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