Nothing brings out an enthusiasm for water sports quite like living by a lake. In Lake Havasu, the aquatic spirit is strong, and at any time of the day you can see people water skiing, boating, wakeboarding, and stand up paddleboarding. One of the most adrenaline-inducing of these sports is jet skiing, which in Lake Havasu has taken the form of Jet Jam Racing.
The Jet Jam Phenomenon
Jet Jam Racing is a fun family activity that brings together amateurs and professionals alike to try their hand at jet skiing their way through a racecourse with impressive maneuvers at high speeds. Each participant brings their own personal watercraft to use in the race. Professional riders typically ship their skis in containers, as they use them for racing all over the world, and many also have special custom skis that they use. Each jet ski can weigh over 900 pounds, and “Stand-Up” riders can go as fast as 70 mp, while “Run-About” riders can exceed speeds of 90 mph! Like any sport, pros are sponsored by different brands of skis as well as other brands that are popular in the industry.
Fun Fact: Did you know the term “Jet Ski” is actually a brand name underneath the company Kawasaki? “Wave Runners” refer to the personal watercraft under Yamaha, who also has a standup version called a “Super Jet.”
What’s great about this sport is that there are plenty of learning opportunities in the Lake Havasu area to brush up on your skills. There are classes geared towards juniors, women, novices, and experts and vets. Whatever your level, lessons can help you learn the basics or improve and hone in on skills you already have. During your classes, you’ll be immersed in Jet Jam culture, and learn the typical lingo used in the sport. Here’s a peek at some Jet Jam slang:
- Hole Shot: When one racer gets to the first turn before anyone else.
- Run-about: A long-distance ski with a seat.
- Closed Course: A race with ½ mile laps, where racers need to ride with agility through long runs and left and right turns.
- Slalom: A timed race where racers need to maneuver through multiple zigzag obstacles.
Jet Jam Racing Events
Once you’ve had enough classes under your belt and have mastered the lingo, you can start thinking about competing in the race events they have scheduled in Lake Havasu throughout the year. Currently, there are eight races scheduled for 2020, four of which are based out of Lake Havasu. Prefer being a spectator? Watching Jet Jam races from the beach or the bleachers is always an exciting way to spend the day. Take a seat on the shore and get ready to witness a high-octane show of talent, speed, and agility.
Lake Havasu Racing Events
- March 28 – 29, The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu City
- April 18-19, The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu City
- May 16-17, The Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu City
- September 18-19 (AWSA Championship), Nautical Beachfront Resort, Lake Havasu City
Home of the Champions
The Nautical Beachfront Resort is the host location of the Jet Jam Festival and host of the events that take place in Lake Havasu during the year. If you’re looking to be in the heart of all the Jet Jam excitement, this is the spot. Not only is it the only beachfront resort in Arizona, but it has been a Lake Havasu icon since the 1960s. Check out their specials online and be sure to book ahead of time, as dates around Jet Jam events fill up quickly.
