How to Get Started in Racing

Each year, the IJSBA sanctions more than 750 amateur and pro events worldwide in different types of classes and divisions. IJSBA events also serve to qualify racers to represent their country or region at the IJSBA World Finals held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in October every year.

So you want to race? Usually it is best to contact the nearest Promoter for your area. You can find a complete list of promoters in the United States by clicking here. If you reside outside the United States, you should contact one of our international affiliates - click here for a complete list.

The promoter of affiliate in your area will be able to provide you with information on how to sign up for races, the race schedules and other helpful hints on how to to get started. U.S. residents will then be required to the U.S. supported organization.

If your country is not listed, you may sign up by clicking here.

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 Finals. The IJSBA sanctions over 42 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. Last year, competitors from 36 nations arrived to battle the American elite, with several international riders claiming the World Championship honors.

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.

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.

Indoor and Special Events: IJSBA also sanctions several exciting indoor and special events; normally produced in stadiums or in special locations, such as rivers, 'mega" pools, etc.

IJSBA International Affiliates

IJSBA leadership on international affairs has stimulated global activity. IJSBA 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 45 International Affiliated countries.

Currently, there are over 250 clubs in more than 45 affiliated countries worldwide forming a very powerful network of personal watercraft owners, riders and enthusiasts.

For additional information, please contact us.