Here you potential new riders go, this should answer every question you may have including Junior riders..which now Junior riders can start racing Standup (SKI) at 10 yrs old.
If you need further help or have any other questions feel free to call me anytime...214-498-3592
ENJOY!! And hope to see you out at the Races!
Welcome New Racers !
Welcome new racers to the exciting sport or personal watercraft racing! We hope that you will find everything you need on this Web site to help get you started in this exciting sport. At R5WaterXRacing we are committed to answering any questions that you have and to provide you with an opportunity to participate in a fun and exciting sport and meet new friends! If you have any questions, no matter how silly they are, please feel free to call us at 214-498-3592 or send me an e-mail to r5wxflyinbrian@hotmail.com. In addition to this website, it is important that you visit the website of the local race promoters in your region. 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
Knowledge is everything Know the registration times and locations, how to get to the race site, deadlines and get your registration in early to avoid paying late fees. You can not race if you?re not registered, and if you do not show up on time, you will not be allowed to race - so plan ahead! Registration and directions to each event can be found on the Web site of your local race promoter. Your best source of information will be to surf all the pages of this website and by visiting your local promoter's Web site - and by reading the IJSBA Rule Book.
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 IJSBA, 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
Who is the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA)?
The International Jet Sports Boating Association is the worldwide sanctioning body for personal watercraft competitive racing.
IJSBA is responsible for the rules which govern the sanction, organization and conduct of sanctioned events; the standards for eligibility and conduct of competition and officials; the regulations for eligibility and preparation of watercraft; and the rules for annual series of events around the world.
The IJSBA has affiliated associations, organizations and members in more than 50 countries worldwide and its headquarters are located in California, United States.
Do I have to be an IJSBA member in order to race?
In order to race in an IJSBA sanctioned event you need to be a competition member or you can sign up ONCE for a single-event competition membership. A single event membership is $15.00 and only allows you the right to race and does not include any membership benefits.
Do I have to be an APBA member in order to race?
No, you only have to be an IJSBA member.
I've decided to become an IJSBA member, how do I sign up?
There are three ways to join the APBA.
1. On-line registration through this website.
2. Download a membership application on this web site and mail it to IJSBA.
3. Sign up with your regional promoter at the races.
What does the IJSBA Competition Membership include?
For $50.00 you can race in IJSBA sanctioned events all over the United States in the following watercraft racing categories: Watercross, Slalom, Freestyle, Endurance and Offshore. There are 3 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 magazine, a membership card, IJSBA stickers, an IJSBA competition rule book, discount on IJSBA merchandise, and more!!
What are the different classes I can race in?
New racers can race in the Novice and/or Beginner 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, Superstock). The Beginner classer are usually an open class. Check with your local promoter to see what classes he/she offers.
How do I enter a race?
The first thing you need to do is find who the race promoter in your area is and decide which event you want to attend. Once you've selected the racing events you want to attend, you can get the appropriate racing forms from your local promoter or their Web site. 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 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. Helmets, goggles, footwear, wetsuits, gloves are some of the equipment necessary. All of this equipment is available at your local watercraft dealer.
What about numbers for my boat and what number can I run?
The APBA and the IJSBA requires a specific size and color of backgrounds 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 stand 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.
What are the rules and where do I get them?
The IJSBA and the events are run by the IJSBA rulebook. IJSBA members will receive an IJSBA Competition rulebook as part of their membership. You may also go to the IJSBA Web site (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 APBA and IJSBA Web sites for rule updates. It is the racers responsibility to check this before competing!
