UK PWC News

UK Personal Watercraft News

30th March : New Website for the “Corona Extra” European Championship.
Visit the new website for the “Corona Extra” European Championship at www.ejsba.net.
On the site you will find all the details for the European Championship. News, Pictures, Schedules, Results, Rules and Press Releases.
www.ejsba.net

30th March : Commercial Break.

Union Commercials are looking for a competent jet skier to assist in the production of a commercial in Scotland.

The London company has established itself as one of the most consistent production houses and its team of directors are responsible for a host of big name campaigns.

The skier and their personal watercraft would be required to travel to Skye for one day between 7th and 9th April to work on the commercial.

Anyone interested should contact Duncan Bernard for more information.

29th March : Speeding Skiers Flout Lake Limit.

Opponents to a 10mph limit on Windermere claim a midnight protest on the day it came into force is the start of a round of civil disobedience.

The controversial speed limit on England's largest lake was being enforced from Tuesday.

But within minutes of the limit coming into force, water-skiers took to the lake in defiance.

Members of the Windermere Action Force said they travelled the full length of the lake at speeds of 36mph.

Campaigners had urged the Lake District National Park Authority to halt the 10 mph limit on Windermere, saying it would impact on tourism.

But the authority says it will make the lake a more tranquil place to visit.

Protest organiser Nick Fieldhouse said "We skied the full length of Windermere, maintaining a respectable 30 to 36 mph, and broke the bye-law right under the very noses of those that brought it in."

Purely symbolic

The protest - codenamed Operation Kankku - marked the start of a campaign of civil disobedience, which is set to spread to other parts of the Lake District where speed limits are also in place.

Tony Kemp, of the Windermere Action Force, said: "We have a full 2005 timetable of protests lined up for water-skiers and families to enjoy themselves at speed and under power on not only Windermere, but also Coniston Water, Derwent Water and Ullswater.

"The midnight dash was purely symbolic and paves the way for future acts of civil disobedience."

Mr Kemp, 44, from Bingley, West Yorkshire and who skis on Windermere with his wife and three children, said the 10mph restrictions were "discriminatory" and "unjust" and would seriously damage the local economy as water skiers and other lake users were driven away.

He said the protests were about showing support for "families, fun, democracy, freedom and tolerance".

Officials from the Lake District National Park Authority have taken details of the vessels involved in the incident. Those found flouting the law could be fined hundreds of pounds.

The authority says the new law will restore tranquility to Windermere and insisted there will be no change of heart.

From BBC News

29th March : Lake's Speed Limit Introduced.

A controversial speed limit on England's largest lake is being introduced as planned today.

Campaigners had urged the Lake District National Park Authority to halt the 10mph limit on Windermere, saying it would impact on tourism.

But the authority says it will make the lake a more tranquil place to visit.

Opponents say they have nowhere else to water-ski or use power boats, and that there was no real conflict between users and other holidaymakers.

The authority, which intends to enforce the limit by collecting evidence using digital video equipment, still cameras and a laser gun, believes it marks a new future for Windermere.

It says rangers will be on duty from Tuesday, but will not "chase" lawbreakers and risk lives. Those found flouting the law could be fined hundreds of pounds.

Campaigners, such as the Keep Windermere Alive Association, say they are bemused by the limit and that all is needed is a managed solution which would involve powered craft users being looked after by a governing body.

The bylaw was confirmed in 2000 following a public inquiry, but it was suspended for five years to give businesses time to adapt, according to the authority.

From BBC News

27th March : Grendon Lakes Pictures.
Out & About pictures from Grendon Lakes today are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

27th March : Jet-Tec Performance Backs Pope.
Northern Irelands Jet-Tec Performance has joined the list of sponsors supporting 2004 British Runabout Superstock and European Runabout Limited Champion Phil Pope.
Jet-Tec Performance, sales, service, repairs, parts and race modifications and Irelands Slippery When Wet clothing dealer will be supporting Phil as he takes on the best of Britain and Europe in the recently renamed Runabout Open classes aboard his Yamaha GPR.
Steven Swain of JTP commented,
"I believe Phil will place very highly this year on the Yamaha and look forward to see him doing battle with the likes of Nicolas Rius and Franky Zapata in Europe. I also hope to bring Phil to Ireland to race in some of the Irish Championships rounds.
Phil has won many titles over the years and Jet-Tec Performance wishes Phil the best of luck for the 2005 racing season."

24th March : JSRA Winter Series Results.
The JSRA Winter Championship tables have been updated following Sundays Round 3 racing at Willen Lake Milton Keynes.
visit www.jsra.co.uk

23rd March : Winter Series Round 3 Pictures.
Pictures from Round 3 of the JSRA Winter Championship are now online.
Check them out in the photo gallery.

22nd March : Jetskiers Double Rescue Ordeal.

Watersport fan Craig Morgan had to be rescued from mud banks twice - after returning to where he was stranded to retrieve his jet-ski.

Mr Morgan, of Coseley, West Midlands, spent over an hour wading across Burnham-on-Sea sands, Somerset, trying to get help.

A rescue hovercraft was despatched to bring him to safety, but was unable to release the jet-ski.

Two hours later, Mr Morgan's car got stuck as he tried to fetch the machine.

Alan Miller, chairman of Burnham Area Rescue Boat, said: "Our recovery tractor was immediately sent to the scene from Burnham and, using a combination of sand spades to anchor it and strong winch wire, we managed to free the vehicle."

The jet ski was left in the mud overnight and was successfully floated off the mud bank at the next high tide the following day.

Mr Morgan said: "I'm very grateful to the hovercraft crew for their swift action. It could have been an incredibly depressing - and expensive - weekend but fortunately there was no damage to my jet ski or the 4x4."

From BBC News

21st March : Jet Bou 2.

For the second year running Jet Bou is set to take place on the wonderful island of Ibiza from the 11th October for 7 nights.

Plan your break to stay for as little or long as you like, your PWC will be there at your disposal.

Xtreme Action Events will transport your personal watercraft to the island and hold it in a secure compound from the 10th until its return to England on the 18th.

Transportation costs ~ Sit Downs £395 Stand ups £200

Hotel Accomodation ~ Sol Pinet Playa

25 euros per night per person Bed & Breakfast based on two sharing.

Flights fly daily from London Stansted with Easy Jet

Email ibiza@xtremeaction.co.uk for more details or call 07879461803

16th March : Jetskier & Personal Watercraft Magazine.
The April Edition of JS&PW is on sale from all the usual stockists priced £3.20. Included in this edition are all the usual sections plus Insurance Matters, Mexican Freeride, Helmet and goggle guide, Racings James Bushell uncovered, your chance to win a Limited Edition ski package worth £7500 and the latest Line1 and Boatworld Catalogues.
Don't forget to check out Jetmans Web News
Get Yours Now!

15th March : Onfire Massive Savings.
Onfire are making room for the arrival of their 2005 Spring Summer collection.
Massive savings up to 40% are available on selected items.
These items are only available whilst stocks last.
Don’t miss out!
www.onfire.co.uk

12th March : 2005 IJSBA Rulebook Summary.
A summary of the changes in the 2005 Rulebook is now available at ijsba.com.
The complete 2005 Rulebook will be available online soon and the printed version immediately after.
www.ijsba.com

9th March : 2005 IJSBA World Finals Junior Ski Class.
The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) announced today the details for participation in the Junior Ski classes for the 2005 World Finals.
Riders meeting the requirements for Junior Ski 10-12 Stock, Junior Ski 13-15 Stock and Junior Ski 13-15 Limited will be eligible to compete at World Finals in these classes. To be eligible, riders must have participated in at least one IJSBA or IJSBA-Affiliate event and have completed all the necessary paperwork. Riders are also eligible to participate in Amateur Freestyle (if qualified) and Slalom.
Specific Details

Separation of classes
Course Orientation/Practice Practice for Junior’s classes shall not be combined with any other classes and shall have a designated separate course orientation/practice for the Junior Ski 10-12 Stock class. Junior Ski 13-15 Stock and Limited classes may be combined for course orientation/practice but shall not be combined with any other classes.
Race Competition Each Junior’s class shall be separated for competition and shall not be combined with any other classes. Junior Ski 10-12 Stock may not be combined with the Junior Ski 13-15 Stock and Limited classes.

Age on the day of participation
Junior Ski 10-12 Stock Riders must be at least 10-years old on the day of the race and younger than 13.
Junior Ski 13-15 Stock and Limited Riders must be at least 13-years old on the day of the race and younger than 16.
12-year-old turning 13 A Junior Ski 10-12 rider that has been participating in this class during the season and turns 13 is eligible to continue participating in this class. Additionally, this rider is eligible to begin participating in the Junior Ski 13-15 classes after turning 13. If a rider has not been participating in the Junior Ski 10-12 class while still age 12 and begins to race at age 13, this rider is not eligible for the Junior Ski 10-12 class.
15-year-old turning 16 Junior riders are not eligible to compete in any other classes with the exception of a rider that has been competing in the Junior Ski 13-15 class and turns 16 during the race season. If this should occur, the rider upon turning 16, is eligible to participate in all other classes in addition to continuing to compete in the Junior Ski 13-15 class for the remainder of the year. If a rider has not been participating in the Junior Ski 13-15 class while still age 15 and begins to race at age 16, this rider is not eligible for the Junior class.

Starting-line Holders Riders in the Junior Ski 10-12 Stock class will be allowed two holders with the rider starting in or on the riding platform [tray]. This official IJSBA exception supersedes rule 12.2.7 from the 2004 IJSBA Competition Rulebook for this class only, unless otherwise noted in future IJSBA official rule changes. All other rules as designated in the IJSBA Competition Rulebook apply.

Registering to compete
A legal parent or guardian must be present at and throughout the duration of the event. A legal parent or guardian must attend the official riders meeting with the Junior class rider. All Junior class riders must be an IJSBA or IJSBA-Affiliate member. The Junior class rider and legal parent or guardian must sign the Minor Waiver Release Form. The rider must present, at each race, an unedited copy of an official Birth Certificate that will be attached to the entry form for archiving. (It is recommended to obtain an official Birth Certificate and make copies to present at sign-up.) An IJSBA or IJSBA-Affiliate official may at any time ask to view an official Birth Certificate for verification. For the purposes of participant medical insurance coverage (this is a secondary policy – not primary), Junior class riders must present verification of personal medical coverage. This can be as a dependent or an individual policy. A copy of both sides of the official medical card must be presented and will be attached to the entry form for archiving. If your medical insurance carrier (i.e. government funded social medicine program) does not supply a medical card, the rider must sign a medical card waiver form which indicates that the rider has coverage under another policy.
About IJSBA
The International Jet Sports Boating Association is the worldwide sanctioning body for personal watercraft competitive racing. The IJSBA is responsible for the rules that 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 Costa Mesa, Calif. For more information, phone: (714) 751-8695 or www.ijsba.com.

9th March : Yamaha Wavefest 2005.

The dates and venues for the 2005 Yamaha Wavefest have been announced.

If you fancy checking out the latest Yamaha Waverunners or testing your skill against the clock on the S1 Slalom then get yourself along to a Wavefest near you.

March 26th-27th	Quest Marine	Bridgend, S Wales	Demo, S1
April 23rd-24th	RR MC & Marine	Cranfield, N Ireland	Demo only
April 30th-May 1st	Tenby Marine	Tenby, S Wales	Demo only
May 7th-8th	Six Hills	Melton Mowbray	Demo, S1
May 28th-29th	Boat Shop	Stubbers	Demo, S1
June 24th	Watercraft World	Lee on Solent	Demo
July 30th-31st	Beach Rock	Sea Palling	Demo

www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

4th March : JSRA British Championship.
The JSRA 2005 British Championship Dates have been set.
The six round Championship will kick off on the 23rd of April at Rother Valley Country Park, Rotherham.
The tour will head around the country visiting the American Adventure Theme Park at Ilkeston, Crosby Marine Park at Liverpool, Grendon Lakes near Northampton and the barrage at Stockton on Tees before the grand finale at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes on the 3rd and 4th of September.
www.jsra.co.uk

3rd March : Hydrospace 4-Stroke Stand-up Full Details!
Eagerly awaited details of the new stand-up from Austrian manufacturer Hydrospace have finally been revealed on their website.
Specifications for the worlds first 4-stroke standup the S4 and the S4 HO models are now online with details of the S2R 2-stroke model soon to follow.
Confirmation that Chris Macclugage will be piloting the S4 on the track has also been announced.
www.hydrospace.at