The International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) announced today that Slalom will be a stand-alone World Championship for the 2005 IJSBA World Finals. There will no longer be an Overall Championship award that combines Closed Course and Slalom points.
“Slalom has been a part of the Overall Championship since the beginning of World Finals but times and the level of participation have changed,” said IJSBA Managing Director Biorn Tangeland. “Freestyle even used to be a part of the Overall,” continued Tangeland, “but there has been a change in the type of racer that wants to participate in Slalom. We need to adjust to these changing times in order to grow our sport.”
World Finals Slalom competition will be open to any rider who is a current IJSBA or IJSBA Affiliate member in good standing meeting the 2005 World Finals Competition Guide and age requirements, and riding a watercraft that meets the rules and guidelines of the 2005 IJSBA Rulebook. As an example, a rider must be at least 16 years old to ride a Runabout; whereas if a rider meets the age requirements for the Junior Ski Class, he/she will be able to participate in the Slalom Championship.
There will be three classes - Open Ski, Open Runabout and Junior Ski. Allowed watercraft and engine modifications will be announced by spring 2005. Watercraft that are categorized as 800 Runabout or Sport may run in the Open Runabout class.
