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.