Want to race Personal WaterCraft (PWC)? We hope to provide all the information you need to get started in this exciting sport.

PWC racing is a sport for all ages. You can start racing standup watercraft at age 10 in the United States and sit-down watercraft at age 16. There are veterans classes suitable for the more ?wise? years and classes for all ages in between. There are different classes to make it fun for anyone from a first time racer that only rides recreationally to a seasoned pro that just can?t get enough of the adrenaline packed action.

PWC races are family friendly events. Many racers bring their family and friends to the races so they can kick back and have some fun. Often times there are several small children and even babies there. Some promoters make it fun for families to hang out at the race site the night before a race by having a cookout or even having some fun games and contests.

CLASSES

There are different classes based on experience level, type of watercraft, and the amount and type of modifications. The experience levels go from Beginner to Novice which are both for newer racers. Then you can move up to Expert or Pro-am depending on the classes designated by the IJSBA or APBA. Then you have the Pro class for the highly experienced racers. If you have a stand-up watercraft you would race in a Ski class, while sit-down watercraft compete in the Runabout classes.

The classes are also broken down by modification levels allowed. They start with Stock which is to allow someone with a watercraft from the factory to be able to race with little or no modifications. While it is perfectly feasible to race this class with a completely stock boat, it is recommended to put at least aftermarket sponsons on to help with cornering ability. The next level is Limited which allows a few more engine modifications that are not allowed in Stock. Then there is Open/Super-Stock and Modified. These classes allow a much greater level of modification and the watercraft that run in them reach speeds of over 75 mph.

EVENTS

There are a few different watercraft racing events. Watercross/Closed Course racing is an event much like motocross where multiple riders negotiate around a course of multiple left and right hand turns (see course example below). There are usually up to 16 riders on the course at one time. All riders start behind a rubber band stretched between a couple of posts. The race director will be in a tower and will tell everyone to start their engines. If everyone is running fine he will flip a card telling everyone to get ready, then the rubber band will snap and everyone takes off. The course is made by placing red and yellow buoys in the water, held in place by counter balance weights. A red buoy signifies a left turn and a yellow buoy is a right turn. Laps are usually around ½ mile and take about 1 minute. The number of laps are usually between 8 and 15. Watercross uses the 2 moto format. You race 2 motos and the combined score determines the overall winner.

Slalom is a timed event where one rider goes around a small zigzag course of stationary buoys. You get 2 attempts to achieve the fastest time around the course.

Freestyle is a 2 minute timed event that allows a rider to show his skill in executing difficult tricks such as back flips and barrel rolls. The event is usually judged by a few people on shore who give each competitor a score and the highest score wins. This event is usually just before the lunch break and is very exciting to watch.

Endurance/Offshore events are based on a much longer course which may consist of a few turns or be from one point to another. These races may be one lap or many depending on the course. They can last multiple hours and test a riders endurance, physical strength and the reliability of their watercraft.

Typical race day schedule - A typical race day starts with registration and safety technical inspections starting around 7am. Riders meeting usually occurs around 8 or 9am and consists of going through the rules and important information about how the promoter runs the races. Be sure to check the pit board after the meeting to be sure you are listed in the right class and so you know which race you are in. Practice starts after riders meeting and gives each racer a chance to learn the course. After practice is done the first motos will start. After everyone races their first moto there will be a lunch break for 30 minutes to 1 hour then the second motos will start. At the end of the day there is usually an awards ceremony in which the top 3 racers in each class receive awards.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

In order to compete you need to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. You are also required to have a full face motocross style helmet with chin and mouth protection except during freestyle events. Goggles are very important when racing watercraft. Shoes or watercraft racing boots will help protect your feet and help you stay on your watercraft. You can use wrestling shoes, tennis shoes, racing boots, etc. Gloves and back protection are nice to have for protection but not required by the IJSBA.

Racing numbers and the appropriate colored background are required and can be purchased from The Sign House, Inc. The Sign House can also help you with your vinyl graphics and digital printing needs, including decals and banners. You can use any number from 101 to 999. Numbers 1 to 100 are earned. A tow loop is required so the course marshals can get your watercraft out of the way easily if necessary. These can also be purchased at the race site.

RULES

All of the rules about the classes and racing can be found on the IJSBA?s website. The International Jet Sports Boating Association is the worldwide sanctioning body for personal watercraft competitive racing. They create the rulebook for racing and run the World Finals every year. Regional information such as which region you are in and who the promoter is can be found by clicking the Regional Racing Info button at the top of this page. On the promoters websites you can find the schedule of races for that region and pre-register for the event you would like to attend.

The American Power Boat Association (APBA) is the governing body for watercraft racing in the United States. You need to have a membership to the APBA in order to race. It can either be purchased from the APBA website or you can usually sign up for the membership at the race.