us to riding our watercraft? The thrill of learning new skills, getting fit, visiting beautiful destinations, competition, and most importantly – it’s just fun! I’m eager to dive into the details of “why” sports psychology plays a role in learning and “how” we can use sport-specific training to further our love of riding.
I’m also planning on reviewing the latest four-stroke Superjet upgrades, submit a modern Superjet and SXR comparison, and delve into a series that explores the performance differences between GP-level aftermarket hulls and their OEM counterparts. The Superjet Watercross of Texas intake grate and ride plate article is first in line for my 2025 submissions. For now, let me just say… that WCOT combo is awesome! I also have more product articles with videos planned, including Superjet OVP steering and possibly some Lites class engine tuning bits depending on the 2025 race season.
And don’t worry sit-down riders, I haven’t forgotten about you! While I love riding and racing stand up jet skis, my husband and I always keep a Yamaha Waverunner sit down in the garage next to our beloved stand ups. You might remember our famous “Chocolate Thunder” 2008 VX Cruiser that we rode 300 miles through two states on the Intracoastal waterway, all with over 200 hours and a hole in the hull! Check out the adventure in a 2019 WCJ piece.
Thunder has since been retired and replaced by a 2024 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO, which we’ve named “Silver Bullet.” We have another Intracoastal trip planned with the new ride, and you can expect an article and video covering the adventure. Bullet is completely stock right now, but that just makes it a perfect canvas for upgrades to share with you!
I’m thrilled to be back and hope my contributions to WCJ inspire both new and experienced riders to get out there and ride! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any article ideas you’d like to see featured here on The Watercraft Journal.
