2013 Jet Ski World Finals

It’s that time of year when a few Kiwi’s head over to Lake Havasu in the USA to compete with the best from around the world with the best in the sport.

This year is the 32nd Annual IJSBA World Finals, which is the most venerable and prestigious single personal watercraft event in the world. With an invitation-only policy attracting over 750 of the world’s best personal watercraft racers, the World Finals have been the cornerstone of IJSBA racing. In addition to the races, is the dynamic, innovative and creative free-style action of the Pro Freestyle Competition taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Racers from around the world make the pilgrimage to Lake Havasu City every October for the opportunity to vie for the world champion title on the international stage. Last year, competitors from 36 nations arrived to battle the American elite, with several international riders claiming the World Championship honors.

Havasu Garage

For the last week there has been four kiwis over there practicing and setting up for the big event. Trent Brown and Jason Donnithorne from Christchurch and Tayne Lemon form Auckland. Along side them is Trent and Jason’s mechanic Brad Clarke also from Christchurch. They have been based in Havasu for a week now, and are set for the big week/weekend.

So far there has been a bit of excitement with Brad and Trent testing hard and finding the limits of one of their engines, but after a couple of days is now back in one piece. Tayne Lemons new Yamaha is looking a little bit second hand due to few battle scares from practicing, show that these guys are practicing hard!

All three riders have had a great time practicing at Body Beach with some of the best riders in the world. When I spoke to them they were saying most of the top pole ski riders were there already, but a lot of the big runabout names hadn’t arrived yet.

I cant wait to hear how they all get on and will keep everyone updated here!

UPDATE:

Nearing the end of the week and all is progressing well. Tayne Lemon made 2 days with no crashes, Jason Donnithorne’s race motor is and going well and Trent is training well and looking fast . A few more skis around and some insane fast runabouts. Anyone on a Les Cooke Seadoo centre RXP-X looks fast. Mind blowing fast. Lots more kiwis arriving over the next couple of days.