Facts:
Jet Skis are the racing motorcycles of the sea. They are loud, fast and make quite the splash – perfect for the beaches of the Paradise Coast where the beaches are packed with hundreds of tourists daily and you’ll never know how many of them are just waiting to see a good spectacle. Jet Skis are featured in an annual championship that happens in the beaches of Naples, Florida and contenders from all over the world battle it out to see who the best on the water is. Technically known as Personal Watercrafts or PWC, jet-skis make a show annually for the Pro Watercross Racing Championships. Competitors who have won their respective national battles would meet in Naples, Florida and be subjected to a challenging and dynamic water track filled with buoys that are set out in lakes that then pass down the river, until they all reach the open sea. The victor would be crowned as the Pro Watercross Champion and will take home the honor and glory of having competed against the best of the world in the waters of Naples, Florida.
History:
The leaps and flips and death-defying stunts that are often seen in the freestyle event and, of course, the grueling competition proper has been a source of adrenaline rush for the live fast die young types. As far as we know, jet-skis have been around for as long as they have in the beaches of Naples, Florida. Mostly, these were used as personal recreational activities and small competitions. However, it was only at the beginning of 2015 when a major competition took place at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club and this was the Pro Watercross Racing Championships. This event was covered by CBS Sports news and the sport gained attention to a wider audience. One such audience was Frank Zapata, the man who invented the Flyboard. Zapata saw the potential of jet-ski competitions then went in as a sponsor for the world event which even bolstered the reach of this very new water sport. By the looks of it, jet-ski competitions show great potential in bringing in more tourists and, thus, more revenue to both the private and public sector.
Tips:
- Qualifying rounds are usually held in different beaches across different states but the Championship matches had been happening in Naples, Florida since.
- The organizers seek to create a safe and family-friendly environment for the competitions which gives an opportunity to kids to be amazed and be interested in this growing sport.
- There are also other attractions to see in the championship events such as the Hydroflight games and paddle boarding events.
- The Pro Watercross Championship is usually hosted by The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Should you wish a spot on the day of the event, you should contact them early on for reservations.
- Watercross racing is a fun and challenging sport. Enthusiasts and participants themselves will be seen around before and after the competition. This is a nice opportunity to learn about this emerging sport in case you’re interested.
