What is Watercross?

Watercross is the most exciting, fan friendly type of boat racing you will find! Closed course Personal Watercraft (PWC) racing and freestyle competition make for a great day at the beach! It combines the big-air jumps and stunts with exciting race action on the water with world class athletes and fans cheering them on to all the fun, family venues across the country. 

The UWP-IJSBA National tour consists of closed course racing which is a contest of speed and riding ability featuring several competitors negotiating multiple laps of a course approximately 1/2 mile consisting of left and/or right hand turns. Freestyle held at noon each day on event weekend and is intended to show a rider’s skill and expertise in executing difficult, challenging and creative maneuvers within a set period of time. There is a two minute time limit and the winner is determined by a panel of judges.

Do I have to be an IJSBA member to race?

In order to race an IJSBA event, National or Regional, you must be a competition member. The IJSBA offer an annual competition membership for anyone competing in national event and a weekend membership at some regional events. You can become an IJSBA member by either signing up online at the IJSBA or at the race site.

How do I sign up for a competition membership and what do I get with the membership?

As an IJSBA competition member, you will be allowed to race in any IJSBA sanctioned event, National and Regional. You can become an IJSBA member by either signing up online at the IJSBA or at the race site.  If you register online, please print out the confirmation and bring it with you to your first race! Individual Memberships are $45.00 per year.

How do I know which competition class to run?    

The competition classes are related to age, competition level of the competitor, and the type of personal watercraft you are racing.  Check the 2011 Race Classes page to see what classes are offered.

I’m under 18 years old.  Is there anything special I need to know or bring with me?  

All racers under the age of 18 MUST have a provided a copy of their birth certificate and MUST be accompanied with a legal guardian. The minor and guardian will be asked to sign the minor waiver and release form, agreeing that the information they are providing in true. 

How do I register to race on the UWP-IJSBA National Tour?   

The quickest way is to sign up online by going through the race registration page.

We also have made available printable entry forms that can be faxed or mailed (they can be found at the bottom of the registration page). 

There are registration deadlines and a lot of pre-race prep work needs to be done. Be sure to get your entries in early. Once you have registered online you will receive an email confirmation, it is a good idea to print this out and bring it with you.

What kind of equipment do I need to race? 

Safety is a critical part of racing and should be taken very seriously. Prepare to have a “Snell approved” helmet, life vest and footwear, which are required. Wet suit or motocross pants, goggles, body armor, gloves and shin guards are some of the equipment you should highly consider.  Stay away from the “watercraft” helmets that incorporate the hard Styrofoam for the lining.  If you can afford it, Kevlar/Carbon Fiber helmets can make a big difference.  

What kind of rules do I need to know?    

You can find the IJSBA rulebook here.  You will need to download the rulebook and follow all the rules set forth in the IJSBA rulebook.  If you have any further questions, please contact the IJSBA by e-mail at tech@ijsba.com.