Racing and Practice

Sample Closed Course Race Course Below is a diagram of a sample closed course race course. Endurance/Offshore race courses are much larger with fewer turns. Closed Course races normally have a split start (depending on location) in which there are two first turns (an inside and an outside split).

Practice your starts before you go to a race Closed Course races will normally utilize the rubberband method of starting. See the IJSBA Rulebook for a description of this starting system and practice starting from shore utilizing a holder if you can.

Course Orientation  Following the Mandatory Riders Meeting, a "Course Orientation" will be executed by a PM Sports Marketing Course Marshall. The purpose of the course orientation is to allow riders to familiarize themselves with the track.

During the race  Ride your PACE and race your RACE. Know what you can do. If you are new to Watercross racing, do not get caught up in the start of the race. Allow others to make mistakes and then take advantage of their mistakes. While you may be running only a 10-15 minute race, it will feel like you are out there much longer - TRUST ME.

Be a leader Don't follow others on the race course, they may be going the wrong way! If you THINK you missed a buoy or marker, safely go back to pick it up. For each buoy that you miss you will be docked a full lap so make sure you do not miss any buoys and are know the race course.

Report to Tech All riders are required to report to Tech immediately after each race. Make sure you remember to report to Tech or you will be disqualified. 

Pit Board The Pit Board will be your best friend. The Pit Board will tell you what races you are in and how you finished in your races. Make sure you check the pit board when it is announced in the morning that it is posted and make sure you are in the correct classes. After you race, it usually takes at least 30 minutes for the results to be computed, confirmed, entered and posted. Check the pit board to see how you finished and if you qualified for the main event or need to go to the Last Chance Qualifier. If there were not heats for your class (heats are required if there are more than the maximum number of riders allowed on the line at one time in your class), you can assume your will be automatically in the final or the second moto if the moto scoring system is being used. DO NOT assume that you made it to the main event without checking the pit board. You may have missed a buoy and do not even know it. 

The Best Tip The best source of information is those riders around you. Racers in the sport are very friendly and very willing to help there fellow racer. They will help you gain the knowledge that will make you a confident Watercross racer. Watch, ask questions, learn and have fun!