Sunday, September 5, 2010

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New Racers


Most people have ridden a PWC, but most have not taken it to the next level – the sport of Personal Watercraft Racing. If you own an older ski or are buying a new one, you can come join the fun and excitement of this extreme sport. You will realize when getting started that these are family events and that other racers are willing to help you.

Jet Ski Racing Involves:

Concertration:

It’s a mental game to fight to the lead and then keep it.

Adrenaline:

There is no bigger rush that to race to the first buoy, getting “the hole shot”, passing other racers, and crossing the finish line.

At Nautiwater Racing we are committed to answering any questions that you may have. Our email is nautiwater@live.com or (316) 312-4049. We hope this information will be helpful in getting you started on your quest in becoming a champion.

There are several types of events featured in watercross racing, the Closed Course, the Supercourse, Slalom,Drag racing, and the Freestyle event.

A Closed Course Event is a contest of speed and agility featuring several competitors negotiating multiple laps of a course that varies in length.  The course consists of both right and left hand turns.  Closed Course Events in the past have been held in various bodies of water ranging from rivers and lakes to indoor arenas around the world.

Sample Course Layout

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).  Huge colorful buoys are used to indicate turns in the race course.

A red buoy indicates a left turn.  Two or more red buoys may be in a line to form a large sweeping left-hand turn.

A yellow buoy indicates a right turn.  Two or more yellow buoys may be in a line to form a sweeping right turn.

A checkered buoy indicates the start/finish line.  A rider must pass through these for a lap to be counted.

A white/other color buoys are used to mark the outside lane of a racecourse utilizing a two-lane split start.  White buoys are also used to mark turns on the Slalom event and to mark the merge lane in the case of a split type race course.  Long hot dog inflatables are also sometimes used to establish a merge lane on a split-type racecourse.  Other color buoys are often used on the outside of the racecourse to control boat traffic from entering the racecourse.

nauti-water-racing-course-01

COURSE LAYOUT

  • Similar to motocross.
  • When possible the starting line is split in two for safety.  Half of the field goes to the outside lane, the other half goes to the inside lane and then merge together at the start finish line.  After the first lap is completed, each rider can select which split they take on each lap (inside or outside).
  • Holeshot winner is determined by the first boat to cross the finish line on the first lap.
  • Bouy colors direct  the racer to turn.  Orange signifies a left turn, yellow is for right.
  • Standard motorsports flags are used:  green = go, yellow = caution, red = stop, crossed white and checkered = race is half way done, white = last lap, checkered = finished, blue/yellow = lapped traffic, black = warning or disqualification.
  • Obstacles.  Expert/Pro Ski racers are required to jump over the log jump.  It is constructed from ATV tires and is anchored to the lakebed.  This area of the course usually yields the best crashes.

SCORING

  • The starter displays the number of laps to be run before each race.
  • Starter’s card tells the rider what phase of the start sequence they are in.  The “2″ card means start your engines.  The “1″ card means that all racers are ready and the sideways “1″card means the start band will be released in 0-3 seconds.
  • The race starts when the band snaps.
  • A false start by one or more riders can result in a restart.  The rider(s) that jumps the band is penalized by having to restart with a dead engine.
  • If a racer misses a buoy and doesn’t circle back to pick it up (safely), they are penalized one lap.
  • A two moto scoring system is used.  The combination of Moto 1 finish and Moto 2 finish determines the winner.  In the event of a tie, the higher placed racer in Moto 2 wins.
  • Points are accumulated to determine a Regional Champion, as well as who is invited to attend the US National Championship and the IJSBA World Finals in Lake Havasu AZ.

The Super Course event is also referred to as “offshore racing” and these are long-distance races that test both the stamina of the rider and the reliability of their 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 or no contact with endurance racing, it is appealing to a large number watercraft enthusiasts.

The Freestyle events are intended to show a rider skill and expertise in executing difficult, challenging and creative maneuvers within a set period of time.  Each participant has a two minute time period to show his or her skill to a panel of judges which determines the winner.  Freestyle is the crowd favorite, as spectators get a chance to interact with the competitors before, during, and after the competition.

The Slalom is a timed event. A competitor negotiates a zig zag course of buoys from a start gate to the turn around buoy and back to the start gate. Fastest time is the winner in each class.

The Drag Racing event is a head-to-head competition down a 1/8 of a mile track.

Tips for the New Racer

Pre Event Planning

Knowledge is everything!  Pre-registering (on-line or by mail) saves you time and money. and some promoters do not have on-site registrations. If you can register on-site,  know the registration times and locations.  If you do not show up on time and are not registered, you will not be allowed to race.  Registration and directions to each event can be found on the web site of your race promoter.  Another excellent source of information is the IJSBA Rule Book which can be found at http://www.ijsba.com/.

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!

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!  A few other suggested items to have 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 your watercraft, another racer or the promoters staff may be able to assist you.  Not all event locations have boat ramps.

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 a.m. for each day you are racing and even earlier if you have not parked your trailer and don’t already know where the site is.  As soon as you arrive on site, establish your pit area, park your trailer and immediately go over to the event registration area.  If you are pre-registered, you will check-in, sign the waiver and release form and get your wrist bracelet.  If you are not pre-registered you will need a littler more time to fill in the registration form as well.  Once again, Pre-registration saves you a lot of time.  Once checked in, have your boat “technically inspected” by the Race Staff.  It will by 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 as they were in your place once themselves.  Do not forget to offer your help too!  Later, your good intentions will be rewarded many times over.

Know Who Your “Holders(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 and also to have them report to registration to sign a waiver and release (if they have not already done so).  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 Meeting

Not only is it mandatory by the IJSBA, there will be valuable information given at each riders meeting.  A roll call will be done to determine each riders presence at the meeting.  If you do not attend this meeting, you will not be allowed to race and your entry fees will not be refunded to you.  After the race director presents the riders meeting information to all racer, he will meet with all the first-time riders to 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.

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 an “Open” class, know which modifications the rules allow.  (Read the IJSBA Rulebook located at http://www.ijsba.com ).

Practice Your Starts Before You Go To A Race

Closed course races will normally utilize a flag or rubber band method of starting.  See the IJSBA rule book for a description of these starting systems and practice starting from shore utilizing a holder if you can.

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 that you know the race course. Some tours will now be using the BLACK BUOY for making up missed buoys. Again ask questions in the riders meeting.

Report to Tech

All riders are required, if requested, to report to Tech immediately after each race.  Make sure you remember to do this or you will be disqualified.

Pit Board

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 thirty 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 you 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 did not even know it.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Everyone that enters a motorsports racing event should have a personal full coverage health insurance policy in place. Racing is potentially dangerous!  Please take this precaution to protect yourself in the event of a injury. The liability insurance coverage that is put in place by the promoter is limited in it’s financial coverage for health care.  Remember this will help to keep the cost of racing down.  Be a smart and responsible racer, insurance is another  preparation done by a Champion.

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 their 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

Motorcross Pants or Wetsuit

It’s a personal preference but, in general, the pants are cooler and the wetsuits protect better.

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. You want comfort!  If you can afford it, the lighter Kevlar/carbon fiber helmets can make a big difference.

Proper Protective Gear

A  P.F.D. Is a Must!  Don’t get caught without it!  The following is a list of protective gear:

PFD (Personal flotation Device):  A Coast Guard approved life vest.

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 your goggles, use duct tape or a pair of “Goggle Grips” to keep them from falling off.

Frequently Asked Questions

International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA)?

The IJSBA is the International sanctioning body and membership organization in the United States.  The IJSBA organizes and assists its USA and international affiliates.  The IJSBA produces a rulebook for all of its affiliates to follow.  The IJSBA also produces the World Finals.  For more information about the IJSBA visit their web site at http://www.ijsba.com/.

Do I have to be an IJSBA member in order to race?

In order to race in an IJSBA sanctioned event ( all Great Lakes Watercross Events are sanctioned by IJSBA) you must have a IJSBA competition card.  You may sign up ONCE for a single-event competition membership.  A single-event membership is (will be announced) and only allows you the right to one race and does not include any membership benefits.

Do I have to be an IJSBA member in order to race?

Yes. You have to be an IJSBA member.

I’ve decided to become an IJSBA member, how do I sign up?

You can sign up through the IJSBA website at http://www.ijsba.com or you can become a member by signing up at the races. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP DONE BEFORE YOU GO TO THE RACES, one less thing to worry about on race day.

What does the IJSBA Competition Membership include?

The IJSBA annual membership fee is $50.00.  Once an IJSBA member, you can race IJSBA sanctioned events all over the United States in the following watercraft racing categories:  Watercross, Slalom, Freestyle, and Endurance and Offshore.  There are three levels of competition which include Regional and National events, as well as the World Finals.  In addition to being able to race in the above events, you will also receive a membership kit which includes a IJSBA membership card, IJSBA stickers, an IJSBA competition rule book, discounts at Motel 6, Southwest Airlines, IJSBA merchandise and rental cars.  You will also receive an annual subscription to RIDE Magazine,  and a AWA Membership.

What are the different classes I can race in?

New racers can race in the Beginner and/or Novice classes.  The IJSBA separates the riders into classes based on the type of watercraft you own (i.e. Ski, Runabout) and the modifications (i.e. Stock, Limited, Open).

CLASSES are organized by:

  • Boat type:  Ski, Sport and Runabout
  • Engine modification:  Stock, Limited and Open
  • Skill level:  Junior, Beginner, Novice, Amateur, Expert, Pro-Am and Pro
  • In addition, there are several specialty classes:  14-15 year old ski, Vets ski (30+), Vet’s runabout (35+), Vintage ski (under 750cc), Sport Spec, Masters ski (40+)

What kind of safety gear do I need and where do I get it?

Safety is a critical part of racing and should be taken very seriously. PFD, Helmet, goggles, footwear, wetsuits, and gloves are necessary equipment and all is available at your local watercraft dealer.

What about numbers for my boat and what number can I run?

The  IJSBA requires a specific size and color of backgrounds (www.ijsba.com) to race depending on skill level.  Numbers and backgrounds are available for sale at most of the races.  Clear legible numbers are very important.  Remember, if the numbers cannot be read while the watercraft is moving, the rider stands a good chance of not being scored properly.  It is the responsibility of the rider to have the proper size and color numbers and backgrounds.  See the rulebook for the correct size background and number.  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.

How do I enter a race?

Check the race schedule and pre-register.  Please keep in mind that each event has a specific deadline for registration and there may be penalties or additional fees for late registration.

What are the rules and where do I get them?

The events are run by the IJSBA rulebook.  Members will receive an IJSBA Competition Rulebook as part of their membership.  You may also go to the IJSBA Web Site (http://www.ijsba.com) and view the entire rulebook for a quick reference.  Because new rules are implemented during the course of the year it’s important to check the IJSBA web sites for rule updates.  We will also use some of class rules from the APBA in the 2009 race season. It is the racers responsibility to check this before competing!