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 Upstate Watercraft Promotions 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 (585) 388-0049 or send me an e-mail to questions@uwpinc.com. 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 / Closed Course Racing

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. 

SuperCourse AKA 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 acrobatic 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 “Race Schedule” page.  Your best source of information will be to surf all the pages of this website and by visiting the APBA’s website - 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, check with another racer or ask a UWP staff member if they may be able to assist you.  Some events have boat ramps but some do not - so check the schedule or give us a shout!

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 (look for banners leading you to registration) and check-in, sign the waiver and release, and register if you have not pre-registered.  PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended for all of our events.  Once checked-in, then have your boat “technically inspected” by the UWP’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 your 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.

Keep an eye out for the Race in Progress sign When you get up to the starting gate, take a look at the starting tower and notice that there should be a sign that says “Race in Progress”. This sign will show that current race that is either going to start or is currently racing. Remember to start staging for your class a least two races prior to your class being on the line (list for PA announcements or through your FM radio-check pit board for frequency).

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" “SuperStock” or a “Modified” class, know which modifications the rules allow. (Read the IJSBA Rulebook).  >> CLICK HERE FOR RULEBOOK

Race Course Definitions

COURSE FLAGS

The checkered flag signifies the completion of the race or event. Riders have completed the last lap of the race and riders should report to the technical inspection area in a cautious and responsible manner.

The white flag is displayed as the leader passes the flag tower, signifying the start of the last lap. This flag will remain displayed until the race is completed and the leader is given the checkered flag.

The black flag signifies that a rider must leave the course immediately and he/she must report directly to the Race Director. This does not mean necessarily a penalty, however, failure to obey the black flag may result in additional penalties.

 

The red flag signifies the event will stop immediately regardless of the position you currently hold. Common reasons for the red flag to be waved might be after a bad start, hazard on the course or if an injured rider is blocking the course and cannot be safely removed from the course. Riders should stop racing, cautiously and responsibly return to the starting line.

 

The yellow flag is a warning of safety hazard on course. After the yellow flag is displayed, riders should continue with caution and be aware of the hazard; however, they are allowed to continue racing in a responsible manner. Competitors may be penalized if they continue to race in an improper manner.

 

The green flag signifies start of a race or course is clear and racing on!

 

                 

The blue with yellow stripe flag signifies that a rider is being overtaken and lapped by a faster rider. The slower rider must make way for the overtaking rider to pass safely. Rider not yielding may be penalized.

COURSE BUOYS

Large red and yellow buoys are used to indicate turns in the racecourse. The Toyota/Sea Doo United States Regional Championship Series also uses long hot-dog inflatables to mark the merge lane for the split course.

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

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 starts (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 rubber band 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 Upstate Watercraft Promotions 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)? The American Power Boat Association (APBA) is a governing body for power boat racing in the United States.  The APBA is the oldest racing organization in the United States and in 2003 APBA celebrated its 100-year anniversary.  With more than 5,000 racing members, the APBA sanctions over 200 events each year for just about any motorized watercraft imaginable from Unlimited Hydroplanes to rough riding offshore boats, to Personal Watercraft.  The APBA organizes and assists regional racing promoters in the United States, and regulates a variety of personal watercraft racing competitions. These competitions include the popular Watercross, which is also referred to as Closed Course racing, Freestyle, Slalom events, along with the emerging Endurance and Offshore racing.  The APBA is an International affiliate of the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) representing the United States.  The APBA Personal Watercraft Racing (PWR) program was created to help racers; manufacturers and sponsors benefit form the rapidly expanding sport of watercraft racing.  

What happened to the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA)? The IJSBA is still around, but the role of the IJSBA has changed from being both an International sanctioning body and membership organization in the United States, to just being an International racing organization.  The IJSBA organizes and assists its International affiliates (like the APBA) and produces a rulebook for all of its International affiliates to follow.  The IJSBA also produces the World Finals.  For more information on the IJSBA visit www.IJSBA.com.

Do I have to be an APBA member in order to race? In order to race in an APBA 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 IJSBA member in order to race? No, you only have to be an APBA member. 

I've decided to become an APBA member, how do I sign up?
There are three ways to join the APBA.
1. On-line registration through the APBA.
2. Download a membership application and mail or fax it to APBA.
3.  Sign up at the races.

What does the APBA Competition Membership include? For $70.00 ($55.00 plus a one-time yearly insurance fee of $15) you can race in APBA 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, APBA stickers, an IJSBA competition rule book, discount on APBA merchandise, and more!!

What are the different classes I can race in? New racers can race in the Novice and/or Beginner classes.  The APBA 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 class is an open class - it is really meant for someone who is just getting into racing and would like to get a feel for the sport before jumping right in with the novice. 

How do I enter a race? Once you've selected the racing events you want to attend, you can download the racing entry form from our web-site or give us a call and we can mail or fax you a form. Please keep in mind that each event has a specific deadline for registration and you can save you money with pre-registering. It is better to pre-register to avoid the late registration charges and possible late fees. (A late fees occur when a participate arrives after registration has closed on the day of the race – generally 8 AM) 

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 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.

What are the rules and where do I get them? The APBA is an International affiliate of the IJSBA and the events are run by the IJSBA rulebook.  APBA members will receive an IJSBA Competition rulebook as part of their membership. You may also go to the IJSBA web-site 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!