PWCOFFSHORE BLOG - PWC Endurance Racing

2011-11-22T23:47:00.000-08:00

*DVD* PWCOFFSHORE.COM Announces The Release of The 2011 APBA Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore US National Championship Race coverage DVD.

Available here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DVD_LB2CAT_BACK.php

The best of offshore PWC racing gathered on July 17, 2011 to test their skills against the best offshore racers in the world. The historic Long Beach to Catalina and Back race starts at the Queen Mary for a 28 mile run across the open Pacific Ocean to a turn boat off the coast of Avalon (Catalina Island), then back another 28 miles through Queen’s Gate to a finish boat by the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Get your copy of the DVD via PWCOFFSHORE.COM for complete race coverage from the helicopter!

Who gets the best start? Who's in the lead at the break wall? Who passes who en route to Avalon? Turn boat order? Thinking about racing and want to see for yourself what it’s all about? Study the riding forms of some of the best offshore racers in the world! How do the Yamaha's do in this race? How do the SeaDoos's do in this race? How does the new Kawasaki ULTRA 300X perform during the 2011 LB2CAT? Get your copy of the DVD via pwcoffshore.com LB2CAT DVD Page and see what it’s all about!http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DVD_LB2CAT_BACK.php

PWCOFFSHORE.COM and the offshore racing community wishes to thank the 2011 LB2CAT DVD Sponsors. They are The APBA, TAD Racing Doug White, GreenHulk.net Performance Forums, 4-Tecperformance.com for PWC performance parts, KC Heidler & PWCRACINGTEAM.COM, Steve Friebe Fast Reliable Race Craft, Offshore Robot Racing, Santiago Kuan Racing, RPM Racing Enterprises, and of course PWCOFFSHORE.COM. Support those who support offshore racing!

Highlight is of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Sponsored PROAM Racer on the KAWASAKI ULTRA 300X (A stock 300 hp boat) closing in on Queen’s Gate toward the end of the race. http://vimeo.com/26806725

The 2012 LB2CAT is scheduled for July 22, 2012. Information available here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/LB2CAT_Race_Page.html Be there!

Tom Phan Wins The 2011 APBA Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship. Steve Friebe of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing wins the 2011 Triple Crown!

2011-08-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Start of 2011 LB2CAT

Tom Phan Wins The 2011 APBA Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship. Steve Friebe of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing wins the 2011 Triple Crown!

Tom Phan

Once again RPM Racing Enterprises produced the 2011 Long Beach to Catalina & Back APBA PWC Offshore National Championships aka The LB2CAT with Tom Phan of Southern California, USA taking the overall win on his Kawasaki ULTRA 300X! This prestigious National Championship event is part of the Long Beach Offshore Powerfest weekend that took place on July 16th and 17th. Three separate racing events including the 63rd Annual Catalina Ski Race on Saturday July 16th, the American Powerboat Racing Association’s (APBA) Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (POPRA) Offshore “Rum Run” race and culminated on Sunday July 17th with the APBA Professional Watercraft Racers (PWC) National Offshore Championship Long Beach to Catalina and Back race (LB2CAT) presented by Sea-Doo and Sea-Tow. The race is a test of a PWC racer’s physical endurance, navigation ability and a fast reliable craft’s ability to successfully make it across the treacherous channel to Avalon and back 58 miles without stopping or refueling.

Craig Warner

After two epic rough water Triple Crown (TCO) races in 2011, the third and final race would be a letdown for the rough water “hard core“ offshore zealots with racers waking up to flat water on July 17. “I am not a fan of flat water” said former US Marine Russell Libby, “rough water levels the playing field and makes it more about the rider than the boat.” One 300X rider actually withdrew his entry just prior to the event, “it’s just too flat” he said. In the 2010 LB2CAT race, racers would wake up to fog, five footers and cross chop that would end up breaking 85% of the Pro Open watercraft and turn back the PWCOFFSHORE helicopter due to the fog. This year presented the exact opposite course conditions that racers encountered during the 2010 LB2CAT.

Tyler White

Mark Gerner

Going into the 2011 LB2CAT Race, the point’s leader for the 2011 TCO was back to back 2008 and 2009 overall LB2CAT winner Craig Warner of Corona, CA #1 sponsored by Monster Energy and Kawasaki. Warner was in the lead for the TCO title and back again in pursuit of his third APBA Offshore National title on a Kawasaki Ultra 300X. Among the early entry favorites were former 2009 Triple Crown Champion, PWCOFFSHORE.COM Founder Mark Gerner #58 on a Kawasaki Ultra 300X who had come in second behind Craig Warner in both of the first two 2011 Triple Crown rough water races. Tyler White #3 out of Alice Texas of TAD Racing was also an early favorite racing his Kawasaki Ultra 300X. Unfortunately for both Craig Warner and Mark Gerner who were going into this race 1^st and 2^nd respectively for the TCO, both would go down with mechanical issues while both were in contention for an overall win. Warner went down while en route to Avalon and Gerner on the way back just outside the break wall entrance back into the Long Beach Harbor. Tom Phan would continue on with a very impressive performance and overall victory racing his Kawasaki ULTRA 300X.

KC Heidler

Tom Phan would be first to the turn boat on a smoking fast ULTRA 300X followed by Tyler White and Mark Gerner and then KC Heidler all racing the Kawasaki ULTRA 300X. Once again, navigation would play a key role on the return trip with two separate lead packs heading different directions back across the channel. Podium finishers would be Tom Phan (1^st), Tyler White (2^nd) of TAD Racing in Texas and three time Vet Master IJSBA World Champion and Iron Man Triathlete KC Heidler of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing taking 3^rd place. All three of the podium racers were racing the Kawasaki ULTRA 300X. This is the 4^th consecutive LB2CAT win for the Kawasaki ULTRA Platform; this win continues to demonstrate Kawasaki’s dominance of offshore racing. “It looks like a Kawasaki 300X convention around here” one racer was heard saying at the launch ramp. It should be noted that every class in the 2011 LB2CAT was won by the Kawasaki ULTRA platform.

Always humble and outwardly gregarious, Tom Phan was gracious with his win thanking his riding friends and fellow offshore racers Jack Chang and Santiago Kuan for their participation in training runs in preparation for the race. A talented offshore racer, those who know Tom Phan know him as an exceptionally nice person who would give the shirt off of his back for other racers. Mark Gerner said “ I remember Tom Phan offering to drive 140 miles to pick up a part for another racer who was in need, and the time he insisted that I ride his craft when mine was down and then refusing to take any gas money.” Tom Phan is “one of the good guys” in our sport Gerner said. A gentleman racer who is a capable, competent and a hard- hitting offshore racer, this is Tom Phan and our new 2011 Offshore National Champion!

Steve Friebe

Veteran professional racer Steve Friebe of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing won the overall points for the 2011 Triple Crown racing his SeaDoo RXTX 255 joining the ranks of previous TCO winners Lee Phan and Mark Gerner. Friebe put in an impressive performance in the first two TCO races and his 5^th place overall finish at the 2011 LB2CAT pushed him into the #1 TCO spot for the 2011 TCO. KC Heidler of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing would take 2^nd in the TCO and John Feeney of Offshore Robot Racing out of Southern California would take 3^rd overall for the 2011 TCO racing his Kawasaki ULTRA 300X. Steve Friebe would also win the prestigious 2011 PWCOFFSHORE Warrior Award for his actions during the 2011 offshore racing season. Friebe joins the ranks of previous PWCOFFSHORE Warrior Award winners Ms. Shawn Alladio and John “The Master” Belton. Last years LB2CAT champion Kim Bushong would suffer a mechanical early in the race taking him out of contention.

Russell Libby

Former US Marine Russell Libby would give up his race for another racer who was struggling with a mechanical issue. Libby would slow his pace and hover next to another Kawasaki that was struggling with only three of four operational cylinders. Once again, Russell Libby demonstrated that you can take the Marine out of the Marine Corps but you can’t take Corps out of the Marine. Russell “would not leave his friend behind” during the race.

Warren Leighton

This year’s LB2CAT featured some international competition with an Australian team that came to compete in this historic 58 mile offshore race. David Baker and Warren Leighton crossed the pond from Australia to compete and would both put in impressive performances on Kawasaki’s with Warren Leighton winning the sportsman class. 300X Racer Tommy Kolleck of Southern California would lend one of his craft to the team as would Robert Carreon to allow the Australian Team to participate. Never a dull moment in racing, the Kawasaki ULTRA 250X craft to be used by Leighton would go down only six days prior to the race requiring the team to do a hasty rebuild of the entire engine in only a few days. Not only did the Australian Team demonstrate their offshore racing prowess, they also demonstrated phenomenal technical skills doing a complete engine rebuild on the craft in only a few days that resulted in the craft running flawlessly throughout the entire race.

John Feeney

Five classes of personal water craft including the “Sportsman” for the “first time LB2CAT offshore racer” class, “Manufacturer’s Stock” classes to entice the PWC enthusiast to participate on a 100% stock craft and “Super Stock Limited” class (open to all racers that have done minor modifications to their boats except the powertrain) Vet Master and of course the Professional Class.

The 2011 LB2CAT Class winners were: PRO Tyler White TAD Racing Kawasaki ULTRA 300X, Vet Master Andy Wise TAD Racing Kawasaki ULTRA 260X, Amateur Open Tom Phan Kawasaki ULTRA 300X, Super Stock Limited Santiago Kuan racing the Kawasaki ULTRA 300X, Sportsman Warren Leighton on the Kawasaki ULTRA 250X.

Warren Leighton and David Baker

Andy Wise TAD Racing

PWCOFFSHORE.COM and FLY Racing sponsored a “Longest Distance Travelled Award” for the racers that demonstrated the greatest commitment in distance traveled to participate in the race. Warren Leighton and David Baker from Australia were awarded the FLY Racing Carbon Kevlar Helmet for their long distance travels from Australia to participate. This is the same helmet used by the PWCOFFSHORE.COM Race Team, the helmet awarded to the team included the custom PWCOFFSHORE race team decal kit from PWCOFFSHORE.

Derek Newton

The youngest athlete on the course was 17 year old Derek Newton out of Southern California who competed on his Kawasaki 15F. Newton spent some time prepping for the race with the PWCOFFSHORE.COM Race Team prior to the event. Newton’s navigation was spot on during the race resulting in an impressive performance from Newton.

PWCOFFSHORE.COM will be producing a DVD again this year covering the race with helicopter footage and racer interviews! Stay tuned!

TOP TEN FINISHERS!

Pos Boat # Name Class Time

1 35 Tom Phan Amateur Open 0:54:55

2 3 Tyler White Pro/Am 0:55:10

3 7 K.C. Heidler Pro/Am 0:55:35

4 10 John Feeney Amateur Open 0:57:23

5 50 Steve Friebe Pro/Am 0:57:55

6 77X Tom Cruz Amateur Open 0:58:00

7 8 Lee Phan Pro/Am 0:58:50

8 33 Andy Wise Vet/Master 0:58:56

9 777 Tommy Kolleck Amateur Open 1:01:47

10 470 Akira Tanaka Amateur Open 1:01:55

Steve Friebe

==================

PRESS RELEASE FROM ROSS WALLACH OF RPM RACING ENTERPRISES:

Congratulations to Tom Phan #35, Moreno Valley, CA on capturing the 2011 Long Beach to Catalina & Back presented by Sea-Doo, Sea-Tow, Tom's Truck Center and Dana Point Jet Ski. With almost perfect weather and on a borrowed boat, Tom Phan marched to victory after the two favorites, Craig Warner #71 RSM, CA Monster Energy/Kawasaki and #58 Mark Gerner, Aliso Viejo, CA PwcOffshore.com riders both retired with motor woes. Warner was the early favorite, winning both Round #1 of the Triple Crown of Offshore Racing - Dana Point to Avalon & Back and Round # 2- Dana Point to Oceanside & Back. Gerner was 2nd to Warner in both rounds of the Triple Crown but it was Phan's day as he passed Gerner approximately 1.5 miles from the breakwater on the return to Long Beach and set his sights on his 1st LB2Cat win finishing just shy of the record with a time of 54 minutes 55 seconds. TAD Racing entry Tyler White was hot on Phan's heels but would end up in the 2nd spot overall and 1st in the Pro/Am Class with a time of 55 minutes 10 seconds. Third Place went veteran racer, K.C. Heidler, #7 Irvine, CA Tom's Truck Center entrant who finished a mere 25 seconds behind White. It is of note to all that this year’s LB2Cat was an international event with two entries from Australia- David Baker, #169 and Warren Leighton #4 who traveled across the pond to compete and say they'll be back next year!!!

Congratulations to Steve Friebe #58, Clovis, CA Clawson's Motorsports sponsored rider on winning the overall title for the 2011 Triple Crown of Offshore Racing! Friebe returned to the racing scene in 2011 after a year off and was a dominant force in offshore endurance racing during all three rounds of the Triple Crown of Offshore Racing. Ten points behind Friebe was K.C. Heidler #7 Irvine, CA Tom's Truck Center who took 2nd Place in the 2011 TCO overall standings. K.C. had a tremendous year and looks to be a potential threat for the 2012 TCO. 3rd Place overall in the 2011 TCO went to John Feeney, #10 Corona Del Mar, CA.

On behalf of RPM Racing Enterprises, we want to thank all staff, volunteers and race teams that participated in the LB2Cat and all three rounds of the Triple Crown of Offshore Racing!
====================

On board video of start of race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYR215_02k8
2011 LB2CAT Pictures by PWCOFFSHORE.COM Flickr Account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157627244253858/

Gerner, On Offshore

2011-06-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Gerner, On Offshore

June 20, 2011

Interview with Mark Gerner, founder of www.pwcoffshore.com regarding offshore racing in 2011

Why did you start PWCOFFSHORE.COM? PWCOFFSHORE.COM was initially founded to bring exposure to the Long Beach to Catalina and Back “LB2CAT” Offshore National Championship Race. The race was struggling back in mid 2005 and 2006 and we thought a website combined with a group of very competent offshore racers supporting the race and sharing best practices would bring exposure and more participants to the LB2CAT race. Needless to say, it grew into much more than that. I love the story about John Belton (one of PWCOFFSHORE Sponsored Racers) in Puerto Rico being approached as a PWCOFFSHORE.COM Sponsored Racer; “Aren’t you with PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing.” Puerto Rico is a long way from California.

What attracted you to offshore racing? The intensity and challenge of racing in rough water. I used to run long distances (up to Marathons) and have always enjoyed anything athletic that involves pushing the envelope. Short of mounting a Honda CBR 1100 Super Blackbird XX (a very fast motorcycle) or a Kawasaki Ninja ZX14 and doing 160 mph in the quarter mile, it’s hard to match the adrenalin or intensity of offshore PWC Racing. The challenge of dealing with everything the ocean can throw at you on a ten foot boat that has in excess of 300 horsepower is a beautiful thing. Not to mention enjoying the sheer beauty of the ocean and coastline the United States has to offer. Now keep in mind that I race at the Pro level so it involves the greatest degree of focus, intensity and preparation but there are many classes that are just plain fun to come out and compete in. Offshore has something for all skill levels including beginners and all kinds of watercraft. There is even a class called Manufacturers Stock Class that is for 100% stock watercraft to come out and compete. Buy a craft on Saturday and race on Sunday.

What is the difference between closed course and offshore racing? Closed course involves a craft that is setup to go very fast, very quickly and can turn on a dime throughout multiple turns on a closed course for relatively short periods of time. Offshore racing involves straight line speeds in the open ocean for long durations and point to point navigation at high speeds in big (rough) water outside of break walls. For example, the LB2CAT is approximately 58 miles round trip in the open ocean. Offshore racing usually involves racing the larger watercraft. These two types of racing are two very different things.

What kind of watercraft does best in offshore conditions? One with a deep V hull and significant horsepower. The handlebars are usually a little higher to accommodate a modified standing position. Navigation equipment (GPS) is a must for offshore. Right now many offshore racers are gravitating to the Kawasaki ULTRA 250/260/300X platform because of its heavy deep V hull, significant power and great hookup.

So if you could only own one watercraft for offshore riding and racing, what would it be for 2011? For 2011, it would be the Kawasaki ULTRA 300X.

What is the best way to get involved in offshore racing? Buy a boat, take a boating safety class through the Coast Guard or K38 Water Safety, join an offshore forum like www.pwcoffshoreforums.com , ask questions, read www.pwcoffshore.com start to finish, buy the correct craft and all of the safety gear, buddy up with someone equally as passionate as you with a similar skill level and go make it happen. You will not regret it. Also check out www.greenhulk.net and join the AWA (American Watercraft Association)

How fast are these craft going and what is their range? Most new three seater offshore craft are doing approximately 67.5 mph in stock form. Many craft can be modified to get to 75 to 82 mph and the Yamaha has a craft called the FZR that some have modified to do over 90 mph. Offshore racing is about average speed, the crafts pump’s ability to reengage and recover quickly after coming off a swell and ultimately very good hookup. It is not necessarily just top speed. Most new craft can go for approximately 60 miles on one tank of gas.

What is the best way to navigate? Most purchase the Garmin 76 GPS, train themselves on how to use it which is very simple, attach it smartly to the craft with a pad underneath the GPS, and follow the arrow to get to their destination and back. This usually involves just inputting a lat and long into the GPS. It is essential to also have a compass in your back/water pack as a safety backup.

What is the Triple Crown of Offshore (TCO) Race Series? The Triple Crown of Offshore Series consists of a series of three offshore races that generates points in each race per race class. At the end of the third race, the racers with the greatest number of points based on their performance in each race win their various classes for the prestigious TCO Titles for that given year. There is an overall winner for the TCO. I won the TCO in 2009, Lee Phan won the TCO in 2010, and Craig Warner is currently ahead in the points for the 2011 TCO.

In your opinion, who is the best offshore PWC racer in the World? There are only a few that come to mind. Right now I would have to say former World Champion and two-time APBA Offshore National champion Craig Warner of Monster Energy Kawasaki is currently the best racer offshore racing has to offer.

What makes a successful offshore racer? You have to have the correct equipment and the “Three B’s” apply; Body, Brain and Boat all need to be finely tuned and set on go. There are many Iron Man Triathletes in our sport (KC Heidler and Kim Bushong to name a few); you have to have tremendous mental toughness and physical stamina to hold contemporary watercraft wide open in 3 to 5 foot chop for an hour. Brain, you have to have the correct mindset which includes intestinal fortitude, a high tolerance for pain and an aggressive riding style. Boat, you need the appropriate equipment, that usually involves a deep V and a great deal of horsepower. If you are racing in the PROAM Class, you will need to find a good technician. I work with Steve Friebe and Aaron Cress.

How are selections made for the Sponsored Racers of PWCOFFSHORE.COM? Talented, passionate offshore racers who are good people are pursued. The old adage applies, surround yourself with good people and the possibilities are limitless. Look at the caliber of the PWCOFFSHORE.COM Club members both on and off the water, they speak for themselves. All of the racers are accomplished racers and equally as critical, they are great ambassadors for our sport that we all love so much. We don’t take applications, we are an invitation only club and we remain extremely selective on who we bring on. It is not only about the offshore racer who can fly across the ocean at 82 mph, it is about the racer who can hold it open in the rough stuff and also be a class act and set the standard for professionalism on and off the race course. The Sponsored Racer needs to have a tremendous passion for growth of our sport and must be willing to engage in support of offshore racing with activities that do not revolve around just his/her performance come race day. Each of the racers of PWCOFFSHORE.COM is tasked with getting the word out regarding offshore racing and doing what they can to grow the sport. We use any success we have on the racecourse as a vehicle to grow the sport. We also create a culture of continuous improvement within the Club. I remain humbled to be surrounded by such great people in PWCOFFSHORE.

What is the difference between the Black PWCOFFSHORE Jersey and the Red PWCOFFSHORE Jersey? The black jersey is usually a racer who has 10 or more years of offshore experience and usually races at the professional level. The red jersey is for racers that excel at the amateur level.

What do you see as the future of Offshore Racing in the United Sates? I am bullish. Considering we are in a down economy, we’ve had great success with the Triple Crown of Offshore (TCO) Racing in California and have attracted racers from all over the country to travel west to participate and compete for the prestigious TCO Titles. That said, we are still looking to grow the sport on the East Coast and Texas. We haven’t achieved the success that we wanted there, yet. We are determined and we will get there. I’m pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve in a down economy, but we see great opportunity for additional growth and expansion of offshore racing throughout the United States.

Where do you see the greatest opportunity for growth in the sport? I’d like to see more promoters getting involved in offshore racing. Right now we have only a few and we’d like to see more who are equally passionate about offshore racing. By the way, to be clear, when we refer to offshore racing, we mean in the ocean outside the break wall, not on a lake or behind the break wall. The ocean, especially when it’s alive, involves a degree of intensity that is in a very different league.

What are your personal goals for offshore? I will be very pleased when we have 100 racers at the annual APBA LB2CAT Race; we set this benchmark sometime ago. We will get there. Personally, I strive to win the APBA Offshore National Championship Race (LB2CAT). Anyone who knows me knows I train year round for this. You know it’s interesting, many think I am also a promoter. I am not a formal promoter. I don’t get paid for anyone showing up at any of the races. I am a racer first. I love this sport and recognize that without personal involvement by the racer playing a role in the sport, the sport could struggle more than it needs to. It’s up to us, which mean it is also up to you (the reader who wants to or is racing) to play a role in keeping our sport alive and growing. I feel strongly about that and will continue to do all I can to get the word out and be supportive of other offshore racers and offshore race promoters.

How do you train for races? Ride and then ride more. Mountain Biking. I hit the gym four to five times a week and ride the ocean at every opportunity I have. Offshore riding is on weekends only, I have a demanding job and weekdays are focused on work, evenings are focused on working out. My focus is on legs and cardio.

What are your greatest accomplishments in offshore racing? Personal Accomplishments? Yes personal Accomplishments. I came close to winning the 2009 LB2CAT Offshore National Championship with a PROAM overall 2^nd and overall 2^nd place finish, but 2^nd place is first loser and I was beaten by former World Champion Craig Warner. I won the Triple Crown in 2009. Winning the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance Championship Race with my race partner Robert Carreon was a good day. Taking the Iron Man at the Mark Hahn 300 was another good day. Having broken my craft in every race in 2010, I am looking forward to a better performance in 2011. The Kawasaki ULTRA 300X I have been riding and racing has performed well so far. I am looking forward to the days, months and years ahead.

For those considering coming out and racing, what would you tell them? What are you waiting for? Life is short, come on out and have some fun!

The Long Beach to Catalina and Back race is July 17, 2011 - be there!

www.pwcoffshore.com

www.lb2catrace.com

www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

www.jetskioffshore.com

The 2011 Triple Crown of Offshore (TCO) Jet Ski / PWC Racing dates!

2011-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Above photo by Brian Bowen
RPM Racing Enterprises is the promoter, contact is: Ross Wallach rossdbos26@yahoo.com

Photo by pwcoffshore.com

March 27, 2011 – The Dana Point, Ca to Avalon Offshore Race: From Dana Point to a turn-boat outside of Avalon. The race will be a 58 mile roundtrip race vs. a one-way race. Navigation will be critical! Come watch the finish at Dana Point! Updated information will be posted here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Dana_Poin...alon_Race.html

May 22, 2011 or November – Date TBD based on racer feedback – do you want the Dana Point, Ca to Oceanside and Back Race in the third weekend in May or November of 2011? Feedback Appreciated. Right now we are leaning toward May 22 based on existing racer feedback. Updated information will be posted here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DanaPoint...side_Race.html

July 17, 2011 - The historic Long Beach, Ca to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship Race aka “The LB2CAT”. Updated information will be posted here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/LB2CAT_Race_Page.html
and here http://www.lb2catrace.com/

Classes: Pro Open, Veteran Master, Manufacturer Stock, Super-Stock Limited, Sportsman and Amateur Open (Amateur Open will require a sufficient amount of participants to allow for the class). ** The Sportsman Class is for a new offshore racer and has a discounted race fee of 100.00 for the Sportsman Class - it is for an offshore racer's first offshore race only (not the season). There is no TCO award for the Sportsman Class.

About The Triple Crown of Offshore: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Triple_Cr...fshore_58.html

Much more information coming - looking forward to a great offshore racing season!

Have your Long Beach to Catalina and Back race coverage DVD for 2007, 08 and 09? If not, go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/
http://www.jetskioffshore.com/
http://www.pwcoffshoreforums.com/

The Team Behind The Teamwork of Offshore

2010-10-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

Russell Libby Pitting for Fellow Racer at 2010 Mark Hahn

Dave "Pirate" Tew

Dave "Pirate" Tew and Russell Libby

Recognition in racing usually revolves around the racers who are on the course racing and that individual racer’s performance on the racecourse. I race and therefore understand how one can become self absorbed and myopic about performance on race day. The intensity, adrenalin and focus of highly competitive athletes on pre-race and race day can result in a loss of understanding or memory of who was there to support the cause or support you on that day. There are two that show up with the reliability of the sunrise to support racers and play a major role in the success of many of their fellow racers. We remember....

Russell Libby

I could mention many people that I’ve seen support other racers over the years, but there are two that I can confidently state consistently go above and beyond all expectations and deserve all the recognition the offshore racing community can offer them. They are Dave “Pirate” Tew and former United States Marine Russell Libby. Now keep in mind that both of these individuals are very capable offshore racers and riders and have competed in and done very well in the annual Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship Race. These are two accomplished offshore riders in their own right. But what makes these two gentlemen unique is that even when they don’t race, they are THERE on race day lending a hand to any and everyone that needs it. They are on the racecourse running safety, providing tows to broken craft, being a Pit Crew, providing friendly encouragement to a racer prior to stepping off, or a pat on the back if the racer breaks. They are THERE to pull trailers, program GPS navigation units, transport watercraft, help launch a craft, pull a craft out of the water or support a fellow member of their Club. At the recent Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Offshore Triple Crown Race, guess who was there doing all of the above? Pirate and Russell. These two men are leaders. Team players, integrity, truly giving, reliable - this is Russell Libby and Dave “Pirate” Tew.

On behalf of the Offshore Racing Community, we thank and honor both of them.

Russell Libby

Russell Libby 2010 Mark Hahn Race

Pirate

The 2010 PWCOFFSHORE Racing WARRIOR AWARD, John Belton

2010-09-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2010

The 2010 PWCOFFSHORE Racing WARRIOR AWARD:

John Belton aka "The Master"

The annual PWCOFFSHORE.COM Warrior Award is awarded to the member of PWCOFFSHORE Racing that best demonstrates the core values of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Sponsored Racing. They are integrity, a collaborative spirit, inclusiveness and being tenacious on the race course. They demonstrate "Strength & Honor" both on and off the race course. This is the most prestigious award that PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing awards to their racers.

The 2010 Warrior Award has been awarded to Mr. John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE.COM Racing. PWCOFFSHORE.COM is committed to both growing offshore racing and seeking excellence on the race course. John Belton has executed to this end for years both on and off the race course with humility, respect for others, class and an unconquerable spirit on the race course.

John has been riding and racing watercraft for over 25 years; an athlete with an indomitable spirit, Belton leads by example. John is an avid motorcyclist, mariner, sailboat racer, marathon runner, basketball player and Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racer. There is nobody more experienced than Belton in negotiating The Long Beach to Catalina Channel on a PWC, this is validated by over 650 cross channel transits on a PWC. Yes, over 650, 58-mile round trip transits. There is no other PWC Racer even remotely close to that number of Long Beach to Catalina and Back runs. This experience and knowhow has resulted in John's nickname "The Master" of the channel. A class act to all, mentor to many, man of integrity – this is John Belton.

Congratulations John Belton for the tremendous success and thank you for your knowledge and contribution you have provided to Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racing.

2010 PWCOFFSHORE.COM Warrior Award Winner: Mr. John Belton

2009 PWCOFFSHORE.COM Warrior Award Winner: Ms. Shawn Alladio

PWCOFFSHORE.COM is an AWA Charter Club

John Belton and PWCOFFSHORE.COM Sponsored Racing 2010 Sponsors are R&D Racing Products, Hydro-Turf, Fly Racing

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3119210...7625034864778/

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

http://www.lb2catrace.com/

http://www.pwcoffshoreforums.com/

http://www.jetskioffshore.com/

The July 18, 2010 APBA Offshore National Championship by Hot Products and SeaDoo in Long Beach Ca., USA. aka “The LB2CAT”

2010-07-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2010

By PWCOFFSHORE
Pictures by http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

The July 18, 2010 APBA Offshore National Championship by Hot Products and SeaDoo in Long Beach Ca., USA. aka “The LB2CAT”

The biggest names in racing gathered for the 2010 APBA Offshore National Championship sponsored by Hot Products and Sea Doo. This is the second of three races for the Triple Crown of Offshore Racing Championship Series (TCO).

TAD Racing Tyler White with Doug White Looking on

The Long Beach to Catalina and Back Race Offshore Race is a 58 mile round trip race across the channel and back from the Queen Mary to a turn boat off the coast of Avalon and back to the Queen Mary. Professional Racers are doing the roundtrip in an hour’s time. Navigation, a fast craft and physical fitness all play a role in a successful race.

Pre-race:

Chris MacClugage

TAD Racing Texas

The sound of various race craft at the Queensway launch ramp peaked as the PRO Open boats started up. The sound was pure glory. It was clear that many showed up with their craft “set on kill” for this highly anticipated Offshore National Championship Race. There was much on the line this year for the race teams. TAD Racing traveled from Texas with team rider Tyler White seeking another podium finish on his RXTX with Andy Wise representing the team on a heavily modified Kawasaki. Incumbent Offshore National Champion Craig Warner was going for his third consecutive win and a 'three-peat'. This would be the only time in the LB2CAT history since Billy Womack that a racer could potentially win three Championships in a row. Chris MacClugage aka “Macc” of www.maccracing.com was back to protect his lead in the 2010 Triple Crown of Offshore racing his Yamaha. 2009 second place LB2CAT finisher and 2009 Incumbent 'Triple Crown of Offshore' Champion Mark Gerner of www.pwcoffshore.com race team executed a 'gloves off build' with Technician Aaron Cress on his Kawasaki ULTRA. This PWCOFFSHORE race boat was reportedly producing 400 horsepower of ocean racing fury. Robert Carreon of PWCOFFSHORE was racing his Piston Ultra with his sights on a podium high points finish as a contention for TCO points. Lee Phan had a quiet build going on with an ULTRA that was rumored to be ready to be in the mix. Many speculated that it was a Turbo Ultra (the first of its kind in a LB2CAT) but this could not be confirmed. Sean Conner had an extremely fast SeaDoo built by master technician Steve Friebe. Conner had engaged in an aggressive off water training regime. Chris Lawrence was said to have a craft that was going to blow the doors off of many on the course.

The intensity in the air on race morning was palatable. World class Racer Macc was off stretching in the grass by himself. One could see his racing mindset coming to the surface as Macc prepped himself and his craft. Craig Warner had his entourage from Kawasaki staging gear next to the Kawasaki Monster Energy Drink Van. World famous racer and safety instructor Ms. Shawn Alladio and the crew from www.K38WaterSafety.com were doing final gear reviews with www.liquidmilitia.com Clothing close by filming the events and supporting the offshore racers. KMG Racing was in force with Looter and Dave and Dawn Fekete leading the charge. Other classes had close to stock craft that were also highly tuned and racers that had been training for nearly a year in preparation fiord the race. Legendary offshore racer and PWCOFFSHORE Hall of Famer Billy Womack was in the parking lot shaking hands and encouraging racers. Yes, that Billy Womack, the man who played a huge role in taking our sport to the next level, and a pure class act to boot. Former LB2CAT Champion John Anick was there to support the scene. There was history, legacy racers and talent everywhere.

The Line:

Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises announced at 8 am “we have a green light, we are good to go.” The smell of race gas permeated the ocean air as over 40 craft with racers in full performance and safety gear made their way to the line for a 9 am start time. The vibe in the air was just plain intense. Many had their eye on Craig Warner and Chris MacClugage as they made their way to the line; this would be the first time in history that the two would battle for a prestigious Long Beach to Catalina and Back Championship. Many had anticipated flat water; however this would not be the case. There was discussion around 'five footers' outside the break-wall, and so it would be. Yes, there appeared to be a glow on the face of many of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing’s Sponsored Racers, this is the sea state they seek out and train in. They appeared to be beaming in recognition of the possibilities. Notably Robert Carreon and Mark Gerner almost simultaneously making the sign of the cross and pointed looking up in the sky as they approached the line. So much had gone into preparing for this race; time, training, injuries, healing, countless hours by technicians working on the craft, mechanicals, decisions regarding setup, rebuilds – the sea state was up and it was time to produce results!. Hard Core Offshore was the theme of the morning, it could not be denied, and apprehension was in the air. Anticipation and soon, disappointment and rewards awaited those who stayed the course.

The Start:

Carreon

The PWCOFFSHORE.com film helicopter appeared. The orange flag went up and was quickly followed by a green flag. Over 10,000 horsepower roared to life as these craft rocketed across the water behind the Long Beach harbor break-wall. Those who have done this race before will tell you that the true race doesn’t start until you exit the harbor gate and encounter the Pacific and her potentially unforgiving channel between Long Beach and Catalina Island. Heartbreak: Many noticed that Macc was not there; after all of Macc’s preparation, he had an unfortunate mechanical that kept him from starting. Soon, others would follow and become part of the chain reaction that led to the victory of the second wave.

The Race:

Mark Gerner

Carreon

Instantly there were two distinct race packs. The high horsepower modified PRO OPEN craft in front walking away and the stock (or close to stock) craft in a separate following pack. This year was unique; none of the racers could remember having this much capable talent and impeccably tuned powerful craft on the line. As the first pack of PRO racers exited the break-wall the racers encounter big ocean swells and sweeping fog. Nobody backed down or backed off the throttle. It was quite a sight to see. The higher horsepower craft launched through the air at 70 mph plus with skilled offshore racers putting on an incredible demonstration of riding prowess, skill and raw power. This race hasn’t seen this potential in years, if ever. Many of the craft were getting enormous air as the large swells outside the gate met the racers head-on; it was captured by the www.pwcoffshore.com helicopter tracking overhead. The first few miles looked like a war on the water. But, there would be a price to pay for this, by some of the competitors.

Out of the Queen’s gate Craig Warner took the lead by a small margin, followed closely by Sean Conner, Pat Roque, Lee Phan, Mark Gerner, Chris Lawrence, and Robert Carreon, Andy Wise and Tyler White all mixing it up close behind. Robert Carreon of PWCOFFSHORE broke a belt on his Kawasaki ULTRA 250X just outside the break wall and was out. Lee Phan fell back a bit, leaving Craig Warner, Pat Roque, Mark Gerner, Tyler White and then Sean Conner battling for holding positions to take the lead. Picture to right Andy Wise TAD Racing

Picture to left is Andy Wise. Tyler White’s RXTX would break a few miles outside the break wall, followed by race leader and 'Back to Back' Champion Craig Warner about two miles out. Mark Gerner then took over the lead as the race headed into unexpected heavy fog conditions. Pat Roque de-laminated his hull about this same time and fell back a bit. Andy Wise of TAD Racing fell victim to a mechanical on his Kawasaki ULTRA 260X, followed by another breakdown by Chris Lawrence on his Yamaha. The PRO boats were taking a beating.

With the fog growing thicker, Mark Gerner Pictured on the right
stayed on the throttle racing his heavily modified Kawasaki ULTRA250X and built a two-mile lead of the field and was first across the channel to the turn boat off Catalina Island. His turn boat time was 32 minutes, ahead loomed a faster return pace running with the swell. Unfortunately for Gerner, about a mile into the return leg back to Long Beach and with an impressive 2.5 mile lead, Gerner too would fall victim to a supercharger belt. His craft broke and he was out of the race.

Sean Conner left. That left a former LB2CAT Overall winner Pat Roque of the Catalina Crew second position to the turn boat and assumed the lead. Roque was followed by Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE Racing on his RXT who was trailing Pat Roque by 60 yards. Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE Racing tracked a distant third but still in an impressive position considering he was on an almost stock craft. More than halfway back to Long Beach Pat Roque, too, would suffer a mechanical and was out of the race. While Kim Bushong, a formidable rough water rider would pass Conner to take over first place and begin to build a sizable lead in the fog and outside the Queens Gate entrance into the harbor. Conner would ultimately fall back, losing his position to Paul Pham, and Vet/Master Class Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE Racing would hold on for the overall win! Paul Pham finished second and newcomer Brian Steeves placed third overall in his first offshore race on a stock Yamaha SHO! The top three finishers battled 58 miles of changing course conditions and elements to take the podium. Navigation was also an extremely important element in this race. Many lost positions due to a navigational error or nursing a mechanical to the finish line.

Of note, first, second and third place finishers were all on nearly stock boats. The incredible carnage in the PRO OPEN class was so pervasive that Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety / Liquid Militia / PWCOFFSHORE Racing unselfishly stopped her own race and just resorted to tow and rescue for broken down racers scattered across the course. Alladio traveled across the channel all the way to Catalina Island to tow in the broken craft of teammate Mark Gerner who was waiting at Avalon.

Below Ms. Shawn Alladio takes Tyler White under Tow

It was utter destruction for many in the PRO Class. The PROS were holding heavily modified race rockets wide open in big water and it took a toll. The entire class minus two racers had issues. This is a testament to a number of things 1) The power these modified craft are now producing 2) The degree of intensity the PRO Pilots were pushing their craft in heavy water 3) How some of these racers were pushing the envelope with both the throttle and their modifications.

Kim Bushong

Kim Bushong has been racing watercraft for well over a decade. A world class athlete, Kim is a former top ten finisher in the Kona, Hawaii 'Iron Man'. It should be noted that he led his Iron Man race for the swim through the bike ride, after the marathon he still finished top ten. Kim started off on an old Tigershark Jet Ski and laughs about bouncing across the channel to Catalina Island back in the 90’s. He has well over 100 cross channel transits and is known to have a great deal of stamina, tolerance for pain and rough water riding capability. Bushong was in the top three at the LB2CAT a few years ago and blew a belt on his ULTRA and was out of the race, last year he finished 4th overall and now has taken the Championship!! There have been many hours of training and sweat equity from Kim over the years. What is unique about this year’s race is that Kim was on hiatus to pursue his latest venture which is international paddling competitions. Bushong has been traveling the globe for the last six months in pursuit of championships. Add the LB2CAT to the List Kim, you did it and you deserve it. After the race Kim said “You cannot control what others do, or how they are doing, no matter how bad you are doing, or perceive you are doing, or how bad you feel, never give up, fight to the end, If you put all you have into it, good things will happen, never, ever, give up. “ Amen to that Kim.

Tommy Kolleck of Southern California took the Amateur Open Class on his Kawasaki ULTRA 250X with an injured wrist. “Dynamic conditions” said Tommy. Brian Largarticha took the Superstock Limited, a new class that Brian himself initiated. He won racing his SeaDoo IS. Warren Frank won the Challenged Athlete Class on his Kawasaki ULTRA260X. Warren is an amputee that did this race on a prosthetic, quite impressive. Warren would also go on to win the PWCOFFSHORE.com Award for Excellence later in the day. Sean Conner took the PRO OPEN Class with one of the last remaining PRO boats running. Of course Kim Bushong won the Vet/Master Class. And the standout of the day was Brian Steeves, brand new racer, brand new to offshore, first race and he takes the podium and wins the Sportsman Class!

The field was also honored to see legendary Water Skier Mike Murphy on the course racing in the Vet Master Class. Mike Murphy is an inventor and groundbreaker in water sports. Anyone that knows waterskiing knows Murphy from winning the Catalina Water Ski Race to setting world speed records to his Fosters Beer Commercial to his world travels. This man has done it all.

For the new racers out there or the racers that don't want to invest the time and money in a full on race craft, you too can win this race and or be in the top three on the podium! We believe that two of the three podium boats were essentially 100% bone stock! Never again should it be spoken that “your craft is not fast enough” to win this race or participate in the LB2CAT Race! There are many dimensions of this race that make it possible for anyone to win on any give day.

Next Race of the TCO is in September from Dana Point to Oceanside and Back - be there! http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for information.

The race footage helicopters were all forced to turn back due to the increasing fog layer only a few miles into the race but were still able to get some fantastic pictures.

The little video we did get from the helicopter was hardcore!”

Kawasaki now has the greatest number of LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Titles, taking that away from Polaris.

Racer Quotes / Interviews Following the Race:

Ms. Shawn Alladio: 'The LB2CAT was everything that a hardened offshore racer could ask for. Except for the fog conditions. It is a shame all the top fueled race boats fell away in the race. There is no honor in a race that takes out the best, I know folks say 'that's racing' and to some degree it is. For me to see or hear about a real race challenge being earned across the line is my personal dream of this event. That challenged was handed down to the next tier level of racers who did just that. They stepped it up and stayed the course. Kim Bushong is not a surprise for the win, he's a focused and driven competitor. Anyone could have won this race in those conditions with the navigational and mechanical issues, on July 18th, it was Kim's race.'

Mark Gerner: “That was a race! I was so pleased about the sea state; this is water that I thrive in. I love the intensity of the rough and was eager to get the race started and not miss what appeared to be tough water outside the gate, that was a true offshore race and what we wish for! I felt the zone in this race, pushed the envelope, put the mouthpiece to good use, lost a GPS while hammering through a five footer at 65 mph, and have a few bumps and bruises, perfect. Just the way we like it. To be candid, it’s difficult to have a mechanical when you have that far of a lead and at that stage of the race. But that is racing, you have to finish to win it and this was not an uncommon story today. I would have loved to see Shawn Alladio on a Kawasaki ULTRA260 out there battling in that sea state, this is her kind of water also. I feel bad for Warner, Macc, Tyler White, Andy Wise, Carreon and all of the others that also worked so hard and had mechanicals, some barely got the opportunity to compete. That is racing and on any given day anything can happen. I would have enjoyed seeing everyone keep their craft rolling and truly battle it out in that sea sate for the entire race, epic. There was so much talent out there. I will go home tonight, have a glass of Merlot, wake up Monday morning and start the process of preparation for 2011. I will be even more motivated to win, I will be ready again. I will also continue to do all I can to support this truly fantastic event and wonderful community of offshore racers. All of which are like extended family to me. He / she who cross the line first is the Champion that is the bottom line. I am happy for my good friend Kim Bushong, Kim has worked so hard for over a decade in pursuit of a win here, it was his day and on an almost stock boat to boot! LB2CAT Platinum Club for the year 2010, Kim Bushong. You have to love it. Given that Kim is a world class athlete, he is incredibly humble down to earth and just a great guy - he deserves this. I am so very proud and happy for Kim. I am also very happy to see the number of new racers we have on the course! See you next year!”

Warren Frank: “Well I just think as a team that trains in fog and rough water, the conditions were absolutely ideal for us. To me the conditions defined "offshore racing" compared to the three other races I did which had flat water and clear visibility. Even for the top racers in the sport other than our team or riders that train in those conditions, I’m certain it messes up their game to navigate with a GPS while their hull is slamming up and down thousands of times in the race compared the going WOT on flat water with the ability to see Catalina very clearly as they exit Long Beach Harbor. Just the fact that I’ve trained in the past with Mark Gerner and Shawn Alladio in very thick fog going WOT made me feel comfortable. Even with 2 dead GPS's I didn’t panic and did what I thought would be best to finish the race as fast as possible even though I did mess up a little. But without my training in those conditions, things could have got a lot worse. Also in the past three races I totally over-trained on the water. I beat my body up to where I was aching in every joint non stop. I think for me personally its better to train on the water once a week and cross train with other activities like weights, stair climbs, swimming, mountain and spin bike. In previous races I kept my whole body weight back with my arms extended and if I hit a big bump Id hit the face portion of my helmet on the bars and my shoulders, elbows, forearms and hands would fatigue within 15 mins. This last race I positioned my upper body over and in front of the bars and taking much less strain and not getting nearly as fatigued as before. A few times when I took a big hit, I slammed my chest into the bars. I'm not sure if this position works for everyone or even if it’s good for the pump to hookup best but it worked for me. Endurance racing is not always about top speed WOT, it’s about keeping a good fast pace while riding as efficient as possible going in the straightest line possible.”

John “The Master of the Channel” Belton who has over 600 cross channel transits on a PWC: "This was probably the most difficult race I have ever done. Visibility was horrible along with an inconsistent swell pattern which made for a difficult ride".

Legendary Water Skier Mike Murphy: “It was a great race, I need to learn how to more effectively utilize my GPS System, I need to be able to better navigate in this kind of fog. This year there was nobody to follow really in the fog due to limited visibility on parts of the course. It was so fun! Shawn Alladio sacrificed her race to tow other racers and to just help other people, she knew there was a more important role for her and she made a sacrifice and I think that is just great. I thought that was really cool.

Robert Carreon: “This was the offshore race that would prove Man & machine would need to be as one. For some it was all that, For Kim Bushong, he proved that sometimes it's not a horsepower race, but steady wins the race. The water was big, the fog was thick, in the end, The Iron Man from www.Pwcoffshore.com came out on top. I was hoping for rough water, as the Ultra does well in that type of water. The winds were up in the morning. My ski had been running good. It felt strong, and was running as quick as ever. I told the scoring boat, just before they pulled out from the dock, Look for #21, I'll be the first guy to cross the line...And I was.But I was the first guy to break and cross the line. I'll be more specific next year. (true story, ask Arnold's wife).”

Ryan Levinson: "I was on track to finish slightly ahead of my time from last year when I hit a random double up chop within sight of the final turn buoy and was ejected hard. On the first bounce I was ripped from the ski and landed mid way on my back across the seat hyper extending on the initial impact. At this point the ski turned violently and relaunched while throwing me laterally. On the second impact I landed hard on my left glute on the gunwale of the port side foot tray missing my tailbone by less than an inch. Then I hit the water at near WOT speed. I took a second to assess myself and ensure there were no major injuries then swam back to my craft which ended up at least 25 meters away. I remounted and rode the final 1/2 mile or so to the finish. As for results, if you factor out the time lost during the ejection I did fairly well. Like mentioned above, without the crash I would have finished on pace with last year despite the more challenging conditions and my choice of a lighter ski with a smaller engine and a hull less well suited for rough water. Until the crash I was set to finish with the same margin of time behind Warren (1st in my division) who was riding a rough water ski with literally double the horsepower. For the most part I am pleased with my effort and thankful that I was able to push myself and my boat harder than ever before. This is largely due to foundation of training provided by Shawn Alladio, Mark Gerner, Mike Arnold, Hopper Frank, and the other racers who I was able to ride with and learn from over the year. In the end I made a mistake and I own it (along with the physical pain it brings). I could write more on what I "would have done" but what matters is what I did. I got careless as the finish approached and started thinking I was home free. In other words, I lost focus at the point in the race where there was maximum fatigue. Recipe for disaster. For 99% of the race my mantra was "Relax. Drive your boat." Right before the crash it was a mix of planning how I'd tell the story of the crossing, thinking about how stoked I was on my performance, trying to beat my time from last year, and hoping everyone else was safe. The next instant I was in the water. Lesson learned... Special thanks to Mark, Ross, and Shawn for spearheading the efforts that welcomed us into the sport. To Warren and Fekete for stepping up to compete. To all the competitors for pushing me, inspiring me, and teaching me. And to mother nature for the good times, worthy challenges, and important life lessons. "
Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157624535737000/

Pos

Boat #

Name

Class

Time

1

98

Kim Bushong

Vet/Master

1:07:00

2

99

Paul Pham

Vet/Master

1:09:40

3

24

Brian Steeves

Sportsman

1:09:52

4

7

Sean Conner

Pro/Am

1:10:45

5

30-TCO

Santiago Kuan

Sportsman

1:12:13

6

2

Steve West

Pro/Am

1:13:45

7

6

John Belton

Vet/Master

1:14:06

8

8

Lee Phan

Pro/Am

1:16:10

9

25

Brian Largarticha

Super Stock Ltd

1:18:14

10

619

Warren Frank

Challenged

1:18:15

11

777

Tommy Kolleck

Amateur Open

1:18:35

12

62

Mike Murphy

Vet/Master

1:18:50

13

141

David Fekete

Challenged

1:19:12

14

34

Dean Brown

Amateur Open

1:19:32

15

55

Ian Settlemire

Super Stock Ltd

1:20:08

16

501

Todd Young

Military

1:20:10

17

100

David Hardenberger

Vet/Master

1:21:15

18

69

J.C. Driver

Military

1:21:22

19

411

Cheng Leu

Pro/Am

1:23:49

20

226

Dawn Fekete

Vet/Master

1:24:15

21

609

Ryan Levinson

Challenged

1:24:35

22

54

David Oppenheim

Sportsman

1:24:48

23

12-TCO

Michael Arnold

Military

1:34:15

24

232

Erik Banados

Sportsman

1:39:08

25

242

Ahmed Hamade

Super Stock Ltd

1:46:15

26

131

Shane Newton

Sportsman

2:13:09

27

4-TCO

Shawn Alladio

Mfg. Stock

DNF

21

Robert Carreon

Pro/Am

DNF

1

Craig Warner

Pro/Am

DNF

3

Tyler White

Pro/Am

DNF

1-TCO

Mark Gerner

Pro/Am

DNF

151

Chris Lawrence

Pro/Am

DNF

23

Andy Wise

Vet/Master

DNF

296

Tony Hoa

Amateur

DNF

721

Akira Tanaka

Super Stock Ltd.

DNF

111

Jim Costello

Sportsman

DNF

77

Pat Roque

Vet/Master

DNF

30

Chris MacCluggage

Pro/Am

DNS

Pro/Am Open Overall

Pos

Boat #

Name

Mfg.

Time

1

7

Sean Conner

Sea-Doo RXT-X

1:10:45

2

2

Steve West

Kawasaki Ultra

1:13:45

3

8

Lee Phan

Kawasaki Ultra

1:16:10

4

411

Cheng Leu

Kawasaki Ultra

1:23:49

5

21

Robert Carreon

Kawasaki Ultra

DNF

6

1

Craig Warner

Kawasaki Ultra

DNF

7

3

Tyler White

Sea-Doo RXT-X

DNF

8

1-TCO

Mark Gerner

Kawasaki Ultra

DNF

9

151

Chris Lawrence

Yamaha SHO

DNF

Vet/Master Open

1

98

Kim Bushong

Kawasaki Ultra

1:07:00

2

99

Paul Pham

Sea-Doo RXT

1:09:40

3

6

John Belton

Kawasaki Ultra

1:14:06

4

62

Mike Murphy

Yamaha HO Cruiser

1:18:50

5

100

David Hardenberger

Kawasaki Ultra

1:21:15

6

226

Dawn Fekete

Yamaha FXHO

1:24:15

23

Andy Wise

Sea-Doo RXP

DNF

77

Pat Roque

Sea-Doo RXP

DNF

Amateur Open

1

777

Tommy Kolleck

Kawasaki Ultra

1:18:35

2

34

Dean Brown

Kawasaki Ultra

1:19:32

296

Tony Hoa

Sea-Doo RXT

DNF

Manufacturer's Stock

1

4-TCO

Shawn Alladio

Kawasaki Ultra

6:40

Super Stock Ltd.

1

25

Brian Largarticha

Sea-Doo RXT-IS

1:18:14

2

55

Ian Settlemire

Sea-Doo RXP

1:20:08

3

242

Ahmed Hamade

Sea-Doo RXT-IS

1:46:15

721

Akira Tanaka

Kawasaki Ultra

DNF

Challenged Athlete

1

619

Warren Frank

Kawasaki Ultra

1:18:15

2

141

David Fekete

Yamaha FXHO

1:19:12

3

609

Ryan Levinson

1:24:35

Miltary Open

1

501

Todd Young

Kawi Ultra LX

1:20:10

2

69

J.C. Driver

Yamaha SHO

1:21:22

3

12-TCO

Michael Arnold

Sea-Doo RXT

1:34:15

Sportsman Open

1

24

Brian Steeves

Yamaha FX SHO

1:09:52

2

30-TCO

Santiago Kuan

Kawasaki Ultra

1:12:13

3

54

David Oppenheim

Yamaha FX HO

1:24:48

4

232

Erik Banados

Yamaha FHO

1:39:08

5

131

Shane Newton

Kawasaki 15F-FTX

2:13:09

111

Jim Costello

Yamaha HO Cruiser

DNF

PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing is sponsored by R&D, Hydro-Turf and Fly Racing

Thank you Brian Bowen, Adrianna Carreon, Russell Libby and Dave Pirate Tew - and all other supporters, you know who you are and you know why.

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

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The 2010 APBA Long Beach, Ca. USA to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship Race, AKA the “LB2CAT” is scheduled for July 18, 2010

2010-05-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

PWCOFFSHORE on May-9-10 10:53am

5/9/2010

The 2010 APBA Long Beach, Ca. USA to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship Race, AKA the “LB2CAT” is scheduled for July 18, 2010 and will be brought to us by RPM Racing Enterprises and Ross Wallach.

The best offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racers in the world will assemble to take on this legendary and epic race! Many are forecasting the best gathering of talent ever and one of the best LB2CAT Races - ever. Kawasaki has swept the podium the last two years straight with the Kawasaki ULTRA 250x and 260x platforms. Last year’s standout racer was Factory Monster Kawasaki’s Craig Warner who won his second consecutive APBA Offshore National Championship and he will be pursuing his third straight Title this year! Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing took second place on his Kawasaki ULTRA 250X in 2009 and third place went to former World Champion Chris Heinrich racing his Kawasaki ULTRA250X.

The race is a 60 mile round trip course that starts from behind the break wall in the shadow of the majestic Queen Mary for an approx. 30 mile sprint across the channel to a turn-boat off the coast of Avalon (Catalina Island), and then back to the finish line at the Queen Mary. Professional racers are completing this round trip in just less than 60 minutes, a reflection of the speed and raw power of contemporary watercraft. A well tuned, fast, reliable craft, navigation skills and physical fitness all play a role in the success of these racers. The water conditions in the channel are unpredictable and can be “ocean smooth” (the ocean is never completely flat) or could present rough water conditions similar to what we saw at the 2008 LB2CAT. Racers do their best to implement a “setup” on their craft that is best for the given sea state on race day.

Ms. Shawn Alladio of Liquid Militia / PWCOFFSHORE Sponsored Racing / K38 Water Safety fame will be there in force to take on yet another LB2CAT. Alladio has been the first woman to cross the line in literally every LB2CAT she has participated in. Chis MacCluggage of MACC Racing won the 2010 Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race, the first offshore race of the 2010 Triple Crown. Macc will be a contender at the 2010 LB2CAT racing his Yamaha in pursuit of another LB2CAT win while simultaneously pursuing the prestigious title for the “Triple Crown of Offshore” for 2010. Note to self, we will see Macc and Warner battle in an offshore race for the first time in history. Drama anyone? Much will be determined on this day….. Word on the street is that Mark Gerner is building a new Kawasaki ULTRA platform with a “gloves off” approach to the build. Mark’s Mantra – “pray for rough water.” European racers are being solicited to participate and there is rumor that one prominent name might show up! John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE Sponsored Racing has been tearing up the offshore course on a stock Kawasaki and is preparing for the race through multiple cross channel transits. Sean Conner has been engaged in a strict training regime and will not be on a stock craft as he was at the Dana Point to Avalon Race; word is he will be back on a rocket-ship for the LB2CAT. Relatively new offshore standout Tommy Kolleck has also stated his intent to race again in 2010 and has been putting in multiple hours of training in preparation for the race. Also engaged in a training regime is Mark Manke and David Fekete of KMG Racing. When asked about how he was training for the LB2CAT, Mark Manke said “Along with the regular cardio & strength conditioning, I ride as often as I can. Closed course on stand-ups during the week with the SD Crew, river trips with friends and racing my Sport Spec Blaster at ISBA World Finals and selected APBA Watercross tour stops.” Tyler White from TAD Racing will also be participating after a strong Triple Crown start and podium finish at the Dana Point to Avalon Race.

There are multiple classes to accommodate all skill levels and types of watercraft from manufacturer’s stock class to fully modified watercraft Pro Classes. 2009 Class standouts were Warren Frank who won the Challenged Athlete Class, Kevin Shaw won the Manufacturer’s Stock Class, Mike Arnold won the Military Class, Jim Walker won the Amateur Open Class, Dave Szych won the Sportsman Open Class, Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE Racing won the Veteran Master Class and of course Craig Warner won the Professional Class and the overall.

PWCOFFSHORE.com intends to put a helicopter in the air again this year to film the race and create yet another DVD covering the race. 2009 DVD sponsors were Liquid Militia Clothing, TAD Racing - Doug White, Greenhulk.net, 4-TecPerformance.com Parts, Corner Pocket Studios, PWCOFFSHORE.com, Impros The Impeller Professionals, Vanick Racing, Steve “Famous” Friebe, The AWA, K38 Water Safety and Dave Arnold Live.com. LB2CAT DVD's can be found here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DVD_LB2CAT_BACK.php

SeaDoo has a new model for 2010 with their SeaDoo RXTX; the craft sports a larger hull than its predecessor and appears to be a better rough water hull than the 2009 RXTX hull. Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE Racing who owns both a Kawasaki ULTRA250X Race Craft and a 2007 SeaDoo RXT Race Craft said ”The 2010 RXTX hull is a much better hull for rough water than SeaDoo’s previous year’s RXTX hull and SeaDoo appears to have taken a significant step forward for ocean riding and racing, nice job SeaDoo! My initial impression and opinion gleaned through a few offshore rides with the new RXTX is that the ULTRA hull still appears to be the better hull for rough/big water. Kawasaki got a lot right with the ULTRA hull for rough water. Time, the aftermarket and a few more offshore races will ultimately be the determing factor and this could all change, we shall see. Hey, how about that Yamaha SHO, it really appears to be doing significantly better in offshore." With the aftermarket’s advances with the Yamaha SHO and Macc's recent offshore win, the Yamaha SHO appears to be picking up momentum in offshore racing. Yamaha, SeaDoo, Kawasaki, Honda - the offshore battle of the brands will be a great one this year!

We are poised for yet another epic LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race! See you on July 18, 2010 – be there! Entry form and logistics information here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/LB2CAT_Race_Page.html

Triple Crown of Offshore: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Triple_Crown_of_Offshore_58.html

PWCOFFSHORE Forum, look for the LB2CAT Segment: http://www.pwcoffshoreforums.com/

http://www.lb2catrace.com/ http://www.jetskioffshore.com/

jet ski racing, pwcoffshore, pwc racing, catalina, long beach to catalina, lb2cat, endurance racing, offshore racing

Left, Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE Racing at the 2009 LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race

Sean Conner Post Race Interview - Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Race 3/2010

2010-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

HOW DID YOU TRAIN FOR THE DANA POINT TO AVALON OFFSHORE RACE?

I try to train on the water as much as possible but when that option is not available I'm at the gym on the versa climber, pulls ups, squats, biking basically trying to simulate the movements and muscles used for pwc racing

WHAT KIND OF CRAFT DID YOU RACE? I switched it up for this event, and rode a stock Ultra 250x for pretty much the first time.

HOW DID YOUR CRAFT PERFORM DURING THE RACE? The stock Kawasaki Ultra 250x is a rock solid craft. The deep hull performs very well offshore. This was actually the most gentle race of my career for the most part.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOUR CRAFT? The Kawasaki Ultra 250x has the best hull for severe offshore conditions, very stable, deep and heavy it cuts through chop.

WHAT PLACE DID YOU COME IN? Unfortunately due to a faulty battery I broke the battery crashing through a power boat wake 3 miles from the finish line. I was swapping fuses, checking the wire harness connections trying to get it going without any luck giving me a DNF for this race.

WHAT INSIGHT CAN YOU OFFER TO NEW RACERS? Make sure every part and piece of your watercraft is in excellent condition. Equipment takes a beating offshore and even though everything might appear fine, in many case it is on its way out.

HOW ARE YOU TRAINING FOR THE LB2CAT RACE? I'm trying to spend as much time on the water as possible. In my opinion training like you race is the best way to train.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT OFFSHORE RACING? I love racing period. Although offshore racing has its own characteristics. For me offshore is very mentally challenging compared to most races. Being in the ocean, you're not only battling your competitors but also the ocean itself. Instead of flat lake water, your busting through 6 foot wind blown waves and launching off the face of swells. Even when the ocean appears flat, those ground swells will still keep it interesting. Its a different style of riding, when its rough the rider makes the difference not necessarily the amount of horsepower.

John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing wins the Vet Master Class on his Stock Kawasaki ULTRA260X and comes in 6th overall at the 2010 Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Race!

2010-04-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing wins the Vet Master Class on his Stock Kawasaki ULTRA260X and comes in 6th overall at the 2010 Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Race!

John Belton AKA “THE MASTER” of the channel between Long Beach / Dana Point and Catalina Island earned that nickname for traversing the channel over 650 times, yes 650 times. Belton has spent a lifetime on the water engaged in competitive sailing, surfing and racing watercraft. John is also a competitive runner. Nobody has the experience and knowledge of the channel that Belton has, and it showed on Sunday March 28, 2010 when Belton finished just behind a few of the very heavily modified high dollar watercraft on his completely stock ULTRA260X. Belton came in 6th overall and won the Vet/Master Class of the first race of the Triple Crown of Offshore. John was the first craft to cross the finish line on a completely stock craft (minus HYDRO-TURF lifter wedges), a tremendous accomplishment. Congratulations Mr. John Belton!

An interview of the Master: In addition to the many hours or riding and cardio you did to prepare for the race, what else did you do to prepare? About a week before the event, I start to track weather systems to give me an idea of what race conditions will be like. It is important for me to know what the weather will be because you will use different sets of muscle groups depending upon weather / water conditions. Believe it or not when the water is calmer and weather conditions are good, I find it more physically strenuous to ride in those conditions.

What are your thoughts about racing in rough or “ocean flat” water? When the water is rougher and there are swells, you can actually relax a bit when the boat is in the air. When the water is really fast and "mostly" calm, you must have a very tight grip on the throttle the entire 100% of the time and you must "move around" on the boat constantly to try to find the "sweet spot" which will maximize hull speed.

Do you prefer rough or flat water? When it comes to an event, I can't say that I prefer one type of water over the other. It's my job to adapt to the elements presented to me. But if there is a good groundswell, I have to say I do enjoy that type of ride.

How did you prepare your stock craft for the race? Regarding the issue of the boat itself, obviously this is a very important part of the equation. I make sure the oil level is correct, hose clamps are tight, as well as the SC Belt adjusted correctly. The night before a race, I like to just sit on the boat in the garage for a 1/2 hour or so. I just sit there and do nothing. This helps to reinforce a "comfortable" feeling on the boat. You should feel comfortable with the ergonomics of your boat. A successful offshore rider must be comfortable on the boat. If you are comfortable on the boat you are able to ride with less effort and stay strong in mind and focus.

Who are your sponsors? I want to thank my sponsors for their great support of me and of offshore racing. They are www.pwcoffshore.com, HYDRO-TURF, Fly Racing Products, R&D; Racing and the great information we receive from TeamMoto.

See you at the 2010 Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship on July 18, 2010!

www.pwcoffshore.com www.pwcoffshoreforums.com www.jetskioffshore.com http://www.lb2catrace.com/

jet ski racing, offshore racing, pwc racing, apba, RPM Racing Enterprises LB2CAT Triple Crown of Offshore

PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing To Sponsor Craig Warner of Monster Kawasaki

2010-01-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

January 29, 2010

PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing To Sponsor Craig Warner of Monster Kawasaki

PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing is pleased to announce their sponsorship of IJSBA World Champion and two time APBA Offshore National Champion Craig Warner of Monster Kawasaki Racing for the 2010 Racing Season. Warner has taken the offshore racing scene by storm by capturing two consecutive Offshore National Championships in 2008 and 2009 racing his Kawasaki ULTRA 250X and 260X. PWCOFFSHORE Founder Mark Gerner said "Craig Warner has been selected for sponsorship by virtue of truly differentiating himself as being one of the elite of offshore racing. We are very pleased to augment our relationship with Craig Warner and look forward to working with Craig as he continues to excel in offshore racing." Craig Warner said "I am proud to be part of the PWCOFFSHORE.com Team and I am looking forward to defending my Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship Title again this year."

Congratulations are in order for all involved!

For more information regarding Offshore PWC/Jet Ski Racing, please rvisit: www.pwcoffshore.com and www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

For more information regarding Kawasaki Watercraft visit: http://www.kawasaki.com/Home/Home.aspx

Craig Warner at the 2009 Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship Race (LB2CAT)

Craig Warner at the 2009 Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship Race (LB2CAT)

jet ski racing, pwc racing, kawasaki watercraft, pwcoffshore, jet ski, watercraft, catalina

2010 PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored/Gunz Racing Club

2010-01-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

PWCOFFSHORE.com is pleased to announce their current 2010 Race Club Selections!

The following racers have been selected for inclusion in the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers Club and The Offshore Gunz Racing Club for the 2010 race season. Selections are made by invitation only.

2010 Technical Advisors:

Aaron Cress

Steve Friebe

2010 Sponsored Racers (Black Jerseys):

Steve Friebe

Ms. Shawn Alladio

John Belton

Robert Carreon

Sean Conner

Mark Gerner

* The above racers focus on the Professional, Vet Master and Stock Race Classes

2010 Gunz Racing (Red Jerseys):

Warren Frank

Mike Arnold

*The above two racers focus on the Amateur Class and Military Race Classes

These racers have been selected by virtue of their PWC offshore riding and racing experience, professionalism, success on the racecourse, and their willingness & desire to play a major role in the expansion of our sport. This is an exceptionally unique group of racers by virtue of their actions off of the racecourse. These racers are focused on their individual racing performance and giving back to the offshore racing and riding community in the form of leadership of positive change in the offshore PWC community. This includes but is not limited to assisting promoters orchestrate races, collaboration with new racers and information sharing.

Congratulations are in order for these accomplished racers!

Strength and Honor

Sean Conner (Pictured below)

Gerner

Steve Friebe

Ms. Shawn Alladio

Robert Carreon

John Belton

Technical Advisor Aaron Cress

Mike Arnold

Warren Frank

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for more inormation regarding offshore racing

http://www.jetskioffshore.com/

http://www.lb2catrace.com/

http://www.pwcoffshoreforums.com/

SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS

jet ski racing, lb2cat, mark hahn, offshore racing, catalina racing, dana point to avalon, dana point to oceanside race, 250x,

2010 Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Mile PWC Race, Arizona USA

2010-01-04T00:24:00.000-08:00

The Februay 27, 2010 Mark Hahn 300 Mile Race is right around the corner! The best endurance racers in the world will be there, don't miss this race!

For entry form and logistics information, click here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Mark_Hahn_Race.html

Gerner and Carreon of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing won last year piloting the Kawasaki ULTRA 250X, who will win the title this year?!

http://www.jetskioffshore.com/
http://www.pwcoffshoreforums.com/
http://www.lb2catrace.com/

THE TRIPLE CROWN OF OFFSHORE PWC / JET SKI RACING DEBUTS WITH GREAT SUCCESS IN 2009

2009-12-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

Pictured above is Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises giving instruction to the racers.

The Triple Crown of Offshore was a collaboration between race promoter RPM Racing Enterprises, K38 Water Safety, PWCOFFSHORE.com and the APBA. The Triple Crown of Offshore Race Series consists of three races: The 37 mile Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race in April, The historic 58 mile Long Beach to Catalina and Back APBA Offshore National Championship Race (AKA the LB2CAT) in July, and the 50 mile Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Offshore Race in November. A points system was created to determine Triple Crown series race winners by class and an over Triple Crown Winner. 2009 also saw the creation of new race classes; The Military Class which is available to all current and former members of the US Military, the Manufacturers Stock Class that is for 100% stock craft only and The Challenged Athlete Class.

Individual Race Winners:
Individual race winners were Lee Phan of Southern California who won the Dana Point to Avalon Race racing his SeaDoo RXT, Monster Factory Kawasaki sponsored racer Craig Warner won the 2009 LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race for the second consecutive year racing his Kawasaki ULTRA260X, and Pat Roque of Huntington Beach, Ca won the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Race on his SeaDoo RXP.
(Mike Arnold Pictured Below - Triple Crown Military Class Winner)

2009 Triple Crown of Offshore Race Winners:
PWCOFFSHORE.com founder Mark Gerner was the overall 2009 Triple Crown Winner racing his heavily modified Kawasaki ULTRA250X. Gerner's win further solidified Kawasaki’s dominance of offshore racing. Mark attributed the success to “two great technicians in Cress and Friebe working on the craft, many years of offshore experience, an aggressive training regime and great love for the sport.” Paul Pham won the PROAM Class on his SeaDoo RXT, Iron Man Triathlete Kim Bushong won the Veteran Master Class Racing his Kawasaki ULTRA250X, Ralph Perez won the Amateur Open Class, Mike Arnold of the US Marine Corps won the Military Class, Shawn Alladio won the Manufacturer’s Stock Class, Warren Frank won the Challenged Athlete Class and Tommy Kolleck won the Sportsman Class.

Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing (pictured above) was voted the Offshore Racer Of The Year by his peers, while Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com GUNZ Racing was voted the New Offshore Racer Of The Year. Quakysense wetsuits was voted the best vendor supporter of offshore racing for 2009 and was recognized by the racers during the awards banquet for their support of Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racing.

Ahmed Hamade and Brian Largentina were both given special recognition for giving up their respective Oceanside Races to support a downed racer that was sinking after a mechanical. Their selflessness earned them great respect from their fellow racers.

Special recognition is in order for Warren Frank, Ryan Levinson and Dave Fekete who were the first "challenged athlete" class to ever compete in the LB2CAT.

The 2009 LB2CAT, the second race of the Triple Crown was filmed and a DVD was produced yet again this year. The 2009 LB2AT DVD race coverage is available via http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

The Triple Crown of Offshore PWC / Jet Ski Racing is scheduled to kick off again at Dana Point, Ca in march of 2010, don’t miss out! Come on out and participate. Yes, you! For more information regarding the Triple Crown of Offshore, visit www.pwcoffshore.com the premiere site for the PWC / Jet Ski offshore racer, rider and enthusiast!

Picture to the above and right is of Pat Roque who won the Dana Point to Oceanside and back race.
Top 21 positions earned numbers for the 2010 series

Place Racer Name Points

1. Mark Gerner 1068

2. Paul Pham 1064

3. Kim Bushong 1064

4. Shawn Alladio 980

5. Pat Roque 780

6. John Belton 696

7. Robert Carreon 696

8. Ralph Perez 688

9. Sean Conner 680

10. Jim Walker 664

11. Warren Frank 644

12. Mike Arnold 608

13. Ryan Levinson 586

14. Craig Warner 400

15. Lee Phan 400

16. Chris Heinrich 368

17. Dave Szych 352

18. Tyler White 348

19. Tom Phan 348

20. Ian Settlemire 344

21. Taylor Curtis 344

Kim Bushong Pictured below

Mark Gerner Pictured Below at the 2009 LB2CAT

The start of the 2009 LB2CAT Race pictured below

TAD Racing at the 2009 LB2CAT below

Ryan Levinson pictured below at the 2009 Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Race

Start of the 2009 LB2CAT / Still behind the Queen's Gate Break Wall

Below, Ms Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing - 2009 Dana Point to Oceanside and back Offshore Race

Jet ski racing pwc racing lb2cat triple crown of offshore racing www.jetskioffshore.com www.lb2catrace.com pwcoffshore hydro turf R&D Racing, Liquid Militia Fly Racing

Sean Conner picks up "the even more prestigious" Black Jersey at PWCOFFSHORE.com than the red one he was wearing!

2009-11-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Gunz Racing (Gunz is the Red Jersey focused on Amateur level racing) is recently selected to take a step up to the PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers Group (the Black and Gray Jerseys / Pro and Vet Master Racers). Sean Conner is the youngest racer in the history of PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racing to become a “Sponsored Black Jersied Racer,” joining the ranks of some of the biggest names in Offshore PWC Racing. Mark Gerner, Founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said “I’m excited about Sean joining the ranks of the Black Jerseys at PWCOFFSHORE Racing and taking his racing career to the next level, Sean Conner represents the future of Offshore Racing and we look forward to watching Sean continue to grow and win championships. He is one of the very few that has the skill, drive, passion and work ethic to be successful in offshore racing. He is also a great ambassador for the sport of offshore racing. He deserves it.”

For more information regarding offshore PWC Racing, check out http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

2009 APBA Pwc Offshore National Champion Craig Warner Signs 2009 LB2CAT DVDs

2009-10-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

On October 29, 2009 PWCOFFSHORE.com paid a visit to Kawasaki Headquarters, USA to meet up with two time APBA PWC Offshore National Champion Craig Warner of Monster Kawasaki. Warner earned the prestigious cover shot on the 2009 LB2CAT DVD by taking his second consecutive Offshore National Championship racing his green and black Kawasaki ULTRA260X. The purpose of the visit was to get the champ’s signature on well over 50 of the 2009 Long Beach to Catalina and Back DVDs! The champ took his time and carefully signed each one of the DVDs!

As of October 29, 2009 and while Craig Warner signed DVD supplies last, those ordering their DVD’s from PWCOFFSHORE.com will receive one of the personally autographed 2009 LB2CAT DVD copies signed by Two time Offshore National Champion Craig Warner!

PWCOFFSHORE.com appreciates Craig Warner and Monster Kawasaki’s support of Offshore PWC Racing and the time Kawasaki and Warner took to sign through so many copies of the DVD! Thank you and congratulations again Kawasaki and Craig Warner!

To view the order page for the LB2CAT DVDs, click here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DVD_LB2CAT_BACK.php

The Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship Race takes place every July from Long Beach, Ca Harbor to Catalina and Back (approximately 58 miles). There are multiple classes from Amateur through Professional. For more information visit www.pwcoffshore.com Come on out and race, yes you!

About the LB2CAT Offshore National Championship Race and The 2009 DVD coverage of the race: The LB2CAT is the most prestigious and longest running Offshore PWC Race in the United States! Leaving the shadow of the famous Queen Mary ocean-liner, racers head out through the Queens Gate across 28 miles of dangerous open waters of the Pacific Ocean. The City of Avalon on Catalina Island looms ahead, hard core offshore PWC racers turnaround and face off the strenuous return leg of open ocean swells, fatigue, and the exhausting control of their high horsepower race craft. Who can take the LB2CAT challenge and go the distance, who will be the winners? The DVD consists of pre race interviews and helicopter footage of the race from Long Beach to Catalina and back. Enjoy!

jet ski racing, pwc racing, pwcoffshore lb2cat Craig Warner, Long Beach to Catalina Race

The Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC Race is November 1, 2009

2009-09-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC Race is November 1, 2009

(photo http://www.pwcoffshore.com/)
RPM RACING ENTERPRISES is pleased to present The Inaugural Dana Point to Oceanside & Back APBA Offshore PWC (Jet Ski) Race, scheduled for November 1, 2009! This is the final race of the “2009 Triple Crown of Offshore PWC Racing" with Dana Point, Ca USA to Avalon and the Long Beach to Catalina & Back APBA National Offshore Championships being the previous two rounds. Multiple classes from Pro to Manufacturer’s "Bone Stock" are available to all takers who are welcome to participate in the 53 mile round trip open ocean race. Navigation, physical fitness and a reliable craft will be critical to success!

The chase for the Offshore Triple Crown is coming down to this final race, the competition is going to be tough with some of the best offshore racers in the world scheduled to participate!

Sean Conner of PWCOFFSHORE.com GUNZ Racing stated that “I am very excited to be racing down the California coastline and looking forward to competing against some of the best offshore endurance racers in the country, The Dana Point to Oceanside Race is going to be a true battle on the water for the Offshore Crown"

Shawn Alladio said “This is my 20th year racing offshore in the Pacific Ocean. I'm excited about the recent rise of interest in PWC Offshore racing here in Southern California. The final race of the 'Triple Crown' Offshore Series is the third trilogy of our Offshore heritage competing at the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back race, 55 miles of 'Hard Core Offshore'

Mark Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said “Offshore PWC Racing is back in the United States! I’m thrilled about this additional race and training hard for the competition. I am excited about the amount of talent that will be participating!”

Tyler White of TAD Racing said "This will be my third time racing in the Pacific and I couldn't be more stoked. I'm looking forward to coming out and representing region five and the third coast once again in the 2009 Offshore Triple Crown race series. Its gonna be a grudge match. Look out California, Texas is a comin' for ya!"
See you there!

Entry form and all race & logistical information is available at PWCOFFSHORE.com, click here: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/DanaPoint2Oceanside_Race.html

Check out the offshore only forum at www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

http://www.pwcoffshore.com/

Contact infrmation for RPM:
SCSC/RPM RACING ENTERPRISES
1803 Morgan Lane
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Phone (310) 318-4012
Fax (310) 372-7427

pwcoffshore jet ski racing offshore racing pwc racing pwc endurance racing

PWC Riders take on the open Pacific Ocean for a 280 mile ride along the California Coastline as a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

2009-09-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

PWC Riders take on the open Pacific Ocean for a 280 mile ride along the California Coastline as a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

On 9/11/2001 our country was attacked by a group of terrorists. We must never forget. Since then, our military has been engaged in warfare to maintain our freedoms and keep our families out of harm’s way. We have lost great Americans while waging this war against terror. We must never forget......... We stand in awe and with the greatest respect of these great Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. More information is available here: www.UWSF.org

The 280 mile open ocean round trip personal watercraft (PWC) ride from San Pedro (Los Angeles, Ca) to San Diego, Ca and back in one day was done to augment visibility to The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF). A small group of accomplished PWC Racers and one Navy EOD Expert took to the water to accomplish one mission; complete the ride and bring visibility and donations to the UWSF. The ride was the brainchild of and orchestrated by Ms. Shawn Alladio, the legendary watercraft safety instructor and watercraft racer out of Southern California (she is also part of Liquid Militia and a PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Offshore Racer). Alladio selected a very experienced group of offshore riders and started the preparation process months before the event. The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders completed the final course and safety checks in Los Angeles, CA at Cabrillo Beach on 9/11.

These "Freedom Riders" on PWC made the trek on September 12th, departing San Pedro at 7:25 am. Departing the safety of the Angel’s Gate from the Los Anegles Port, they headed offshore into the Pacific Ocean and landed at a number of predestinated refueling stops along the southern coastal route.

Dave Tew from the Southern California Watercraft Club was there in force at the various checkpoints to assist with refueling the craft and rider support. Dave 'Pirate' Tew is also an Amateur Class Offshore National Champion PWC Racer. Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com said "Dave was absolutely invaluable in supporting us, he spent his day driving from marina to marina, buying fuel and acting as our primary communications point, we could not have done the ride without him."

The riders had a small mechanical that was quickly and efficiently repaired by supporting mechanic Aaron Cress at Dana Point Jet ski and the riders were back on the water, gutting it out down to the next fuel stop and ultimately San Diego. Water conditions were mild for the ride down the coast to Oceanside but would slowly pick up momentum throughout the day.

Challenged Athlete Foundation representative Ryan Levinson met the group 6 miles off the coast of Mission Bay and provided the group with an honorary escort into San Diego and Coronado. After arriving safely at Coronado, the riders turned back to encounter higher winds and big seas. White caps started to present themselves off the coast of La Jolla and would continue to get rougher through the day, culminating with consistent white caps, high winds and 6 foot seas for the final leg from Dana Point to San Pedro.

Ms Shawn Alladio would comment that "those ocean conditions were fitting for the event, the pain we felt is a reminder of the pain felt by the spouses who lost a loved one, one must continue forward." Almost 12 hours after the ride commenced, the group returned to San Pedro through rough waters, high winds and a magnificent sunset.

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride? The initial fundraiser campaign has launched with a $2,000 charitable contribution to UWSF. Please support us in our goal of reaching $25,000 on behalf of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link to their hompage: http://www.uwsf.org/

Make a Contribution to the UWSF: https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=11226

ABOUT THE UNITED WARRIOR PWC FREEDOM RIDERS

Stephen Ruth - UWSF Vice President

Steve was born June 24, 1965 in Baltimore, MD. He has served in the United States Navy for 21 years and is currently an E8 (Senior Chief) working in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. Steve has been affiliated with UWSF since 2005 and helped coordinate two very successful Coronado Golf Tournaments in 2006 and 2007. Steve was previously the UWSF Operations Officer but stepped back in 2008 due to military commitments and the arrival of his second child.

Ralph Perez

Currently a Federal Law Enforcement officer and Former Drill Sergeant amongst other service distinctions, Ralph is also a distinguished PWC Offshore Racer. He is on the PWCoffshore.com 'Gunz Group' race team and is a prolific supporter of endurance challenges. Ralph chronicles all his adventures and is currently scripting a book about PWC travels that will benefit Wounded Warrior Foundation. He along with his teammates are supporting the UWSF ride to help raise funds for the organization.

Russell Libby

Former United States Marine Corps LCPL, HMM-268 39th MAG, 3rd MAW. 1986-1990. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to show my support on behalf of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation on our PWC Freedom Ride. ‘You have not been forgotten, and we will never forget.’

Mark Gerner

Mark is the founder of the PWCOFFSHORE Race Team, a former United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer (0302), Veteran of Operation Desert Shield & Storm and highly skilled endurance champion racer.

Shawn Alladio

Personal Watercraft Boating Instructor for public safety agencies and special waterborne divisions of the US Army, USMC, USAF, US Navy and USCG. Founder of the K38 Way of Training that is represented in 14 countries worldwide. AWA H2O Responder program director, NSBC Instructor and Professional PWC Racer since 1989

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride?

Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link: www.UWSF.org

K38 Photo Album: (pics by Pirate)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k38shawn/sets/72157622239390919/

Pwcoffshore.com:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157622228478803/

Russell Libby

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11755571@N04/sets/72157622361005100/

2010 Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Mile PWC Race, Arizona USA

2009-08-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

ENTRY FORM AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Mark_Hahn_Race.html

Sixth Annual APBA National
Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300
Set for February 27th at Lake Havasu.
This race is an APBA Sanctioned event and as such, ALL riders MUST be APBA Racing Members and you will need to enter the class that your APBA card shows VERY IMPORTANT.If your card says PRO than you must run the Pro/Am class. If you are not now but want to become an APBA Racing Member, please
call Patrick Mell at (586) 773-9700 or go online at www.apbaracing.com to sign up.

The Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 Team Race is a stand-alone event to honor our fallen friend Mark Hahn. It is not part of the annual points races and therefore there will be Six (7) classes only, as listed on the entry form.

Get your team set and your entry in early to avoid the $25.00 late fee if your paid entry is not received by DSM one (1) week prior to the race. No entries will be accepted on race day. DSM will accept VISA, MASTERCARD or a check for the entry fee to make payment very easy. If anyone has a problem with this entry system or wants to make special arrangements, please contact Jim Russell at DSM immediately at (928) 764-2210, Extension 615 in an effort
to limit the confusion on race day and insure that the race gets started exactly on time. All entrants MUST have eight inch (8") black number(s) on a white background to be scored. Numbers will NOT be available at the race site on race day, nor may you enter on race day.

Awards will be for First through Tenth in the Overall order and First through Third in each Class. The awards are really special for this event, The AWARDS will be at Aquatic Center doors will open at 6.30 same as last years event awards starting at 7.30 pm. NO ONE WILL GET IN WITHOUT A DINNER BAND.

2010 Mark Hahn Hotel info :

London Bridge Resort is proud to be the host hotel for the 2010 Mark Hahn Memorial for the dates of February 26-28, 2010. For six years, the London Bridge Resort has been the host hotel and supporter of the Mark Hahn Memorial, and invites you to reserve a room at a discounted rate of $99 per night. Rooms must be reserved by the cut-off date of January 26, 2010 by
calling (928)855-0888 or (800)238-8808. London Bridge Resort will once again also be hosting an after hours party in Martini Bay on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Book your reservations now and we look forward to seeing you in February!

Mark Hahn, 2010 Mark Hahn, pwcoffshore, jet ski racing, pwc racing pwc offshore racing

2009 Long Beach To Catalina & Back Offshore National Championship

2009-07-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Long Beach to Catalina and Back APBA Offshore National Championship Race orchestrated by R.P.M. Racing Enterprises is in the books and Craig Warner and Monster Kawasaki take home back to back offshore National Championships. Not since legendary offshore racer and sole PWCOFFSHORE Hall Of Famer Billy Womack has any racer won two in a row. Kawasaki further solidified its dominance in offshore racing with the second year of sweeping the podium with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes on Kawasaki platforms. It appears to be official, for now the Kawasaki ULTRA250/260X platforms own offshore racing.

Some of the biggest names in offshore racing gathered with R.P.M. Racing Enterprises around the historic Queen Mary at 8 am on July 12, 2009 to take on the challenge and test their metal with some of the best offshore racers in the world. The "LB2CAT" is a trek just under 60 miles round trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island & back across the treacherous channel waters on PWC/Jet-Skis. The racers take on the mighty Pacific Ocean and shipping channel that presents wind, kelp, rollers, chop and navigation to the racer to assess and overcome. The racers that participate in this race come prepared looking like linebackers with helmets, neck collars and and mouthpieces to hold 75 to 80 mph watercraft wide open throttle (WOT) across the channel and back, a true test of physical strength and mental stamina. This epic and historic race attracts the truly hard core pros and enthusiasts to pursue the prestigious win and membership into the "Platinum Club" of offshore racers who win the overall. Honda came with their guns loaded with Honda sponsored racer Nick Vanis, Monster Kawasaki brought World Champion and returning offshore defending champion racer Craig Warner, PWCOFFSHORE Racing had their team prepped and ready to pursue a win with recent Mark Hahn 300 winners Mark Gerner and Robert Carreon in the PROAM class, there were a number of bone stock SeaDoo IS craft in the mix, one ridden by PWI's Kevin Shaw and the new Yamaha FZR also debuted with two participants choosing it as their weapon of choice for the day.

Over 40 craft hammered throttles for the straight line start out of Queen's Gate providing spectators lining the rock wall with a site to be seen. The adrenalin and horsepower junkies of our industry were in bliss with the sound and site of 1000's of horsepower roaring out of the hole, it was enough to get your blood rolling to say the least. Pat Roque's tweaked out SeaDoo sounded like a Boss 302 with headers and Craig Warner's magnificently tuned ULTRA260X looked and sounded like a rocket screaming across the water. Robert Carreon's green ULTRA screaming out of the hole as it always does is a site and sound to enjoy. Many eyes were on Lee Phan of Southern California this year, Lee was the recent winner of the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race and brought an extremely fast ULTRA to the race. The combination of his offshore riding prowess and fast craft made him a formidable opponent for any racer on that day. The conditions were relatively flat for the indoctrinated with two to three foot rollers with chop outside the break wall, not enough to slow those craft prepped for a flat day but enough to allow the rough water craft to compete and flourish. Conditions close to Catalina Island and Avalon Harbor were mild resulting in a throttle run just outside the island and the first leg on the return trip.

The 2009 LB2CAT saw new race classes instituted by Ross Wallach of R.P.M. Enterprises; a new Military Class, a Manufacturer's Bone Stock class and a Challenged Athlete Class. Former Marine Corps Drill Instructor and competitive boxer Mike Arnold (all 6ft 3in and 250 pounds of muscle) debuted for his first offshore race competing against former Marine Russell Libby, both would put on an impressive display of racing with "Iron-Mike" Arnold edging out Russell Libby for the Military Class win. The new Manufactures Bone Stock Class pitted Shawn Alladio of PWCOFFSHORE on the Kawasaki ULTRA250X competing against multiple racers including the new RXTIS ridden by Kevin Shaw of PWI. Shawn Alladio put on an impressive performance and while in 5th place overall and right outside the Queen Mary on the final leg her entire steering column literally ripped off the craft propelling her over the handlebars for a very nasty toss. This allowed Kevin Shaw to capitalize on his RXTIS and pass Shawn for a very impressive top 10 overall finish on the SeaDoo RXTIS winning the Manufacturers Stock Class. PWI would have a good day with two of their team making it into the top ten. Shawn Alladio was able to slowly manipulate the craft across the finish line using her bodyweight and legs to steer the disabled craft, using nothing short of sheer willpower to get the craft across the line and avoid the DNF.

The challenged athlete class was a highlight for the day, truly an inspiration for all who observed the race. Warren Frank is a below the knee amputee and athlete who runs triathlons and participates in other forms of endurance racing. Driven is an understatement with Warren, he trained with intensity for this race and it showed on the race course. He also made a last minute boat change with the purchase of the ULTRA260X. Warren Frank's performance was impressive and challenged all on the course on that day. Equally impressive is Ryan Levinson, a challenged athlete with FSH Muscular Dystrophy (FSHMD), an incurable, untreatable, muscle-wasting disorder. Those who trained with Ryan in preparation for the race were awestruck with this athlete's strength of will and character. His form was impeccable on the craft, a testament of Shawn Alladio's instruction. Shawn Alladio spent countless hours working with these challenged athletes in preparation for the race. Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE Racing also trained with Ryan Levinson just prior to the race and described the experience as "humbling and inspirational." Ryan Levinson will never acknowledge that it could and likely is very painful for him to ride in the demanding offshore PWC racing niche. Not once did he complain, never did he falter, never did he show weakness. The challenged athletes at the

2009 LB2CAT represented themselves extremely well. One word describes them, awesome. We suggest you go look at their sites: www.ryanlevinson.com www.warrenfrank.com

The Sportsman Class is designed to allow first time offshore racers to come participate at a reduced rate and is the fastest growing class on the roster. Dave Szych of PWI took the Sportsman class, Jim Walker put in an impressive performance racing a SeaDoo RXT winning the Amateur Class and Iron Man Triathlete Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE put in a very impressive performance on this Kawasaki ULTRA250X taking the Vet Master Championship and 4th overall spot. Tyler White of Texas made the trek up to race his RXTX only to encounter a major mechanical during tuning the day before the race that took his craft out of contention for race day. Many scrambled to get him a loaner craft and a stock RXTX appeared resulting in Tyler taking 6th overall on a loaner craft!! How about that! Tyler was accompanied by his father Doug White, a class act and supporter of the offshore racing community.

Craig Warner's performance was dominant beating second place overall finisher and PWCOFFSHORE founder Mark Gerner by two minutes. Warner took the lead quickly at the start and then kept the lead throughout the entire race. Paul Pham was in second but was tossed in mid channel off of his SeaDoo RXT. Mark Gerner and Chris Heinrich battled the entire race with Gerner edging out Heinrich at the very end of the race. The race was plagued with DNF's (Did not finish) due to mechanicals, a testament to the racers continuing to push the horsepower envelope to achieve the speed required to win this race and then pushing that craft to its breaking point during the race. That point of diminishing return of speed vs. reliability is ever-changing and elusive. Many were performing well when their craft had issues, heartbreak was rampant at this race with many racers who had prepped for months (in some cases a year) only to find themselves drifting in the channel with a grenaded engine. After that reality settled in, the race was over and everyone was back on land in one piece, the offshore fraternity and comradery was there with old friends talking and enjoying the great community this niche displays. That is the nature of this epic race. Many of these competitors will be back next year to take on the challenge of the Pacific yet again. The LB2CAT lived up to all its expectations yet again. Congratulations Kawasaki!

PWCOFFSHORE.com took hundreds of pictures, generated great video from their helicopter and has engaged Hypnotic Films to create a DVD for the race, stay tuned and watch www.pwcoffshore.com for updates on the DVD!

See you on the water.
www.pwcoffshore.com

Pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/sets/72157621397054552/

2009 United Warrior Personal Watercraft Freedom Ride

2009-06-17T09:09:00.001-07:00

2009 United Warrior Personal Watercraft Freedom Ride

PWC Freedom Riders raise funds on behalf of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation

Dates: September 11-12, 2009

Locations: Los Angeles Port, to San Diego Harbor, California USA

On behalf of United Warrior Survivor Foundation, the United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders will launch from Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro and ride south to the Naval Amphibious base located on Coronado Island, California, and back again. The open ocean ride of 280 miles along the California Coastline will be a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Ride commences on September 11, 2009. On the anniversary of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks against our nation. We Will Never Forget.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders on September 11^th will complete the final course and safety checks in Los Angeles, CA at Cabrillo Beach. Freedom Riders on personal watercraft (PWC) will make the trek on September 12^th at 6:30am departing the safety of the Angel’s Gate from the Los Angles Port heading offshore into the Pacific Ocean. Refueling stops will be tasked at select marinas along the southern coastal route. Support teams will be at select checkpoints. The ride can be tracked online throughout the day.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Ride will stop at the Glorietta Bay boat launch deep inside the San Diego Harbor in the early afternoon. The group will then refuel and head back to San Pedro California. The turnaround point under the blue steel support beams of the Coronado Bay Bridge will symbolize the memorial ride. The Coronado Bay bridge arched supports is a local landmark off the Naval Amphibious base where Special Forces warriors train. K38 Water Safety first began training USMC Recon Marines here in 1996 and enjoys this honor to date with other divisions.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders are American Watercraft Association (AWA) H2O Responder Members. These UWSF supporters are experienced PWCoffshore Endurance Riders. Each rider and vessel is fitted with safety equipment. They have extensive navigational skills operating in the Southern California coastal waters in all seasonal conditions. Their fundraising efforts begin on June 18^th. These riders support their individual expenses and pilot their own Personal Watercraft. The initial fundraiser campaign has launched with a $2,000 charitable contribution to UWSF. Please support us in our goal of reaching $25,000 on behalf of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride?

Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link: http://www.UWSF.org

About the United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF)

About the United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders

Mike Arnold
United States Marine Corps retired from active duty service after twenty years. A ground pounder by trade, Mike started out as a 0311 Infantryman, worked through the ranks and served as an 8511 Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and a 0369 Infantry Platoon Sergeant. Served: MCRD SD, ITS, Marine BKS Subic Bay,STA 2/7, H Co. MCT, 2/3 Eco. Kaneohe Bay, WFTBN D range, PMI, MCRD SD Drill Instructor/Senior Drill Instructor Hco, 1/1 CAAT PLt Sgt, NCO School Drill Master, 1/1 Bco Wpns PLt. Sgt.(combat tour), and Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the University of Southern California.

Russell Libby

Mark Gerner

Mark is founder of the PWCoffshore.com Endurance Champions Race team. A former United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer (0302), Veteran of Operation Desert Shield & Storm and highly skilled endurance champion racer.

Shawn Alladio

United Warrior PWC Freedom Rider Main Supporters

K38 Water Safety provides boating safety instruction to agencies such as fire rescue, law enforcement, lifesaving and special waterborne divisions of our nation’s military services. www.K38WaterSafety.com

American Watercraft Association (AWA)

National associate body for personal watercraft enthusiasts, members receive the award winning RIDE Magazine. Home of the AWA H2O Responders: www.AWAhq.org

Liquid Militia Clothing action sports apparel for active water sports enthusiasts: www.LiquidMilitia.com

PWCoffshore.com home of the Pro endurance race team and Gunz Racers for PWC offshore racing

CONTACTS:

UWSF Contact: Kelly Chott - UWSF Executive Director

(619) 437-1137 Office

(413) 677-1143 Fax

Kelly@UWSF.org

Homepage: www.UWSF.org Twitter: http://twitter.com/UWSF Blogger: http://uwsf.blogspot.com

2009 UWSF PWC Freedom Rider Supporters: PWCoffshore.com, AWA, Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA, Liquid Militia Clothing, OTB Boots, Mustang Survival, Hydro Turf, K38 GEAR, quakeysense, Yamaha Motors Corporation USA, SocalWatercraftclub.com, Watercraft World Magazine, IJSBA, RIDE Magazine, www.K38WaterSafety.com, www.DavidPuu.com , Fly Racing, R&D, Bombardier Sea Doo, Hot Products USA, K38 rescue

Fly Racing to Sponsor PWCOFFSHORE Watercraft Racing

2009-06-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

Fly Racing to Sponsor PWCOFFSHORE Watercraft Racing

Fly Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Team PWCOFFSHORE.

PWCOFFSHORE is the premier offshore endurance watercraft racing team based in Southern California. The Team will wear Fly Racing’s lightweight helmets during its quest for offshore event wins and championships.

"I am very excited to have such a professional team with Fly Racing,” states Fly Racing’s Rich Kumm. “PWCOFFSHORE is the kind of team that will help the sport as well as local communities."

PWCOFFSHORE.com PWC (Jet Ski) Racing is comprised of founder Mark Gerner, Shawn Alladio, Robert Carreon, John Belton, Kim Bushong and David Walker, whom race at the Professional and Veteran/Master level. PWCOFFSHORE also sponsors competitive racers in the amateur ranks called PWCOFFSHORE Gunz Racing, made up of team riders Sean Conner and Ralph Perez. PWCOFFSHORE's technical advisors are Steve Friebe and Aaron Cress.

“I'm excited about this new relationship with Fly Racing. After reviewing their product line, I am extremely impressed with the quality and great looks of Fly's gear,” states Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to wear Fly Racing products in the extremely demanding offshore PWC Racing niche. The gear we use needs to be the best the industry has to offer, I am confident Fly Racing's gear will fit right in!"

The offshore racers of Team PWCOFFSHORE have differentiated themselves with tremendous success in offshore and endurance racing, which has resulted in the very sought after selection to be one of the few PWCOFFSHORE Sponsored Racers. Fly Racing is proud to be on board as an official sponsor of PWCOFFSHORE and wishes all team members success in this year’s events.

For more information on Fly Racing products, visit www.flyracing.com. For more information about PWC Offshore Racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com.

Wednesday's Child

2009-05-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAYS CHILD, By Shawn Alladio 5/2009

Ryan Levinson and Joe after our training session that ended early Wednesday evening pictured below.

We ran offshore on 3 Jet Skis. The goal is to find the break time of endurance. Starting out at clips of 3-5 miles of a fast run, a short break and repeating the reciprocal direction.

One of our riding goals is to develop landing strength for core stability on port and starboard, as well as the centerline of the craft fore and aft. The landings are always crucial, from the centerline of the craft, bow to stern, depending upon how we run the ocean, getting out of step can result in an injury or ejection from the craft.

We run triagulation patterns to build memory for both the decisions for craft handling and fast run stability, but not limited to taking loads against the hull at various water directions. Maintaining this load at a forward movement is not easy, as trim and throttle have to be constantly managed.

Peak peformance will come from a combination of trim/throttle control, environmental and trim choices underway at or near close peak of wide open throttle application. Many people can run a fast clip at one mile, but we are talking 60 mile jaunts, no backing off, no unequal loads and no ejections. That's PRIME TIME driving.

The ocean on Wednesday gave just enough clap to bring out the finer points of fatigue. The mindset of an operator is the brilliance of a finely crafted run. We train our minds, then our body to match the strength of our boat. Then apply increased speeds with applied timelines, and offset those by directional changes. This is where we find our level of mediocrity. When we find ourselves comfortable, it is time to push harder.

This is what we do. How we do it, matters on the water in the moment of decisiveness. Time limits compliment our breaking points, but we do not break our bodies down completely, we allow the push points to hold firm, then relax. When we have hit our max load, we retire.

The next transit run will depend upon weather and water. Running a course that is not familiar is important. When familiarity interrupts the level of desired output, we become weak. To surrender to that can translate into an injury. Not acceptable in my focus. If we cannot define everything we are operating with; boat, body, and water, and in step with forward movement 'at speed', we are not 'riding the ride'. We are merely talking about talk, and that story is boring and unacceptable, offering few moments of glory.

Training is nothing but preparation, until the battle begins, training is just time paid in. Those training results are exposed as a real world truth when we are placed under pressure, it reveals who you truly are. What are you made of?

The men I run with win. If they do not have the passion to excel, they will take themselves out of the equitable endurance of what drives a champion. Champions are those who have many layers of measured mindset connected to body execution. Having worked with thousands of athletes some things just stand out in human character. Passion is one element. When we run in teams, the team must win, simply put, it must. Whatever your boundary is, you own that, I prefer to drive through them and redefine the next movement.

I observe everything, above, below and within. I can choose who I train with, or they choose me. It depends upon the door. If I shut that door and that person still knocks and continues to knock and shows fortitude with strength and honor, the door opens. There are many who want to excel but are not willing to take themselves there. They believe there is some secret or stepping stone to leap from. Wrong.

That drive is internal and innate to character. It resides in the individual. I observe and I can spot one out of a group (If I'm lucky enough to have one there), you just know they are the real deal, nothing more said. In essence they will teach and lead themselves by example not by following or leading, but through duality in the moment of necessity. They simply go and put forth great effort in every movement. Their weakest moment can encompass anothers full moment, not acceptable in my book. If you want to run in a pack, you set the pace, you don't follow the pace. You push and drive the momentum beyond your pain or comfort.

At 48 years of age if I see a young pup falling behind me, disgrace, disgrace! They should be putting out beyond their comfort or my lead. Not acceptable. Weak minds and effort kill, they destroy synergy. People like this must go away or seriously ramp up. Of course the learning curve allows opportunity to trial, test and fail but the recovery is the weapon of choice, how you recover and respond is what makes the heart and soul of a spirited warrior, no matter what the discipline application is.

I had a student say he was afraid. That's honest and respectful. He said he didn't want to go back into the surf. That's honest. He said he was fearful because of his last experience. Now, here is the crutch. I challenged him to go back into the surf. Which he did. That was honorable. And immediately he created his prophecy. When the wave came he abandoned ship. Not acceptable. Fear is either going to enoble you to drive forward or it is going to kill. Passion and spirit diminish with fear, its is a bondage, a slavery of imagination.

I turned to him, 'are you hurt?'. 'No' he replied, 'but I'm scared and I dont' want to do this.' I said 'good, let's go'. He looked at me and he hesitated. One must simply go and accept the results within the boundaries of comfort. He was not hurt, the waves were not beyond his ability nor his craft, he was capable. But he crippled his mind so much and gave his power away to the ocean, instead of keeping it inside of himself. He threw himself away. His experience was yesterday. Today we go, with open minds to learn from our failures. If you continue to block your experiences because of a safety measure you create through fear, you will eventually call that out and damage yourself. There are moments where fear will save your life. But fear should not cripple you from your level of excellence. Keep Moving-Keep Thinking!

Do you see the message here? Most of you are intimate with it and could write novels on the subject of our spirited decisions and the relevance of going the distance and whatever results are derived. What motivates you? I know what my triggers are. I can define them and push that fold a little with each launch. Ryan defines it every single day because his situation forces him. If you are not being pressured you will turn feral on attitude. Keep primed, find inspiration. Folks like Ryan gift that to you through example.

After our ride, Ryan and Joe stepped up immediately without asking or having to be directed, they simply did what was needed to complete 'the ride after the ride'. These two go the distance to its ending. They aren't there just for the 'ride'. That is part of a champion's character. Examples are not looked for, they are set through action.

I rinsed off with the hose, changed my clothes at the boat launch and readied myself for the Water Safety Congress award I was to receive in 30 minutes at the Oceanside Yacht Club. Mike Alpha did a drive by and picked me up and we headed to the US Power Squadrons meeting where Paul Newman from the USCG 11th District did me the honors. A very fitting day. From family, friends, training and rewards. Our efforts matter, maybe not in our moment, but perhaps someone else's.

We will get there, one hot run at a time... We 'Ride the Ride'.

Double D-'The Ride After The Ride'

2009 Long Beach to Catalina & Back Offshore National Championship PWC Race

2009-05-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Press Release from R.P.M. Racing Enterprises

CONTACT: Ross Wallach - (310) 318-4012
rossdbos26@yahoo.com

REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA – May 18, 2009 - RPM Racing Enterprises released today the final details, plans and schedule for the 2009 APBA Offshore National Championship Long Beach 2 Catalina & Back PWC Race presented by Sea-Doo. Four separate racing events will comprise the Long Beach Power Fest which will take place over the weekend of July 11th & 12th, and are an integral part of the City of Long Beach’s summer long Sea Festival. In addition to the very fast Personal Water Crafts on Sunday morning the Long Beach Power Fest will feature the 61st Annual Long Beach to Catalina Water Ski Race on Saturday morning, and the 98th Annual Offshore Power Boat Challenge on Sunday. Just added for this year’s event is tunnel boat racing action as Round # 2 of the Western Formula Light Series (WFLS) makes its debut stop during Power Fest. These highly maneuverable 14’ long tunnel boats (cousins to the larger Formula One Tunnel boats) can literally “turn on the dime” and pull 4-6 g’s around the tight 7/8 mile course. The WFLS tunnel boats will race just outside of Rainbow Harbor (adjacent to Parker’s Lighthouse).

Ross Wallach, president of RPM Racing Enterprises said, “We’re very excited to bring these events; the world famous Long Beach to Catalina Ski Race, the famed Long Beach to Catalina & back PWC Offshore National Championship presented by Sea-Doo, the Western Formula Lights Series and the Pacific Offshore Racing Association’s Power Boat “Rum Run” Challenge, and being able to work with everyone involved to make this unbelievable event become a reality. The combining of forces offers a plethora of new opportunities to make this entire weekend an overwhelming success”.

Five classes of personal water craft including the “sportsman” first time racer class and the “manufacturer’s stock” classes to entice the average PWC enthusiast to participate are expected to swell the field to over 75 boats as the news of the weekend of racing stirs interest in the entire personal water craft community to enter and be a part of this momentous weekend. Offshore PWC racers from across the country are clamoring to get their entries in and compete with the elite West Coast group of offshore endurance experts try to break the new records in every class set last year for the challenging channel crossing.

The 2008 overall winner, Craig Warner, Corona, CA will be back again to defend his title on a Kawasaki Ultra 250X. Among the early entries are Mike Follmer, Newport Beach, CA on a Yamaha FZR, Mark Gerner, Aliso Viejo, CA on a Kawasaki ULTRA250X and Nick Vanis, Los Alamitos, CA on his factory Honda.

This race for the APBA Offshore National Championship will start off with a “rolling start” in Los Alamitos Bay near the Queen Mary in Long Beach at 8:00 AM by a flagman on an official vessel anchored in the harbor. The PWC’s will proceed from the start out through the Queens Gate entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor into the Pacific Ocean on a straight line across the channel to Catalina Island. Navigation always plays a large part in any offshore race but particularly here where racers lose sight of land and all fixed reference points at some time going in both directions. PWC racers are required to have a GPS system, compass, radio, cell phone and numerous other safety items in order to make the potentially dangerous crossing as safe as possible. When the PWC’s arrive at Catalina, they will have to negotiate around a three masted schooner with a large marker flying overhead that will be anchored one mile offshore and have race officials on board documenting their passage. With helicopters overhead guiding and filming the event, the fleet of PWC’s will proceed back to Long Beach along the same route they just traversed the channel on to reach the finish line just off the stern of the start/finish vessel. The entire event, as well as the other two events this Long Beach Offshore Power Fest weekend will be filmed for later editing and broadcast on the new, national Water Channel. The race is also expected to garner the largest and most diversified media coverage ever for boat racing because of the popularity of the three completely different types of races being run and the importance the City of Long Beach is placing on this weekend of events.

The renewed national interest in PWC racing and the emergence of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) as the sanctioning body and driving force in PWC racing have contributed to the promoter’s expectation that over 75 riders will be vying for titles in this race. In addition to the safety equipment required by the APBA rule book, several additional safety items will be required of the racers to insure a safe trip across the channel to Catalina and back, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Long Beach Lifeguards will be providing support for the events. An announcement will be made soon regarding which emergency water service has been contracted with to provide racers with towing and on the water emergency service, as well as the announcement of a host hotel that will serve as race headquarters.

Promoter Ross Wallach said, “I can guarantee everyone involved that I intend to raise the bar even higher with this event after what we learned from last year to ensure that every racer, fan and sponsor carries away enough memories to last them until next year along with some fantastic trophies for overall and class winners”. Race specifics and entry forms are forthcoming so be ready to enter soon because there will be no race day entries accepted.

All the components are converging to make this weekend of events the most talked about and must participate in extravaganzas of all time. Come to the Long Beach Sea Festival, Long Beach Power Fest, and race in the 2009 APBA Offshore National Championship Long Beach 2 Catalina & Back PWC Race presented by Sea-Doo and create your own memories.

For more information on the race and the weekend, please visit www.pwcoffshore.com or www.apbaracing.com. Ross Wallach can be reached at (310) 318-4012
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2009 LB2CAT, jet ski race, pwc offshore racing

2009 LB2CAT Race - ENTRY FORM now available!

2009-05-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

The entry form for this year's 2009 Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship Race aka LB2CAT scheduled for July 12, 2009 is now available! Click here http://www.pwcoffshore.com/LB2CAT_Race_Page.html for the form and get your entry forms in ASAP! We are hearing some big names will be there and keep in mind that there will be multiple classes including Sportsman for first time offshore racers, "Bone stock" for completely stock craft, Amateur and Pro/Am. Come on out and be part of this epic event!!!

pwc racing, jetski racing, offshore racing
www.pwcoffshore.com

PWCOFFSHORE now has a forum focused on PWC offshore / PWC endurance riding and racing called www.PWCOFFSHOREFORUMS.com

2009-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

4/24/2009: PWCOFFSHORE.com now has a forum called www.pwcoffshoreforums.com that is intended to build, grow and strengthen the PWC / Jet Ski offshore and endurance racing and riding community. If you ride or race your watercraft (PWC / Jet Ski) for long distances or ride/race in the ocean, check out www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

The PWCOFFSHORE.com site and PWCOFFSHOREFORUMS.com forum focuses on community and best practices associated with PWC offshore and PWC endurance riding and racing. For racing, the sites focuses on the premier offshore and endurance races in the United States; they are the APBA Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile PWC Race, the APBA Dana Point, Ca to Avalon Offshore PWC Race, The Long Beach to Catalina and Back APBA Offshore National Championship PWC Race ("LB2CAT"), and the Dana Point to Oceanside and Back Offshore PWC Race. If you ride in salt water or for long distances, come check it out!

PWCOFFSHORE www.pwcoffshore.com

PWCOFFSHORE Forums www.pwcoffshoreforums.com

Gerner and Carreon of PWCOFFSHORE On The Cover Of The April 2009 PWI Magazine

2009-04-16T22:54:00.001-07:00

Gerner and Carreon of PWCOFFSHORE on the cover of the April, 2009 Personal Waercraft Illustrated Magazine (PWI) for their overall win at the 2009 Mark Hahn 300 Mile National Championhip Race! Check it out for the full story. Also on the cover are Mike Follmer and Nick Vanis!

Personal Watercraft Illustrated Magazine (PWI) - click here: http://www.watercraft.com/index.php

PWC Racing, Mark Hahn 300, Jet Ski Racing

For more information about offshore racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com

Don't miss the annual Long Beach, CA USA to Catalina Island and Back Offshore National Championship PWC Race in July!

John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing Is The first STOCK Craft To Cross The Line At The 2009 DP2AV Offshore Race

2009-04-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

John Belton of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing Is The first STOCK Craft To Cross The Line At The 2009 DP2AV Offshore Race

John Belton, AKA "THE MASTER" of the channel to Catalina Island thrives on his stock Kawasaki 260X at the 2009 Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Race with a 5th place overall finish in the 37 mile offshore race to Avalon.

Riding his completely stock Kawasaki 260X, Belton was the first racer to cross the finish line on a completely stock craft. Every craft that finished ahead of Belton was modified, most were very heavily modified craft with speeds approaching or exceeding 80 miles per hour. So what makes John able to be so competitive on a stock craft? Time and experience; Belton has crossed the channel from Los Angeles to Catalina Island in excess of 500 times on a PWC (yes, more than 500 times). You will be challenged to find anyone else on the planet with more experience in the channel than John Belton. An accomplished sailor, this endurance athlete and former Marathon runner is a force to be reckoned with in any offshore PWC Race and remains a tremendous wealth of information regarding what it takes to be successful in racing PWC offshore.

One of the most mild mannered, focused and nicest people you will encounter, but don't be fooled by the calm demeanor and mild mannered approach. Belton is a tenacious competitor on the race course that will put any racer through his or her paces. Those who know endurance racing know and respect Mr. John Belton. Congratulations John Belton!

For more information on offshore PWC Jetski racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com

2009 Dana Point to Avalon Offshore PWC Sprint Race, By Shawn Alladio

2009-04-06T15:44:00.001-07:00

2009 Dana Point to Catalina Sprint
RPM Racing Presents the Inaugural Dana Point to Catalina PWC Offshore Race on April 5th, California USA.
PWCoffshore Race Team Rider Shawn Alladio
WAR- We All Race
“Light bump. Small swell. Fast course”, the email from my friend David Puu gave his 3 elemental quotes. He sent it Saturday night at 10:38 PM. David has followed my travels on the 7 Seas and anywhere in the world; he delivers the current conditions with a perfect 100% accuracy. He has never missed a step. He hasn’t only earned my respect, he’s all about respect.

I had spent much of Saturday at the Registration, branding my Jet Ski with stickers and getting raced prepared. There was a lot of anticipation for this race. The big question and equalizer was the weather. Today the ocean was wicked; it showed promise of a slower pace with a lot of intensity for the boat, the racer and timeframes. But would the wind hold overnight? I and a few others were praying for that degree of difficulty. And we would lose big. California woke up with an endless summer in April.

The Amade Family arrived, kisses and hugs as usual, Mike Arnold was waiting for his #71 stickers I was bringing along that Ryan and Kyla made along with everything else Liquid Militia style. Together we spent the afternoon wallpapering our boats, but mainly laughing and having a great time with everyone. Kyla worked all day making hundreds of stickers I handed out, while Shaniah laughed in the background. Mark Gerner was there along with the RPM Racing staff, Pirate, Dubz and Daughter, Young plugged in my GPS for me as usual, Sean Conner was there. Aaron Cress is making magic happening for everyone, especially for Kim Bushong. I love this vibe!

Ahmed buys all his emergency gear that is required, it is an investment in not only his life, but it could be for others. How prophetic this turns when his boat has mechanical issues 8 miles from shore. I tell him to pack it tightly so there is no friction or movement so his gear stays in one piece. First time racing has a learning curve, and I’ve lost a lot myself not knowing what to expect. One reason to check out the PWCoffshore.com race site and take all the safety, riding and gear tips you can read up on their tutorials. Now Sean mind you looks like he just walked off a NASCAR track. He and his race boats match like red hot Ferrari’s, but it’s his profile image that pulls this look together, because he’s smooth. Tequila Racing was there in the happiest of moods, lifting everyone’s spirits. This is what I love about our racers, even when there is stress involved they are the best group to hang with. They are having fun!

I texted Ahmed Amade at 9:14 pm “Rest well, pack everything tight!” In typical Ahmed fashion he texts back, “Thanks Shawn you are awesome”. I’m working on my motivational stickers for the racers. Ryan plugged in the text and I’m weeding till past midnight: WAR – We All Race. I will hand them out eagerly in the morning, nothing like having a few good words to pump a little more drive into the WAR machine!

Multiple phone calls and texts later from as far away as Minnesota I’m checking in with D.W. for our new ‘assignment’, well probably his. Jim Lambert hails some late night ‘race clip’ emails, and the general vibe is healthy and downright naughty. The PWC race community is juiced about the newest endurance addition, and a few of us will actually experience the big blue come 8:00am Sunday. And some will not sleep at all I imagine.

7 hours later at 5:16 am my phone rings, Puu says ‘It’s going to be a fast track. The Santa Ana winds have picked up in Ventura, it should be interesting’. His perceptions will prove prophetic. Mike Arnold was en route at 5:00am to the Dana Point Harbor from San Diego. He’s been training for his first PWC offshore race, having only ridden for 7 months; stepping up to a Catalina race is sheer determination on his part. He rigged his Sea Doo with race branding the day prior at the Technical inspection. He was the first to arrive on scene. I called him as I headed south on I-5. We laughed about the day ahead; he said it was glass in the harbor, no wind. Oh well! Let’s go racing!

Mark Gerner was next on my call list. He was already pulling out of the driveway. It was still dark, not much traffic and a light breeze began to blow. The stars were shining; I knew I would be able to see Catalina from the race starting position. This would make the route safe and secure for our introductory Sporstman Racers. A huge relief for me, it’s hard to separate the two, racing and safety, I’m stuck in the middle.

Russell Libby from the AWA - Socal Watercraft Club is on the deck; squared away he launches his support PWC and checks in, grabs his radio and he’s on remote control. Aaron Cress has the K38 rescue board tethered to one of his craft, so the tandem safety is secure for the race. The Avalon finish boat, a yellow Sea Tow safety vessel starts off across the channel to get in place. This is a great contribution to the safety of the racers, and they are on my own podium of sorts.
The racers arrive and pull into their parking stalls and begin prepping their boats. RPM Racing holds the rider’s meeting and everyone is good to go, the confidence level is high. Nothing runs out of schedule all day. My kids show up later and set up the Liquid Militia canopy and their day begins. Bryant Lambert and Matt Rodgers from Hypnotic Films arrive and begin shooting the Liquid Militia documentary. We’re focusing on our sport and the people who make it. This is the second stage of Endurance racing for Hypnotic Films, having shot the Mark Hahn 300, the Sprint and the finale will be the LB2CAT in July

I check in with Ross from RPM Racing and tell him I’ll be the last boat to cross the finish line conducting a sweep. I bring up the rear later as Arnold and I are the last to refuel. Catalina was stunning, a USCG Cutter outside the harbor, the Casino loomed, waters were clear and I felt like I was in the Mediterranean.

Everyone comes and greets, finishes the last touches and head out to the starting area outside the Jaws of the harbor. The start line boat in the secondary Sea Tow craft with the RPM racing staff on board, and media personnel are ready for action. Staff gets the 29 racers in line and the roll starts to the white flag. Green flag rises and the modified boats are gone before I even start.

I look over to the North and see a Sea Doo, and the familiar red Ultra of Mark Gerner, his boat pitches forward. I am mesmerized by the pick-up and speed of his boat and the next 3 in line north of him, blocked by his whitewater spray I can’t make them out, but I imagine them to be Sea Doos. I’m riding with one hand on the throttle and tracking the launch of the Pro’s.
I make two quick checks on Mike Arnold; he’s doing really good holding his track line. His first race start. He was not alone in the Sportsman’s class; a good crew was making their first race appearance. They will prove to be the future of this sport.

Mark’s boat levels out perfectly and his pump levels powerfully the full weight of the hull with his body position, it almost looks poetic. I do think there is something about the color red flashing on the surface of water, it jumps out at you. His boat pulls and the forces of action spell race time. Mark is gone in a flash.

I’m watching in high speed real time, by my mind has put it into stop frame shots. I am next to Mike Arnold on his RXT Sea Doo, and as I cross the Sea Tow boat I give a wave to my port side, swim fins flapping and I’m smiling as I look over at Young, Lambert and Rodgers and staff. This is a great opportunity for me yet again, another race, I’m deep into my third decade or racing now. Geez I’m getting old and I love it!

I know my race will not be a podium place, so my goal is 10th, and even that is iffy on my stock Kawasaki Ultra 250X. Mark was running in fine form until near the end of the race his boat found a trouble spot that limited his maximum output. Many others experienced similar moments at different nautical miles of the course. This is the deal about distance, anything can and will happen, and everyone will at some point have the same disappointments and celebrations. A few didn’t even finish.

I am following lead boats, but they aren’t really lead boats, they are far and away boats. I take off and I count my position, I’m in 15 or 16th place. There is a Sea Doo to my port side who slowly creeps away from me, and then he simply disappears, leaving a v white contrail on the water. On my starboard side is a pack of racers, all staying within step of one another, nobody is increasing or decreasing their positions. I’m far south of the pod. I don’t mind it, and I don’t have a navigational tactic, I’m just going to wing it. I’m having fun.

I realize after a few miles, nothing is going to change; I’m still in the same placing. The closer we race to Catalina, the optics appear further away, Catalina seems forever out of reach. The ocean has a nice 3 foot swell, even gentle crests that roll in an undulating smooth pulse. It’s a nice soft texture on the surface; it mixes it up a little at various nautical mile marks, but stays relatively calm. Fast boat racing.

The mega pod of dolphins appears slightly prior to mid channel. I rejoice as I see their characteristic herding push. I love this pod, and have seen them on many transits, how many generations have been born and are the ones from the 80’s in this pod still alive I wonder?
Along the course skating on the surface is a strewn field of balloons. I almost stopped to pick up one large clump. I had to tell myself as I slowed down to stay focused. I know I’m not going to win, so time on the water is just paid time. I dismiss the notion and remind myself, ‘on the way back you can get all of them, stop your thinking process and stay in the race.’
What do I like best about endurance racing? People ask what is the advantage? How many explanations would you like? Let’s start with the most significant one. Time paid for water minutes, combined water acreage transited is by far the best value in racing history! When you average out the length of a course as its overall distance, the time involved, it’s actually cheap! I can race for a continuous hour or over 6 hours depending upon the track and the weather, and I feel I paid for the best value!
How is this possible? Because my body and spirit respect a true challenge, and there is nothing better than going the distance in life. The ending is actually more important than anything else. Racing against yourself is the supreme challenge, because your mindset is what makes a real champion, it’s not always the person who takes first, but the person who takes something positive away from the experience. I have a mental race conversation with Minnesota, (several times) and revel in the positive messages, my kids thanking them for waiting patiently for mommy while they sit around. Mom has all the fun. I think my own mother Diana for she is my number one fan in competition with DW I surmise, she paid my entry fee. Saying something about my mother, there is something so lovely about her spirit, I remember when I was a little girl looking up at this woman and even then recognizing there was something so unique about my own mother, my mom was different. She had this aura of confidence and beauty I never felt I could encompass, and my mom has always told me how proud she is of me. That’s how I feel about her.

I learned from my mom to tell my own children these same things, and it’s real. I tell Kyla and Ryan again during this race, ‘thank you for everything, thank you for my life and what you bring to it’. I am very proud of them. Shaniah, well she can be a huge nuisance at times of course, but what joy she brings into our lives daily with her little girl style and enthusiasm for everything new. She’s going to be chasing Kyla and Bryan around with a camera in no time, she loves photography.

This type of racing offers you ‘core’ time to sift through the valleys of your life. How many lifetimes can flash in your mind in 1 minute, imagine one hour, in solitude, racing a fast boat 37 miles offshore, intimacy, heart and soul all commune within your thought process. The best value for any therapy session I can imagine.

I notice that Pirate is slowing down, he’s to my starboard, and was holding steady; I doubt I could have caught him. He gave his all despite an injury, he really sacrificed, and a few others were running with injuries, I admire them. Pirate runs his pirate flag, a great reminder of a person who knows the value of living life well. The Socal Watercraft Club has a good showing with local talent as always.

I was really impressed with my Kawasaki Ultra. For a stock boat, it was as steady a pace with no interruptions besides the one I gave it. Twice I hit the stop button with my pelvis, having to rekey the ignition start. I had a few good impacts with the hull. I told Arnold I expected a minimum of 5 kisses on the helm during this race or he wasn’t riding hard enough!
The lead race boats are mile out of my sight, I can’t even make out their white trailing jet wash. I am so impressed with these boats. It seems that this race was dominated by Sea Doo race technology. Watching from behind the traction these boats gain, is the only way to appreciate their designer. Steve Friebe once again, tunes winners for podium applause.
I begin to slowly pull away from a small pod of race boats, but I’m not on track, I’m heading south of the Sea Tow finish line boat. I even know it. The island is still further out, but it seems so close. I look behind me, see a few more balloons and I’m in between packs, sorta in a dead spot. There is nobody in front to chase, and nobody behind to get me at this point, that is if I don’t screw myself up, which is what I will proceed to do. And I love it, the entire experience is satisfying, the disappointment and the majesty of just running WOT! (Wide open throttle). There is a lot of boating activity out today; it’s a great day for racing!
I look over and see the yellow dot flashing on the surface just south of the Casino. But I hold my course just rambling in my brain about people and thoughts, I’m drifting. I decide it’s time to head north. I look back at the track and I see a blue Yamaha running so hard and true. It’s Taylor Curtis. He’s the real deal in the surf. This man understands active water and the secrets of waves. He’s started a new business for free riding and I would sure check in with him, as experience saves money and lives. If you want to get ahead, you have to get hooked up with the best.
I believe at his pace he’s going to pass me and rightly so for my mistakes, well deserved on his part. That’s what makes racing great, you never know until the ‘ending’ what might happen. The race isn’t over till you cross that line. I am exceptionally happy, as for me is what racing is all about. A fight for the finish after 37 miles of open water, and with talent on board! I am so lucky.
Your competition is your greatest gift. For without their drive and passion you will never have anything to measure yourself against. Our boats are perfectly matched; speed for speed, the only problem is we are coming at a t-bone intersection because of my failure. He’s right on track and I’m trying to find an edge to my misery. It was great! I either got a penalty or I beat him, and I’m not sure which I deserved most. I really like his style and this is a person who has years ahead of him to curve ball this sport. Remember what I just said.

I’m blazing concentrated thoughts on select racers now, its’ cumulative. Sean Conner takes his number 7 boat at a hot trot. Age doesn’t make a difference in racing, but it is what comes next. A middle aged racer like me is limited by time, yet for racers like Sean Conner, time is their ally. Endurance racing blends the two into a human art form. I believe in Conner.
Trawlercat is in his usual fine form of consistent enthusiasm! The WET DOG Alaska racer is probably experiencing a mere hiccup to our exploration today, while he aims for the Bering Sea and beyond. You don’t know anything about Endurance until you read the PWCoffshore Gunz Racer ‘Scribe work’ on his chronicled adventures. He’s as steady as them come.

There is so much talent here. As I was racing I think about how many hours Belton, Vanick, Gerner, Carreon, Pham, Roque, Phan, Bushong, and every other racer out here combined has underway? How many nautical miles have been navigated? The level of expertise at this event is powerful. What is the total value of this mutual passion of endurance racers? I pull pas the Sea Tow boat on a sharp port side turn at speed, it feels good to finish, I circle back to see if everything is A-ok, I get the all clear sign. ESPN Dave in on board and the scorekeepers who receive no glory, I notice them and I’m thankful for their service. Taylor motors over as we head for fuel and we chat after a while, I head over to the fuel dock, it’s crowded and slow. I go back to the Sea Tow boat and get the report, 2 boats down, one 8 miles out. I exhale, it is too bad, and help is with them, this is great news.

I wait for RXT USMC to arrive at the finish and he comes as soon as I look up. He’s looking great for his first race! Imagine your first race is to Catalina, that’s awesome! And he wasn’t alone! We motor over to the fuel dock. Everyone fuels and hold back, I’ll be the last boat to come home, and I’m his wingman or vice versa.

I keep my promise and bring in over 30 balloons. Pretty soon, Mike realizes I’m not completely crazy and I see him breaking balloons and stowing them on board. It is a good thing to do. Next time you are out, remember, just picking up one piece of trash is a good habit, share the news and if everyone participates, we win big as stewards of our own lives. When I get back to the dock, Kim Bushong comes over and shows me the bouquet of balloons he picked up! I’m not only amazed, I am inspired by Kim. My 5 year old Shaniah thinks I brought them for her. What a cheap mom I am, but heck, recycling!

Today belonged to Pat Roque and Lee Phan. Pat held the lead but navigation continues to plague all of us, their times would have been faster I bet if they had been on target. It is hard to imagine besting 37 minutes, that’s a mile a minute! I’m so blown away by these guys; they can even afford a mistake and still blow the field out of the water! That’s insane! Racing isn’t fair, boats break, bodies can break down and worse yet, your mindset can cripple you. The hardest place is last place. Any champion that is used to taking a win, and not getting close, suffers in confidential spirited spin. It’s hard not to stay on top all the time. I look around at the field of champions; there is only one winner with a #1 on their finish.
My friend Darrick Doerner always reminds me of the ‘Ride after the Ride’. How true this spells out in many dimensions! Saying goodbye to my friends, shaking the energy of the day behind and its only lunchtime mind you, there is still a full day ahead of us to enjoy! I text Ahmed to check up on him, leave Mark a thank you call, and text back to Minnesota or Wisconsin, not sure which, and touch bases for the second time with David Puu. David’s rule is every time I go offshore, I am to call him. He has good reasons for this and I am thankful he cares enough about me to stand with me on my own personal safety. Something we should all take notice of. Thank you for being my friend David. It is a big ocean.

Never Forget Jeremy Hoyland.

Tonight when I’m sorting through my photos, the faces, the smiles and the expressions are what I appreciate the most. The defeats and disappointments prove more for a greater field of water warriors, I know, I see it. But what this does is it brings out excellence from our core. Disappointment and failure are the best measures for motivation I can comprehend.
This inaugural event will prove to be a precursor for the LB2CAT. Those who don’t have the fastest boats will dominate when the ocean comes alive, and the tide will turn. This is the rollercoaster of life; it’s all about environmental timing. Those are the dice some of us need to roll at the expense of a fully modified boat. And that is what makes this kind of racing fascinating. There are vast levels of experience and talent. Every race will throw those truths out as evidence.

Stay tuned for the LB2CAT. You ain’t seen nothing yet!

Thank you to my supports and RPM sponsors: Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA, Dana Point Jet Ski, Sea Doo, Sea Tow, Liquid Militia, My loved ones, RPM Racing, PWCoffshore.com, R&D, Hydro Turf, OTB Boots, Betty Belts, Mustang Survival, Hypnotic Films, K38 GEAR, Gath, Robert Carreon for the trailer, our PWCoffshore race family and Southern California Watercraft Club, AWA, Aaron Cress and Steve Friebe. Our United States Marine Corps, God Bless America and please read the US Constitution. I’m going to bed.
www.DavidPuu.com
www.PWCoffshore.com
www.LiquidMilitia.com
www.socalwatercraftclub.com

Photo Albums
http://www.flickr.com/photos/k38shawn/sets/72157615999484619/mhtml:%7B082E423F-6AB0-4AE7-A8C7-9B438E9485AF%7Dmid://00000878/!x-usc:http://www.flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/http://www.flickr.com/photos/younggtx/sets/72157616403964324/

2009 Dana Point To Avalon Offshore Sprint PWC/JetSki Race

2009-04-05T18:23:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2009

DANA POINT to AVALON OFF SHORE PWC SPRINT RACE
Promoter: R.P.M. Racing Enterprises

Event Date: April 5, 2009
Location: Dana Point Harbor
Time: 7:00am to 12:00pm

The World's best dedicated Professional and Amateur Personal Watercraft (Jetski) offshore racers are scheduled to gather at Dana Point, Ca USA for the inaugural Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint! The race is a 37 mile sprint to a point just South of the entrance to Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island. Racing commences at 8 am just outside The Dana Point Marina.

Experienced Offshore Racer and 2007 Mark Hahn 300 Winner' John Belton said "This a true Offshore Endurance Event; all of the elements are there. Waves, wind, and navigation skills. All of us in the PWCOFFSHORE Group are very good at this type of riding. I would expect the Group to do well on Sunday".

Iron Man Tri-athlete Kim Bushong said "Many times the swells come straight at you, most riders enjoy this, kind of like wave jumping, one, two, three, ten times, it's lot's of fun! 1000 times, 2000 times, not so fun, also not my cup of tea. My game plan is to let the aggressive riders go, if the conditions persist, strength and endurance will prevail, if the seas are rough, being a great rider will not be enough".

K.C. Heidler, “Racing a SeaDoo (personal watercraft) across the open ocean at 80 miles per hour plus is like riding a mechanical bull for one hour straight. I guess you could call this group of endurance racers that take part in the Dana Point to Catalina Island race ‘sea cowboys’. Just like a bull rider, you need to hang on with all of your might with your arms and legs, hoping that every time you jump off of a swell you land safely. If you hit a swell the wrong way, you can get bucked off just like a bull rider. Hopefully, you aren’t hurt and can get back on the PWC and nurse yourself to the finish line.” Heidler jokes that “if you get knocked off of your PWC, there are no clowns there to scare away the sharks”. K.C. Heidler is a three time world champion and PWC racer out of Irvine, Ca.

Ms. Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety Fame and 2009 Mark Hahn 300 Iron Woman Winner said "The best racing of my career has been from the California Coast heading across the Channel to Catalina Island. The Dana Point to Catalina Sprint opens up the offshore race season. I'm looking forward to this new race to our race circuit. The Ocean rules! It could be calm waters or rolling swells, but if it's hectic chop, my Kawasaki Ultra 250 is going to love it! That's the magic of offshore racing, you don't know what the 'track' is going to deliver, rider and machine have to match the conditions This race offers a personal best, and that's what it's all about! Pushing an unknown limit. Racing isn't a solitary pursuit, it takes teamwork. Our PWCoffshore Race Team is pushing the 'Hard Core Offshore' motto through action, not words. I know every race boat and rider on the starting line April 5th is going the distance, together. But there will be only one champion standing on the podium taking the coveted overall win! That racer and their race boat are going to tell the whole story!"

Robert Carreon, the recent overall winner of the Mark Hahn 300 with his race partner Mark Gerner said "This race is going to be about who can get a good start, and sustain speeds in excess of 64 MPH. It's should be a technical race as we will be riding into the swells, which is much different than the Long Beach to Catalina race in which the swells are usually parallel with the boat! Technique, speed, and navigation will be the key to success."

Mark Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE, 2008 Mark Hahn Iron Man Winner and 2009 Mark Hahn 300 overall winner with partner Robert Carreon stated that he is excited to see yet another offshore race in Southern California, "I can't wait for this race, I am so happy to see our sport growing so rapidly and attracting so many talented racers."

Nick Vanis will be riding his Honda F15X Turbo provided by Honda Rockstar Machine. Unfortunately, Nick fractured a bone in his wrist the week prior to the race. Regardless, Vanis has decided not to back down from the challenge. " I will get out there and see what I can do, if my wrist will stay together, I will attempt to compete and do what I can and try to work through the injury" said Vanis. Nick Vanis is a 2007 and 2008 APBA Champion and the 2007 Offshore National Champion.

Other very talented racers such Lee Phan, Ralph Perez, Sean Conner and many other great offshore racers will be set to participate in this epic offshore sprint race!

For more information about the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint please visit: http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Dana_Point_2_Avalon_Race.html

April 5 - Dana Point to Avalon Offshore PWC (Jet Ski) Race

2009-03-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

From: R.P.M Racing Enterprises
To: APBA Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint PWC Racers
March 22, 2009

Gentlemen/Ladies,
We are looking forward to a great, safe race on April 5, 2009. Please read this word for word, you are responsible for ensuring that you are informed of race process and timelines on race morning. Special note: This race is over at Avalon, you are responsible for the manner in which you return to Dana Point from Avalon.

Key addresses:
Dana Point Launch Ramp: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629. Note that there is a "SeaDoo Rental" sign at the entry/turn point to Dana Point Launch Ramp.
Tech Inspection on Saturday: 34671 Puerto Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629, (949) 661-4947
Awards Ceremony: 12 pm at the Wind and Sea Restaurant located right across the parking lot from the wash ramp at the marina. http://www.windandsearestaurants.com/windandsea/home.htm Specifically, located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor. Address for the awards ceremony: 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629. Phone: (949) 496-6500
General Directions to the Launch Ramp (Mapquest):
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Los+Angeles&1s=CA&2c=Dana+Point+&2s=CA&2a=24961-24981+Dana+Point+Harbor+Dr.%2C+

Timeline:

Saturday April 4 Tech Check:
11:00 a.m to 6:00 pm: Tech check at Dana Point Jet Ski - 34671 Puerto Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629, (949) 661-4947
Sunday April 5 (please be on time):
5:45 am Emergency Tech Inspection (must be approved with Ross prior to race day)
6:30 am Mandatory Racer's Meeting at Dana Point Launch Ramp
7:00 am Launch craft
7:55 am Racers staged outside of break wall.
8:00 am Flag drops and race is on (signaled from official boat).
12:00 pm Awards ceremony at Wind and Sea Restaurant Banquet Room / on second floor of the restaurant
Please Note: 5 MPH to the outside break wall to and from the launch facility. This means 'no wake'. You must abide by all California boating laws and observe for other vessel traffic while conducting your transit.

Logistics information:
Dana Point Harbor / launch ramp: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629 Dana Point Marina Link: http://www.danapointharbor.com/
Link to Catalina Island:
http://www.catalina.com/main.html
Dana Point Hotel within walking Distance to the launch Ramp: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel-directory/california/dana-point (Consider leaving your truck and trailer at the Marina, small parking lot at this hotel).
Awards ceremony is located at the Wind and Sea Restaurant: Dana Point Harbor. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 (949) 496-6500 - this is right across the parking lot from the launch ramp
Detailed Timeline For Race Weekend:

Tech Check Saturday April 4, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday afternoon at Dana Point Jet Ski
Please ensure you bring all of your required race day items for tech inspection.
Race Day - Sunday April 5, 2009
Mandatory Racers Meeting at 6:30 am - 7 am - please do not be late (coordinate with Ross Wallach if you can not make this time, please coordinate with Ross prior to April 4).
Launch craft at 7 am, in the water by 7:40 am.
5 mph no wake zone until you get out of the marina, leave the harbor mouth jaws.
All race craft migrate to the red buoy outside the marina - look for 'start boat'.
Upon Ross’ signal, please get on line at least 5 yards apart from each craft.
7:55 am Look for Ross Wallach on start boat with Green flag. Rolling Start, Go when Green flag drops. Note that you will be to the left of the red buoy.
If you depart before the green flag drops, you will be penalized.
Green flag drops at 8 am, Rolling start right outside the break wall.
Should you see a Red flag (from official boat), stop as there has been a false start and safely return.
Do your best to stay in your lane at the start of the race. No wedging!
The start of the race is a straight line start, there are no buoys to go around, it is a straight line shot to Avalon.
Sprint across the channel approx. 37 miles one way.
First racer to the finish boat South of Avalon Harbor wins.
The finish line is a boat that will be at the lat and long below. Make sure the finish boat sees your number when you get to the finish boat. The finish boat is South of the harbor.
We will do all we can to ensure that the finish boat will be right at the designated lat and long i.e. we will tell the driver to ensure they do not allow the current to take them off the mark.
We will also do our best to place something on the craft that differentiates it and ensures it is easily recognizable. This will be explained at the riders meeting.
This race is a one way race (PWC can not make it there and back on one tank of fuel)
The race is over outside Avalon Harbor. The racer goes into Avalon Harbor proper and refuels at the Avalon fuel dock. Please honor the 5 mph no wake zone at the Avalon Harbor / Marina. You are responsible for how you get back to Dana Point.
The fuel station is right in front of the casino, once you go into the harbor, go to your right.
Don't forget to bring cash or credit card to pay for your fuel.
It is highly recommended that all racers have a "buddy" wingman for the RETURN ride back (not for the race out - the race to Avalon is the race).
It is recommended that your "wingman" (another racer) is designated prior to the start of the race and prior to your launch / you choose your wingman.
It is recommended that your wingman is another racer that you can meet up with after you get to Avalon.
It is recommended that you stay with your wingman for the return trip back from Avalon - the return trip is not a race. It is recommended that the racer and his/her buddy will return together across the channel at a safe pace and arrive at Dana Point together.
Awards will be given at 12 pm at Dana Point at the Wind and Sea Restaurant Banquet Room - WIND & SEA RESTAURANT - located on the waterfront in Dana Point Harbor. The address is 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629. (949) 496-6500. The restaurant is right across the parking lot approximately 75 meters away from the wash racks. When you walk in the front door, look for the stairs on the left and go up to the second floor. Friends and family welcome! NO HOST Bar and No Host food i.e. separate checks / you pay as you go. Please do your best to attend, this is a great opportunity for all of us to have fun, network, celebrate etc.
Should you decide that you want to stay at Avalon after the race, you must inform Ross Wallach prior to the start of the race so that you can be accounted for.
Logistics and coordination:

Safety will be paramount at this race!
Tech inspection on April 4, Saturday afternoon at the Dana Point Jet Ski.
(Emergency tech inspection on Sunday morning at the launch ramp at 5:45 am - must be pre-approved with RPM Racing Enterprises Ross Wallach prior to race day - this time is for emergencies only)
Race Start time is 8 am. All watercraft should be launched no later than 7:30 am.
Stay at less than 5 mph behind the break wall
Racers will group outside the break wall and look for the start boat
Green flag start, rolling straight shot to Avalon at 8 am
Once you arrive at Avalon, your time will be recorded by a craft that will be approximately 1/4 mile off the coast and due South of Avalon Harbor.
The lat and long below will be where the craft is located with the checker flag.
After you cross the line, your number is recorded, proceed North to the fuel dock and refuel (refueling will only be done at the Avalon fuel station).
Stay away from all incoming racers still racing.
The race is over at Avalon and you are responsible for your safe return.
It is recommended that you wait for your buddy, when your buddy arrives and is refueled, proceed back to Dana Point with your wingman. It is recommended that you not leave your wingman.
We recommend that you are back at Dana Point and check in with Ross Wallach by 12 pm (unless you have informed Ross that you will be staying at Avalon).
Minimum 8 inch numbers required on your craft (no duct tape), they must be legible
Program these numbers into your cell phone that will be with you on your craft:
(310) 318-4012: Ross Wallach, APBA Promoter of the race
(310) 521-3815 Los Angeles - US Coast Guard Search and Rescue Emergency Line Only, this is for emergencies only/Emergencies only
(1800) 4seatow: SeaTow
Communication: Please keep Ross Wallach completely informed of your race status on race day.
Should you have any issues, please ensure you call him. If you get his voice mail, please speak slowly and clearly with issues you are encountering and your exact status. When in doubt, communicate.
Cost: 225.00 (Sportsman Class/first time offshore racers have a reduced rate of 100.00).
Payout: Should we have a minimum of 30 racers show up on race day, the overall race winner will be awarded his or her entry fee back after the race is completed.
Fog/Marine layer: If there is significant fog at 8 am, there will be a delay until the fog burns off. This is for safety reasons. Be patient if there is fog.
Please file a float plan prior to leaving with a trusted family member of friend in case of emergency, with directions of where your vehicle keys are stowed and a copy of your vessel identification
Avalon Race Finish Line/Point, Lat and Long:
N33-20.570
W118-18.667

Dana Point Lat and Long for Return Trip:
N33-27.260
W117-41.490
Mandatory Items you must have with you for the race across the channel:

Safety will be paramount at this race!
We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you have a current Vessel Assist or Sea Tow membership
Marine Radio fully charged (preferably attached to your Lifejacket)
Fully charged Cell Phone
Flare gun/flares or handheld flares
Water and food
First Aid Kit
Tow rope with spring hooks / no less than 12 feet long, strength rated for 1,200 lb. tow capability
Signal Mirror
Plastic Tie ties
Extra hose clamps
Duct Tape
Exposure Jacket
Extra Lanyard
Water Whistle attached to Lifejacket
GPS
Compass
Fire Extinguisher in your craft (the stock one is fine)
Extra water and food
Copy of your personal ID and vessel registration
You must wear:
Full length wetsuit
Gloves
DOT approved helmet (Motocross like helmet)
Riding shoes
Coast Guard approved Life Jacket
Eye protection
Dana Point launch: http://www.danapointharbor.com/
10.00 per craft to launch
They have multiple fresh water wash racks on site, bring water hose
There are multiple restaurants on site
Dana Point Jet Ski is right across the harbor / Aaron Cress PWC Mechanic
Dana Point Jet Ski address: [24961-24981] Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, Ca 92629
This is a clean, nice launch ramp. We need to keep it that way and represent the offshore racing community with class.
Please do not spill any fuel and clean up after yourself. We want to be welcomed back.
Q&A:Q. Why is the race one way and not a round trip?
A. Because most craft can not make the round trip to Avalon and back on one tank of fuel. Also, many of the craft out there will require race fuel and there is no race fuel on Catalina Island, only 91 octane. Those race craft requiring race fuel will only have access to 91 octane on Avalon therefore they will have to run higher octane race gas for the mix in fuel that will take place for the return leg. Race fuel craft should not be run at full throttle for the return leg.

Q. Can we hang out on Catalina between legs?
A. You must inform Ross prior to the race if you intend to stay at Avalon

Q. Why isn't the race to Isthmus Harbor?
A. There is no 91 Octane fuel at the Isthmus harbor and there are many issues around coordinating with the Catalina Cruiser for access for the fueling station.

Q. Is this an APBA Sanctioned Event?
A. Yes

Avalon Finish Line/Point, Lat and Long:
N33-20.570
W118-18.667

We look forward to a great race!
Sincerely,
Ross Wallach
R.P.M. Racing Enterprises
===================
pwc racing jet ski racing endurance racing offshore racing
www.pwcoffshore.com

RPM Racing Enterprises Announces The APBA Dana Point to Avalon Offshore PWC Race

2009-03-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 8, 2009

R.P.M. Racing Enterprises Announces the APBA Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race!

R.P.M. Racing Enterprises of Redondo Beach, Ca. announces the APBA Dana Point, Ca. to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race! Offshore PWC/Jet Ski Racers from around the United States have already lined up to convene at The Dana Point Marina on Sunday April 5, 2009 at 8 am to take on the new Dana Point to Avalon challenge for man/woman and machine. The race is an APBA sanctioned event and will include Profession, Amateur and Veteran class racers who will take on the 37 mile, wide open throttle offshore sprint across the channel to Catalina Island on their PWCs. Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com said that he is "pleased to see yet another great APBA sanctioned offshore endurance event in Southern California, its exciting to see the offshore PWC racing arena growing and attracting new offshore enthusiasts that are willing to challenge the elements in the open ocean with their watercraft. It takes a special breed of endurance athlete to win this type of race." Gerner went on to say that "it doesn't get any better for the offshore PWC racer than holding the throttle wide open in the open ocean, hammering through the rough water with fellow offshore enthusiasts." Ross Wallach, the promoter of the race and owner of R.P.M. Racing Enterprises stated that he believes this event has all the makings of a great endurance race that is really geared not just to the hardcore racers but any PWC enthusiast. Wallach went on to say "R.P.M. is proud to be a part of this event and we think races like this will be a catalyst to help revitalize the sport of offshore endurance racing!"

Kevin Shaw of Personal Watercraft Illustrated Magazine ("PWI") stated that "We’re all very excited to see yet another offshore venue grace the Southern California coast. The Dana Point to Avalon Sprint has all the makings of becoming yet another “halo” event, on par with the challenging Long Beach to Catalina and Back (LB2CAT) event (also presented by Ross Wallach and RPM Enterprises) and the sport’s longest endurance event, the Mark Hahn Memorial 300. We want to welcome participants from across the nation to come and test their mettle against the elements, the open ocean, and some of the country’s most dedicated offshore competitors. We’ll see you there!"

“When WaterCraft World heard about the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint Race coming to Southern California in early April, we were pleased to have another offshore race in the mix. There has been quite a resurgence in the sport as of late, and this event should entice others to try the ocean-style offshore competition. It’s definitely not for the timid, but there’s really nothing like racing across the mighty Pacific Ocean.”-Jason Johnson, Editor WaterCraft World magazine

For more information about the race and to gain access to the entry form, go to http://www.pwcoffshore.com/Dana_Point_2_Avalon_Race.html

PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing Takes 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Overall and The Ironwoman At The 2009 Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile Race

2009-03-06T23:03:00.001-08:00

For Immediate Release:

March 6, 2009

2009 Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile Race

PWCOFFSHORE Racing Takes 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Overall & the Ironwoman at the 2009 Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile PWC Endurance Race.

Race Date: February 28, 2009

The annual Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile APBA Sanctioned PWC Race was held in Lake Havasu City, Az. on March 28, 2009. The race is run every year in memory of fallen PWC endurance racer Mark Hahn who passed during a race in 2004.

54 teams and the biggest names in both PWC endurance and offshore racing from Europe and the United States convened to take on the grueling 300 mile PWC race. The Mark Hahn can be run as a two racer team or as an Ironman or Ironwoman (solo racer). This race is unique due to the personal endurance, strategy and a well oiled pit crew required to be successful. Although the previous week's weather was mild resulting in 78 degree temperatures and flat water, racers awoke on the morning of the 28th to 32 mile per hour winds and rough conditions. Racers reported three and four foot wave conditions on the race course resulting in a true test for physical fitness and machine.

Over six hours later, there was an exciting finish with Team Robert Carreon and Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing on their Green Kawasaki ULTRA 250X taking the lead by passing fellow PWCOFFSHORE Racer Paul Pham's and former APBA Offshore National Champion Pat Roque on their SeaDoo RXT to win the race.

Roque and Pham were given the award for top SeaDoo to cross the line for their 2nd place overall finish. "The race was a test of mechanical and physical endurance" said Robert Carreon, "The Kawi ran consistently through the first half of the race, then as the race progressed and the wind conditions subsided somewhat, the Kawi really stepped up and started to fly." Mark Gerner said "we brought two boats with us, Robert’s ULTRA 250X for rough water and a Steve Friebe-enhanced, exceptionally fast SeaDoo RXT for flat water. "We made the decision to go with the Kawi ULTRA 250X when we got up in the morning to find the wind blowing at more than 30 mph, it definitely turned out to be the right decision."

Gerner went on to say that "I have to take my hat off to the ULTRA 250X, The race was very rough—it really demonstrated that that boat is the one for rough water." Both Gerner and Carreon were passionate about recognizing their pit crew. "our entire pit crew, led by Aaron Cress, played a major role in the win - also thank you to The Southern California Watercraft Club for stepping up in the pits.”

Gerner took the lead on the final 10-mile lap passing the team of Paul Pham and Pat Roque, who finished second aboard their extremely fast Sea-Doo RXT. "The sea sate favored the offshore racer" said Carreon, "four of the top five spots were won by offshore racers."

Gerner, founder of PWCOFFSHORE.com echoed Robert's sentiments and was pleased to see four of the top five spots go to PWCOFFSHORE. "I'm very proud of the determination demonstrated by this team" said Gerner. Gerner was exceptionally proud of the overall 3rd place finisher and Ironwoman winner Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety fame, the newest member of PWCOFFSHORE Racing. Alladio raced the entire 30 laps on her stock Kawasaki ULTRA 250X without a teammate, Ironwoman style. She finished in 6 hours, 19 minutes. “That’s the real deal as far as I’m concerned,” said Gerner, who competed Ironman in the previous two years at the Hahn. “Running in those conditions and doing as many laps as Alladio did, that’s endurance racing and merits a great deal of respect.”

Iron Man Tri-athlete Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE (top ten finisher in the Kona, HI Iron Man) teamed with Dave "Pirate" Tew of Southern California and took home the overall Vet Master Championship and the 5th Overall spot; this was Lordback Racing's first big win.

The awards banquet exceeded all expectations with dinner and beautiful trophy awards. "Honestly, Carreon and I just feel very honored to have had the opportunity to share the course with so many extremely talented racers and to race in Mark Hahn’s honor,” Gerner said. “It was a rough, technical race. It was the most difficult Mark Hahn competition I’ve done—the offshore training Robert Carreon and I do definitely helped. I’d also like to thank Mike Follmer of Mike Follmer Specialties & Yamaha, Ross Wallach of R.P.M Racing Enterprises and Jim Russell of DSM Events for putting on a fantastic race - this is a great event and we encourage people to come out and race in this annual competition.” Mr. Mark Hahn, your legacy lives on.

PWCOFFSHORE wishes to thank their sponsors for their great race support.. They are R&D Racing Products, HYDRO-TURF, OTB Boots, Liquid Militia Clothing, PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing. PWCOFFSHORE also wishes to recognize and thank Florida Team Moto for their support

2009 Upcoming Races:
April 5, 2009 - The APBA Dana Point, Ca to Avalon Offshore Sprint
July 12, 2009 - The Annual APBA Long Beach to Catalina and Back Offshore National Championship "LB2CAT" entry forms available at www.pwcoffshore.com

Top 5 teams At The 2009 Mark Hahn: 1. Robert Carreon/Mark Gerner, 30 laps, 6:05:31, Kawasaki Ultra 250X 2. Paul Pham/Pat Roque, 30 laps, 6:06:57, Sea-Doo RXT 3. Shawn Alladio, 30 laps, 6:19:09, Kawasaki Ultra 250X (Ironwoman winner)4. Jean-Bruno Pastorello, 29 laps, 6:06:56, Kawasaki Ultra 250X 5. Kim Bushong/David Tew, 29 laps, 6:19:09, Kawasaki Ultra 250X

Congratulations Kawasaki for four of the top five spots!

For the complete results, visit www.apbaracing.com or www.pwcoffshore.com

Dave Tew and Kim Bushong of PWCOFFSHORE Take 2009 Vet Master Class

2009-03-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

2009 Mark Hahn 300 Mile Memorial PWC Endurance Race

2009 Veteran Masters Open Class ChampionsPWCOFFSHORE racer Kim “Ironman” Bushong and AWA - Socal Watercraft Club member David “Pirate” Tew won the overall Vet Masters Championship at the World’s Longest Continuous Running Endurance PWC Race, the Mark Hahn 300. The Southern Californian endurance racers paired up together, piloting Pirates #33 Kawasaki Ultra 250X. The red rocket ran an impressive 29 laps at ten miles per loop for a time of 6 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds. The team also rounded out the top 5 finish positions on the prestigious overall Podium for the PWCOFFSHORE race team, taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th respectively our of a field of 59 race teams.LordBlack Race Team Member, ‘Pirate’ is favorite by his beloved mascot Captain Morgan, his family and club members. Pirate is a tenacious and practical opponent on the track, never to be underestimated, just look at his nickname! Kim is one of the pioneers of Ironman triathlons setting the current pace millions of aficionados worldwide now enjoy. He’s a natural athlete that understands the rigors of enduring great distances and the will power of determination.The Southern California Watercraft Club members pitted for the #33 team: Russell Libby, Dave Brewer, Brian Largartica, Trent Tew, Travis Campbell, Danny De La CruzLiquid Militia Pit Crew batted second up when club members came to the hot pits at the same time, it was a festive and fun atmosphere with a competitive edge that served the membership well.The Mark Hahn is one of three long distance races on the West Coast. Bushong and his team plan to contest the other two, the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint, and the LB2CAT events. The former starts in at Dana Point, in Orange County, Calif., and crosses the Catalina channel to Avalon on Catalina. The LB2CAT is the round trip race from Long Beach, Ca. to Catalina and back.Socal Watercraft Club MembersSponsors: PWCOFFSHORE.com, Hydro-Turf, R&D, OTB Boots, Liquid Militia, Captain Morgan, AWA

www.PWCoffshore.com
www.Socalwatercraftclub.com

Steve Friebe Announces His Retirement From PWC Racing, Endurance Racing Loses One Of Its Titans

2009-03-06T14:46:00.001-08:00

All, Competitive, honest, committed and a huge heart, this is Steve Friebe. We congratulate Steve on his successful racing career and for leaving his mark on endurance racing for many years to come. Anyone who knows endurance racing knows Steve Friebe. Anyone who needs to know anything about a SeaDoo, knows Steve Friebe. Steve's retirement is bitter sweet to all of us. We support Steve wholeheartedly. On behalf of PWCOFFSHORE, we thank Steve for his commitment to endurance racing, being a team player and wish him only the very best that life has to offer Steve and his family. He genuinely deserves it. The racing community is sad to see Steve put down his helmet and move on but appreciates and respects his decision to move on to the next phase of his life. It has been a genuine honor to know Steve and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Steve, we're just really going to miss him on the race course. All respects to Steve FriebeSteve Friebe of Clovis, California: Primary Race Craft: 2005 SeaDoo RXPSteve 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 35 times. Steve's most prized accomplishment was winning the Mark Hahn Memorial 300 mile race in 2006. Steve's best finish in the Long Beach to Catalina race is third - he made the podium! 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 10. 2006 Seadoo RXP 2006 National Team Endurance Champion Winner of The Mark Hahn Memorial 300 New World Record 4 hours 50 Minutes (2006), East West Texas Cup Overall Winner 2005 USWRA Supercourse Rankings, 1st in Masters Class 2005 USWRA Supercourse Rankings , 1st in Pro-am 4 stroke Superstock 2005 Teamsport Racing Supercourse Series Masters Class Champion 2005 Teamsport Racing Supercourse Series 3rd overall, Pro-am 4 stroke superstock 2004 BP Motorsports endurance series 2nd overall, Overall Winner Team 400 Endurance Race, 3rd Overall Long Beach to Catalina Race, 9th Overall World Finals Super Course Race, 3rd Overall APBA Sprint Race Series 2003 BP Motorsports endurance series Champion, Class Champion Long Beach to Catalina race, 3 overall wins out of four team races 2002 IJSBA / BP Motorsports endurance series 7th overall, Masters Class Champion in Gran Prix series, Class Champion Long Beach to Catalina race. 2007 Race Results: Region 1: Mark Hahn Memorial 11th overall, 7th pro-am 4 Stroke. SCSC Spring Classic Parker AZ, 1st overall, 1st pro-am open. Long Beach to Catalina 5th overall, 5th proam. Region 2: Clearlake Supercourse, 3rd overall, 2nd pro-am open. Camp Far West Supercourse, 1st overall, 1st proam open. Region 5: Team Sport Supercourse series, 1st am-vets, 7th pro-am open. Texas Cup Challenge, 1st am-vets, 6th pro-am open. Supercourse Nationals, 1st am-vets, 4th pro-am open. APBA Supercourse high points for 2007, 1st am-vets 4th pro-am open, 2nd place overall in the 2008 Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race. 2008 Long Beach to Catalina Offshore National Championship - 7th overall. ==================================================

From Mr. Friebe:

Subject: Thanks for ten GREAT YEARS!After 10 years of full throttle action, my family and I have decided it is time for us to retire from racing. Anyone that has that competitive blood in their veins knows that this decision was not an easy one. With grandkids at the dirt biking age and the desert just a couple hours away, I have decided to slow down and smell the roses and change direction. Over the years I have had the privilege of racing in well over two hundred events with some of the greatest racers and people around. I feel the need to thank them, if I forget anyone it is not my intent. First and foremost I need to thank my wife Gail and daughter Bailey for putting up with the financial and time demands. I thank them for their patience, their encouragement and their unyielding support. Larry Ham got me hooked on this sport back in 1999. It took only one race and I was hooked and I have not looked back since. I'm confident most of you got started that way also. I want to thank the promoters starting way back when with Lou and Lois Peralta, Marty and Lynne Roberts from the great state of Texas, Ross Wallach, Mike Follmer, Jim Russell from our own region won, Jim Lambert from Djsa in Nor-Cal and Mark Gerner of PWCOFFSHORE.com. I know Mark says “ I am not the promoter” all the time but I don’t know of a better promoter of offshore endurance racing.I could not have had the success I had without some extremely talented and fast team partners. Jon Casner, Charley Evans, Matt Legerski and Lee Phan all “ride it like you stole it” to coin the phrase. The shop where I work, Clawson Motorsports has been my number one sponsor for my entire 10 year racing career. I thank them for always being willing to help out in any way they could. Larry Noble and Larry Ham of Noble racing furnished me with a three year e-ticket ride in the Texas Supercourse series. Hydroturf, R+D racing, Riva Racing, Slippery, OTB, PWCOFFSHORE.com, Liquid Militia and K38 have all helped me be a better racer with their products and or services. I thank all of you. Thanks to each and every rider that I had the privilege to tear it up with on the course. So many of you have completely amazed me with your talent. I will treasure these moments forever. I don’t plan on being out of the loop. I plan to stay engaged by working on pwc’s. This continues to be my livelihood and I don’t plan on losing an edge in that regard. I am looking forward to being a spectator at a race near you so PIN IT TO WIN IT!Sincerely,Steve Friebe

www.pwcoffshore.com

Yamaha R&D Team Follmer Highest Placing Yamaha at 2009 Mark Hahn 300

2009-03-06T14:42:00.000-08:00

YAMAHA R&D Team FOLLMER Highest Placing YAMAHA at Mark Hahn Havasu 300
MARCH 3, 2009 – FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA. - After a year of intense planning and preparation the eve of the 5th Annual APBA Mark Hahn Havasu 300 Team Endurance Race was upon us. Although the entries were down only a few from last year due to the economy, expectations and spirits were once again extremely high among the entrants, crews and spectators who made the trek to Lake Havasu to honor the memory of Mark Hahn and compete in the World’s Longest Continuous PWC Race.
Having been in the idyllic weather in Havasu for the entire week prior to the race preparing the race site and banquet facility, one can only image what a shock it was to wake up on race day to find the wind blowing at over 35 mile per hour! Besides trying not to get blown away, the main topic on Crazy Horse Beach before the riders meeting was how to ride the wild waves of Havasu for 6 long hours and what the wind was going to do to everyone’s race and pit strategies. With the pits set up and everyone anxious to get started, promoter Jim Russell of DSM and Ross Wallach conducted a riders meeting on the beach to remind us all about the race rules and to remind all of us why we were there for the fifth year in a row – to honor the memory of the race’s namesake – Mark Hahn. After the rider’s meeting a pace and familiarization lap was run around the 10 mile course that was laid out on Lake Havasu and then the racers had a few minutes before the grand prix start to top off their fuel tanks.
Factory YAMAHA R&D Team FOLLMER entered two boats in the 5th Annual Mark Hahn Memorial – Boat #2, a YAMAHA FX SHO that was ridden by Tony Beck of Walt’s Motorsports and Mike Follmer, and Boat #26, a YAMAHA FX SHO expertly ridden by the all female team of Niky Goudreau and Lark Schmitt. Both YAMAHA R&D Team
FOLLMER FX SHO’s were expertly prepared by Bill Chapin of R&D Performance Products,Fifty four (54) boats lined up along the Crazy Horse Beach for the Land Rush start with Tony Beck on our #2 FX SHO alongside of Niky Goudreau aboard our #26 entry to do their first stints battling the wild water of Lake Havasu. Jim Russell’s shotgun blast started all 54 boats at exactly 9:15 AM in a wall of water spray from the beach toward the first course buoy, always a great sight to see! The extremely rough water with its white caps whipped by the fierce winds was a definite challenge to negotiate as you had to stand the entire time and manage the throttle lever delicately in an attempt to maintain your speed while keeping the boat from going airborne.
YHAMAH R&D Team FOLLMER’s pit strategy was for #26 with Niky aboard to start the race and pit every five laps for fuel and a rider change, and for the #2 to pit for fuel and a fresh rider on every 6th lap. This staggering of our stops allowed us to use one trailer and Rhino for both boats and insure that our pit crew could make the transition of the boats out of the water as quickly as possible and add 18 gallons of fuel without spilling any. All of our pit stops and rider changes throughout the day were clocked at less than 1 minute. Tony Beck managed to get the #2 into contention in the top ten at the conclusion of his first tour and the #26 was keeping pace right behind in 12th place.
After 6 hours of battling the elements and watching as other competitors fell by the wayside we brought home the #2 YAMAHA FX SHO in 8th place overall with 28 laps and the #26 YAMAHA FX SHO in 12th place with 26 laps. The real accomplishment of the race was that we were the first YAMAHA in the overall standings.
The awards banquet was once again an over the top affair. With a dinner for over three hundred people, catered by Lake Havasu’s Taco Hacienda, everyone had plenty of good food to go along with all of the tall tales from the day of racing.

http://www.pwcfun.com/Mark%20Hahn%20Follmer-RaceReport030309.pdf

Shawn Alladio Takes Ironwoman Title at the 2009 Mark Hahn 300 Mile PWC Race

2009-03-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

SHAWN ALLADIO TAKES IRONWOMAN TITLE AT 2009 MARK HAHN MEMORIAL 300 MILE PERSONAL WATERCRAFT RACE

TUSTIN, CALIF., (3/6/09) - Shawn Alladio, owner of K38Rescue, took top honors in the Ironwoman class as well as third place in the overall finishing standings at the Mark Hahn Memorial 300 mile personal watercraft endurance race at Lake Havasu City, Arizona USA on Saturday, February 28th, 2009.
Alladio, riding for PWCOffshore.com Racing, completed the grueling 300-mile race at Lake Havasu, Arizona, where the usual winter winds of 30 mph blowing across the water added one to two feet of wind waves, in just over six hours for an average speed of nearly 50 miles per hour. To win the Ironwoman class, a woman must ride the entire race without rider change. Most team entries, both male and female, use two riders who usually switch every three or four laps of the ten-mile racecourse.
In typical Alladio fashion, Shawn credits her absolutely stock Kawasaki Ultra 250X JET SKI® watercraft and her crew for her success. “The Mark Hahn 300 is a team event. A racer doesn’t make the event, the team effort does,” Alladio says. “My PWCoffshore.com team mates helped me with pre-race training and pit-crew training. My amazing, ten-person Liquid Militia pit crew was ready and successfully completed our six flawless refueling stops.” For each refueling stop the race rules required the pit crew to take the race boats out of the lake to a designated refueling area about 30 feet from the shore. Moving the thousand-pound boat back and forth across the beach called for precision and coordinated effort by the entire pit crew.
Regarding Shawn Alladio's Ironwoman performance and podium, PWCOFFSHORE team mate and Overall winner Mark Gerner said "That's the real deal as far as I'm concerned,". Gerner had competed himself the previous two years in the Ironman position. "Running in those conditions and doing as many laps as she did, that's fantastic." Gerner, a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer paid Alladio the ultimate compliment, "she is a warrior and a tremendous addition to the PWCOFFSHORE Team".
Alladio added that as long as her strength and determination matched the power of her JET SKI watercraft, her pit crew would make the difference in finishing first or not. And they all succeeded.
Alladio borrowed the showroom stock Kawasaki from her Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. corporate sponsor one day before the race, giving her team enough time to give the boat a thorough once-over and add the logos of her other sponsors. Those sponsors included the American Watercraft Association, PWCOFFSHORE.com Race Team, Liquid Militia Clothing, Hydro-Turf, R&D, OTB Boots, Mustang Survival, K38 Gear, Betty Belts, Hypnotic Films, along with running the American and USMC flags.
The Mark Hahn is one of three long distance races on the West Coast. Alladio and her team plan to contest the other two, the Dana Point to Avalon Offshore Sprint, and the LB2CAT events. The former starts in at Dana Point, in Orange County, Calif., and crosses the Catalina channel to Avalon on Catalina. The LB2CAT is the round trip race from Long Beach, Ca., to Catalina and back.
Alladio said she is also making arrangements to race a European offshore event at Roslagsloppet, Sweden, in August.
In 2009, K38 Water Safety celebrates 20 years of service to recreational, occupational and event management water safety and education! K38 has trained thousands of personnel from fire rescue, lifesaving, military, law enforcement, and search, rescue agencies, and is the worldwide-recognized authority in the occupational use and application of Personal Watercraft. K38 is represented through accredited affiliates in 14 countries worldwide teaching water rescue, racing, officiating, event management, operations, swiftwater, flood, big wave, towsurfing and industry support using JET SKI watercraft for rescue or patrol applications. K38 is founded by Shawn Alladio, a professional IJSBA racer for 2 decades, National Safe Boating Council instructor and water rescue professional. K38’s motto is ‘The Life You Save May Be Your Own’
www.K38WaterSafety.com
mhtml:%7B082E423F-6AB0-4AE7-A8C7-9B438E9485AF%7Dmid://00000056/!x-usc:mailto:K38rescue@aol.com

For more information on PWC / Jetski endurance racing, go to www.pwcoffshore.com

Trawlercat On The 2009 Mark Hahn 300 PWC Race

2009-03-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Subject: Trawlercat on 2009 Mark Hahn 300 mile race

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. Vince LombardiSo what gives? I’m now one of the youngest guys in my yacht club but one of the oldest guys racing? Hopefully, it’ll only be the ski that breaks at WOT (wide open throttle) and not me! I coined those words a few days prior to the start of the Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race (Feb 28, 2009) to get a running start on the never ending Trawlercat Chronicles. I actually wasn’t that far off, for you see my ski did break – supercharger gave out at the 192 mile mark. What’s worse is that we just moved up to 5th place overall. Pwcoffshore.com offshore endurance riders – cleaned up with its founder (M. Gerner and R. Carreon) taking the overall first place trophy. Visit www.pwcfun.com/markhahn300.asp or http://www.pwcoffshore.com/ for the entire lineup and rankings. Thank you Mark for the true professional you are, the dedication, commitment, effort and for making all of us look good. Hooooah! I also believe that we have shown the west coast what offshore riders can do inland – even in extreme conditions – more on that later!Pwcoffshore endurance riding may for now just be a west coast phenomena but hopefully, in time we (our team) will travel on the company jet to the east coast to see how we fare up to our east coast counterparts. They don’t have to worry yet, we won’t be showing until the economy recovers – and that may still be a year or two off. East coast readers, what’s the name of your race? Our races are known as the LB2CAT (original) and the one we just won – the one with the most spirit, passion and commitment from the officials and community, including their Mayor – the Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race. Picture this. A force maybe even bordering on religion said, “Let there be endurance racing” and so it was. The skies parted, the wind gods were summoned and ……Predictions – What can one say about predictions. To me I am now officially done with making any more weather predictions – so long as I live. Truly those combined prayers by those Kawasaki Ultra owners and team riders were answered. Week before the race – sunny, flat near 80 degrees, winds maybe 6 knots. Day before the race, flat, 81 degrees, minimal to no wind. Day of the race – forget the weather – winds from the California side started blowing around 4 a.m. with a vengeance; creating huge lake like white caps for the start of the race. Truly a different experience as we were lulled into a false set of security upon our arrival to Lake Havasu. The 10 mile course was now a definite 300 mile endurance race. So just how does Lake Havasu do it? To get through the 10 mile course my partner (Sean Conner – The Terminator) started by first heading straight into waves coming directly at him. Great WOT (wide open throttle) run for us offshore guys and gals. If you’re already signed up for the Dana Point to Avalon Sprint, Sunday, April 5, 2009 – 8 a.m. then we’ll see you there. This is more of what we’ll be serving you but, much, much more and way bigger. But then, I’m done with predictions – remember!!! So, don’t hold me to it. For those not familiar with the Mark Hahn course I’ll describe the first 10 miles as I saw it. From the ca-ching (scoring boat zig zag buoy) to the first turn boat I’ll coin this the WOT Head Seas Run. Great run for offshore riders, but not so much fun for those wanting to sit and ride. From Turn Boat 1 to Turn Boat 2 I’ll call this part the Beam Seas Run. The combined effects of the wind and water was now hitting your starboard (right side) as you zig zagged your way to the turn boat due to all that “swell” action. From Turn Boat 2 to Turn Boat 3 this is what did many in, for I will now refer to this run as the Heart Break Supercharger Run. You are now running with the waves; depending on your boat and speed your PWC is now experiencing a near drowning situation. The conditions were not making it right for most of us to stay hooked up. I felt that supercharger working hard but, just like magic – midway down the run conditions changed. Now you were in for confused mixed seas. This is where I predict that all the lake boat swells come to congregate. Someone that launched their pontoon, bass or fishing boat say 10 miles away, in any direction; their swells eventually found their way here. This swell then makes friends with other swells. Pretty soon they will throw together a “swell” party. You will “crash” this swell party after just getting through Heart Break Supercharger Run. Now you round Boat 4 and things begin to look up. You are WOT close to the shoreline but not too close to run into trouble with the 2 feet of water or “no swell” markers. Remember, those beam seas you encountered just after Boat 2? Well, those beam seas have long since found deep water and have gotten larger and more confusing after a short distance and they are now not your friends. But from here – you can safely see your friends, the scoring boat and even the pit crew. The “barn” is now in full view and your trusty steed has now taken your nearly around the entire course. You are now ready to enter the ca-ching and be counted. All that effort you expanded, all that sweat, endurance training just to get to this point. This my friends, is your culmination point. It can be a sexy thing for some but, not for others for you see many that reach this point have or will:a) Hit the scoring boat;b) Embarrass themselves by falling;c) Round the buoys the wrong way;d) Pass your competition in the no passing zone; e) Opt to DNF (did not finish)f) Beg/plead to have their partner switch riders;g) Run into each other; orh) Effortlessly glide across putting on the best show of their lives for all and one alike to see. And that my friends is the end of Lap 1 with only 29 more laps to go. “Cowards won’t show and the weak will die” Does this border on the impossible for you? Not so says SoCal Watercraft Club rider Aha and his team mate (Mona) from Detroit; whose first time on a jet ski was only a short few months ago. Not so says Ironwoman Shawn Alladio who was planning on riding one of her many trusty steeds she uses to train others. Visit www. k38watersafety.com/forum/index.php for more info. She was planning on riding the Kawasaki F-15 model she affectionately refers to as “Jay”. In the end she showed us what can be done on the Ultra 250X. Thank you Kawasaki for you have given us another win for the team. I write most of this story from the comfort of a hotel bed having only ridden half the 190 mile laps before breaking down. Thank you partner Sean for a great start. Am I going to be sore when I stand up? Maybe so, but not as sore as those that tried to ride the course while sitting down. I referred to skis earlier as steeds but they are far from one. You do not have stirrups to cushion the blows to your lower back. But what you can have is what our offshore riders refer to as foot wedges from Hydro Turf (http://www.hydroturf.com/). Thank you Hydro Turf for a great product and a great sponsorship. The team thanks you with a win!You need lifter wedges for these type of riding conditions to stay on your ski. To top it all off you also need non-slip great looking seat covers and mats. To use the wedges you need to stand up and let your legs do most of the work. Wedges keep you on your boat. If you want to know how to install them visit http://www.pwcoffshore.com/. Those four or so riders we saw fly off their ski’s at the start – possibly were not using wedges or were not standing up. For all those others that did experience mechanical failures or issues you know that endurance racing is not only about the mode of transportation (PWC, car, motorcycle or boat) but about the person. Did you perform to your full potential. Hours after the awards banquet and celebratory parties I know most slept the sleep of content for their extremely worthy accomplishments. A special thank you to my original partner Jim W (OU812); your work commitments come first but, thank you for your continued support and on the water testing of our Ultra. Thank you for setting it up with our Pit Crew Chief – O’Side Bill. You did a great job and are now a great new friend. His fuel sucker, my son Mike has now caught the offshore racing spirit. You may see him in the Mark Hahn 2010. The individual team effort in the words of Vince Lombardi is what is needed to make it all work out. “Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Vince LombardiUntil next time - See you on the (saltwater)!Trawlercat

TRAWLERCAT

Steward Of The Environment

2009-03-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Steward Of The Environment

After riding PWCs in the ocean for the last 13 years, I experienced yet another first this past Sunday. The group made a Long Beach to Catalina and back offshore training ride and we had about 10 Racers, including Shawn Alladio. I'll save you the detail, the long story short is that we had a great pace out, a great pace on the return leg from Avalon only for me to experience a mechanical about 14 miles from Long Beach. Shawn Alladio, the consumate professional who is always willing to assist, quickly jumped in and offered to give me a tow from her reliable Kawasaki 12F. I agreed, we linked up and away we went at the speed of 12 knots. We talked about various topics then at about ten minutes into the tow I noticed Shawn veering off course and found myself wondered what she was doing. She appeared focused, given that it was Shawn I didn't question and just let her do her thing. I must acknowledge that I wondered why she was going so far off course towing the thousand pound ULTRA250X craft, but she appeared to be determined and therefore I thought, so be it, let her do her thing. Off in the distance I saw some trash drifting in the ocean with Shawn clearly focused on getting it out of the water. "Is she going this far out of the way to pick up drifting trash" I thought. Sure enough, she went over, picked it out of the water and placed it safely in the tray. "I hate trash in the water' said Shawn. This process happened three more times during the long tow back. I must acknowledge that I always pick up anything I drop in the water, however I have never altered my course while I'm over 10 miles off shore to go pick up a piece of plastic. This was a first and resulted in a shift of my paradigm, one of many thigs Shawn Alladio does well. Shawn is the real deal, she gives a sh-- and her actions (her actions) demonstrate. Some people talk smack and then fail to execute, others lead by example and action. Shawn is one of these people.

For more information of offshore and endurance PWC / Jetski racing: www.pwcoffshore.com

FAST BOATS, By Ms. Shawn Alladio

2009-02-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

FAST BOATS

Over the bridge I can barely make out the stacks on the Queen Mary looking out to sea. The grand dame of the Seven Seas is berthed in a permanent trap, and docked next to a modern Carnival Cruise line ship. I prefer the streamline steel hull of the lines the Queen Mary holds, sleek and sad, she sits fast going nowhere. An eventual fate for any ocean going vessel. We live for the open swell and sound of splashing waters off the hull, the wind folding, and the rolls of swells, it is a calling many ancient mariners are seduced by.Who are we? Good question. We own it, but on different levels. Equipment and pilot compliment one another depending upon the environmental factors. This team has 'bite'. I prefer a wild ocean, and I tend to shine in the worst of conditions. Give me a smooth running ocean and I suffer. The men here today are tacticians of delivering the 'bite' of their hull into a liquid field.7:40am I'm the last one to pull into the Queensway launch ramp in Long Beach. My 4 place Jet Ski trailer drags behind me like a dog sled team pushing instead of pulling.Our race team boats are all staging with racers getting prepped for our practice session. It's been too long for me, I haven't had an adrenaline flush. The Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race looms on February 28th. This will be my first practice. I'm sorely lagging on the team front. PWCoffshore.com team endurance riders have more water hours and pump action than any other group I know of in racing circles, and I know a lot. I wonder how many times we have circumnavigated the Earth's waters collectively? I've got Aerosmith blaring from the radio and the beat picks me up. I feel like going to war. And so it is. Super Bowl Sunday, while others are watching players play a game, we are the game. The ocean looks steady, the skyline a drab and dreary haze of gray. It looks to be a simple ocean. The reports rang in at 1.7 @ 10 seconds. wind E 5.8 Knots, looks like the Santa Ana winds are going to try to stick around a little longer. It sure is a creepy winter, feels more like June Gloom this morning.This would change as the marine layer dragged a hasty retreat, and the water shadows of the island loomed against swell and wind patterns. Knowing the channel, the currents and geomorphic terrain, the signature of the distance measured versus the wind and swell patterns, usually the rough patches can be guessed at. The shadow line always makes an interesting leeway, depending upon to and from transits. Team Leader, I affectionately call Boss gives me the thumbs up, passing the parking stalls each team rider hails me, He runs the team with military precision, and the team runs itself due to attrition, everyone wants to win. Every man here is their own champion. What makes a great champion in my estimation? Having another one push you to their level and then you push yourself beyond the one you set. Everyone here is steady.Today the team was going to split into 2 groupings. Team One of 6 racers, 2 man team tags, Long Beach to Catalina and around the island. Team Two of 4 racers, 2 man team tags, Long beach to Catalina and back, my wingman was Kim Bushong on the way out. We were riding two similar horsepower boats, so we could stay steady and we did. Kim is a real Ironman, a true athlete, given the right boat, this man would ruin everyone's day.Bushong brings his OTB Boots over, we discuss the R&D he's done. I bring out a pair of Abyss model black high tops. Fortunately we have the same size boot. In a space of 4 minutes, we decide the Abyss model is the way to go. He confirms this on the return. These little things are big, comfort, fit, friction, fatigue, function, everything we wear in our 'kit' has to be top notch. No mindset shifting, we cannot be troubled with little things that become troubles. Safety first, and push the limit. 'Safety means Danger', that's my motto. I strapped a fuel tank to my stern deck and loaded a ridiculous amount of emergency gear on board. I already had a feeling I would be towing today, so I prepared with self sufficiency. Stock boat is a good tow boat. On an open sea, everything will and can happen, given enough time. My thoughts daily return to my friend Jeremy Hoyland missing adrift on a sunken PWC off the coast of Bali since October 24th, missing, gone but not forgotten. I know how life is, we are connected to a thin thread that can snap at any moment. I have a lot of respect for The Boss. I would standby on any call for him or his family, asking no questions, make it happen and move on. He's that kind of a man, you just know 'right will be right and wrong will be knocked down by the strong'. That's precisely my own language, no barriers there. I understand his language and I like him & the Crew, everyone knows how to run fast on open water. This is our bond.Friebe is the 'Master of Disaster'. He can fix everything, his strengths are engine, body, water. He drove all night, wrenched I'm sure and hit the deck. Brought me race offerings and covered all bases for the team and himself. A real top notch waterman. Paul comes over, the 'Famous Tenacious'. Dubz the 'quintessential equalizer'. The Chronicles of T is collecting data, Belton hasn't had enough yet, needs more nautical miles, Paul is ready to make the day 'ready'. I'm welcomed into the family. Everyone is anticipating a good day. I'm running late, multiple offers of help, I pack the boat, double check and triple check all communications and electronics. Suit up in a thin mil wetsuit so I won't overheat, strap my cell phone to my arm, grab the helmet, gloves and launch at the ramp, Trawlercat takes my boat. I look over my shoulder, all the men are waiting for me. Roque is prepped for yet another sesh, he doesn't like to hold back on the reigns. I notice this in mere seconds between rushing.I grab my camera and take a quick photo. The modern escape of our generation documents everything. I look over to the men because for me as a woman, this is a historic moment. No women have taken the charge. I do not understand this. Where are all the sisters? It is an honor to be on the ocean with these powerful men. I say that, because I believe it. It is true. This must change. We head out through the docile 5 mph idle to the marker buoys. The large hulking shapes of the cruise ships sit silent at their berths. The small the mighty. At least we are moving, and heading out to sea. There is little boat traffic. The Boss does a cursory buddy team check, I give him the OK sign and signal Bushong. The Boss checks in with the USCG Auxiliary on patrol and we scoot off WOT. Wide Open Throttle Baby.The ride is pleasant, very little marine life or bird life. It's a dormant ocean. I do not like a glassy surface on the face of the liquid syrup. I prefer a bit of agitation to the texture because it's easier to read at a faster clip. I know exactly how my hull from the centerline of the keel will lay down into the fluctuating madness. It's kind of like taking a spatula and swatting your bath water, landings can be like swatting flies. The pace is distanced as the lead boats, especially #58, the Kawasaki ULTRA 250, red hot, why does the color red always run fast? The Boss is gone, his boat wants to runaway. It doesn't take long to see the lead boats simply vanish into the gray zone ahead. We come alongside the Catalina Express, she's running fast today. I look down at my speedo, a few 62 MPH, but those are not accurate, more like 53 I imagine. If I'm lucky. Some good little chops and thumps, bumps and a few chest strikes into the helm and I'm a very happy woman thank you very much. I like a few of the hard hits, reminds me I'm supposed to be working for it.We run in a team of 3 eventually, then back down to two and we arrive at Avalon, outside the harbor everyone is under adrenaline control. They look like they just woke up from a nap. Our tea party gets moved to the fuel dock. A lovely day, we are so fortunate out of billions of people and 300 plus million Americans, we are the only ones doing this right now. This is crazy and deserved.The turnaround is swift. I lose Bushong and pony up with 3 hotshots. We're running a good speed back, the glass has settled in and I'm thinking how fast this run is going to be. The Boss's red hot slows and eventually watching his helmet line looking down, something is up. It's time for a tow, I can just barely see the peaks of the San Gabriel mountains peeking through a stubborn marine layer. I re-kit my emergency gear, put a line on his boat, he ponies onto the seat and we set the pace at 11 knots or so.As we make a slow mile, Dubz is in front, then Dubz has the next boat under tow. It's a 2 tow boat tow back to the launch zone. The Boss and I get to time to talk politics, viewpoints, politics, boat failures, opinion pieces, ammunition, racing and family, my favorite subjects. Not necessarily in that order. Looking northward the familiar distant whitewater signature is spotted, I spy 3 bogeys at 11. It's our boys, looks like they split into two 3 man teams. They run a bit north of us and spit into the Jaws of Long Beach. Several minutes later, we identify the second set, same track line. Friebe's boat is clear, The Boss calls out the riders. Ahead of us Dubz has set a fast pace under tow.Tow time isn't so bad. Back to the dock, load up fast, I wash all boats and gear, and I'm impressed with the diligence of care the team gives their boats. I watch Paul really pride up his green boat, wish everyone would take care of the boats the way these guys do. The men are beyond helpful. This is what I love about racing, for me it has always been about competition, challenges, strife and camaraderie. I am packed and ready to get a hamburger, I'm running late, my 4 year old is probably driving everyone nuts, I being the only freedom fighter, I got my flush. I can only hope now that I have torn some musculature to see what my margins will be for the Hahn. I have never trained for a race before, the team has thrown down the reality of effort, and I must follow in their wake.Mr. G's pics http://flickr.com/photos/31192104@N04/
"The Life You Save May Be Your Own'http://www.k38watersafety.com/"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in time of moral crisis"-Dante Alighieri(Italian Florentine Poet)

Jet Ski / offshore pwc racing

220 Mile Training Ride Anyone? 1/11/2009

2009-01-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

By "Trawlercat"
SUBJECT: Los Angeles to San Diego 220 mile r/t Training Ride
So how do you plan your rides? Do you just pick up the phone and say let’s ride, or is it a big long drawn out thing with someone posting a thread – fifty responses later no one has a clue who’s going or when or what will happen when the ride day finally comes. I’m not knocking it – that’s how I got started and it’s still good for getting new people out there riding. For us lately it’s gone something like this. You want to ride – show up on Sunday. If you don’t show up – well I guess then you’re not riding.
Our regular Sunday pwcoffshore.com training ride this Sunday was for 7:30 a.m. Start point – Long Beach launch ramp. Likely destination – Avalon. But wait, we were expecting Santa Ana winds with gusts expected to be upwards of 70 mph along our coast! Scratch Avalon. How about a training ride to Oceanside? Sure why not. And that my friends are how this morning’s ride kicked off.
Unfortunately, one mile into the ride Lee started having slipping supercharger issues. John confirmed it by taking his Seadoo out for a spin and just for that extra good measure a call was placed to the “Great one”. The one people ride from all over the country to see when their SeaDoo is just not cutting it – Mr. Friebe himself . Picture this – three of us are offshore somewhere in the vicinity of the end of the Long Beach breakwater and one of the offshore oil rigs. Ever so gently drifting in the calm seas; clear skies all around; Catalina clearly visible. The sun as bright as can be and the moon is still up in the sky to our West. Those Santa Ana’s sure are great at cleaning out the air.
The way I heard it is that “The Great One” even accepted the call while he was taking his morning shower. Friebe confirmed that Lee could ride but not as fast as Lee wanted to go. So John and I said our good byes to Lee as he headed back to the launch ramp. Once offshore it was like we expected – the Santa Ana winds had blanked the entire stretch of California coastline and settled it down. Definitely not a surfing day.
John hugged the coastline as I rode the more offshore direct line. Mind, body, and soul type of day riding. We can very safely confirm that if you fill up at Dana Point and ignore Oceanside for fuel – you can make it to Mission Bay – but just barely. And that is just what we did; with maybe a gallon or so in our tanks. The first fuel dock only carried 87 octane so we went to the second fuel dock which also carried 87 octane. A couple of bottles of octane boost and we were good to go. But first a little lunch at the deli. Did you know that there is a West Marine here but it’s closed on Sunday. Who ever heard of one of these stores closing on Sunday?
Since there was only the two of us it was pretty straight forward as to who your Wingman was. One occasion somewhere in the vicinity of a great big kelp field I decided to go offshore while John continued to hug the shoreline. I just knew that he would have to turn around to clear that kelp line but he made it. And so it was catching up time for me. We played this game all the way down and all the way back up. Sometimes I would win and sometimes John would. I consider myself a great navigator while offshore if I have the destination plugged in then I go for that direct line cutting off as much as 3 miles on one occasion according to our GPS. The ride down was all WOT (wide open throttle) until John just knew that he would run out of fuel then he backed way way down. I stayed around the 50 mph range and when we intersected our courses we opted for Mission Bay instead of San Diego bay for fuel.
San Diego is truly a boater’s paradise. I can’t say enough about this area. And the launch ramps are all free! I purchased a couple of great waterproof maps of the area once we were down there for future reference however, when we started on this great adventure I had no idea that by the end of the day we would be riding to San Diego and back. Total miles logged today are 220 miles. Fueled up at Dana Point on the way down; Mission Bay while down there and then Oceanside and Mission Bay on the way back up.
Just goes to show you that if you plan for everything – you can do any ride that is thrown your way. All I carried today was one VISA credit card – it is always kept in the zipped up pocket of my vest for fuel and emergencies. No cash – as no one told me I would need it today. VISA at the launch ramp, fuel dock and deli. I also always have a well stocked gear bag that is ready to go. Everything this morning was done – last minute. Wake up 0615 after getting home at midnight. Grab my gear bag; hook up the trailer; unplug the battery charger; unlock the trailer and go. It’s all pretty routine for us now that every Sunday is a ride day.
If you’ve ever heard me say that any good ride that goes good will always have the “Pay the Piper” component on the return. Today was also that type of day. I wish I could’ve just said that the difficulty level of this ride on a scale of 1-10 would be a 5 but because of the Santa Ana hiccups on the way back up it shot up there to a 9. Just after leaving Oceanside we encountered some nasty freak swells that when I came down so did my hood and then it popped up broken. So there I was in the middle of the ocean with a broken front hood. A hood that would not stay down. What to do. Not to worry. Pull out the black electrical tape that I carry in my glove box and tape it up. I could’ve opted for my duct tape but that would entail pulling out some major gear that would’ve likely gotten wet. And so the tape worked all the way to Oceanside and at Oceanside I switched the black electrical for duct tape. This did not slow me down for anyone wondering.
One of the exciting moments of this ride is when John and I are racing back and I’m gaining on him. He’s near shore and I’m offshore and slowly the black electrical tape starts to peel off; one strip at a time. I don’t want to stop because I’ll lose the distance I’m gaining on him but I don’t want the front to pop off; so I keep an eye on it. John didn’t even know that this had happened to me when we got to Oceanside. It’s just one of those things you do when you offshore and you need a quick fix. Seadoo or Ultra eats a bunch of kelp. Jump off and clear it off. Need to take a whiz while offshore riding. Not a problem. I also got to practice this on this ride. A long time ago I used to be in to the running gig and almost moved on to Ultra Marathons. The operative word here is almost. There was this article that a guy wrote that I never forgot. It’s basically how you train yourself to urinate while on the go. It works but it’s not as easy as you might think. Another thing I wanted to make sure that I had down was the WAVE. It goes something like this while riding at any speed or wave condition you hug your saddle while standing pretty much like if you were riding a steeple chase horse. Like the kind Superman was riding before he had that freak accident. When you really have a good grip you let go of the handlebar with your left hand and WAVE. You do this to make other boaters or fisherman or helicopter or anyone else out there admiring you – know that you are out there and in complete control of your boat. I got to WAVE lots on this ride. The wave is great for pictures but it’s also great for pushing that bird off that flew right into you. Today all kinds of things flew into my eye and I’m wearing goggles. Don’t know how the bird made out. The other nasty piece of terrain on the way back was on the way to Dana Point. Those seas got scary and making any progress was hard on us and the skis. I definitely didn’t do the WAVE on this stretch. Sorry fisherman. Leaving Dana Point it was also somewhat nasty so John started to hug the coast again and I stayed offshore pounding it. At some point our points once again intersected and all that extra distance that he went because of the coastline was now mine. Sort of like the tortoise and the hair with my Seadoo being the tortoise. Guess what it now all cleared right back to the way it was when we took off this morning. And so I took this huge gain and just kept it going. And now for the second time something else got in my eyes and I didn’t want to stop. It was all that saltwater that I ate while pounding those waves earlier. They were now dripping down into my eyes. I once again didn’t want to slow down to wipe my eyes. No, the wave did not work this time. And so I kept her pegged and continued on into the LB2CAT finish and WON. That didn’t last long. Seems the tide was way way down. A few people were on this fishing boat and were waving at me. I did the WAVE but no they wanted me. As soon as I got close I quickly knew why. I was now stuck in mid channel – just like they were. John thought I would need to get towed myself but I just got off the ski – walked on water and pushed her off. All of this red rope like vine wrapped all around my driveshaft as we made it back to the docks that were now just hanging there with barely any water under them. I forgot that this was one of those ultra low low tide days of the year.
If you’re planning on doing a future LA to San Diego ride the follow may help you in doing a better job of planning your ride. That after all is the fun part. The following is a description of the entire coastline.
See you on the water!
Trawlercat
Point Loma Light is located at (32°39'54"N., 117°14'33"W.) it is 88 feet above the water. The light has a fog signal. You need to be aware of the thick kelp beds that extend more than 1.5 miles S of the point. From inside the bay, prominent objects along the crest of the ridge are a large red and white checkered elevated tank, a green standpipe, and a tall lookout tower all about 2.5 miles N from the light.
Ballast Point Light is located at (32°41'10"N., 117°13'57"W.), 16 feet above the water.
Three piers of the Naval Submarine Base are just N of Ballast Point. A fog signal is on the middle pier. North Island, the filled NW end of the sand spit on the E side of the bay entrance, is Naval Base Coronado.
On its SE side is the City of Coronado. Prominent features that show up well from the entrance are the tall condominiums at Coronado Shores 2.7 miles E of the entrance, the S tower of Hotel del Coronado 2.4 miles E of the entrance, and the tower of the Naval Air Station Administration Building, which is marked by an aero light and is operated intermittently with varying characteristics.
SAN DIEGO AREA RESTRICTED AREAS THAT YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF:
The lee shore of Point Loma and S of Ballast Point; between Ballast Point and Zuñiga Point; adjacent to the W side of North Island; 0.4 mile N of Ballast Point, W of the dredged channel; off the NE side of North Island surrounding the Navy Pier; adjacent to and extending SE from the entrance channel to Glorietta Bay. Security zones are on the W side of the entrance to San Diego Bay immediately N of Ballast Point; adjacent to the W and NE sides of North Island; about 1 mile N of the Point just S of the entrance to Shelter Island Yacht Basin; around the Navy Pier; around the Naval Amphibious Base and just S of the entrance channel to Glorietta Bay; around the Naval Station along the waterfront of National City from Chollas Creek to Pier 14; and within 25 yards of all piers, abutments, fenders, and pilings of the Coronado Bay Bridge. Security zones are in effect around all cruise ships entering, leaving, or anchored in the Port of San Diego Bay.
SHELTER ISLAND: Shelter Island is located across the channel from North Island. It includes the Shelter Island yacht Basin on the S and the Americas Cup Harbor on the N. Shelter Island is the most important small-boat area in San Diego Bay. The yacht basin has several large marinas and yacht clubs with more than 2,000 boats at its piers, floats, and moorings. The entrance is marked by lights.
The 354° lighted range marking the entrance to San Diego Bay also marks the approach to the entrance to Shelter Island Yacht Basin. The harbor police can be found at the Harbor Control Headquarters just inside the entrance to the yacht basin. The police dock is also the boarding station for the inspection of small craft by Customs, Public Health, Immigration and Agricultural quarantine personnel when such inspections are necessary. Harbor police boats, providing fire protection, law enforcement, and assistance to small boats in distress, operate from this facility on a 24-hour basis.
Overnight berths for transient boats are usually available at one of the marinas; if no such berth is available, temporary mooring or berthing may be made available through the harbor police. The Americas Cup Harbor has accommodations for over 600 vessels and is
the home port for many commercial fishing vessels. Both the yacht basin and the Americas Cup Harbor have fueling docks, a launching ramp, and marine supplies.
A number of marinas, hotels, restaurants, and shops are along the shore of the
Basin. A light shows from atop a building near the W end of the island. Glorietta Bay, on the S side of Coronado and 6 miles from Ballast Point, is a small-craft harbor occupied
By a yacht club and a small marina. The facilities include berths for over 215 yachts and small craft. A channel marked by lighted and unlighted buoys and a 232° lighted range leads from the main channel in San Diego Bay to the basin in Glorietta Bay.
A 5 mph speed limit is enforced in Glorietta Bay. Water, ice, and a launching ramp are
Available. A restricted area, marked by buoys, is outside the SE limit of the channel into Glorietta Bay. A security zone is also outside the SE limit of the channel into Glorietta Bay, within the restricted area off the Naval Amphibious Base.
SAN DIEGO BAY TO SAN PEDRO BAY – For more details purchase chart 18740. This 80 mile coastline between San Diego Bay and San Pedro Bay can be considered a major ride as it involves some detail planning to accomplish safely. There are several small-boat harbors along the coast. The first 11 miles of the coast, between Point Loma and Point La Jolla, is rocky, and the kelp beds extend up to 2 miles from shore. About 1 mile N of Point Loma Light is a submerged sewer outfall line extending about 1 mile to the W. Ocean Beach, 5 miles N of Point Loma, has a large Y-shaped fishing pier with a private fog signal on the end.
WEATHER - GULF OF SANTA CATALINA - Over the Gulf of Santa Catalina and along its shores, fog can sometimes be a problem during fall and winter. This is most often a land (radiation) fog that drifts out over the gulf at night. By late morning, it usually begins to clear, particularly along the coast. Offshore, fog reduces visibilities to less than 0.5 mile (0.9 km) on about 4 to 9 days per month, from September through February and in May. September and October are the worst months. Along the coast, visibilities drop below 0.5 mile (0.9 km) on about 2 to 8 days per month from August through April. November, December, and February are the worst months.
Gale force winds never occur as much as 1 percent of the time in the Gulf of Santa Catalina. They are infrequently encountered from November through April. Wind speeds of 17 knots or more occur about 1 to 3 percent of the time from December through May. Winds on the coast are often light. At Camp Pendleton, winds less than 3 knots occur 40 to 50 percent of the time from September through March. Seas are most likely to get choppy from November through April, when distant storms S of 40°N generate W swells. These swells are 6 feet or more, about 2 to 5 percent of the time. In winter, they occasionally exceed 9 feet and some 12-foot swells have been reported.
MISSION BAY - For detailed planning of this area purchase chart 18765. Mission Bay is entered from offshore between two jetties 5.5 miles N of Point Loma, it is a great recreational small-craft harbor. A light and a fog signal are at the outer end of the N jetty. A prominent feature when approaching the harbor is the municipal fishing pier at Ocean Beach, 0.3 mile S of the entrance. The lighted 338-foot tower at Sea World is also a prominent landmark 1.8 miles E of the entrance.
Fog signals are sounded from the fishing pier. A dredged channel leads from deep water in the Pacific Ocean to the highway bridge about 1.3 miles above the entrance. Quivira Basin and Mariners Basin, on the E and W sides of the channel, respectively, are entered about 1 mile above the entrance. A jetty marked on its outer end by a light, extends about 125 yards NW from the S side of the entrance to Quivira Basin. The inner bay has depths of about 6 feet.
The entrance to Mission Bay can be difficult to navigate while surf is high. Large swells in any season and from virtually any direction can break completely across the entrance channel. With a rough sea outside, a heavy surge exists inside the bay, especially in Quivira Basin. Two fixed highway bridges cross Mission Bay. The first, crossing above the entrance between Ventura Point and Sunset Point and the second, connects Vacation Isle with Crown Point to the N and Dana Landing to the S.
An aerial tramway cable crosses the entrance to Perez Cove, immediately SE of Dana Landing. The San Diego City Lifeguard Headquarters and the San Diego Police Department, Mission Bay Harbor Unit, are on the S side of the entrance to Quivira Basin. Harbor regulations are enforced and emergency assistance is provided by the two units.
The Lifeguard Service maintains a 24-hour watch on VHF-FM Channel 16 and handles all dispatches. Police matters are dispatched to the Police Harbor Patrol. Calls for assistance in Mission Bay and within 3 miles of the coastline, from Point Loma to the S, to Blacks Beach, about 3 miles N of Point La Jolla to the N, are the responsibility of the Lifeguard Service. Both units have patrol boats and make safety inspections. Water skiing, swimming, sailing, fishing and speed regulations are enforced in Mission Bay. Most regulations are posted; complete regulations are available from the City Lifeguard Headquarters Office.
A full service repair facility is available in Quivira Basin. A 100-ton hoist for hull and engine repairs, gasoline, diesel fuel, water, ice, and marine supplies are available. There are numerous launching ramps and parking areas around the bay. The inner bay has several marinas and many private moorings.
MISSION BEACH - 6.5 miles N of Point Loma, is an amusement place with prominent buildings. From seaward the highest part of the roller coaster looks like a dome. Pacific Beach, 8 miles N of Point Loma, has a pleasure pier extending about 260 yards from the beach. The pier was partially destroyed in the winter of 1984, and submerged piles are reported within 90 yards of the seaward end; caution is advised. A 2-mile rounding rocky point, 9 miles N of Point Loma, is the first high land N of San Diego Bay. The point is a spur from 822-foot Soledad Mountain. The S end of this headland is called False Point, and the N end is Point La Jolla. In the vicinity of Point La Jolla, rock cliffs with caves rise abruptly from the water to heights of 80 feet. The buildings at La Jolla and Pacific Beach, and the television towers on Soledad Mountain are prominent.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the leading institutions in research in oceanography and marine biology, has extensive facilities 12 miles N of Point Loma. The institution maintains a long pier for observation purposes. Just N of Scripps Institution the bluffs rise to a height of 300 feet, then decrease gradually for the next 5 miles to heights of 20 to 80 feet. A 000°–180° measured nautical mile has been established 13.5 miles N of Point Loma; each range is marked by two steel towers. Del Mar, 18 miles N of Point Loma, is a resort city.
The coast from Del Mar N for 31 miles to San Mateo Point is a low, flat tableland with abrupt cliffs 60 to 130 feet high and with broad beaches. The tableland is intersected by numerous deep valleys with streams that usually dry in the summer. In the N part, the high ridges of the interior are much nearer the coast. Paralleling this coast are U.S. Highway 101 and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

CARLSBAD – For more detailed planning use charts 18740,18774, and18758. Carlsbad is just 30 miles N of Point Loma, it is a resort area with a number of hotels and motels. The stack of the San Diego Gas and Electric Co. near the S end of town is very prominent. The stack is marked by flashing white lights during the day and by fixed and flashing red lights at night. The company maintains a lighted bell buoy about 0.9 mile offshore. Mariners are cautioned to pass W of the lighted bell buoy because it marks the seaward end of a submerged pipeline. Near the N edge of town the low white square tower on the W end of the San Diego Army and Navy Academy is distinctive.
OCEANSIDE - The pleasure pier at Oceanside, 32.5 miles N of Point Loma, has a fish haven covered 10 feet around its seaward end. The pier is marked by lights. Oceanside Harbor, at the N end of the city, 1.2 miles NW of the pleasure pier, is a small-craft harbor administered by the City of Oceanside, Department of Harbor and Beaches. The harbor, which can accommodate about 950 small craft, shares a common entrance with Del Mar Boat Basin (Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base) to the N. Prominent features when approaching the harbor include a large lighted sign reading “OCEANSIDE” in white letters on a blue background located on a grassy bluff overlooking the middle of the harbor, a tall condominium on the E side of the harbor, a lighted tower on the SE side of the harbor resembling a lighthouse, and a hotel in the vicinity of the harbor entrance.
The common entrance to Oceanside Harbor and Del Mar Boat Basin is between two jetties. The long W jetty is marked by a single light at the seaward end, and the short E jetty has a N and S extension. Inside the common entrance is a lighted junction buoy separating the entrance channels to Oceanside Harbor and Del Mar Boat Basin. The entrance channel for Oceanside Harbor is marked by lighted buoys, lights and a day beacon. A submerged jetty, just N of the entrance channel to Oceanside Harbor, is marked by a danger buoy at its outer end.
A dredged channel leads from deep water through the entrance jetties, thence branches E to Oceanside Harbor and N to Del Mar Boat Basin. Strangers should not attempt the entrance at night in rough seas without assistance. The entrance channel is subject to severe wave action and shoaling, and buoys are frequently shifted with changing conditions.
The harbor is under the control of the City of Oceanside, Department of Harbor and Beaches. The harbor headquarters building is on the E side of the harbor opposite the entrance. About 50 berths for transient craft are available at the harbor headquarters. All moorage must be arranged with the harbor office in the headquarters building. Prepaid reservations are accepted for 24 guest slips, with the remainder available on a first come, first served basis. The Oceanside Harbor Police operates from the headquarters building. The police boats are equipped with rescue and fire fighting equipment. The police boats monitor VHF-FM channel 16, 24 hours a day, and work on channel 12.
Wind speeds at Oceanside rarely get above 28 knots; they are most likely to occur from December through April. Fog is sometimes a late night and early morning navigational hazard from August through March. During this period, visibilities drop below 0.5 mile (0.9 km) on 2 to 8 days per month; November is usually the foggiest month. The worst time of day is between midnight and 0500. Swells are most frequent from January through April.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are pumped at the fuel dock. Marine supplies, ice, and pump out facilities are available. A repair yard just N of the harbor district headquarters has a mobile lift that can handle craft to 42 feet and 14 tons. Hull, engine, and electronic repairs are available. Del Mar Boat Basin (Camp Pendleton), just N of Oceanside Harbor, is part of the U.S. Marine Corps reservation. The boat basin shares a common entrance with Oceanside Harbor. The channel is marked by buoys and day beacons.
A restricted area is off the outer breakwater. A military exercise area extends about 3 miles seaward from about 2 miles NW of the boat basin northwestward to San Clemente.
A red and white checkered elevated tank, 1.7 miles NE of the boat basin, is prominent from well offshore. The highway bridge and the trestlework of the railroad A red and white checkered elevated tank, 1.7 miles NE of the boat basin, is prominent from well offshore. The highway bridge and the trestlework of the railroad crossing of the Santa Margarita River, 1.7 miles W of the tank, also are prominent. A large white building
Nearly 7 miles NW of the boat basin is conspicuous from seaward.
San Notre Mountain, 44 miles N of Point Loma and 1.5 miles inland, is the highest of the coastal range in the area. San Mateo Point, locally known as Cottons Point and 47 miles NW of Point Loma, ends in cliffs 60 feet high and is the N head at the mouth of San Mateo Creek. Both San Mateo Creek and Arroyo San Onofre, a mile SE, are crossed by a trestle. Two large domes of a nuclear power plant are 2.3 miles SE of San Mateo Point. A smaller dome-shaped building is on top of the bluff a few hundred yards SE. San Mateo Point Light (33°23.3'N., 117°35.8'W.), 63 feet above the water, is shown from a pole on San Mateo Point.
SAN MATEO POINT TO DANA POINT – For more detailed information purchase charts 18740, 18774, 18746. From San Mateo Point to Dana Point is 7.5 miles NW, the land is higher and more rugged, and is broken by San Juan Creek about 1.5 miles E of Dana Point. The railroad and the highway run close together along the beach under the bluffs in this stretch of the coast to San Juan Creek, where the railroad turns inland. San Clemente, 2 miles N of San Mateo Point, has many white houses with red-tiled roofs, making the place conspicuous from the sea. There is a small pleasure pier at the town; a fish haven covered 10 feet is off its seaward side. A reef that uncovers 3 feet is about 700 yards NW of the pier.
DANA POINT - 8 miles NW of San Mateo Point, is the seaward end of a high ridge. The spur forming the point ends in a moderately bold sandstone cliff 220 feet high with a precipitous broken face. Outlying rocks and ledges marked by a lighted whistle buoy extend offshore for 350 yards. San Juan Rock, 10 feet high and about 50 feet in extent, is 340 yards S of the highest point on the cliff, and a rock covered 2 fathoms is 2.4 miles SE of the point.

DANA POINT HARBOR – Dana Point Harbor is a small-craft harbor in the lee of Dana Point. The harbor, administered by the Orange County Harbor, Beaches, and Parks District, is entered from the E between two breakwaters each marked by a light on the seaward end. A fog signal is at the S light. The fog signal can be activated upon request to the Coast Guard by radiotelephone VHF-FM channel 16. A church with a giant cross is very visible on the hill above the harbor. A submerged sewer outfall line extends about 0.6 mile from shore, passing about 300 yards E of the S breakwater light. A rock, covered 7½ feet and marked by a lighted buoy, is about 300 yards NE of the S breakwater light. When entering the harbor care should be taken to remain clear of these dangers, especially during low stages of the tide and/or periods of heavy SE swell.
Numerous uncharted private racing buoys are off the entrance to the harbor. In June 2007, the controlling depths were 14.7 feet in the entrance (except for lesser depths along the S breakwater), thence 10.0 feet in the channel that leads WNW to the W basin (except for shoaling to bare in the SW half of the channel opposite Day beacon 14); the channel to the E basin had a depth of 8.5 feet. The harbor is well protected from all sides.
The harbor’s E and W basins are separated by a fixed highway bridge with a 45-foot channel span and a clearance of 20 feet. Berths in the E basin can accommodate over 1,400 vessels, and berths in the W basin can accommodate over 1,000 vessels. A harbormaster assigns berths in the harbor. The Dana Point Harbor Patrol has an office in the most southeasterly building observed after passing through the breakwater. Patrol craft equipped with rescue and fire fighting equipment are stationed here.
The patrol maintains a 24-hour radio watch on VHF-FM channel 16. Berthing assignments for about 42 transient craft are available at the harbor patrol office. A speed limit of 5 mph is enforced in Dana Point Harbor. A swimming area, marked by private buoys, is in the NW corner of the harbor.
DANA POINT TO NEWPORT BAY - The 11.5-mile coast from Dana Point to Newport Bay is bold with rocky cliffs 40 to 100 feet high; these are the seaward ends of ridges separated by narrow, deep valleys. The community of Laguna Beach is midway along this stretch. A fishing and pleasure pier is near the mouth of Aliso Creek about 3.5 miles NW of Dana Point. Four private lighted buoys, about 4.1 miles SW of Laguna Beach, mark an area used to moor equipment and netting. Mariners should not attempt to pass between these buoys. Santiago Peak, 17.5 miles NE of Dana Point and visible 80 miles, is the dominant feature of this part of the coast; the peak is double-headed and dark in contrast with the immediate coastal range.
NEWPORT BAY - Purchase chart 18754 for detail information. Newport Bay, 64 miles NW of Point Loma, is an extensive lagoon bordered on the seaward side by a 3-mile sand spit. The bay is an important yachting and sport fishing center, and offers excellent anchorage for large yachts and small craft under all weather conditions. The city of Newport Beach embraces the districts of Newport and Balboa, on the sand spit, and Corona del Mar, E of the entrance. Prominent features - The numerous houses and buildings along the beach and on the hills back of the bay are prominent from seaward. The tall office buildings at the Newport Center, 1.4 miles N of the harbor entrance, are the most conspicuous. The memorial hospital building, 0.3 mile N of the turning basin, and the light-colored concrete school buildings on the high ground 1 mile back from the beach are also conspicuous. The entrance to Newport Bay is between jetties 275 yards apart with lights at their outer ends. A fog signal is at the W jetty light. The fog signal can be activated upon request to the Coast Guard by radiotelephone VHF-FM channel 16. A lighted bell buoy is off the entrance.
A 111°37'–291°37' measured nautical mile is in San Pedro Channel, about 1.3 miles W of the entrance to Newport Bay. The E range is marked in front by a day mark on an 800-foot pleasure pier and in the rear by a day mark on shore at Balboa Beach. The W range is marked by day marks on shore at Newport Beach. Another 950-foot pleasure pier is 2.8 miles NW of the W jetty.
Dangers - A speed limit of 5 m.p.h. in Newport Bay has been established by the Orange County Harbors, Beaches, and Park District. The upper reaches of the bay are extremely shoal and have been closed by the Health Department because of contamination.
Harbor regulations - The Orange County Harbors, Beaches, and Parks District controls the movement and berthing of vessels under the direction of a harbormaster, who has an office on the E side of the bay about 0.8 miles from the entrance. Patrol and assistance craft operate from the harbor office on a 24-hour basis. The harbor office may be contacted by telephone 949-723-1002 or VHF-FM channels 12 and 16. The patrol boats monitor VHF-FM channel 16.
U.S. Coast Guard - A search and rescue craft of the U.S. Coast Guard is stationed at the pier adjacent to the Harbor District Headquarters.
Wharves - The numerous small wharves and landings in the bay are mostly for the use of local yachts and fishing craft. Five berths and several offshore moorings are available for transient craft at the Harbor District Headquarters pier. The harbormaster must be consulted before mooring. Five other transient berths are usually available at a marina at the NW end of the turning basin.
Supplies - Fuel, water, and marine supplies are available at most of the facilities in the bay.
Repairs - The largest marine railway in Newport Bay has a capacity of 325 tons and can handle craft up to 150 feet. Machine shops are available. Several shipyards can haul out small boats for general repairs.
NEWPORT BAY TO POINT FERMIN – For more detail purchase chart 18746. The 20-mile coast from Newport Bay to Point Fermin is low, and there are several lagoons near the beach. There are no trees near the shore; towns and resorts are almost continuous along the beach. Huntington Beach State Park is a recreational area that extends 2 miles NW along the coast from the mouth of Santa Ana River, which is 4.5 miles NW of Newport Bay entrance. The trestle crossing the mouth of this river is conspicuous. A buoy marks the seaward end of a terminal structure of a water conduit extending from shore 1.4 miles NW of Santa Ana River. The twin stacks of the Southern California Edison Co. plant on shore and a spire about 1 mile back from the beach is conspicuous from any direction.

A submerged oil pipeline extends nearly 1.2 miles seaward, 2 miles NW of Santa Ana River; mooring buoys are off the end of the pipeline. Huntington Beach, a resort 5 miles NW of Newport Beach, is identified by its many oil derricks. The city has a fishing and pleasure pier which has a fish haven covered 10 feet around its seaward end. Sunset Beach is a small town 5 miles NW of Huntington Beach. An elevated tank is near the W extremity of the town.
ANAHEIM BAY - See charts 18746, 18749 for more detail. Anaheim Bay is 14 miles NW of Newport Bay, is the site of the U.S. Naval Weapons Station. Jetties protect the entrance to the bay. Waters inside the jetties are within a restricted area, and explosive anchorages have been established on the E and W sides of the channel.
The Navy has implemented a protection barrier at the Naval Weapons Station in the bay. This barrier consists of alternating orange and white spherical buoys connected by wire rope. All boating traffic is required to stay within the small craft channel at all times.
The channel is marked by lighted and unlighted buoys, lights, and a 036°48' lighted range. The outer ends of the jetties are marked by lights. A fog signal is at the W jetty light. The fog signal can be activated upon request to the Coast Guard by radiotelephone VHF-FM channel 16. In Anaheim Bay, during a flooding tide, the current 50 to 75 yards from the Naval Weapons Station’s pier flows E to W as opposed to the normal flow of W to E. This causes a ship approaching the berth for a portside mooring to experience difficulty in twisting to starboard. An ebbing tide has an opposite effect. After a heavy rain, runoff water from the area N of Anaheim Bay during an ebbing tide increases the rate of ebb up to 5 knots with resultant swirls and countercurrents.
HUNTINGTON HARBOR - Huntington Harbor, a small-boat basin, is just S of Anaheim Bay. The harbor is a private development, and, with the exception of two small marinas, consists of private docks adjacent to waterfront homes.
ANAHEIM BAY – The harbor is a private development, and, with the exception of two small marinas, consists of private docks adjacent to waterfront homes. The harbor is entered through the restricted waters of Anaheim Bay, and permission to pass must be obtained from the Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval
SEAL BEACH - Weapons Station, Seal Beach, Calif. The Harbor Patrol office is adjacent to the boat launch ramp in the NW corner of the harbor. Gasoline, diesel fuel, and marine supplies are available in the harbor. Launching ramps are in the NW and SE corners of the harbor. Seal Beach, just NW of Anaheim Bay, has several resort structures and a 1,650-foot pleasure pier, which has a fish haven covered 9 feet at its seaward end. Alamitos Bay, 15 miles NW of Newport Bay, is the site of the Long Beach Marina, a small-craft harbor administered by the city of Long Beach Marine Department. The harbor is entered from the S between two jetties each marked by a light on the seaward end. A fog signal is at the W jetty light. The fog signal can be activated upon request to the Coast Guard by radiotelephone VHF-FM channel 16. A dangerous wreck is about 0.5 mile SSW of the entrance to Alamitos Bay. In 1983, a sunken wreck was reported about 0.2 mile W of the entrance in about 33°44.2'N., 118°07.5'W.

In September 1973, depths of about 17 feet were reported in the entrance channel to the fueling station about 0.9 mile N of the jetty lights, with about 10 feet in the channel from the fueling station to the slips in the NE part of the bay. A no anchorage area has been designated at the mouth of the entrance channel to Alamitos Bay.
The fixed bridge across Marine Stadium, which forms the inner part of the bay, has a fixed span with a clearance of 32 feet. A fixed bridge with a clearance of 11 feet crosses the junction of the W waterway and Marine Stadium. A fixed bridge, with a clearance of 11 feet, crosses the E waterway off Marine Stadium that leads to a NE basin. A fixed bridge, with a clearance of 4 feet, crosses the W waterway between Naples and Belmont
Shore. The five fixed bridges crossing the Rivo Alto Canal on Naples Island have a least clearance of 7 feet, and the power cable has a reported clearance of 55 feet. Berths in Long Beach marina are limited to about 1,800 boats, but extensive parking and ramp-launching areas are provided for trailer-drawn craft. Visiting yachts may obtain temporary berthing on a first-come first-served basis. All mooring is controlled by a
harbormaster, who has an office on the E side of the entrance channel near the end of the point about 500 yards above the bend in the channel.
Supplies and repairs - All types of supplies and services are available at the marinas and service facilities in the bay. A pleasure pier on the W side of Belmont Shore, 1.7 miles NW of Alamitos Bay entrance, extends about 340 yards from the beach; a fish haven is 100 feet off the seaward end. A reported wreck covered 16 feet is about 940 yards S of the end of Belmont Pier.
SAN PEDRO BAY – For more details see charts 18751, 18749. San Pedro Bay, between Seal Beach on the E and Point Fermin on the W, is 82 miles NW of San Diego. On the shores of the bay are the cities and port areas of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Terminal Island, in the NW part of San Pedro Bay, separates the outer bay from Los Angeles and Long Beach inner harbors. The bay is protected by breakwaters and is a safe harbor in any weather.
LONG BEACH HARBOR - Long Beach Harbor, in the E part of San Pedro Bay, includes the City of Long Beach and part of Terminal Island. Los Angeles Harbor, at the W end of San Pedro Bay, includes the districts of San Pedro, Wilmington, and a major part of Terminal Island. Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors are connected by Cerritos Channel. The distance between the seaward entrance to the two harbors is about 4 miles. Four oil production islands, marked by lights, are to the N and E of Long Beach Pier J. A fog signal is sounded from the S end of each island.
PORT OF LONG BEACH – The Port of Long Beach, one of the largest ports on the Pacific coast, has the reputation of being America’s most modern port. It has extensive foreign and domestic traffic with modern facilities for the largest vessels. It is a major container cargo port with several of the largest and most efficient container terminals on the Pacific coast. Some of the principal exports are bulk petroleum, bulk coke, steel and steel products, bulk potash, grains, fresh fruits, scrap steel, animal feed, and copper concentrate. Some of the principal imports are crude petroleum, steel and steel products, motor vehicles and parts, machinery, bulk gypsum, newsprint, lumber, bulk salt, bananas, plywood, and bulk molasses.
PORT OF LOS ANGELES - The Port of Los Angeles, also one of the largest ports on the Pacific coast, has a history of leading the Pacific coast ports in terms of tonnage handled. It has extensive facilities to accommodate all types of traffic. Some of the principal exports are crude minerals, iron and steel scrap, inorganic chemicals, animal feed, cotton, manufactured fertilizers, and fresh fruits and nuts. Some of the principal imports are iron and steel products, motor vehicles and parts, organic chemicals, fresh fruits/nuts, paper/paperboard, sugar, molasses and syrups, glass, and fresh/frozen fish.
Prominent features - San Pedro Hill (chart 18746), 3.3 miles NW of Point Fermin, is the distinguishing feature for making San Pedro Bay from SE or W. The hill terminates seaward in steep, rocky cliffs about 60 feet high, with several horizontal terraces between them and the summit. On top of the summit are two large white radar domes.
Because it is high above the usual low-lying fog area, the lighted tower atop Santa Catalina Island is reported a useful guide for vessels approaching the Los Angeles-Long Beach area; the light can be seen for about 16 miles.
LOS ANGELES HARBOR - Point Fermin, the SE extremity of San Pedro Hill, is a bold cliff about 100 feet high. Point Fermin Light, 120 feet above the water, is shown from a pole on the southern extremity of the point. A prominent pavilion (The Bell of Friendship – also locally known as the Korean Bell) is on the high ground about 0.3 mile N of the light.

PWC Offshore Riding & Racing Defined

2008-12-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

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.
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Wingman In The Ocean For PWC Endurance Riding Offshore

2008-11-21T21:21:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

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
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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