World Jet Ski Finals (Tuesday, October 4th, 2016)

We enjoyed the World Jet Ski Finals so much last year that we decided to go check them out again. The event goes on for more then a week. We didn't see any freestyle this year, but really enjoyed all of the different races we saw today.

We were talking with one of the race directors who told us more than 30 countries were being represented at this year's finals.  We tried to listen as they introduced the riders at today's races.  We heard racers being introduced from Canada, Thailand, England, Serbia, Peru, Argentina, Kuwait, Bolivia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Russia, Dubai, Belgium, Korea, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria and of course the good old USA. Many states within the USA were also represented by riders.  

It is hard for us to imagine the planning, costs and effort it must take to get, not only the riders, but all their equipment and support staff to Lake Havasu City!  So again, this event is a really big deal and all the best teams and riders in the world are here!

Part of team Argentina

Team Kuwait cheering on their rider

Look at this racer going around one of the buoys.  Amazing!

After the races, we went down to the pits, and had to take a picture of this trailer for team Kuwait.  First of all, how did they get it here, and secondly, Wow!



As we were leaving Crazy Horse, where the World Jet Ski Finals are held each year, we saw this guy crossing the road.  I didn't wait around to see if it was poisonous or not.

When the races were over, we decided that we weren't ready to go home yet.  So we stayed on the island and went to see what was happening at the channel.  

We just got situated, and here came a bunch of the racers, riding through the channel.  They were heading to an area called Body Beach, where there is a jet ski course set-up on the lake all the time. I can't imagine racing all day, and they heading to the jet ski course when I was done.  They must REALLY like what they do!

We just chilled in the channel for awhile and talked to some of the people who were out enjoying the day.

And after about an hour, the races came back through.  They must have finally gotten enough riding in!

We had a fun day watching some really good racing, and relaxing in the sun in this place we call paradise!

Jet Ski Freestyle World Championships (Friday, October 9th, 2015)

We headed back to the World Jet Ski Finals today because we wanted to see some of the jumping and freestyle classes of riders. It was really hot today, but still definitely worth our time!  The freestyle classes are scored on many different criteria, including complexity of the routine, uniqueness of the stunts, number of consequtive stunts and overall entertainment value.  

This is during warm-ups, that's why you see two competitors at once

A back flip

A one-legged back flip, so cool!

Barrel role!

Another one legged back flip, quite different than the other competitor

You can see this guy spotting his landing

Steve and I were both very impressed with the freestyle riders.  We can't figure out how you try some of these stunts for the first time!! 

Jet Ski World Championships (Wednesday, October 7th, 2015)

The World Jet Ski Championships are an exciting part of fall in Lake Havasu City. They are held at a resort called Crazy Horse on the island side of the London Bridge, for a full week every year. 

Competitors come in from all over the world to compete in many different classes. All the different classes are either with stand-up or sit-down skis.  In general terms the stand-up machines are smaller and lighter weight.  The sit-down machines are much larger and faster in the water.  

Admission to all of the events is free, but you have to park outside of the resort and walk in. They do run a shuttle for anyone who would prefer to ride from the parking area down to the beach. 

Exhibitors come from all over the world as well to demonstrate all of the latest and greatest technologies and products associated with the industry.  There are also plenty of food and drink vendors to keep your tummies full throughout the day.  They definitely aren't cheap but the food is good!

Steve drooling over all of the merchandise the vendors have to offer

And seeing what great new inventions there are

The starting line

And they're off, just their holders left behind!

The flag stand, and a great view of Lake Havasu City in the background

The view back toward the pit area

Spectators are free to roam through the pits and talk to the riders and crews, which gives a very personal feel to the races.  We met a very nice racer from Canada who talked about the rules and the complexities of the skis, and the physical shape the riders have to be in to be competitive, which makes sense since these are the best riders in the world.  He told us that he was coming off of an injury, but since he qualified for the finals he decided to ride.  He didn't expect to do well, but wanted to try.  He ended up coming in second to last in the race we watched that day.  It was really helpful having so much insight as we were watching the races.

This is not a comprehensive list, but some of the countries that we heard being announced for the races we watched this year were:

• Brazil
• Netherlands
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Good ole USA
• Argentina
• Canada
• China
• Japan
• Kuwait
• England/UK
• Germany

Many different states within the United States were also represented, they were from all over the country but there was definitely a large contingency of the Americans that were from the southwest part.

After the races were over for the day, we went up to the announcers booth to talk to them for a minute and see the view from their advantage.  They were very nice and enjoyed the fact that we had interacted with them and cheered on all of the riders all day.