The PWC Race Show #8 Two Minute Warning
Monday, June 8th, 2009
In this show I discuss what a new racer needs to do to be ready for their first race, what to expect on your first race day and some important things to consider as you wait for the rubber band to be released. I’ll also give some dates for upcoming races, some recent race results, and give props to this weeks APBA Rider of the Week.
I hope you’ve had a chance to listen to the last few podcasts to help you both decide if jet ski racing is for you and if you would like to actually give the sport a try. I’ve described what I think is the best class for a new racer and described the different classes that are available. In this show I’ll discuss what to expect on your first race day and how to make sure you’re prepared for what should be one of the most exciting days of your life.
So up to this point I’ll assume that you’ve been riding on a practice course and are comfortable with your capabilities and understand how your own ski handles especially around the buoys. Your first race day will be quite hectic so you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. This includes having your registration completed ahead of time and your race numbers on the ski. You can almost be assured that most any obscure three digit race number you choose will be available. The first hundred numbers are always reserved for ranked riders from the previous year’s competition. I would also suggest that you show up the day before the race and check out the course. Most race promoters will have the course laid out the day before the race and will often allow single racer practice laps and it’s a great chance for you to get familiar with the course. They usually won’t allow more than one ski on the course at a time because they don’t have the necessary safety personnel on site. This is also a good opportunity to introduce yourself to the promoter and their crew and to explain to them that this will be your first race. Although the promoter will be very busy preparing for the upcoming races, they’ll usually hook you up with one of their staff members and help you with understanding the course or any last minute questions you may have. Pre-race days are some of the best times because you get the chance to meet other racers as well as hang out with some old friends. Many race promoters or race directors will also appreciate the opportunity to tech your ski early. One of the major delays on race day is when tech inspection gets backed up as this must be done prior to the race. The night prior to the race is a good time to carbo load. When I was running marathons, I would eat piles of pasta the night before a race to help give me energy reserves for the next day. Although a typical moto is only 20 minutes or so, you will be amazed at how much energy you will use muscling your ski around the course.
