PWC Offshore Riding & Racing Defined

PWC (Watercraft) Offshore Racing & Riding Defined

We hear the term offshore riding and racing used frequently yet many times offshore racing is mischaracterized. Allow us to define it: Offshore PWC Racing involves racing PWC offshore i.e., in the open ocean off the coast where the PWC racer encounters mother nature, her swells, sharks, kelp and cross chop at high rates of speed. True offshore racing does not involve riding in salt water behind a break wall there to offer protection from the elements. Offshore racing and riding involves big waves, chop, tanker wakes, possible fog and big ocean; this is truly offshore riding and racing. Offshore PWC racing attracts a very special breed of racer that has true endurance to race PWC in rough water for long distances. The offshore racer must be able to tolerate a great deal of pain. He/she must be able to endure the potential violence inflicted on the human body that only the open ocean can inflict on man/woman and PWC Machine at a high rate of speed. It usually involves long distances (at least 40 miles) and straight lines that involves some navigation skill.

Currently there is only one true offshore PWC race in the United States every year and that is the Long Beach to Catalina PWC Race. There is a major effort underway to orchestrate other offshore races such as the Dana Point to Avalon PWC Offshore Sprint scheduled for April 5, 2009. But those are it. Do you have what it takes?

Do not be confused, there is only one offshore PWC racing niche and it is just that - off shore in the open ocean between you, your machine and mother nature. Oh how we love it so!

For more information on watercraft / pwc racing go to www.pwcoffshore.com

Steve Friebe Wins The DJSA Endurance Race in Northern Cal in November of 2008

Steve Friebe wins the DJSA Endurance Race in November of 2008 in Northern California. As usual Jim from DJSA Racing put on a great race. We hear nothing but great things about Jim and his ability to put on a great race! Jim's passion for the sport is contagious and has resulted in significant growth in the endurance racing scene in Northern California. For more information on what Jim has going on in Northern California, please check out Diablo Jet Ski Action at www.diablojsa.com Thank you jim!

Steve Friebe sponsored by PWCOFFSHORE and Clawson Motorsports of Fresno California takes no prisoners at the November, 2008 endurance race on the Delta in Northern Cal. The key to Steve's success? Superior prior planning and practice. Steve arrived a day early and ran the course in preparation for the multiple waypoint turns and got to know the course. Not to mention the fact that Steve had his craft pushing 80 mph reliably. Its our opinion that Steve's mechanical ability with the SeaDoo is second to none. Friebe continues to excel in offshore and endurance racing!

Overall, second for the endurance race was Paul Pham of PWCOFFSHORE.com and third went to Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE "Gunz" Racing.

Congratulations Steve Friebe and thanks to Jim from Diablo Jet Ski Action for putting on a great race!

For more information of PWC Racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com

PWCOFFSHORE Announces The Creation Of The PWCOFFSHORE "Gunz" Racing Group

PWCOFFSHORE.com announces the creation of the PWCOFFSHORE Gunz Racing Group. The Gunz Group will augment PWCOFFSHORE's Sponsored Racer's Group that focuses primarily on racing in the professional PWC class. The PWCOFFSHORE Gunz Group will focus primarily on racing and excelling in the Amateur and Sportsman classes of PWC endurance and offshore racing. Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said that "these racers are the future of offshore and endurance racing. Those designated are relatively new to offshore and endurance racing but have differentiated themselves with tremendous passion for the endurance and offshore racing niche and have excelled in the sport. They have represented the sport with class, knowledge and professionalism. We expect them to continue to represent the sport accordingly and assist the club in growing the sport while affiliated with PWCOFFSHORE."

Please join me in welcoming Sean Conner to PWCOFFSHORE.com as our first Gunz Racer! Sean brings great riding ability and a passion for our sport that will fit nicely into our vision for success on the race course and the demeanor to assist in growing our sport! Sean is smart, articulate knows racing and is tenacious on the race course. Sean will have well over 100 years of experience to leverage from the Sponsored Racer Group to assist him in achieving success.
Sean Conner has spent his life on the water. From the time he was 6 months old on the California Delta to traveling the country as Assistant Crew Chief for the Miss Geico Offshore Powerboat Race Team. Sean started riding PWC's in 1998 at the age of 10 and has been hooked ever since. His primary riding grounds are the California Bay Area. Sean is either working or racing. Sean prefers the hardcore nature of offshore PWC racing in big water but also enjoys the technical aspects and requirements of long distance racing such as the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance Race. Sean started with the Miss Geico Offshore Racing Team in 2006 as part of the boat crew. Continuing on through the 2007ʼ and 2008ʼ season, Sean advanced to Assistant Crew Chief. In this capacity, Sean has executed the setup of the Miss Geico offshore race boats for 45 races including two record speed runs resulting in three consecutive National and World Championships. "Two things that Iʼm known for is attention to detail and strategy" says Sean. "Never overlooking the smallest of details, they do make a difference. Double checking every part, piece, nut, bolt, fitting, championships after every run. Paying attention to detail is what wins races and builds championships. I always have a strategy before each race" Says Sean. "Knowing the strong and weak points of both yourself and your competitors are key to capitalizing on situations when they present themselves, winning races is all about preparation and attention to details." Sean's most prized accomplishment in racing is winning the 2008 Offshore World Championship in Key West with the Geico Team.

Sean' Conner's plans for next season:
Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance PWC Race
Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint PWC Race
Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship
6 Race Points Series in Norcal (He wants this championship!)
World Finals Enduro

Sean has owned a Yamaha 1200XLs and currently owns three SeaDoo RXT's

Congratulations Sean Conner!

Personal Watercraft Industry Association Statement on the Final Rule Published for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Berry, 202-777-3524
November 25, 2008 Jennifer Hall, 202-777-3503
PWIA@clsdc.com
Personal Watercraft Industry Association Statement on the Final Rule Published for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
WASHINGTON – The following statement can be attributed to Maureen Healey, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association:
"The great news that Mavericks was added as a new, fifth personal watercraft zone is unfortunately spoiled by the fact that marine sanctuary managers in Central California have, without site-specific science, arbitrarily changed the definition of a personal watercraft to now include boats enjoyed by thousands of families.
"According to NOAA, any motorized craft up to 20 feet in length with jet propulsion is now prohibited from sanctuary waters, with the exception of five designated zones. Because of this misguided rule, many families who own boats in Central California have been punished without cause and now have no place to go boating.
"This new definition of a PWC was implemented despite overwhelming opposition at a series of six public hearings and from local and state governments, and without the recommendation from NOAA’s own Sanctuary Advisory Council. This new PWC rule is the product of the parochial opinions and points of view of a few managers rather than facts and science. This type of unilateral decision making should have no place in our government. In fact, California’s state boating law agency opposed this rule when it was originally proposed by NOAA.
"Modern personal watercraft have evolved into some of the most environmentally friendly motorized boats on the water. In the last decade, emissions have been reduced by up to 90 percent and sound has been reduced by 70 percent. PWC comply with all applicable state and federal emissions and sound requirements. They are boats that should be allowed where other forms of motorized boating is permitted. If individual users are a problem, they should be punished on an individual basis. It’s never good public policy to ban an entire class of vessels because of a few individual boaters. The impact is simply unacceptable and too far reaching."
About PWIA
PWIA represents the four manufacturers of personal watercraft: American Honda Motor Company (makers of AquaTrax®), BRP US, Inc. (makers of Sea-Doo®), Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (makers of JET SKI®) and Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. (makers of WaveRunner®). As a result of remarkable technological advancements, modern personal watercraft are up to 90 percent cleaner and 70 percent quieter than those produced prior to 1998. More information on personal watercraft can be viewed at www.pwia.org.
###

Wingman In The Ocean For PWC Endurance Riding Offshore

You must have a Wingman when you ride in the ocean. Fighter pilots and Marine Corps Infantrymen do not fly or walk into combat missions solo, you should not venture into the ocean solo on a PWC. Wingmen are those men and women in a fighter pilot's formation who assist in accomplishing a mission and watching their wingman's back. With offshore PWC riding, designated Wingmen are those men and women in your group who help you get back to port and to your family in one piece. The process and trusting relationships you build with your Wingmen PWC riders are critical to your success and safety on the water. After riding in the ocean for almost thirteen years, I have seen many close calls that could have resulted in injury or a loss of a rider. There are few places on earth that can be less forgiving than the ocean, especially if you're on an eleven foot PWC and twenty miles at sea. She is majestic, soothing and beautiful but she can also be death, she must be respected. Don't respect her and she will bite, it is only a matter of time. You must be proactive, prepared and vigilant about safety. It goes without saying that you must have the fundamental safety gear, communications equipment, navigation equipment and tow rope etc., but that's a different article. So how does a Wingman apply to riding PWC and how does one implement an effective Wingman process and strategy in the ocean. Here are a few guidelines for your consideration. First, you must identify your wingman before you step off the dock and he/she should acknowledge you as his/her wingman. They should be two man teams. Choose a Wingman that has equivalent riding skill and a watercraft that is similar in speed. You must have a game plan and prepare for either breaking down or losing one another (but don't do that! Stay together!). Don't rush the conversation with him before you step off, yes you're excited to get on the water but ultimately its not a fun day if you don't come home. Have a contingency plan. You are now accountable for one another. You must have a two way radio and have his or her cell number programmed into your fully charged waterproofed cell phone that you carry with you on your craft. You must each have tow ropes, redundancy is key. RULE #1, you never, ever leave your wingman while en route - NEVER! You must stay within a distance that enables you to maintain visibility of him/her and monitor how he is doing. We all have that desire to focus forward, hammer the throttle down and get to our destination. Should you have a wingman and not look back and monitor their progress, you could lose them. Full throttle on a stock contemporary watercraft equates to about 65 mph. Three minutes at full throttle without looking back at your wingman can equate to a mile (s) distance between you and him if your Wingman has had a mechanical and is dead in the water. Rule number 2: Always look back, frequently! Check his progress and don't leave him behind, slow down if necessary. If there is fog, decrease dispersion based on the thickness of the fog or marine layer so you can maintain visibility. So what if you break the rule and inadvertently lose your wingman while en route and can't find him. What do you do? Well, other than being relegated to the dishonorable PWC dungeon of the ultimate sin of leaving him behind, consider stopping and calling him with your lat and long. Always leave a voice mail if he does not pick up. He can then input the lat and long and proceed to your destination via his GPS. Rule #3: Always communicate! Leave voice mails / check voice mails and leave the time you are calling so the Wingman can track how he/she is progressing, inform one another if there is the potential of a developing emergency situation or if she has already arrived at the destination etc. Communicate.

You must be prepared, you must plan, you must have the safety gear, you must have the navigation gear, you must have reliable communications gear. If not, don't ride into the ocean. Ride hard and ride safe, have fun!

M. Gerner. Gerner is the founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com, a site that focuses on offshore and endurance PWC riding and racing

More from Shawn on Northern Cal. Ocean PWC Ban by Shawn Alladio

My reference to due process was not the right to ride a PWC, but the process initiated for 'stakeholders' to have a voice in the process that was equitable and sustainable for future recreational access. The review process result was decided before the process had even begun, and the stakeholders whom attended the meetings, well there was no consensus that was agreed upon in the meetings. There was no tolerance of a PWC being able to access sanctuary waters outside of sensitive MPA zones. And PWC's should not have full access to sensitive zones, nor should any other activity. There was no loophole as stated, so that was given to the public as a 'reason'. There was not a 'single' scientific study conducted in these waters of question that applied to the issue itself. Outdated comments were applied from other waterways that were out of state or not the same environment. The nuclear waste issue, how come there is not a highly visible program project that we view the science and data on it? How can a 10 top threat PWC sit alongside a nuclear waste zone that surely has these 'scientific' studies and evals applied, but nothing for a PWC..that is not equitable in my opinion, and yes I am not a highly educated person, just asking questions that seem plausible to me. Recreational boating is a privilige, not a liberty.Tolerance is a strength of character and requires if not demands leadership qualities in any individual to best be able to have 'understanding'.In terms of anonymity. I put my name to my posts, my reputation and my business. An anonymous post is entertaining but carries no valor or credibility. Like many opponents of truth, these posts are making statements that are once again creating and lending to the myths people who are weak will adopt without asking the 'source'. Creating an 'enemy' is safe because one can project prejudice and feel safe that one is the saviour while the other is the devil. Not true. We are all in the same boat so to say. FACT: I teach lifesaving boating education courses. FACT these posters have not attended a class. FACT: We teach ecology and respect to marine life and have for years. FACT: Our education helps the same concerns that Surfrider and NOAA have. FACT: K38 and its affiliates are PARTNERS not adversaries with Surfrider and NOAA, however statements that are not truthful, yes I and my affiliates will point the FACTS straight. FACT: K38 has given 160 FREE scholarships to towsurfers and others on behalf of lifesaving and boating safety education in California specific to the towsurfing problem. FACT: K38 is a leader if not the source of trying to educate operators on the behavior, which is exactly what this whole ban is really about, not environmental or user conflict issues, of which we are also concerned about. FACT: If a business such as K38 is impacted whereas it is blocked from training/teaching/educating users no matter if they are recreational or occupational, from conducting business, the general safety of our waterways is diminished and yes, liability increases. Who assumes the liability? Anonymous perhaps? As far as making money, that is pretty funny, do you work so you can give your money away on behalf of others and live a life of sacfrice so others benefit from your dedication? LOL That is the 'have not's take from the haves' mentality that creates a very selfish vein of entitlement. K38 probably has done more for the surfing and boating community singlehandley by a middle aged mother and her children than all these anonymous posters, and if any of these 'anonymous' posters would like a free scholarship to see for yourself how evil our educational outreach programs are and the damage they incur to the safety of our public, write me at my private email addy: mhtml:%7B082E423F-6AB0-4AE7-A8C7-9B438E9485AF%7Dmid://00000040/!x-usc:mailto:K38rescue@aol.comI hope the only time I create a wake for you is when I'm coming out to rescue you and save your life or one of our trained students. So you can come home to your loved ones and enjoy your daily walks and encounters with sea otters in the lineup and enjoy surfing for what it truly is, a free gift of the ocean.And it is a shame that people are abusing boating safety, agreed. And it is a shame when you run a red light and get away with it, and it is a shame when there are so many surfers in the lineup that the crowds are creating negative vibes and the parking spaces are limited, its all a shame isn't it? But let's not go there, it's too close to home.It is also a shame that people such as yourself and Surfrider chapters do not volunteer to make a difference and educate those who truly need the help, such as PWC users. It does no good to throw stones without changing the impact of how that stone hits and whom. My invitation: Come to our classes or our association meetings, or to boating clubs and help get the message of accountability and educational needs to the source of contention. Forcing bans on recreational activities funnels problems, it doesn't cure them at all. Not being able to see the reason of fellowship and kindness is what is tearing America apart and allowing organizations to be used as pawns to create the same ridiculous mudslinging our elected officials adopt and we suffer for it. To change the perception, the behaviors and the human issues that are really the crux of this argument. That is what I am trying to do, both by educating the boating public, and other waterway users, at the end of the day we are all brothers and sisters, not enemies.Thank you for all your postings, I respect and value your opinions and time and I wish you all the best in your lives and livelihoods. Thank you for allowing me to participate. Much appreciated.Shawn AlladioK38 Water Safety
================================
From the blogger - protect your right to ride PWC, join the AWA

For more information of PWC endurance and PWC Offshore Racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com

Shawn Alladio Speaks Out On Recent PWC Ban in Northern Cal Coast

This is not a victory, it is a sham(e). Will Surfrider address the nuclear dump zones in our Sanctuary waters? A convenient truth often ignored, instead Surfrider agrees that a PWC poses a greater threat than nuclear waste? What is the consensus and backroom deal on this one folks? This is something that should be demanded from your organization and its board of directors in good faith of water quality and safety. The founding fathers of Surfrider would never stand for this kind of organizational behavior. What happened to Surfrider?Surfrider has been duped into NOAA 'personalized' attack against a specific recreational activity that has absolutely nothing to do with management of sanctuary resources! PWC designs are well above strict federal environmental regulations, and NOAA and Surfrider are both aware of this. Surfrider didn't bother to look at both sides of the issue without prejudice and bias. There was never a loophole as stated. When biased statements like this are published and adopted from language given by NOAA, groups and citizens are condemned and judged and the weakness of American's not following through on their own volition for truth and accountability. Socialist countries behave in this manner, this is un American. We end up less than informed, a complete injustice to honor and integrity, and our children lose privileges and rights that will probably never be given back. Less government involvement in our lives leads to a better quality of life! Has the Surfrider membership learned nothing about bureaucracy? Citizen's taxes that would be better spent on making people's lives better, helping our infrastructure, and enhancing our enjoyment and stewardship of our Pacific Ocean and Mother Earth. Education, safety and enforcement policies already existed, we do not need another layer of government managing our lives for us!Too bad Surfrider didn't study current boating laws and regulations and support our taxpayers in good stewardship and honor in endorsing the boating officers of California who do care about public safety and recreation, regardless of the activity chosen. Laws existed that addressed the concerns of recreational behavior, NOAA never engaged in partnership with California boating organizations, they partnered instead with environmental groups who have no stakeholding in recreational boating. Take an honest look at surfing and it's impact. I follow a motion for surfing wax, neoprene, surfboard construction, footpaths and trespassing on private property, trash/litter, parking zones, traffic, aggressive abuse of surfers in the lineup, urination, and basically the negative aspects of human impact created by the surfing community to be addressed and evaluated in these same zones. Let's see who really creates more negative impact and accountability. Sounds uncomfortable doesn't it, but it could be a surfers worst nightmare, would Surfrider then support surfers or NOAA? Don't think it can't happen to you.It would be nice if Surfrider and NOAA would finally provide/'produce their scientific data that has never been presented to the 'stakeholders'. Those who participated in the 'stakeholder' process are all in agreement it was not a democratic and open process that enabled recreational activities to benefit, but to lose. All data given in good faith was catalogued and used against the stakeholders not just boaters, but all stakeholders. It would also be nice to see the financial report on how much this process from inception to date and into the future management of this review and enforcement will cost taxpayers? Where are those real numbers? How many millions of dollars have been spent from the beginning and in perpetuity to regulate a recreational boating activity, rather than focus on real world environmental concerns, instead of operator behavior of a vessel. And how many PWC's would this include versus surfers? Any Surfrider member with intelligence could simply look at the 10 ten threats to the Sanctuary resources and sensibility would say a Personal Watercraft definitely does not fit the category of a top 'threat'. Isn't Surfrider supposed to be concerned about the near shore water quality for surfers? What would that exact threat be?Perhaps it is time to lobby using the ATLAS study against paddle in surfing in sanctuary waters and elsewhere, you never know how much impact is damaging resources, perhaps we could solicit a scientific study from NOAA to research any probability. And Surfrider members could fund it in good faith.Claiming one precedent as a victory can affect many other users groups, we are not protected from the water grab that is taking the entire western coastline of the United States. I fear for the future of my children and their access rights to recreational pursuits, if this is a victory, I am ashamed of the weakness in America. A chronic dysfunction of our generation lies in not participating and holding our government accountable for the stewardship we entrusted in them on our behalf.Surfrider is just another pawn of those in power who will add such groups in favor or their goals as 'partners'. I do not see any recreational partners that are equal in stature and presence. "Stakeholders have been burned at the stake." Who will be the privileged surfers who are granted the right to towsurf at Mavericks? Since when did Surfrider and NOAA manage recreational surfing as part of their charter? This is a sad day in the State of California for surfers, state boating resources and other recreationalists. Will surfing itself be targeted next? Surfrider has good programs in effect, but Surfrider is given a grade 'F' for failure on this one folks.What a disgrace to justice and the right to due process, it is a direct violation of our Constitutional 3rd Amendment. This is not a victory, it is a shameless water grab using environmental concerns as an excuse.Shawn AlladioK38 Water Safetywww.TheLivesYouSave.com
__________________'The Life You Save May Be Your Own'http://www.K38WaterSafety.com

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHT TO RIDE IN THE OCEAN? JOIN THE AWA!

April 5, 2009 - Dana Point to Avalon 37 Mile Sprint PWC Race

Gentlemen, Ladies, I regularly receive emails from people saying we need more than one offshore race per year. I agree! The latest email came from a good friend of mine that rides a red and white RXT ;-] I am working with a promoter (I AM NOT THE PROMOTER) to attempt to put on an offshore race from Dana Point Ca. to Catalina Island's Avalon called 'The Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint" Dana Point Harbor: http://www.danapointharbor.com/Link to Dana Point (Orange County, Ca): http://www.danapoint.org/Map /Picture: http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS277US277&q=dana+point+harbor&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=titleLink to Catalina Island: http://www.catalina.com/main.htmlHere is what it will likely look like (all of this is subject to change):1. Sunday April 5 20092. Start at Dana Point at 8 am3. Sprint across the channel approx. 37 miles one way. 4. First one to Avalon wins. It is a one way race (craft can not make it there and back on one tank)5. The Race is over at Avalon. The racer goes into Avalon, refuels at the Avalon fuel dock. All racers shall have a "buddy" wingman for the RETURN ride back (not for the race out - the race to Avalon is a race), wingman will be another racer that you can meet up with after you get to Avalon (no compromises, you will stay with your buddy for the return trip back from Avalon - the return trip is not a race) - racer and his/her buddy will return together across the channel at a safe pace.6. Awards given at 1 pm7. Similar classes as the LB2CAT8. Cost: Approx. 225.00 to 250.00 (must cover permits, fees and insurance) 9. Should we have a minimum of 30 entries on race day, the overall race winner will be awarded his or her entry fee back after the race is completed.10. This will be an APBA sanctioned race. If we can get a solid commitment from 30 racers - a solid commitment - by January 15, 2009, then we should be able to have this race. If you are willing to commit to the race, please respond to this post or send an email to mhtml:%7B082E423F-6AB0-4AE7-A8C7-9B438E9485AF%7Dmid://00000021/!x-usc:mailto:pwc@pwcoffshore.com and state your intent to do the race. Do not commit unless you are 99.99% committed to do so. It is a lot of work to get these races organized and insured, please don't commit unless you're going to be there. All of the above is subject to change. Again, I am not the promoter however I am working with a promoter as a racer rep to make this happen. Lets grow the offshore niche!

As of 11/16/2008 - Committed / Entry List: 1. Mark G Kawi ULTRA250X 2. John Smith SeaDoo RXT 3. John Belton Kawi ULTRA250X4. Dave "Pirate" Tew Polaris Matrix5. Robert Carreon Kawi ULTRA250X6. Pat Roque SeaDoo RXP7. Craig Warner Kawi ULTRA250X8. Ralph Perez Kawi ULTRA250X9. Sean Conner SeaDoo RXT 10. Jim Walker DeaDoo RXP __________________

2009 Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile PWC Race Poster

Entry forms for the Feb, 2009 Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance PWC Race Available on http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

Jeremy Hoyland, Search Continues (From IJSBA)

From the IJSBA:

Jeremy Hoyland Update- Searching is Continued
October 28, 2008

This is the flyer being distributed to the fisherman and the oceanic villages in the efforts to find Jeremy. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone who you think may be of help.

This update comes on October 28, 1:30 PM local time in Bali. After numerous meetings and interviews with police and other officials, the authorities have agreed that there is good cause to continue the searching for missing official, Jeremy Hoyland.
Interviews with the technical officials of the Jet Ski portion of the Asia Beach Games led the authorities to conclude that the circumstances under which Jeremy went missing along with Jeremy’s ability to survive against the odds were substantial factors in extending the search efforts.
The PWC community would like to specifically thank the Bali Police especially the Chief of Police, the IJSBA, Fully Aswar, the Chief of the Navy, the Search and Rescue division of the Navy, the battleship commanders who allocated their time, the helicopter force and the private helicopter entities that joined, the capital of Jakarta for sending resources, the Army, Shawn Alladio and the extended K 38 Staff, and all of the private persons such as the local fishing community.
We appreciate that you are all doing everything possible to find our friend. We also would like to extend our appreciation to all of the friends and supporters that have offered their support, well wishes and resources towards this search effort.
As of today, oceanic searches are continuing and extensive land searches are now launching. The IJSBA remains hopeful and we will update all of you with any information when it becomes available. We appreciate that all of you have kept the focus on supporting Jeremy and the search efforts.

Lets keep Jeremy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

On Safety by John Belton

John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE speaks off the cuff on PWC safety, an interesting perspective (picture of Belton on 10/26/2008 on the backside of Catalina Island)

"I have been hedging for years if should get an EPIRB or not. This letter has just pushed me to get one. You know one thing you touched on, which I would like to elaborate some more on is Seamanship. And just what is that? Good seamanship starts at the Ramp or in the garage, it plays a role when you are washing your craft down. When I am washing my pwc off, It is not just for cleaning purposes; I am also looking for things that might be wrong. Loose wires, hose clamps, nuts bolts, etc. When I am done cleaning my boat, I remove every drop of water out of the bilge area. The bilge area is the lowest point in the hull so likely any loose "parts" will find their way there. If I find a broken zip tie down there, I find out where that zip tie came from! Alot of people treat their pwc's like they are "dirt bikes on the water". Nothing could be further from the truth. Alot of accidents at sea can be prevented by keeping the pwc as mechanically "ship shape" as possible. Of course there will be some breakdowns here and there; a pwc has alot of moving parts so some mechanical misshaps will happen. But if thru good Seamanship some of those can be prevented, I think that's a good thing."

SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST, Never ride in the ocean unless you are prepared.

LB2CAT Training Ride, 10/26/2008

Top Picture is Jim Walker. Picture to right is Cheng Leu and Kim Bushong

SUBJECT: LB2CAT Training Ride 10/26/08 by Ralph Perez (Guest writer) This morning at 0’dark thirty I wake up to the fog horn that sounds like its right outside my window. Normally for me I don’t mind fog except that today is the much anticipated LB2CAT training ride called by non other than “Famous Friebe”. If you own a Seadoo and you ride WOT or have recently raced you know who this is – if you don’t, he is the guy that can coax the maximum mph’s out of your Seadoo.If you haven’t yet gotten a copy of the video – 2008 LB2CAT Race – visit www.pwcoffshore.com the footage of the now famous Mark Gerner riding #58 SeaDoo built up by Famous Friebe is reason enough for purchasing a copy. The other reason for getting a copy is to remind you of why you bought that ski in the first place. So why not come join the rest of us for a “fun ride” next time; to the island and back.Yesterday the wife and I helped some friends move a 40’ sailboat from San Pedro to its new slip in Long Beach. The sea was like pond water all morning. By 6:30 p.m. that evening the San Pedro Channel (waters between the mainland and Catalina Island) was covered in fog with Catalina Island totally exposed. This made for a great picture as they were all low lying clouds with clear skies. It was no surprise what this morning would be like for me.As you may recall, my ’08 Ultra 250X broke down on me last Sunday as I was leaving Two Harbors, Catalina Island while riding with John Belton. Some electrical issue is all I know at this point.When I left my house this morning the visibility was about one mile. As I approached the last bridge into Long Beach from San Pedro the visibility kept dropping until I pulled up to the launch ramp. In no time flat I counted fifteen PWC riders that showed up for this mornings ride.Most had made the early morning journey all the way from Fresno, California to do this ride. Fog or no fog everyone was itching to get going. By 0830 all riders were in the water and heading towards the Queen Mary.I was pulling up the rear as Jim had outfitted me with one of his handy dandy camera cams so I could record the ride. I got some great footage of the riders heading into the fog; the Queen Mary and then some more riders (how could they see) and fog.Unfortunately, the great footage of the dolphins and the sun breaking through about 5-6 miles out did not make it. Seems the SeaDoo also likes to go fast and in no time flat the RAM suction mount holding the digital camera fly’s up in the air; the length of its cord and directly back at me, possibly bouncing off my helmet before it comes back down at full force right on top of my $400.00 Garmin 76CX; splitting the screen wide open.A short while later (9 miles from Avalon) to be exact; my assigned “Wing Man” Kim Bushong looked like he was dead in the water; and so I return to him. He quickly tells me he is taking on water fast! Dejavu I say. Maybe there is a Catalina Triangle and we are dead smack in the middle of it; come to think of it I haven’t seen the other 14 riders since we entered the fog bank.Bermuda doesn’t have to be the only place with these kind of weird waters. Seems I recall that according to her book Weird Michigan; author Linda S. Godfrey believes there is also a Michigan Triangle located over central Lake Michigan and now I’m starting to think there is one out here too. Right over there I tell Kim, four miles up the road; that’s where my Ultra started taking on water and where I was starting to sink.Could it be human error? Not on this occasion; it turns out it was just a disconnected engine cooling line (lower bottom – by the supercharger belt) only we didn’t find this out until we got back to the launch ramp. That was a 19.8 mile tow according to my broken but, still visible Garmin screen.Just call me SeaTowDoo from now on. I towed Kim at 25 mph with him riding on the back of my ski. Maybe this will make a good retirement job. I’ll sell tow service just for PWC’s. Only I know there are only a handful of you that ride anymore than two or three times a year so I won’t be making much money. Thanks to my previous breakdown (read Almost Sunk my Ultra 250X article) I purchased a new 100’ of (5/8) poly pro line and cut it in half. 50’ went to the my GTX and 50’ went to my Ultra.So you’re interested in joining this little group on a future ride to the island I’ve set up a FAQ (pronounced FAK) or list of "frequently-asked questions" (and answers) for you that may help. So here goes. (stolen and changed from my earlier Key West Ride Article)Q: How much experience do I need to ride to Catalina Island?A: Experience is how we avoid mistakes. Mistakes are how we gain experience. Does this answer your question? If not, we will just call it a “learning experience”.Q: How dangerous is it to venture out to Catalina Island?A: Why it’s like filing your taxes which you will soon be doing; and as dangerous as only you decide to make it. Show up with no GPS, cell phone, VHF radio or do not wear a wet suit – man now that’s dangerous.Q: What about the Bermuda Triangle – I read that ships magically disappear?A: Don’t worry about it we’ve got our own. The main reason for so many mysterious happenings is due to the San Pedro Channel being at its strongest, and wickedest, as it flows through this so-called triangle. Toss into the mix of Santa Ana’s, Catalina Express, tugs, supertankers, inebriation, carelessness, waterspouts, rogue waves and it’s a wonder any of us ever make it back alive.Q: I only ride my PWC on a lake – will I get seasick and is there a cure for seasickness?A: Yeah. Go sit on the shady side of the Queen Mary and wave at the Catalina Express as it goes by.Q: What should I do if a shark attacks?A: Ride like hell. Remember, they usually only attack the boat that is sinking.Q: Shouldn’t you be worried about pirates when offshore?A: That was earlier this year. Buccaneer Days. There are modern day pirates in some parts of the globe, but not with any frequency in these parts. You face a far more chance of being abducted in Belmont Shores than offshore on your ski.Q: What happens if I lose sight of land and get lost?A: In the rare event that every one of our GPS’s fails, or that a flying camera comes crashing down on your GPS and breaks it (hey, this really did happen) just head northward but don’t do what Columbus did.A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner. - English proverbSee you on the water!Trawlercat is a USCG licensed Captain and former boating instructor.__________________ By TrawlerCat AKA Ralph Perez

IJSBA 2008 World Finals Results (Closed Course)

10/12/2008: American Craig Warner of Kawasaki wins the 2008 PROAM (Closed Course) IJSBA World Championship in Lake Havasu City, AZ for the second year in a row!

Franky Zappata of France wins the GP (Closed Course) IJSBA World Championship.

Once again, Shawn Alladio and K38 Safety engages in flawless execution of safety management on the course at World Finals.

2008 Long Beach To Catalina and Back APBA Offshore PWC National Championship DVD

For more infomration on PWC Offshore and endurance racing, click on http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

PRESS RELEASE
October 4, 2008
From: PWCOFFSHORE.com: The Core Website for PWCOffshore Endurance Team Racers, Catalina and Offshore Riders from around the World!

PWCOFFSHORE.com is pleased to announce the release of the 2008 APBA Long Beach to Catalina & Back PWC Offshore National Championship Race DVD on Friday October 10, 2008. The DVD will be made available for sale via PWCOFFSHORE.com. Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com stated "Working closely with IBall Productions, PWCOFFSHORE has generated some of the finest PWC offshore endurance racing footage we've seen to date. The heavy sea-state, speed of the watercraft combined with the intensity of many of the racers resulted in some truly awesome footage. This includes footage of a PROAM1 racer doing a get-off at well over 70 mph which is an amazing thing to watch on a big-screen." The promoter of the event Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises stated that "If you couldn't have been there to watch the race, having the vantage point from the helicopter is absolutely the next best thing, probably even better! I am excited about the growth of the LB2CAT PWC event and look forward to the races that will follow in the years to come. We thank PWCOFFSHORE for using the DVD as a platform to show this truly epic PWC offshore endurance race to the rest of the world."

PWCOFFSHORE wishes to thank the following DVD Sponsors for their support. The DVD would not have happened without these sponsor's support and we are all truly grateful to: PWCOFFSHORE.com, NOBLE Racing, GreenHulk.net PWC Performance Forums, 4-tecperformance.com, Rude Performance, St Pete Rental Properties, JetTrendz and David Walker, Florida Team Moto Racing and Skip Holmes, R&D Racing Products, Clawson Motorsports, Steve Friebe, Vanick Racing

PWCOFFSHORE also wishes to thank Kevin Shaw of Personal Watercraft Illustrated (PWI) and Jason Johnson of WatercraftWorld Magazine for their great coverage and support of the event!

Enjoy the DVD!

PWCOFFSHORE

You will also find an interview with Craig Warner, the 2008 APBA PWC Offshore National Champion on the DVD. Craig Warner provides feedback on how he trains for offshore racing and he addresses recommenations for new offshore racers considering racing in the offshore niche.

www.pwcoffshore.com

Steve Friebe of PWCOFFSHORE finishes in top ten at 2008 Florida Offshore Challenge

PROAM1 Racer Steve Friebe of PWCOFFSHORE.com finishes in the top ten at the 2008 Florida Offshore Challenge Race in August in Pompona Beach, Fl. Friebe was able to do so even after a craft propelled his craft into another boat resulting in Steve temporarily losing his craft. Friebe, riding his extremely fast SeaDoo RXP prevailed and returned to finish in the top ten. Congratulations Steve Friebe!

Overall Results: 1. KIRT DIVINE 1092. CURTIS REINBURG 1163. TYLER WHITE 9 4. MIKE YOUNTS 8005. RASHAD GOFF 1176. JEREMY SCHANDELMAYER 387. ERIC LAGOPOULOS 118. KEVIN GLEIZES 179. STEVE FRIEBE 310. PAUL PHAM 9911. CHENG LEU 18812. JEFF DYCKOWSKI 813 ALEX MORGAN 2114. HONEY GEE 3915. DARRYL SCHILLER 13516. DOUG SILVERSTIEN 5 17. JOE JOHNSON 19118. DOMINICK BARILLA 419. MARK MAGGERT 1020. KELLY BRYANT 31521. GERRY HAM 3422. ROSS NIEMOELLER 4023. VANCE RAMGEET 1624. RYAN SPEHN 1825. LEE PHAN DNF 8826. NICK VANIS DNF 127. ANDY WISE DNF 128. GEORGE SMITH DNF 1429. KELSEY COOPER DNF 32430. PAT ROQUE DNF 8131. DAVID WALKER DNF 1RIDERS UNACOUNTED FOR (NOT SCORED)TONY KWOLEK 261JOSH CERNY 111DOUG NEYER 7ERIC BROWN 300

PWC Reliability Critical to Offshore Riding and Racing

(Picture of Aaron Cress who advises the racers of PWCOFFSHORE.com regarding reliability and speed modifications for the Kawasaki ULTRA250X)

The reliability of offshore PWC is critical to success in offshore PWC training and racing. Endurance riding and racing denotes long periods of full throttle operation. You will be challenged to find a more demanding environment for PWC than the ocean and the importance of a quality, honest mechanic is crucial to your success. if you're racing then you are pushing the mechanical envelope of your craft and the importance of who is keeping your craft up to speed is paramount. Be selective regarding who you engage to maintain and repair your craft. You will find many mechanics are good with a specific brand but great with another and understands the idiosyncrasies on your brand and year model. Find that mechanic that is best for your brand of PWC and drive long distances to his/her shop if necessary. Do the research, it is well worth it and will serve you well.

The PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers is a group of elite offshore racers that truly push the envelope in the open ocean waters and in the rough on a very regular basis. This type of PWC operation silhouettes the mechanical prowess of their craft every time they ride. This group of riders has a number of different watercraft that they engage based on the day's sea state (size of wave and chop they will encounter). Yes, they have the completely tweaked out modified 80 mph craft that rocket across the water, but you might be surprised to know that a number of their rough water watercraft maintain the majority of their engine parts in stock form. Why? There is a point of diminishing return when it comes to modifications and reliability (yes I know, we could debate this issue for hours). Specifically, if you're pushing the envelope offshore in the 5 foot rough stuff, your average speed is likely to be between 55 and 60 mph. Why potentially compromise the reliability of the craft by significantly modifying the engine away from stock if you're not able to use all of that modified 300 hp when stock will suffice? (Food for thought, the 2008 LB2CAT rough conditions/sea state winning race time had an average speed of just less than 60 mph, even thought we estimate that the winning craft have the capability of a top speed of 75 mph). You will find the racers of PWCOFFSHORE.com regularly maintaining their craft and obsessively going above and beyond to ensure that their craft is reliable and fast every time they hit the water to complete their regular 60 mile round trip Long Beach to Catalina and back offshore training rides. As of September of 2008, all of them ride either Kawasaki or SeaDoo watercraft. For the SeaDoo in the Western United States, the group seeks guidance from Steve Friebe of Clawson Motorsports in Fresno California to keep their craft in good running order. For the Kawasaki ULTRA250X, they seek technical assistance from Aaron Cress of Dana Point Jetski.

Do your homework and seek out the best mechanic out there for your watercraft!

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for more detailed information regarding offshore PWC maintenance

Mark Hahn 300 Mile PWC Race Record Holders Steve Friebe and Matt Legerski

The Mark Hahn Memorial 300 mile PWC Race is held in Lake Havasu, AZ in February. This is a great test of man/woman, machine, willpower and the human spirit. The race can be a two person team or if you really want to take on a challenge, you can Iron Man it which means race the 300 miles solo. The next race is scheduled for February of 2009. So who has raced the 300 miles faster than anybody else? PRoAM1 Racer Steve Friebe of Clawson Motorsports & PWCOFFSHORE.com and Matt Legerski are the current record holders with a time of 4 hours and 50 minutes. The record time was achieved in the 2006 Mark Hahn Race. A lot must go right to achieve this caliber of performance; physical endurance, a skilled racer, the correct PWC setup, a reliable but still very fast watercraft and of course an extremely efficient pit crew and refueling strategy. Congratulations Steve Friebe and Matt Legerski!

Entry forms for the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Memorial PWC Race can be found here:
http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Mark_Hahn_Race.html
We hope to see you there!

2008 LB2CAT DVD "Tech-Tips"

Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing does a number of "Tech-tip" segments to be included in the 2008 LB2CAT DVD. Those segments will be quick overviews of 1) GPS navigation required to cross the channel from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island 2) Offshore PWC setup 3) The necessary safety gear required to be prepared for all contingencies while crossing the rather unpredictable channel to Catalina Island. Mark has crossed the channel in excess of 150 times with some of the most experienced offshore racers and riders the offshore niche has to offer. That experience has resulted in many "lessons learned" that he is always willing to share with those interested in crossing the channel safely - and if racing, as fast as possible!

For those that are new to the sport, he highly recommends taking a comprehensive boating safety course through an authority such as the US Coast Guard or K38 Water Safety prior to riding in the ocean.

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

Billy Womack of Southern California inducted into the PWCOFFSHORE Hall of Fame

PWCOFFSHORE ENDURANCE AND OFFSHORE RACING HALL OF FAME:
The racers selected to the PWCOFFSHORE Endurance and Offshore Racing Hall of Fame have been selected for their contribution to our sport and overall impact they have had on the offshore and endurance racing community and sport as a whole. These racers are truly the elite of the elite.

At this point, there is only one worthy of the honor, and you guessed it: He is 4-time Offshore National Champion Mr. Billy Womack.

PWCOFFSHORE Hall of Fame Member #1: Billy Womack, PWCOFFSHORE HALL OF FAME

Billy Womack inducted in front of his peers in Long Beach, Ca in July of 2008, congratulations Mr Womack!

Click here for the rest of the story: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Hall_of_Fame.html

Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers is the first lady to cross the line at 2008 Long Beach to Catalina PWC Race

(Photo by Dave Santos)

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing for being the first woman to cross the line at the 2008 Long Beach to Catalina and back APBA PWC Offshore National Championship Race and 10th overall in the PROAM1 Class! A veteran of years of racing and founder of the K38 Water Safety Group http://www.k38watersafety.com/ , Shawn continues to excel and set the standard for women in offshore racing. Shawn was the first woman to cross the line in rough conditions with the smallest hull (Kawasaki 15F) vs. the competition that was on the significantly larger Kawasaki's and Yamahas. No small feat in the rough. Shawn seems to be able to do it all; mother, business owner/operator, talented writer, she can do it all. And oh by the way, prior to engaging in the grueling 58 mile offshore endurance race, she took a red eye from a teaching engagement and had no sleep the night before the race. All of this executed with the standard Alladio all encompassing and pervasive positive mental attitude with tenacious racing on the course. Intestinal fortitude.................

Check out Shawn's site at http://www.shawnalladio.com/

Want to learn more about the Long Beach to Catalina and Back PWC Race? Go to www.pwcoffshore.com

September 2008 San Diego Thunderboat Regatta

PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racer #77 Pat Roque takes 1st in the San Diego Thunderboat Regatta, 2nd goes to PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racer Robert Carreon, #21.

Wide Open Water, By Ms. Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety

WIDE OPEN WATER

Sunday September 21, 2008My phone rings. Mark Gerner called to remind me 'bring a ten dollar bill, the ATM machine is broken'. My rig is ready, everything packed, went to Home Depot with my girls and bought grass seed and topsoil to finish setting off the back yard, and a bird bad earlier that morning. To shake off some time we stopped in at Barnes and Noble. I wanted to pick up a War book to read on recent events in Iraq. Shaniah picked out a book on Fairies, and we all got a hot drink and cake. I was anticipating the interview today, and hoping my PWCoffshore.com teammate would want to do a fast little Klip afterwards?I arrive at the Queensway boat ramp in Long Beach. Mark and the film crew are finishing up. It's my turn to spin the reel a little. Mark runs off a bevy of quick questions and bingo, we are done. I ask Mark, 'you feel like going out for a 10 mile jaunt". He enthusiastically responds 'yeah I do'. My elation hits my face immediately. I get to launch and ride! Before I left, my daughter Kyla said 'Mom you should go for a ride'. With her vote of confidence I feel steeled for a good time on the water.We get our gear ready independently, both on the launch, years of launches and anticipated rides, we move like a machine. Mark is a man with a mindset to match any Devil Dog on lead. I admire him for that quick warrior instinct and integrity that is bred, not assumed. I can look over at him, nod and we're 'good to go'. Simple as that.It doesn't hurt to have a big brother watching your backside, all strings attached. His bride Christina is in spirit with us as we ping the start button. Mark says, 'I have about 25 miles of gas in the ski, you want to go to Catalina?'I stare at him. Catalina! Hell yeah I want to go to Catalina, I respond 'sure let's go'. My interior is getting jumpy, I got an invite to ride Shawn style with our own little Recon on the Pacific. He asks me 'do you have GPS?' "No, 2 radios and a cell phone". He nods. Affirmed, we'll go.Marks says, "I'll refuel in Catalina'. I start breathing to relax and steady myself for the run ahead. I love this. I am so happy at this moment, I didn't think Catalina would be part of this day. Riding with a person you trust makes these serendipitous opportunities grander. The world seems a very big place and I get to run with one of the big boys. Mark holds his Kawasaki Ultra 250 to a 5mph pace till we hit the perimeter buoys. On our right is the Queen Mary, silent and cold, grieving in her berth. Ahead of us looms a dull gray horizon and the Pacific Blue, wide open outside Angels Gate. To the South is Long Beach with tall cold buildings. The water is slightly textured inside the harbor, boaters meander in all directions, crossing wakes.He looks over at me and his helmet does the familiar 'dip', the ok sign is hailed and returned and off we go. His Ultra is sweet, it moves into the criss crossed water and loves it. My F-15 Kawasaki lands hard and loves it, because I'm in step with her dance.My swim fins are clipped on my belt, OTB boots laced and dug into the Hydro Turf mats. My Force 6 lifejacket is ready to assume any chest impact with the helm station and my Aquapac holds my cell phone on my left bicep. I'm wearing a one Mil wetsuit with no top. The LB2CAT race I got overheated and sick, this time I want to run WOT (wide open throttle) and not think twice about body function.We move in unison, Mark hits ahead then slows down so my pace and horsepower can correct at the speed allowed. I am watching my LCD display, 48-58 MPH, so the average must be about 51. My reading isn't accurate but I know my throttle is clamped, this is all she has to give me.The ocean changes pitch on occasion but remains relatively calm, not glassy, not perfect, but an exceptional day of speed running across a 27 mile opening between shorelines. There are some hard peaks on occasion and harder landings. I keep my body centered to the helm and trim held/chest/pelvis, making sure my shoulders and hand grip do not hesitate or load too hard. Essentially I let this little F-15 Pony take the lead, handing her the reigns. She loves to pick up and go and I don't want to hold her back.I feel like I'm riding in slow motion as Mark's red hot Ultra charges ahead, it encourages me to see the speed. We're heading dead straight to Avalon, the beautiful port, as we get closer the island outline appears. The Mega Pod of dolphins looms on our south side, I slow down and alter course to say hello to the muse of all sailors around the world. Setting in at a 9 mph slow speed, the change their direction and come investigate, 10 run ahead of my bow and 30 or 50 on both sides and behind. I hold one hand up and maintain throttle on the right, celebrating a glorious interlude.One dolphin direct ahead of my bow quickly speeds up and jumps with the greatest expression of joy I have ever witnessed and hits a 10 foot arc out of the water with his small framed body, then catches up to pace alongside my port side hull. Thank you very much, my life is truly wonderful, and the Mega Pod made it even better. We beg off and the escort drifts back to the pod, onward to Catalina.Lots of boats are heading to and from the island. It's a big wide open channel. My helmet is screaming, I should have closed the ear ports and I didn't, when I arrive in Catalina my ears are ringing and I'm either deaf or on a natural high. But I can hear the warning signal from Mark's Kawasaki that his gas is gone.We pull into the mooring area and head alongside the break wall of the Casino. Mark pumps 3 gallons of fuel into my 16.4 gallon tank and fills up his steed at the gas dock. I pull out my cell phone and call David Pu'u. I had a near death experience within the past week and my friend is now keeping a close eye on me. On Friday I had to call him when I had a planned date for an offshore ride with Brad out of Camp Pendleton. I was having dinner with Brad and excused myself to make the call to 'check in'. I asked David if I could be excused from calling back as 'dad' was embarrassing me. Pu'us tone was direct, 'thanks Shawn, glad you are ok". That was Friday, this is Sunday. I'm making that call again."You're where? Catalina Island" he says. After a few quick expressions of my immediate happiness, Pu'u seems satisfied at this point that I am being reasonable and I'm to call when I am back on the mainland. I later send him a pic from the day and he says 'I can be worse than....sometimes', and I'll leave it at that. Pu'u is the kind of person you want on your team. He's a Devil Dog without the weapons. His girlfriend Donna chimes in on the exalts of happiness and we're all connected, like it or not. The big blue is our playground. This is our universal enthusiasm.Mark and I are back on the return track outside of the Casino. He says he wants me to try his race boat, he has some big ideas about kicking ass, and wants to give me a taste of what it's like to run with the pack. We get out again mid channel, switch jet skis and I'm off, I'm way off and running hard. The Ultra loves the conditions. She likes to lay her hull heavy into the slice and smooth coat her way on the coarse density of agitated surface water. I'm adjusting to the faster pace and finding the boat to be relatively smooth, with just a touch of chine talk, have to watch that a bit. I pull back to Mark on my F-15 and he wants me to keep going, I do too, but my karma bank says trade back and respect his race boat. I have a belief about riding race boats, if it's not mine, stay off. I don't know its personality enough to know how the pump wants to load and how the RPM's hit, so I decline. Reluctantly I decline. It's like making great love with no orgasm.Once again the Mega Pod intersects our path. I pull out my cell phone and shoot some quick snaps of the amazing display of aquatic expression these dolphins characterize. I'm smiling and giggling and taking my time, lost in the beauty and magic that is transpiring. I feel special, all this for me.Mark and I exchange 'nods'. We say goodbye to the dolphins and the mainland horizon looms. This run is fast, we're back in what seems a few minutes as we pass the Catalina Express, trot through her wakes at WOT and then a large cruise ship, numerous boats and the cross hatch of wakes combining energy.The Angels Gate is ours. The Queen Mary is right where she was and the languished buildings of Long Beach look on in somber disinterest. We stop our trot right at the 5MPH buoy perimeter. I look over at Gerner, his smile is precisely like my own. He motors over and our fists connect, finished.We talk politics, family, my recent conquests or lack of, and both scoot into the dock and hot load our boats onto the trailers. The last thing we say is 'goodbye'. There is nothing else to add.Except, I want to do it all over again. Being a part of the PWCoffshore.com Racing Team is pretty much like this little adventure, it is just one boat launch away.

Robert Carreon, PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Offshore Racer

Robert Carreon, Southern California
Primary Race Craft: 2007 Kawasaki ULTRA 250X
Robert is a proud husband, and proud father of 3 wonderful children. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management and has worked for a Fortune 500 company for the past ten years. Robert is a highly competitive and determined individual and harbors an intense commitment to being the best that he can be, on and off the water. Robert started riding jet skies at the age of 32 and immediately fell in love with riding. He would ride as often as possible. After about a year of recreational riding, he decided to take his passion to another level and start racing. Robert has been fortunate to have the encouragement from his fellow riders, who have mentioned that he has a natural talent for riding offshore. Robert has a smooth, natural riding style. This style also helps his stay fresh during a race which allows hi to always finish strong. Robert did his learning on the Kawi 1500 hull, a great boat to learn on as it takes a pounding offshore. Robert has learned when to be more aggressive and when to ease up which allows him to maneuver around racers when the opportunity presents itself. Robert has upgraded to the Kawasaki ULTRA 250X and has never looked back.

Race history and highlights:2007 LONG BEACH TO CATALINA AND BACK (LB2CAT): 1st Place Novice Open- Robert Carreon #338, (2007 Offshore National Champion Class II), 2007 LONG BEACH SPRINT NATIONALS: 1st in Class Novice Open- Robert Carreon #338
2007 San Diego Thunderboat Regatta: 1st Place Novice Open- Robert Carreon #338
2008 Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance Race: 1st In Amateur Class. 2008 Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship: First in Amateur 1 class, 9th overall. 2008 Thunderboat Regatta, 2nd Overall.

Robert Transitioned to PROAM1 in July of 2008

2008 Race Season: The 2008 race season will start for in late February with the Fourth Annual Mark Hahn 300 Lake Havasu. The Mark Hahn 300 is an endurance race testing a rider’s stamina, watercraft, and pit crew. The media coverage is expected to be over the top for this race. Magazines from Japan, France, England, Germany, and USA will be on hand to cover the race. Robert has plans to race in the 08 LB2CAT, Long Beach Sprint Nationals, San Diego Thunderboat Regatta. He is also planning on racing several of the RPM races, DJSA races, and APBA Regional as well as one National race in Parker Arizona. In total, he plans on racing in eight-to-ten events throughout the year. 2008 Goals: Place within the Top 3 of his class in each race he enters. In addition, he intends to finish in the top 10 for the LB2CAT, as well as the Mark Hahn 300. To do this, he must be in shape, practice weekly, have a reliable ski, and a great support team. Another goal of his is to qualify for the World Finals at the end of the year. Current Sponsors: PWCOFFSHORE.com, R&D, Saints an Sinners Apparel, Hydro-Turf

click on http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for more information regarding the PWCOFFSHORE Sponsored PWC Endurance Racers

Mr. Kim Bushong, PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racer

Kim Bushong, Southern California.

Primary Race Craft: 2007 Kawasaki ULTRA250X

Kim is probably the most accomplished athlete PWCOFFSHORE selected for the 2008 sponsorship. He is definitely the most obsessed with riding PWC offshore! Passion anyone! In addition to being a competitive offshore rider, Kim is one of the originators of the Iron Man Triathlon scene. He is a former world police and fire games triathlon champion as well as Ironman triathlon top ten finisher in Kona Hawaii. By the way, Kim led one of his Iron Man race through the swim and bike ride portions of the race only to be overtaken during the final Marathon run race. Kim has mountain and road bike raced, swam competitively and competed in running races. Kim's says he's burned out on every one of these other sports, some more rapidly then others but all within a few years. Kim states that unlike his other sporting ventures, he has not burned out on PWC riding and doesn't see it happening for the indefinite future. Kim has been riding PWC offshore for 12 years and can’t get enough. Kim has done the Long Beach to Catalina and back race five times and remains his favorite race.
In 1997 he bought his first watercraft, a new 1996 Tigershark three-seater, 1997 Sea Doo SPX (Kim states that this was one of the best hull every made), Yamaha 1100 WaveVenure, 2002 SeaDoo GTX Foretec, Kawasaki STXDI, Kawasaki 1500F, Kawasaki 250X. Kim jokes that he tends to go through Jet Skis like a pair of my running shoes.
Regarding his tigershark, Kim says "I rode the snot out of that willfully disobedient beast, that flat bottomed piece of work beat the heck out of me and itself. While skipping sideways across wave-tops in the open ocean, I used to marvel at the abilities of other riders to master the waves. Years later, I found out those same riders wondered how that guy on the Tigershark could even stay on that thing while skipping sideways across the swells." Kim says that Since he's mounted the offshore configured hull of the ULTRA 250X, the pounding that he takes in the channel has subsided somewhat, although still intense at close to 70 mph. "We're going a lot faster now with larger hulls which has shifted that paradigm for the aggressive offshore riding scene, requiring some changes in riding methodology" says Kim.
Quote of the decade from Kim: "The faster I go, the harder and more violent I bounce, the more sore I get, the more satisfaction I feel. If walking up the dock after a hard ride does not cause my legs to crumble from under me then I’ve not had a good ride" Those who have ridden with Kim know he has a great deal of skill offshore, especially in rough water.
Race History and Highlights:
2002 Beginner stock IJSBA stock class Long Beach To Catalina Offshore national champion2003 :Long Beach to Catalina Class Champion
2004 Normally aspirated Long Beach to Catalina Class Champion
2006 ProAm Long Beach to Catalina Four Stroke Normally Aspirated APBA National Champion2006 ProAm 2nd Place in the Mark Hahn Memorial (Paul Pham was his partner)
2006 Vet Master Long Beach Sprint National Champion
2007 Vet Master Long Beach To Catalina National Champion (Time - broke an hour!)
2008 Mark Hahn 300 Mile: 7th Overall, riding with Paul Pham.
2008 Long Beach to Catalina Race: In third place approx. sixmiles from finish and had a mechanical that resulted in a DNF.

Fun Fact about Kim: Back in his Iron Man Triathlon days, Kim was attending so many Iron Races and operating on such a shoe-string budget, that he jokes about having to spray bug spray around some of the mattresses that he had to sleep on. There was a great deal of inexpensive peanut butter consumed in those days to maintain the energy required to train for all of his Iron Man races. Needless to say, The discipline Kim fostered from his Ironman training and races has served him exceptionally well in the PWC endurance racing arena. 2008 Sponsors: PWCOFFSHORE.com, R&D, Hydro-Turf

Go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for the complete story about the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Offshore Racers

2009 Mark Hahn Memorial Race, Lake Havasu (300 Miles)

The Mark Hahn 300 Mile PWC Endurance Race is scheduled for February of 2009! Go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for the entry form and race information. This is a great race that requires stamina, a reliable craft, team or Iron Man (solo) participation and a solid pitting procedure. Pitting procedure recommendations can be found on the ENDURANCE RACING Page of http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

Don't miss this race!

Noble Racing won the 2008 PWC Race
Mark Gerner was the 2008 Iron Man

2009.... who will it be!?

Steve Friebe, PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Endurance Racer

Steve Friebe of Clovis, California.
Primary Race Craft: 2005 SeaDoo RXP
Steve was born and raised in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He started his career in the Motorsports industry as a technician at a Honda, John Deere dealer back in 1978. In 1982 Steve left the cold country to move to sunny California. Upon moving to California, Steve went to work for Clawson Motorsport and works there to this day, the same shop where he started when he moved to California. When asked about his job, Steve says "I'm sure glad I don’t have to go to work every day, I just get to go play, learn and have a good time.” Steve started racing jet skis back in 1999 and was hooked immediately. The long endurance races are his favorite due to all of the additional requirements such as perfect fuel stops, quick rider changes and an effective race strategy. Steve says, ”the best part about racing is all the great people you get to meet and hang out with.” Steve estimates that he has done the Long Beach to Catalina and back training ride approximately 30 times. Steve's most prized accomplishment was winning the Mark Hahn Memorial 300 mile race in 2006. One of his remaining goals is to win the Long Beach to Catalina race. Steve's best finish in the Long Beach to Catalina race is third place but he's training to win in 2008! Steve is married to his wife Gail and has a 19 year old daughter named Bailey. Steve Friebe's Race History: APBA #70933 USWRA # US00602. Years riding 20. Years Racing 9. 2006 Seadoo RXP 2006 National Go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ sponsored racers page for the rest of the story about Steve Friebe

"Every Second Counts" Steve Friebe

2008 Long Beach to Catalina and Back Race DVD PWCOFFSHORE

The 2008 APBA Long Beach to Catalina and Back PWC Race DVD is in production and should be availabe via PWCOFFSHORE.com by October 20, 2008. Stay Tuned!! We have some great helicopter footage. Check http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for status and sale of the DVD

(Picture of PROAM1 Racer M. Gerner)

M. Gerner, 2008 PWCOFFSHORE.com Offshore Racer

M Gerner, Southern California.
Primary Race Craft: 2007 Kawasaki ULTRA 250X for the rough, 2007 RXT for smooth water
Mark is truly passionate about offshore endurance riding, racing and growing our great sport. Most people who know Mark know him as a Type-A workaholic who usually has a cell phone attached to his ear. He believes in working hard and playing hard, very few things are pursued at half speed with Mark. When the weekend comes, he loves to blow off the steam that his business week usually generates through hard core offshore endurance riding. It is absolutely his passion. There are few things in life that Mark enjoys more than riding offshore with a group of riders that are equally passionate about aggressive offshore riding and racing. Mark is known to ride with a great deal of intensity.
Mark is a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer and a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also deployed to most of Europe, Israel and North Africa. He has served in Fortune Ten companies in varying management and executive level roles; he is currently engaged in Business Development for a fast moving technology company.
Mark has been riding offshore for 12 years, almost exclusively offshore off the coast of Southern California. He loves the aggressive “hard core” nature of riding hard in the ocean, especially in rough water. He relishes the intensity and aggressive nature or riding in the ocean when the seas are up. Mark seeks out the unique challenges that the open ocean presents to man and machine while pushing the envelope at full throttle. He rarely rides the lakes or river; the Havasu trips usually involve racing the Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race or the new Walt’s Endurance Race. For the rest of the story on Mark and the rest of the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers, go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ then to the Sponsored Racers Page

2008 PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers

The following offshore riders have been selected from across the United States by PWCOFFSHORE.com to receive sponsorships for the 2008 season:
Steve Friebe, Pat Roque, Kim Bushong, M. Gerner, Paul Pham, John Belton Robert Carreon, Shawn Alladio and David Walker: These riders have truly differentiated themselves in varying ways and have been identified as an elite group of offshore and endurance riders and racers. There is a truly awesome amount of combined experience with this group. Between them, there is 139 years of offshore and endurance riding experience and over 1100 round trip, 58 mile Long Beach, California to Catalina Island and back rides! That's over 63000 miles of offshore Catalina Island runs! PWCOFFSHORE will honor these riders with sponsorships for 2008. Congratulations! Check out the Sponsored Racer page for detailed information about each racer. Sponsored by R&D Watercraft Racing Products, OTB Boots and Hydro-Turf

Ms. Shawn Alladio joins PWCOFFSHORE Race Team

Ms. Shawn Alladio, Southern California
K38 Water Safety International http://www.shawnalladio.com/

Primary Race Craft: Kawasaki STX-15F Stock-(Boat Named after Jay Moriarity “JAY”)
Shawn's reputation truly precedes her! Shawn has been on the watercraft scene for decades and is one of the most passionate and accomplished members of the watercraft community. One of the nicest, most inclusive people you will encounter, Shawn represents our sport with class. On the race course she is tenacious, this is one hard charging lady! There is no backing down from Shawn, in any of sea-state. Referred to as "Superwoman of the Surf," Shawn has attacked 100 foot waves at Mavericks in Northern California (2001) on her PWC. Regardless of the PWC related topic, Shawn Alladio is a thought leader in the watercraft community. Google Shawn Alladio's name and you will find a phenomenal amount of watercraft related information authored by Shawn. One of the best safety instructors in the world, Shawn shares her expertise through her K38 Water Safety Group. In addition to teaching and competing, Shawn has saved countless lives on the water. Shawn was recognized for her efforts in saving lives during the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans where she used her PWC and expertise to save lives. There is no question, she is a hard core woman and a tremendous wealth of information. PWCOFFSHORE is truly honored to have Shawn as a member of the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers. Shawn is a proud mother of two children; Shaniah Oceania 4, Kyla Anne 27. "I’ve enjoyed my time on the water from stand ups to sit downs, closed course, slalom, obstacle, enduros, freestyle, exhibitions, trainings, special events and endurance events for many years. I plan on extending these adventures and exploring the PWC watery realm, always more to come! CJ3 inspired me early on in offshore endurance racing, each of us has a person we connect to, his wild side perfectly suited my appetite for going the distance, and I did, I do." Shawn went on to state that "These unique small powered boats have brought great moments into my life and that of my children, especially the people I meet, work, compete with and celebrate our common ground, Personal Watercraft ‘endurance’ racing. It’s an honor to be a member of PWCoffshore Team. I say that with respect to the talent and dedication each of these members have inspired, like a chain reaction. I know firsthand what it takes to make a commitment to something we all love. The PWCOffshore Team provides an avenue that allows each of us to uniquely pursue our individual competitive dreams and test our core physical and mental abilities on these amazing craft. All invitations extended to those who want adventure, get into the world of Offshore Racing! You will discover new friends and open the frontiers of your own limits-Go Cosmic! (Ode to Cosmic Miller)" For more on Shawn Alladio, go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ Sponsored Racers Page for her complete background

PWC Endurance Racing PWCOFFSHORE

The growing niche of Personal Watercraft (PWC) endurance racing involves mental toughness, physical fitness and a fast-reliable craft. The two premiere endurance races in the United States are the Annual Long Beach to Catalina and Back Race and the Mark Hahn Mermorial 300 Mile race in Lake Havasu. You'll also need an effective pitting strategy for refueling at the Mark Hahn. To learn more about endurance racing, go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ then go to the ENDURANCE RACING Page