IJSBA is pleased to share the following news from the first USA Junior Nationals.  This new program explores the idea of adding a new age level to the Junior categories.  We look forward to what we learn from this new program.

Oklahoma City, OK-The IJSBA is pleased to announce the creation of the Youth Ski Elite Class for the inaugural IJSBA Junior National Championship to be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma June 8-10, 2023. The class will be open to eligible, IJSBA approved 16- and 17-year-old riders.  Approval will be granted to athletes who demonstrate an appropriate level of competence, safety, and professionalism.  

The Youth Elite class was created to allow already-proficient young jet ski racing athletes to compete on high-powered machines. These are jet skis used in competition by trained, professional riders, and therefore only young athletes with a demonstrable track record of competence, safety and professionalism will be approved to race in the Youth Ski Elite Class.

Application for approval can be made via email to Justin Smith at justins@waltersbay.com. Applications must include the approval of the responsible adult who is legally authorized to represent the athlete and a list of racing experience sufficient to demonstrate proficiency. Applications can include endorsements from professional racers, promoters, race directors or safety staff with firsthand interactions with the athlete supporting his or her competence. Those providing endorsements will be given the opportunity to assist the selection body in determining eligibility.

The first ever IJSBA Junior National Championship will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the RiverPort, a US Olympic training facility. In addition to the Youth Elite class, Junior racers from age 8-17 will be competing in sport, ski, slalom and runabout classes.