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 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