The International Jet Sports Boating Association is the worldwide sanctioning body for personal watercraft competitive racing.
IJSBA is responsible for the rules which 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 California, United States.
IJSBA International Affiliates
IJSBA leadership on international affairs has stimulated global activity. We maintain uniform racing rules worldwide by assisting international affiliate organizations. The IJSBA has members in more than 50 countries worldwide and is the only recognized sanctioning and governing body in more than 43 International Affiliated countries.
The IJSBA’s International Affiliate Membership program has been successful in providing the watercraft industry with “worldwide leverage” and the ability to respond rapidly to both international and national problems. A national personal watercraft association illustrates the old adage “there is strength in numbers.” From fun to safety, the combined efforts of many personal watercraft affiliates, clubs, promoters and racers can accomplish far more than one single person or unit can. By sharing responsibility, members can spread the workload required for organized rides, beach maintenance, and preservation of riding areas among many people. At the same time, an International Affiliate perform a very important function: building a reputable public image for the sport of personal watercraft riding and other related activities.
Currently, there are over 200 clubs and promoters in more than 50 affiliated countries worldwide forming a very powerful network of personal watercraft owners, riders and enthusiasts.
IJSBA Championships and Race Series
Local. An array of more than 500 local competition events worldwide hold out a welcome mat to enthusiasts interested in trying their hand at the racing game. The system of racing classes detailed in the IJSBA Competition Rule Book lets almost anyone “run watcha brung.” These events are valuable to local watercraft activity and businesses in a low-pressure, high excitement setting.
National Championship Races. Next up the competition ladder are the many worldwide National Championships, a number of races which determine both the National Champion and the eligibility for participation at the World Championship. The IJSBA sanctions over 43 National Championships worldwide.
World Finals. The IJSBA World Finals, held every year since 1982 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona U.S.A., is the true focal point on the international calendar. This 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. Racers from around the world make the pilgrimage to Lake Havasu City every October for the opportunity to make their mark on the international stage. Long dominated by American riders because the sport was developed here, the “world” in World Finals is becoming more and more appropriate as the sport blossoms abroad. In 2009, competitors from 36 nations arrived to battle the American elite, with several international riders claiming the World Championship honors.
The increasing prominence of IJSBA affiliate organizations in other countries means a true “World Series” may not be far off. In the meantime, October success at Lake Havasu remains the crown jewel for the world’s personal watercraft racing elite.
IJSBA Racing
Closed Course. A closed course event is a contest of speed and riding ability featuring several competitors negotiating multiple laps of a course approximately 1/2 mile (800mt) consisting of left and/or right hand turns. Closed course events are also held in arenas as well as indoor around the world.
Slalom. A slalom event is a timed event requiring a competitor to negotiate zig-zag right and left hand turns around stationary markers.
Freestyle. Freestyle events are intended to show a rider’s skill and expertise in executing difficult, challenging and creative maneuvers within a set period of time. There is a two minute time limit and the winner is determined by a panel of judges.
Endurance/Offshore. Endurance events are enduro, offshore or ocean-type races from point to point over a long distance which may or may not include required turns and be of more than one lap. Because of their duration, endurance races are capturing the attention of runabout riders.
Drag racing. A drag racing event can be either timed/single-elimination contests or bracket elimination-type events over a predetermined distance, generally 1/8 of a mile.