Offering practical PWC cruising, tour advice, tips on PWC riding, maintenance, etc

Dressed to Ride

Posted on October 27, 2011

by Craig Nicholson - The Intrepid Cottager

Some riders like riding in nothing more than bathing suit and a PFD. Not me. I rarely ride my Sea-Doo on tour without full body coverage. Exposing my pale flesh to the elements for six consecutive hours or more while zipping along on the water can be downright uncomfortable.

I’ve had my skin look like a boiled lobster, even with sunscreen. I’ve had it desiccated by hot, dry winds and agonized by a thousand pinpricks from driving rain. I’ve even had bruises where some bat-sized insect splattered itself against some part of my anatomy. A good reason to keep my mouth shut while riding!

So just like in the winter, I layer for Sea-Dooing. I go for quick drying under layers (no cotton) like a Sea-Doo technical boardshorts and Pro Rashguard combo. If needed, I add a pair of quick dry long pants and a Sea-Doo Freewave jacket. If the weather gets any worse, I really blew my decision to ride that day, but the Sea-Doo Men’s Team Neoprene Riding jacket can save the day. I got mine big enough to go right over everything else I’m already wearing, including my PFD. Another good choice for superior protection is one of Sea-Doo’s full body wetsuits.

With no windshield or helmet visor to protect my face, I always wear sunglasses or goggles so I can see properly and avoid eye injury. Sea-Doo Vehicle Gloves keep the backs of my hands from frying. A pair of Sea-Doo Booties protects the sensitive skin on the tops of my feet and ankles and keeps feet warm in cold water. Most of the time, I even wear a Sea-Doo cap for scalp protection and to help cut the glare.

Usually I find myself in one of two scenarios. Either I start in the cool of the morning wearing everything I own and take it off as the day warms up. Or if conditions permit, I may start lighter, but always carry another layer with me just in case. With a little planning there’s enough storage space on board to strip down en route or carry extra gear. Worst case, I can bungee something to the passenger seat strap or grab handles if necessary. That way, I’m always dressed to ride. Talk to you next time!

For more information on the Intrepid Cottager: http://www.intrepidcottager.com/

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X-TEAM TUESDAY – PROFILE: JAMES BUSHELL, PRO PWC RACER

Posted on October 25, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

SEA-DOO X-TEAM TUESDAY – October 25, 2011

James Bushell - 2011 Pro World Champion

BIO
NAME: James Bushell
SPORT: PWC Racing
AGE: 27 years old
PORT: Chambridge, UK
FAMILY: Single, empty nest

 

Q Scores are used to measure an athlete’s popularity level at any given moment. It is safe to say that in the world of personal watercraft no one’s Q Rating is as high right now as James Bushell’s. Bushell has had a tremendous year. The plan to turn the fit and model good-looking Brit into the new face of Sea-Doo watercraft performance category began last year when he won the hotly contested Pro Stock World Championship and finished third in the premier Pro Open class.

Seeing his talent and potential on the up rise, BRP brought Bushell over to the states to be the “talent” on the new Sea-Doo RXP-X and the imagery he created can be seen in all of the 2011 marketing images and videos promoting this new model. This was also his opportunity to get some early practice on the new RXP-X T3 hull. That planted the seed in what the Sea-Doo racing minds saw as a potentially stellar year for the talented racer. Bushell left that photo shoot in early spring to go on to win the UK and European Pro Stock and Pro GP Championships before heading back to the United States to compete for a World Championship aboard a secret weapon.

Bushell was teamed with Les Cooke of Australia – unarguably the most renowned Sea-Doo watercraft-racing tuner on the planet – on a special T3 hull equipped watercraft. With Bushell’s early seat time on the new hull and Cooke’s incredible power and handling set-up, confidence was high going into the IJSBA World Finals.  True to Bushell’s low-key, down-to-earth demeanor, he seemed more at ease discussing how he was going to fill the demand for Sea-Doo boats at his UK based Sea-Doo dealership, 158 Performance, than talking about racing the days leading up to the Pro Finals. . .

What did come of the Pro weekend was the icing on the cake, the best-case scenarios, Bushell beating the best PWC racers in the world at their best, but it simply wasn’t enough.  Capping off his professional year with the addition of two of the most prestigious PWC racing championships in the world and a PWC industry Q Score soaring to the moon!

Lets get to know James Bushell a bit better through his own words. .  .

OnBoard - James, where did you grow up and how was your competitive spirit developed?
Bushell – I grew up in Chambridge of the United Kingdom.

OnBoard – What do you do away from the water to stay on the water? What’s your profession?
Bushell – When off the water I try to go to the Gym three-four times a week and I play Squash, mountain Bike a lot and ride Motocross. When not doing sports I am busy at the shop, 158 Performance, we are a BRP Sea-Doo dealer.

James is congratulated by father Steve after winning the Pro Open World Championship

 

OnBoard – James, How were you introduced to watersports?
Bushell – I was first introduced to water sports when my dad bought a Jet Ski X2 when I was four years old. When I was around six he bought me one because I would not let him have a go on it and it all evolved from there.

OnBoard – Since you began competing what are some of your accolades?
Bushell – I have won 20 British Titles and have been Britan’s #1 rider since 2006. I have also won six European titles and six World Titles including the two big ones this year.

OnBoard – James, Where is your favorite PWC race site?
Bushell – My favorite place to race is Lake Havasu (Arizona, USA) because I love the weather, the atmosphere and it is the PWC capital of the world!

Bushell on his Les Cooke tuned Sea-Doo watercraft

OnBoard – What is it about PWC racing that keeps you coming back?

Bushell – I just love racing. I love going down the start grabbing the holeshot at 80 mph; can’t beat that feeling! I also love developing new skis and getting ready for the races both mechanically and physically.

OnBoard – James, where is your favorite non-racing, riding location?
Bushell – My Favorite non-racing riding location is Dubai, I love riding there, and the waters are so good.

Bushell is the new face of Sea-Doo performance

OnBoard – How was your experience being part of the 2012 Sea-Doo Photo shoot and being the face of the RXP-X?

Bushell – Taking part in the Sea-Doo Photo Shoot was great, we had the best time. I was able to get a sneak peek at the new RXP-X and ride it a bit around buoys and in the chop. That helped me get an idea of how different the ride was and how much faster I could go on it.  We were also able to meet some great people and it was a good experience that I hope I can have the opportunity to do again.

OnBoard – What are you racing right now and what are looking forward to?
Bushell – I will be racing the 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X modified Turbo backed by Australia’s Sea-Doo Centre and tuned by Les Cooke and is AWESOME! I can’t wait for the 2012 season, as the new RXP-X will clean up as it did at the World Finals. Cheers!

BRP thanks James Bushell for his time and dedication to the pursuit of PWC racing glory aboard Sea-Doo.  You can follow James on his Facebook page, Facebook/JamesBushell or at 158 Performance

 

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BRP HAS A BIG WEEK AT THE 2011 IJSBA WORLD FINALS

Posted on October 21, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

BRP and Sea-Doo X-TEAM racers stepped up big at the 2011 IJSBA World Finals

BRP WINS BIG AS JAMES BUSHELL MAKES HISTORY WITH DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE NEW SEA-DOO T3 HULL

 

Lake Havasu City, AZ, October 21, 2011 – BRP Sea-Doo watercraft racer, James Bushell claimed two of the most prestigious World Championship titles in all of personal watercraft (PWC) racing winning both the Pro Open and Pro GP classes at the recent IJSBA World Finals.

Bushell’s Sea-Doo Centre backed RXP-X* featuring the all new T3 hull design outclassed fields filled with the biggest names in the sport to collect his double championship. The combination of the Sea-Doo T3 hull, Australia tuner/builder Les Cooke’s abilities to bring the new Sea-Doo RXP-X innovations to the racetrack and Bushell’s skill left no question to onlookers which watercraft was the most dominant on the water and what was in store for the future from Sea-Doo RXP-X watercraft racers.

“James and Les’ efforts showed the world that BRP’s innovations on the new Sea-Doo RXP-X work better than any other design on the race,” said Yves Leduc, vice president – general manager, North America division. “BRP is extremely proud of James Bushell’s double world championship winning performance on the new Sea-Doo T3 hull.”

Bushell, co-owner of the BRP dealership 158 Performance in Stamford of the UK, claimed both Pro Open and Pro GP World titles aboard his Sea-Doo watercraft featuring the new T3 hull design that stands for tight,-turning, T-hull and offers true lean-in handling and tracks straighter in choppy conditions. Riders benefit from this design as they can utilize the power more efficiently in all areas of high performance riding minimizing fatigue, cornering faster and seemingly shortening the racetrack compared to the competition.

“This was the first race for the new Sea-Doo RXP-X T3 hull design and it claimed the world’s most prestigious championship.  This clearly shows that Sea-Doo continues to offer trend-setting products that set us apart from our competitors”, said Chris Dawson, vice-president and general manager of the International division. “The T3 Hull design is an example on how BRP always strive to push the limit and confirm that innovation is part of our DNA.

In addition to Bushell’s spectacular double Pro wins, a total of 12 World Titles were captured by Sea-Doo watercraft racers at this years IJSBA World Finals event. The new 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X watercraft will be available starting in January of 2012 and should you want a more detailed look at the new T3 hull, Ergolock system and stunning flowing facet design, visit the showroom at www.sea-doo.com for more information.

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The “Ultimate” Sea-Doo Trip to the 2011 World Finals

Posted on October 17, 2011

by Kevin - The Ultimate Sea-Doo Fan

It took me about a week but I’ve finally recovered from all the excitement of the Ultimate Sea-Doo Fan Havasu Experience with Sea-Doo where my wife and I attended the IJSBA World Finals and the Ultimate Sea-Doo Owners Ride.  The entire event was an absolute blast and we are super grateful that we were able to attend!  As usual, BRP delivered the VIP treatment and we got to meet and hang out with some amazing people including many important figures in the exciting world of watercraft.

The trip began with the Ultimate Sea-Doo Owners Ride that ran from the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, up the Colorado River, through the Topock Gorge, all the way to Pirate’s Cove near Needles, California.  This was truly an amazing ride that I’ll never forget.  It was incredible to be able to fly across the country and ride a new Sea-Doo RXP-X 260 in a place that I probably never would’ve had a chance to see otherwise.  Experiencing the change of scenery from the ocean and swamps of Florida to the awe-inspiring canyons and pristine waters of the Colorado River was a real treat.  If you ever get the chance to ride this river I definitely recommend making the most of it. Aside from the terrific scenery, the best part of the Owners Ride was definitely the great people who attended it. There were Sea-Doo owners from all across the U.S. and even some international riders on a wide variety of Sea-Doo watercraft.  The ride featured plenty of WOT runs, slower sections for sightseeing, rock diving, and a lunch with several members of Sea-Doo’s marketing team.  It was a ride that had something for everyone and it definitely ranks at the top of my list for all-time favorite group rides.

After the owner’s ride we spent several days watching the World Finals racing action.  It was my first time attending a pro racing event and I was blown away by all of it.  Watching all the racers lined up for the hole-shot at the start of each event was a huge adrenaline rush.  The freestyle events were also very entertaining, especially if you’ve never seen back flips on a PWC. James Bushell won the Pro Runabout Open and GP classes, defeating all the other racers with a new T3 hull, which is big news for Sea-Doo and the watercraft industry.  I have to say, of all the races, my favorite was probably the Sea-Doo Bounty competition.  Pro-racers competed with one another for best lap time on the brand new 2012 RXP-X 260.  Watching pro riders race around the buoy course on the same watercraft model I had rode just a couple days earlier was a very cool experience.

Back on land the World Finals featured a gathering of venders from all the major brand names in the watercraft industry.  “Performance Alley” was the place to be to check out a wide variety of vendor tents and displays.  Sea-Doo had a large display setup right at the entrance to the event site, which showcased several of their 2012 models including the RXP-X 260 and the RXT-X 260.  With the amount of vendors in attendance there were plenty of things to see and plenty of interesting people to meet in between races.

As with the Montreal trip back in July, this was really the trip of a lifetime.  From the races, to the Owners Ride, to the people and company that made it all possible, it was an all-around awesome event.  My wife and I are so grateful for everything that BRP has done for us.  The entire Ultimate Sea-Doo Fan experience has been incredible right from the start.  Thanks BRP!

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Greenhulk.net’s rescheduled MUD BUG PWC Rally is a BIG hit!

Posted on October 15, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

Jerry Gaddis has made it a tradition among PWC musclecraft enthusiasts and touring riders to ink in their vacation for the second weekend of June to attend his Mud Bug PWC Rally in the bayous of Morgan City, Louisiana. Gaddis, the owner of the most popular PWC forum in the world greenhulk.net, had to change his plan this year due to mother nature literally raining on his parade as the entire Mississippi River area endured extreme flooding causing him to postpone his annual PWC gathering.

Not wanting to let the tradition die, Gaddis looked at the calendar and rescheduled his Mud Bug event the week prior to the IJSBA World Finals to make it convenient for those east coasters to stop by on their way to Arizona and stop they did. Below Gaddis gives OnBoard a brief overview of his Mud Bug event.

Our fall Mudbug event was a huge success despite being held so late in the year. Normally we have it during the second weekend of June, but due to high water threats in our region we had to postpone it.  Having it in October actually worked out very well and we may consider moving the event to this time every year.

Our Greenhulk.net Fall Mud Bug event attracted over 100 riders. Everyone had a great time cruising the scenic waterways in the Louisiana bayous. We had a cookout at our waterfront camp Saturday, October 10th and everyone enjoyed the cajun cooking provided by Mr. Jimmy Clement and Mr. Billy Crews. The highlight of the event was having Sea Doo attend and allow all of the attendees to ride their new 2012 watercraft. This was a huge hit and I hope we can do this every year. Everyone is still raving about the new 2012 RXP-X 260 as I heard many people coming off the ski saying they couldn’t wait to put one on order.

Thanks again for taking the time to send the Sea-Doo X-Tour to visit our event and let us ride the new RXP-X. If anyone is interested in learning more about our Mudbug Nationals event you can visit my forum at www.greenhulk.net

Thank you,

Jerry Gaddis

www.greenhulk.net

Here is a highlight video of the Sea-Doo X-TOUR, RXP-X Experience visit to the Greenhulk.net Mud Bug PWC Rally.

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Sea-Doo Fan Questions and Answers – October

Posted on October 6, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

You asked, we answered. Here is the Sea-Doo FAN Q&A for October. Please continue to send us your sea-Doo related questions.

http://youtu.be/g2N8fXfhhR8

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X-TEAM – 2011 IJSBA World Finals Preview

Posted on October 3, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

Top PWC racers from 40 States, 40 countries in Lake Havasu
For 30th celebration of quakysense IJSBA World Finals

Parade of Nations, IJSBA Hall of Fame Induction;
‘Performance Alley–PWC Trade Show’ to be largest ever
As Personal Watercraft racers from around the globe visit
Crazy Horse RV Resort for 13th straight year;
Live video streaming during next weekend’s IJSBA Pro races at www.voiceamerica.tv

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz.—With a lineup featuring the world’s best personal watercraft racers, the 30th quakysense International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals, presented by Monster Energy Drink, McGraw Insurance, Blowsion and BRP, opened Today and continues through Sunday in Lake Havasu City, the only home the prestigious global championship of PWC racing has ever known.
Over 700 entries from nearly 40 U.S. States and 40 nations are expected on Lake Havasu over the next week along with news media covering the showcase event from around the world.
An amazing salute to personal watercraft and the unique sport of pwc racing, the industry’s biggest week will include several distinct championship events. Starting the week will be the Novice and and Masters classes, followed by the Expert and Amateur classes and concluding with the featured 2011 IJSBA Pro and Pro-Am World Finals Thursday through next Sunday.
Known as the PWC capital of the world, the annual racing extravaganza will again be held in Lake Havasu City in the shadow of the original London Bridge on the offshoot waters of the Colorado River. The race site for the 13th consecutive year will be at the purpose-built Aqua Stadium on the grounds of the Crazy Horse RV Campgrounds and Resort.
PWC stars expected to be among the talented field are former IJSBA Pro and Pro-Am World Champions Chris MacClugage of the USA, Nicolas Rius of France, Kevin Reiterer of Austria, Dustin Farthing of the USA, Cory Rarick of Canada, Nadir Benhendi of Dubai, Mike Klippenstein of Canada, Emi Kanamori of Japan, and SEA-DOO X-TEAM RIDERS Kylie Elmers of Australia, Troy Snyder of the USA, James Bushell of England and Sam Harvey of New Zealand.
Also returning to defend their titles from 2010 are France’s Jean Baptiste Botti in Pro Ski Open, UK’s James Bushell in Pro Runabout Stock and England’s Lee Stone in Pro Freestyle.
“Lake Havasu City is honored and privileged to have hosted the quakysense IJSBA World Finals for three decades and this magnificent global event means so much to our community,” said Jim Russell, President of DSM Events of Lake Havasu, co-producers of the event with the IJSBA. “The overall importance of this great event to Lake Havasu City far exceeds the tremendous economic impact it has had for all of these years. It has been a great cultural exchange for all these years and Lake Havasu has been fortunate to be the backdrop for this superlative special event.”
Two of the event highlights will be the annual Parade of Nations ceremony Thursday and the 2011 IJSBA Hall of Fame Induction celebration next Saturday. Lake Havasu City mayor Mark Nexsen is scheduled to participate in both events which will be held at the London Bridge Resort and Convention Center. The Parade of Nations will start at 7 p.m. and the IJSBA Hall of Fame induction is set for 8 p.m.
BRP also returns as one of the main sponsors and with that a host of activities. Sea-Doo will be hosting the X-TEAM racer appreciation dinner at Mudsharks Grill on Tuesday night and the Ultimate Sea-Doo Owners Ride on Thursday with ride up the Colorado River to Pirates Cove Restaurant. Race fans will also be able to test ride the new RXP-X thanks to the Sea-Doo X-TOUR, RXP-X Experience taking place at the race site on Friday and Saturday. Capping the weekend off will be the X-TEAM Bounty Invitational event where the worlds best Sea-Doo racers will compete on the new RXP-X to capture their fastest single lap time for $1000.
This Saturday and Sunday, registration will be held in the upper parking area IJSBA Trailer at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds and registered teams will also begin pit sit up. Registration will continue on Monday along with practice sessions for various classes. Racing gets underway Tuesday.
VoiceAmericaTV.com will also provide live video streaming with the Public Address announcer’s race broadcast of the Pro races next Friday, Saturday at Sunday.
The event offers free admission to the main stadium area and the IJSBA Performance Alley-the World’s largest PWC Industry Trade Show, which features over 60 individual vendors of the leading performance companies for watercraft, side by side and other power sports. BRP will unveil their 2012 models including the 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X. Monster Energy Drink will be on site once again with product sampling and the latest apparel and accessories will be displayed from major manufacturers and aftermarket companies. Pit passes will also be on sale at the gate during the event.
The official website of the quakysense IJSBA World Finals is www.ijsba.com while the official destination website of the CVB is www.golakehavasu.com .

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ULTIMATE SEA-DOO FAN UPDATE – Kevin Wassum goes to Havasu!

Posted on October 1, 2011

by OnBoard Editor

Kevin Wassum has been logging more hours on his Sea-Doo RXT, just waiting for the day his 2012 Sea-Doo RXP-X is delivered, but in the mean time he wanted to give us an update on what his ‘SEA-DOO LIFE’ has been like leading up to his trip to this year’s IJSBA World Finals.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been on several weekend watercraft trips.  We took the Sea-Doos up to Crystal River to explore around the natural springs and interact with some Manatees.  The water lived up to the river’s name and the fresh water springs pump clear 72 degree water into the river year-round.  It’s a very cool place to ride and explore.

We’ve also done a fair bit of island hopping, from Anclote Island all the way down to Egmont Key.  It’s string ray season around Egmont Key and the island is beginning to be surrounded by thousands of swimming sting rays.  Riding alongside large schools of sting rays is a very surreal experience.

Lately it seems like our group rides are continuously growing in number of participants.  Our last outing consisted Sea-Doo personal watercraft and jet boats covering every year from 2004 to 2011.  This last bit of summer has also provided us with quite an array of different weather patterns.  We’ve had some really flat days that have been great for WOT runs and we’ve also had some really windy days that make riding in the surf a real challenge.  Mostly we’ve just been out trying to enjoy what’s left of the warm-water riding season before the ocean temperatures drop.

I’m really looking forward to the Havasu trip next week.  My wife and I have never been out to Arizona so we’re pretty excited to see the sights and scenery during the Sea-Doo Ultimate Owner’s ride up the Colorado River.   I also can’t wait to check out the races!  This will be my first time attending a watercraft race event and I’m very curious to see how it plays out.  I have a feeling that after I watch the World Finals, I’m probably going to get the urge to look into participating in some race events over here on the East Coast.

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