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Below is a description of the types of events and some tips and suggestions to
help make your first race smooth and enjoyable. See you on the beach! Types of Racing Events Watercross Similar to motocross on the water, closed course racing is handle bar-to-handle bar competition that pits rider and machine in a personal watercraft battlefield. Reaching top speeds of over 75 mph, closed course-racing features a buoy-marked, 1/2- to 3/4-mile track that is designed to keep the competition tight and fans close to the action. Each race begins with one of the most gut-wrenching experiences in motorsports - the side-by-side gated start. Similar to horse racing, a PWC racing start features 20 riders exploding off the line, each thinking to themselves “I’m going to be the first one to that buoy.” Surviving the first-turn is just the beginning. Speed, technique and racing ability will all come into play over the next 20 minutes, as the riders begin to negotiate a series of left- and right-hand turns - and one must not forget the man-made log jumps. Endurance Also referred to as "offshore racing", endurance events are long-distance races that test both the stamina of the rider, and the reliability of his/her equipment. Racers compete head-to-head, in either a point-to-point race, or a race of multiple laps, around a designated course. The length of time for each endurance race varies and the race may allow pit stops for refueling. Because there is little on no contact with endurance racing, it is appealing to a large number of watercraft enthusiasts. Freestyle Each
event features a Freestyle segment that highlights the acrobatical abilities of
these highly specialized athletes and their watercraft.
One of the truly “extreme sports,” freestyle features some of the
most gifted athletes on the beach, performing two-minute routines in an
Olympic-style format for a panel of seven judges. Competitors’ routines are
made-up from a series of choreographed tricks that are performed to music.
Freestyle is the crowd
favorite, as spectators get a chance to interact with the competitors before,
during and after the competition. Some
of the more popular tricks and catch phrases include: Aerial Barrel Roll; Yellow
Submarine; Hollywood Corkscrew; Kilowatt Flop; Ride ‘Em Cowboy; Bull Doggin’;
and many other eye catching tricks. Tips For New Racers Pre Event Planning Don’t leave home without Tools, fuel, oil, gear, spare parts, beverages, etc. Make a checklist of all items and equipment you will need for the race and then use it. Other nice things to have, but not required at the races are a cooler, EZ-Up tent or something for shade, watercraft stand, watercraft tote and ATV. If you do not have a watercraft tote or ATV to launch you watercraft, another racer or the promoters staff may be able to assist you. Some events have boat ramps but some do not - so check with your local promoter. Get plenty of rest the night before You will have a long busy day at your first event until you get used to the routine. Get plenty of rest and leave the “partying” to those you want to beat. Show up early This will get you a better pit area and will allow you to relax during your preparation. For most races, plan on arriving on site no later than 7:00 am for each day you are racing and even earlier if you have not parked your trailer and know where the site is. As soon as you arrive on site, establish your pit area and park your trailer. Then immediately go over to the event registration area and check-in, sign the waiver and release, and register if you have not pre-registered. PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended for MOST promoters events. Once checked-in, then have your boat “technically inspected” by the promoter's Race Staff. It will be your responsibility to get your boat to the Tech/Checkpoint area for inspection. Listen to PA announcements and ask at registration where they are "Teching" boats. Get to know the people around your pit area Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from other racers. You will find that most racers on the Tour are great people and are always willing to help out a first-time racer. Do not forget to offer you help too! Later, your good intentions will be rewarded many times over. Know who your “Holder(s)” will be For Closed Course events you will need to have one holder for the Ski classes and two holders for the Sport and Runabout classes. Know who your holder(s) will be before you go to the line for your race. If you do not have a holder or enough holders ask some of the other racers if "they will hold for you". Other racers are usually more than willing to help you out. If you ask someone to hold, make sure you remember to tell them what races you are in. If you have problems finding a holder, ask the announcer before the race to call for a holder and he will find you one. Attend the Mandatory Rider's Meeting Not only is it determined mandatory by the APBA, there will be valuable information given at each Rider's Meeting. Plus, there may be a fine is you are not present! After the Race Director presents the Rider's Meeting information to all racers, he will meet with all the first-time riders and go over in more detail concerns and questions that Beginner riders may have. Pay attention and do not be afraid to ask questions. Course Orientation/Practice Course Orientation/Practice should be used strictly for what it is – allowing yourself to learn the course. The Course Marshall will lead you around the course for the first lap and then let you run several laps on your own. Once again, practice is to learn the race course and NOT A RACE. There are no points or awards for riders who finish first in practice. Do not pass other riders during practice. Boat Modifications With your wallet as your guide, start with a “Stock” boat and slowly work up the modifications ladder. Whether you are competing in "Stock”, "Limited" or a “SuperStock” class, know which modifications the rules allow. (Read the IJSBA Rulebook). >> CLICK HERE FOR RULEBOOK Racing and Practice Sample Closed Course Race Course Below is a diagram of a sample closed course race course. Endurance/Offshore race courses are much larger with fewer turns. Closed Course races normally have a split start (depending on location) in which there are two first turns (an inside and an outside split).
Practice your starts before you go to a race Closed Course races will normally utilize the rubberband method of starting. See the IJSBA Rulebook for a description of this starting system and practice starting from shore utilizing a holder if you can. Course Orientation Following the Mandatory Riders Meeting, a “Course Orientation” will be executed by a PM Sports Marketing Course Marshall. The purpose of the course orientation is to allow riders to familiarize themselves with the track. During the race Ride your PACE and race your RACE. Know what you can do. If you are new to Watercross racing, do not get caught up in the start of the race. Allow others to make mistakes and then take advantage of their mistakes. While you may be running only a 10-15 minute race, it will feel like you are out there much longer - TRUST ME. Be a leader Don’t follow others on the race course – they may be going the wrong way! If you THINK you missed a buoy or marker, safely go back to pick it up. For each buoy that you miss you will be docked a full lap so make sure you do not miss any buoys and are know the race course. Report to Tech All riders are required to report to Tech immediately after each race. Make sure you remember to report to Tech or you will be disqualified. Pit Board The Pit Board will be your best friend. The Pit Board will tell you what races you are in and how you finished in your races. Make sure you check the pit board when it is announced in the morning that it is posted and make sure you are in the correct classes. After you race, it usually takes at least 30 minutes for the results to be computed, confirmed, entered and posted. Check the pit board to see how you finished and if you qualified for the main event or need to go to the Last Chance Qualifier. If there were not heats for your class (heats are required if there are more than the maximum number of riders allowed on the line at one time in your class), you can assume your will be automatically in the final or the second moto if the moto scoring system is being used. DO NOT assume that you made it to the main event without checking the pit board. You may have missed a buoy and do not even know it. The Best Tip The best source of information is those riders around you. Racers in the sport are very friendly and very willing to help there fellow racer. They will help you gain the knowledge that will make you a confident Watercross racer. Watch, ask questions, learn and have fun! Safety Gear Motocross Pants or Wetsuit It’s a personal preference, but in general, the pants are cooler and the wetsuits protect better. But again, it’s a personal preference. Helmets As they say – “a ten-dollar helmet is good for a ten-dollar head.” A good motocross helmet (Snell approved) is the best way to go. Stay away from the “watercraft” helmets that incorporate the hard Styrofoam for the lining. You want comfort. If you can afford it, the lighter Kevlar/Carbon Fiber helmets can make a big difference. Proper
protective gear
Is a Must! Don’t get caught
without the following: Footwear: Watercraft
racing boots, wrestling shoes, high-top tennis shoes, etc.
They all work. Gloves: Watercraft
racing types are good. Some like to
use water-skiing gloves. Goggles: A good pair of goggles is very important when racing watercraft. Rain-X on the goggles definitely helps to keep water off and your goggles from fogging. To prevent from losing you goggles use duct tape or a pair of "Goggle Grips" to keep them from falling off. The inventor of Goggle Grip is from Region Six and will be at all the races selling Goggle Grip if you need a pair. Frequently Asked Questions What
is the American Power Boat Association (APBA)? What
happened to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA)? Do
I have to be an APBA member in order to race? Do
I have to be an IJSBA member in order to race? I've
decided to become an APBA member, how do I sign up? What
does the APBA Competition Membership include? What
are the different classes I can race in? How
do I enter a race? What
about numbers for my boat and what number can I run? Riders can pick any number from 101 to 999. Numbers 1-100 are earned numbers. We suggest you buy the numbers at the races, so you will make sure you do not put a number on your watercraft that someone already has, and have to replace the numbers you already bought. What
are the rules and where do I get them? For more information go to:
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