UK Personal Watercraft News

30th March : IFWA World Championship Freeride Zarautz!
25-27 April 2008
Organiza: IFWA Spain & Club Mutriku Motonáutica
Promotor: www.entreolas.com
Hello to all.
This is the fourth year in Zarautz.
Zarautz, is a famous surf spot in the north of Spain, with beautiful waves & girls.
The place of the event is in the town, below on the beach, we recommend, don't bring quads to trailer the jets, the organisation take quads for this purpose.
We need the information of all your vehicles to do the correct distribution in the pit. 
Rooms available in Hotel Zarauz (www.hotelzarautz.com) and Pensión Txiki Polit (www.txikipolit.com), other hotels are available but more expensive, these hotels are around 50 per night in double room.
Free catering at the beach during the days of the event.
7.500 Euros Prize Money, for Runabout & Stand Up.
SKI 1st & 2nd 1.000 each.
3rd & 4th 750 each.
5th, 6th , 7th & 8th 500 each.
RUNABOUT 1st & 2nd 600 each.
3rd & 4th 400 each.
Trophies for first three in all classes.
IFWA License needed (pilots are able to make the registration to the event and admission to IFWA at the same time).
Fees: $Euros 50,00 to IFWA .
If you don't go to France. Free registration. 
Limit date for registration - 30th of March
2008 Program:
Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th April (free practice, No security on water)
Friday 25th April Official Practice Heats (Stand Up & Sit Down, May be Classifications)
Saturday 26th April - Heats 1 & 2 (Stand Up & Sit Down) 
Sunday 27th April - Semi -finals & Final Heats (Stand Up & Sit Down)
We'll wait for you in April.
Bruno Roselló (bruno@entreolas.com)
IFWA Spain

29th March : Freestyle Clinic and Slalom!
Kingsbury Jetski Centre and the pierats, would like to invite all, to a Fun Day/Clinic at the lake on Sunday 18th May.
You are all more than welcome, to camp over on site for the Saturday night and then on the Sunday we will run a 2 Hour Freestyle Clinic.
This will be for you all to brush up on some of your freestyle tricks or learn a few new ones.
This will then be followed by a Slalom competition in the afternoon, from which, you will be able to win some fantastic prizes.
You will all have a fair chance, as we will all be using, one of Phils Stand up Skis.
Normal day launch applies and of course insurance must be shown.
www.pierats.co.uk

28th March : Duo Foiled In Bid To Steal Craft From Boatyard!
Two men who tried to steal from a Teignmouth boatyard in the middle of the night were caught after a man on his boat heard them and called the police.
Exeter Crown Court heard one of the men, 35-year-old Glen Kendall, claimed they had been chased into the boatyard by youths after a night out drinking in the town.
Prosecutor Tom Bradnock said David Reynolds was on his boat in Chris Humphrey's boatyard when he heard a scraping noise in the middle of the night and looked out to see two men wearing baseball caps.
He contacted the owner of the yard, Stuart Williams, and the police.
When they arrived Mr Williams found that his van had been broken into and there was a screwdriver stuck in the ignition. The two men ran off but were cornered by the police who found that a personal watercraft had been moved on to a trailer ready to be towed away.
The owner of the watercraft, Mark Radford said he had taken it to the boatyard for repair.
Kendall said he and the other man, Jason Matthews, had been out for a few drinks in the town and had been chased into the yard by some lads. Matthews made no comment.
Mr Bradnock said while the pair were raiding the boatyard other officers were conducting a search of a yard rented by Kendall at the Old Toll House, Forches Cross in Newton Abbot.
There they seized a Ford Granada and a Nissan Sunny, both of which had been stolen from Torquay.
When Kendall was interviewed about the vehicles he agreed that he rented the yard but said he did not have knowledge of everything that was stored there.
He said friends also stored vehicles there and he did not ask any questions.
Mitigating for Kendall, Nigel Hall said his client had a building business which employed four people and he deeply regretted being involved in the incident at the boatyard.
Rupert Taylor, for Matthews, said the offences happened nearly two years ago and he was now working for a reputable auto recovery company. He had now grown out of offending and had decided he could do something better with his life. If he went to custody, where he knew most of the people, he would come out not having a job.
Kendall, of West Buckeridge Farm, Teignmouth pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted theft and two of handling stolen goods. He was given a two-year community order with a 150 hours unpaid work requirement and told to pay £140 compensation.
Matthews, 30, of West Pafford Avenue, Torquay admitted two charges of attempted theft and was given a nine months prison sentence suspended for two years, ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £40 compensation.
Judge Graham Cottle told Kendall: "What you are doing in the dock I am not sure and I think you are ashamed to be there.
"You have decent employment and have people working for you and there is no reason why the court should see you again."
The judge told Matthews: "You have been in a great deal of trouble in the past, serving short prison sentences and you seem to keep coming back for more.
"However you now have a job with a reputable firm and that might be the turning point for you. I hope so otherwise more prison is in store for you."
thisissouthdevon.co.uk

25th March : Tougher Jetski Laws Recommended!
Anton McNulty
Recommendations to bring in tougher laws to govern the use of jet-skis have been welcomed by the Water Safety Officer with Mayo County Council, who claims that they are potentially a lethal weapon.
The recommendations were made by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) following their investigation into the tragic death of Mr Alan Joyce of Castlebar who died on Lough Beltra on August 6, 2006, after getting into difficulties while jet-skiing with his friend, Conor Deffley.
The investigation found that Mr Joyce and Mr Deffley had little or no familiarisation training on jet-skis, were poor swimmers and failed to wear lifejackets.
The MCIB recommended that the Department of Transport explore the feasibility of mandatory training and a course to provide practical training in all aspects of handling jet-skis and a limited knowledge of maintenance of the raft.
They also recommended that any person wishing to operate a jet-ski must be licenced and have a recognised training course and produce a certificate from such a course.
The popularity of jet-skis in Mayo has risen in the last number years but they have been a source of controversy, with objections from many people regarding the dangers they pose to other water users. 
The death on Lough Beltra was not the only fatality to occur in Mayo involving jet-skis in recent times. Last May, Mr Patrick O’Hare of Gortmore, Tourmakeady drowned on Lough Mask after getting into difficulty when his jet-ski suffered mechanical failure.
The recommendations for regulations to govern jet-ski use was welcomed by Mr Michael Gavin, Water Safety Officer with Mayo Council Council, when he spoke to The Mayo News.
“I welcome these recommendations because at the moment there is nothing to stop a person jumping on a jet-ski and going onto a lake. They are potentially a lethal weapon when in the hands of incompetent people and it is only logical that they are regulated the same way as any person who wants to drive a car. 
People have more money in their pockets now and jet-skis and motor crafts are becoming more popular. It is ludicrous that any person can buy a jet-ski and five minutes later be on the lake without any proper training.
It is an accident waiting to happen and unless these recommendations are introduced there will be more accidents,” he said.
The Mayo News

26th March : World Finals DVD.
quakysense World Finals DVD, Available from N&C.

The 2007 DVD features Pro Runabout and Ski Racing with coverage of GP classes and Amateur events.
Also covered are interviews with sponsors, vendors, and competitors.
Some Hall of Fame coverage is included as well.
Special features include Kevin Green's famous ramp jump.
Order yours now from N&C.
£20 inc UK Postage
ncjetski.co.uk

21st March : Calls For Tougher Jetski Rules!
Ireland
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board has recommended that jet skis should be licensed and those using them should have to undergo mandatory training.
The recommendations are made in its report into the death of a jetskier on Lough Beltra, Co Mayo, in 2006.
The Coast Guard, in its report for last year, says that there was a 10% increase in jet ski accidents.
Overall, it had to deal with 154 incidents requiring emergency rescue help, most of which were caused by those involved in marine leisure activities.
The use of jet skis has been the source of controversy, with objections to their noise, speed and perceived dangers.
Reporting on the death of Alan Joyce from Castlebar on Lough Beltra, the Marine Casualty Investigation Board says he was with a companion, trying out a recently-bought jet ski which overturned returning to shore, throwing both men in the water.
They had ignored advice to wear lifejackets, were considered to be poor swimmers and had little or no training in using jet skis.
Because of the increase in jet ski accidents, it has recommended that the Marine Survey Office should explore the introduction of mandatory training for users, that all jet skis should be registered and anyone operating a jet ski should be licensed and complete a training course.
RTE News

19th March : JSRA Winter Series Pics.
Dave Stewart of Xtreme Action Images has uploaded a selection of pictures taken at Round 3 of the 2007/8 JSRA Winter Series at Tattershall Country Park at the weekend.
Visit xtreme-action-images.com and check out the Jetski link in the Sports Galleries.

19th March : Lifeboat Called To Save Jetski!
PORT Erin lifeboat went to rescue of two people onboard a broken down jetski.
The lifeboat was called out at 11.40am on Sunday after the jetski broke down in Port Erin Bay.
The two were returned, via the lifeboat, to the beach safe and well.
The RNLI has taken this opportunity to inform pleasure craft users that it is advisable to carry a marine VHS radio or a set of flares.
IOMtoday.co.im

17th 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 The Return Of The Superjet, Choose The Right Impeller, Nitrojet Radar Rumble & Slalom, Cruise The Everglades, Spark Plugs - How Do They Work and much more.

Get Yours Now!


17th March : Bikini Clad Mel B Takes A Break From Sunbathing To Hit The Waves.
Spice Girl Mel B took a break from sunbathing and champagne yesterday to enjoy the watersports at her luxury holiday resort in Miami.
Along with film producer husband Stephen Belafonte, the popstar toured the coast on a jet-ski showcasing yet another bikini.
The 32-year-old looked healthy and relaxed as she hit the waves holding onto Belafonte who she married last August after her relationship with comedian Eddie Murphy ended.
Wearing a black halterneck two-piece, Mel proved she has beach-chic down to a tee accessorising with chunky jewellery and sea-soaked hair.
The gruelling Spice Girls reunion tour has clearly left her with an enviable bikini body which she showed off as she strolled along the sand.
 

Photo Courtesy MATRIX

Prior to her water adventures, the mum-of-two had been spotted in a skimpy white number smoking, drinking champagne and snuggling up to her husband.
And if she was concerned about her ongoing child support battle with former lover Eddie Murphy, it didn't show.
The singer has been locked in a public feud with the Beverly Hills Cop star, who has refused to have any contact with their 11-month-old daughter Angel.
The row has surfaced again with new reports claiming the comedian believes he was trapped into having a baby.
Dailymail.co.uk

14th March : Significant Increase In Watersports Participation!
Up to four million adults now enjoy a diverse range of boating activities, the latest Watersports and Leisure Participation Survey reports.
This marks a significant increase on last year's figure of 3.7million.
Participation has been fluctuating since 2002 and overall has recorded a small but steady decline.
However, this year's figures take the participation rate back to levels last reported in 2004.
Seven of the 12 boating activities recorded in the survey have risen since 2006, including sailing and yacht cruising, racing and motor boating and cruising though only canal boating has increased to a significant level.
The annual survey was conducted by the British Marine Federation Statistics and Market Research department in partnership with the MCA, RNLI and RYA. It is sponsored by Sunsail.
This is the sixth year that the report has been undertaken which has not only established a firm foundation for assessing trends in participation, but also gained invaluable information.
Key findings include:
  • 7.84% of the adult population participated in a boating activity in 2007
  • Canoeing remains the most popular individual boating activity, with over one million adults participating
  • Whilst boating participation is still dominated by men, female participation has seen a steady increase
  • Growth in participation was strongest in the 35 - 54 year old age group, although the report still shows that 16 - 34 year olds are the most likely to get involved in boating activities.
  • Apart from the use of personal watercraft, more adults participated in boating activity in the UK than abroad.
    Within the UK the boating time spent is split almost equally between inland and coastal.
The 2007 report also looks at more general leisure activities in and around the water, as well as the boating categories. 
Taking all 21 activities into account it has been calculated that 14.7 million people participate in watersports and leisure activities. This figure demonstrates an increase on 13.8 million in 2006 and 12.9 million in 2005. 
This headline figure represents almost a third of the UK adult population taking part in activities in and around our coasts and inland waterways.
Chief Executive Officer of the British Marine Federation, Rob Stevens said;
"The 2007 Watersports participation study shows just how popular and important to the UK leisure market boating remains.
With upto four million adults going boating and almost a third of all adults taking part in some form of activity in on around the water in 2007, it is important that all those who wish to are given the opportunity to take advantage of the fantastic facilities on offer around the country. 
We hope that participation continues to grow with more and more people interested in taking to the water".
The Watersports and Leisure Participation report for 2007 is now available to download from the BMF website
britishmarine.co.uk

13th March : Portugal Freeride Cancelled!
Hello My Dear Free Riders
Today I'm gone a give you a notice that I wouldn't like to give because, this year we cant organize the Free Ride in Portugal because we get some sponsors but not sufficient amount, even reducing the prize money and reducing the hotels.
As you, probably, now there is a economical crises in Portugal and if the things are not ok, with the cancelled of the Lisboa Dakar get worst.
We have tried everything, we have tried a lot of doors and we get some support but not the money that we need for the event.
We really hope that, on the next year we can came to the tour, we gone start for that today.
Anyway, and in spite of that, we wish that our championship be a great success, as usual.
The Portuguese organization
Luís Centeno Fragoso
Director Municipal de Recursos Humanos
luis.fragoso@cm-lisboa.pt

10th March : Coastguard Issues Warning To Coastal Users.
The Coastguard would like to strongly advise the public to take precautions if they are in a vulnerable coastal area, and heed the advice of the emergency services over the next few days with the severe weather conditions that are forecast by the Met Office.
Gales are forecast all around the coast of the United Kingdom, with winds of storm force 10 to violent storm 11 in some areas.
Spring Tides (High tide levels) and strong winds Pushing seawater towards some locations could result in flooding of low lying coastal areas.
Her Majesty's Coastguard, says:
Due to inclement weather conditions, the Coastguard would advise all mariners and visitors to the coast to be very wary over the next few days. There may be some extremely difficult weather conditions out at sea and on exposed coastlines.
As always, it is important to be aware of the weather, tides and sea conditions prior to making any excursion to the coast or out to sea, and the Coastguard is available 24 hrs a day to provide that information.
Leisure mariners are advised to take notice of the Met Office forecasts and not venture afloat until this bad weather abates.
The public are advised not to go wave watching during these gales, as the sea will become very rough, and affected coastal areas will become very dangerous.
The Environment Agency provides flood warnings online 24 hours a day www.environment-agency.gov.uk and a Flood line telephone number 0845 988 1188, which will provide useful advise for householders, and updated flood information.
www.mcga.gov.uk

4th March : Jetskier Drowned When Trying To Swim Ashore On Lake.
The presiding coroner at an inquest into the death of a 22-year-old man who died following a jet-ski accident on Lough Mask last year, has warned people who go onto the water that a wet suit and buoyancy aid cannot guarantee survival if you are stranded in the water.
The inquest into the death of Mr Patrick O’Hare of Gortmore, Tourmakeady was told that he died from drowning after he got into difficulty on the lake when his jet-ski broke down on May 9 last year. 
He went onto the lake with Mr Shane Mulroe, whose jet-ski also broke down, but he had been able to swim to the shore.
Mr Mulroe told the inquest that both he and Patrick O’Hare arrived at the lake at 8pm. He said his jet-ski started first time but he had to jump-start Mr O’Hare’s before they went onto the water.
He was ten minutes on the water when his jet-ski ‘conked out’. 
He said that Mr O’Hare was 100m further out onto the lake than he was and gave a signal that his engine had also cut out.
Both men got into the water and started to swim to the shore and Mr Mulroe said it took him 30 minutes.
He said he saw Mr O’Hare 150m from the shore and signalled to him and told him he was getting help. He said that Mr O’Hare responded by waving his hands.
Mr Mulroe went to his car and rang Mr Ger Feerick who came to the lake with his jet-ski. 
Mr Mulroe went back to the shore but could not see Mr O’Hare or his jet-ski. Mr Feerick said he found the jet-ski but could not see Mr O’Hare. 
He said he was not a good swimmer.
They did not panic as they thought he might have come ashore on the road but they could not see him when they drove towards Tourmakeady.
They went back towards Gortmore Bay and, at 9.45pm, Mr Feerick’s wife Sephanie called the emergency services. They started to search the shore and were joined by other people but could not find Mr O’Hare.
Garda Brendan McNulty said he got a call at 11pm saying that a person was missing on Lough Mask. He said it was a bad night due to wind and rain.
The Shannon Search and Rescue Helicopter searched the lake until 2am when it had to leave to re-fuel. The Corrib Mask Rescue Boat and locals searched throughout the night and at first light the Sligo-based helicopter joined them.
At 6am on May 10, Mr O’Hare’s body was taken from the lake by helicopter.
Mr Davitt Ward of the coast guard based at Sligo said, at 5.50am, he found the jet-ski on the east side of the lake and the body was 100 yards away, floating face down in the water. 
Mr Ward said that while Mr O’Hare was wearing a wet suit and a buoyancy aid, the wet suit would not protect him against the exposure. He said a dry suit would have been more appropriate and said if a jet-skier carried a flare it would have been easier for a helicopter to pick up.
Dr Fadel Bennani said his examination of the body found that Mr O’Hare had died due to asphyxiation due to drowning.
Mr John O’Dwyer said that Mr O’Hare had taken the necessary safety precautions before going into the water but it showed that a wet suit and a buoyancy did not guarantee a person would be saved from drowning while in the water. 
He said there was no indication that Mr O’Hare had done anything improper while on the lake and he recorded a verdict of accidental death.
He extended his sympathy to the family and friends of Mr O’Hare.
MayoNews.ie

4th March : Bundle Smuggled On Jetski.
By Sophie Borland
A British couple claim they saw a small bundle being smuggled on a jetski and taken out to sea just a few miles from where Madeleine McCann went missing.
The witnesses say that they had been on an early morning swim, about nine hours after the toddler disappeared, when they saw a man in a dark wetsuit the riding the vehicle with a 2ft- to 3ft-long black package on the front.
He then appeared to take the bundle it to a small “official-looking” grey boat moored just off the coast at Salema, six miles up the coast from Praia Da Luz where Madeleine went missing last May.
Despite the fact that the couple reported their sighting to the Ocean Club resort, where the McCann family had been staying, police have not yet investigated the incident or called them in to be interviewed.
The witnesses, who did not want to be named, are from south-west England and were visiting relatives Patrick Matthews, 37, and his wife Eliza, 25, in Salema, near Praia da Luz.
The McCann’s official spokesman Clarence Mitchell said that Kate and Gerry McCann were concerned the Portuguese police had not followed up such a “potentially significant lead”.
Over the past few months several witnesses have come forward claiming to have seen young children bearing striking resemblance to Madeline.
Last month a Dutch student told authorities that she saw Madeleine at a roadside restaurant near Montpellier, France.
Telegraph.co.uk
 
Further Reports:
Maddie Jetski Snatch Riddle DailyRecord.co.uk
Couple Saw Bundle Taken Out To Sea DailyMail.co.uk
British Couple Claim Madeleine McCann Was Smuggled Out Of Portugal On Jetski Mirror.co.uk
Madeleine McCann: A Jetski, A Bag And Terrorist Attacks On Israel Anorak.co.uk

1st March : Surfers Rescued From Sea.
Treacherous weather on the North Cornish coast saw dozens of surfers taking part in a competition plucked from the sea yesterday and brought safely ashore, writes Petra Mann.
RNLI lifeguards on jetskis swiftly hit the water to save surfers after it was feared they could be smashed on to rocks because of high winds.
Thousands of students from across the country were in Newquay for the first surfing competition of the year.
Competitors in the British Student Championships yesterday faced strong winds blowing sideways across Fistral Beach.
The weather was so bad that the women's heat had to be cancelled, although the men's went ahead.
An RNLI spokesman said that three lifeguards had taken it in turns of an hour at a time to go out and bring struggling surfers back to shore.
She said: "Two of our lifeguards kept watch from the shore while one went out on the jetski to rescue the surfers if they got too close to the rocks.
"If they'd hit the rocks, it could have proved fatal. But I'm happy to say no one was injured.
"Unfortunately, the women's heats had to be cancelled for the day because it was too dangerous - hopefully it will go ahead on Saturday.
"And hopefully, the weather conditions will improve for the rest of the event.
"If necessary, the action might have to be transferred to Towan Beach, about 500 yards away from Fistral."
Four hundred students were set to battle it out on the waves yesterday, today and tomorrow in the competition run with the British University Sports Association (BUSA).
Youngsters were hoping to become the top individual student surfers and the top university teams in the first British Surfing Association (BSA) contest of the year.
Last year's event saw 80 men's teams entering.
The eventual winners were the team from Plymouth University, closely followed by Aberdeen and in the women's event, the University of the West of England took first place with Swansea second.
Karen Walton, national director of the BSA, remained upbeat.
She said: "The BUSA championships always have such an awesome atmosphere and it really kicks off the contest year in style. It's an amazing weekend and all of the students really go to town to support their counterparts in the water.
"We're expecting to see some really top surfing this weekend."
thisiscornwall.co.uk

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