PWC OFFSHORE & ENDURANCE RACING AND PIT CREW PROCEDURES  
Disclaimer:  Any kind of racing can and has resulted in serious injury and / or death.  Race at your own risk.  This website is informational only. This site is intended for the review by adults only.  No representation is made or warranty given as to its content. User assumes all risk of use. PWCOffshore.com, its owners and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Warning - although PWC riding is great fun, riding personal watercraft (PWC) in the ocean is not for the beginner and is for adults only.  Offshore PWC riding can be extremely dangerous resulting in serious injury or death.  The information on this site is for adults and strictly the opinion of the writers on this site.  We are only PWC enthusiasts - please do your own research and make your own judgments regarding what products you purchase and how & where you ride your watercraft (PWC).  We are not certified safety expert, mechanics nor are we certified mariners or certified maritime navigators.  Do not take anything you read on this site as guidance from a "professional."  By reading this site, you agree to take whatever information or input you receive on this site at your own risk.  If you are inexperienced or a beginner we recommend against riding in the open ocean.  We encourage you to take a boating safety course and consult with the Coast Guard regarding PWC, boating, rider safety and maritime navigation before you consider riding PWC offshore, in the ocean.  For more boating safety information, go to the Coast Guard's website at http://www.uscg.mil/  or call the US Coast Guard at  (310) 732-2042  (310) 732-2042 for more information.  Have fun and be safe and never ride in the ocean unless you know what you are doing.     

The intent of this page is to focus on specific endurance racing related issues and items.  Although most of the other pages on this site can be applied to racing, this page focuses exclusively on race related items.  

You will find on this page:

1.  Offshore PWC Racing defined
2   Pictures of the Long Beach to Catalina and back race course (approximate) 
3.  Pit Crew Process For Endurace Races on Lakes (Such as the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Endurance Race or the Walts Race) 
4.  Pit Crew Process For Ocean Races Such as The LB2CAT and Back Race  
5.  Training for PWC Endurance Racing
6.  Safety Gear for Racers

PWC (Watercraft) Offshore Racing & Riding Defined:

PWCOFFSHORE is selecting no more than 10 riders to be PWCOFFSHORE.com Sponsored Racers.  Appointments are by invitation only.  

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PWCOFFSHORE and FLORIDA TEAMMOTO ALLIANCE:
For the 2010 season, PWCOFFSHORE.com has created an alliance with Florida's own TeamMoto run by Skip Holmes.  We are very pleased  to have formed an alliances with Skip and Florida TeamMoto.  PWCOFFSHORE remains extremely selective on who we work with - with Skip Homes it was and remains an easy decision.  Skip and his team are a wealth of information and have raised the bar with regard to creating and testing after market parts and solutions for the 250X/260X.  We are excited that Skip Holmes has decided to pursue performance craft focused on the offshore niche.  PWCOFFSHORE will utilize its offshore riders' expertise as a basis for generating data and information to be utilized by Skip and TeamMoto to build one of the best offshore craft the industry has seen.  We look forward to working with Skip and his team.   

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The 10 Commandments of Offshore Racing/Riding

1.  When you train in the Ocean, always have a wing man - SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST

2.  NEVER leave your wing man - NEVER

3.  If you win a race, win with class.  If you lose a race, lose with class.  Treat your fellow offshore racers with dignity and respect.

A successful race can't be achieved without an effective pit plan and teamwork in the pits.  Effective pitting will result in more laps and a better race time.  It could mean the difference between a win or a loss.  There are many different methods of pitting and processes that will enable effective pitting, please consider the following information as a general guideline.  Also note that this Pit Procedure is focused on endurance races on lakes such as the Mark Hahn Memorial 300 Mile Race.  As always, PWCOFFSHORE.com wants YOUR feedback regarding lessons learned and ways we can improve pit process and share best practices.  Your input and feedback is appreciated.  

Pit Crew Member Two
1.  Assist in transporting fuel to craft
2.  Carry Zuck up bibs to the craft (Zuck up bibs are cloth that absorb spilled fuel).  
3.  Removes and replaces gas cap back on craft after fueling and close hood (if necessary)
4.  Between pits, refuels quick fill fuel system

"NO DRAMA" IN OFFSHORE RACING PLEASE, TALK IS CHEAP, WIN AND LOSE WITH CLASS AND DIGNITY. 

Pit Crew Member Three  
1.  Brings water stand to the water as the rider pits and places in the water at the appropriate depth (Should be done quickly). 
2.  "Hooker" Hook the craft and assist in guiding the craft up onto the water-stand
3.  Brings fuel and water to the rider.
4.  Assist in steadying the craft during fueling.
5.  Have extra set of goggles ready for rider (ask if he/she needs them)
6.  When fueling is complete, push craft to deeper water if shallow fueling area (to ensure no rocks are sucked into craft).  
7.  Records rider's lap-time and communicates average lap-times to the rider during Pit stops   
8.  Between pits, Assist in refueling quick fill system.
9.  Hold the fire eqtinguisher at the ready while the team is refurling  
10.  All Pit Crew members should wear eye protection to protect against fuel splashes that could get in theri eyes.

Pitting Gear and Supplies:
1.  If out of water fueling is required, a four wheel drive ATV or Rhino is required.
2.  Should you bring an ATV, ensure it is a four wheel drive ATV (With differential lock / preferred).
3.  If out of the water fueling is required, consider a beach trailer (Attached to ATV or Rhino - see below for ATV).  
   a.  Aquacarts  b.  Atlanticjetsports c. Big-Foot
4. Many of the beach carts float - consider finding a way to weigh then down - many put water in the tres.  If you have a small, regular single trailer, use that. 
5.  Zuck up bibs for wiping up fuel spills
6.  Have an extra set of goggles treated with lenses treated with Rainx     
7.  Clipboard to record lap-times
8.  A timepiece with stop watch function to track lap times
9.  Aluminum PWC stand for refueling in the water (if in water fueling is authorized).  Riva's Option
10. Extra oil (ensure it matches the oil and weight currently in the PWC).
11. Cold weather gear for the rider prepared in case the weather turns - focus on keeping his/her hands head and feet warm.
12.  All of the appropriate tools for hasty repairs of the craft.(most hot pits do not allow wrenching in the hot pit so be prepared to displace the craft and tools to a location outside of the hot pits) 
13.  Extra set of spark plugs     
14.  Water pack for the rider (like mountain bikers wear, should the weather get warm, you may need this).
15.  Access to an extra PWC available to tow your craft should your race craft have a mechanical or run out of fuel on the craft.  This tow craft must be docked or stowed somewhere outside the hot-pits (remember to have a tow line in the craft and a fresh battery). 
16.  Cell phone in the race craft and a cell phone on the crew chief.  This enables the rider to communicate with the crew chief should he/she have a mechanical on the course.   
17.  Ensure you have adequate food and water in the pits for the pit crew.    
18.  Extra Z-wax, Rain-X spray for your goglges
19.  Large funnel
20.  **If you are pitting in loose sand with an ATV and the race requires the craft to be fueled out of the water, we highly recommending purchasing 7ft x 50ft of chain link fence (70.00).  The fence will provide a stable surface to pull your craft in and out of the water & your quad is significantly less likely to get stuck (Thank you Dave Tew and Young). See picture below
21.  Spare goggles for the riders.  Consider cycling clean Rainxed goggles to the rider during each pit.

"NO GUTS, NO GLORY" PUSH THE ENVELOPE 

PWC Parts Available In The Pit:
(Remember, no wrenching in the pits so be prepared to displace to a predesignated location outside of the hot-pits). 
1.  Consider an extra impeller                                                                            Look closely below - see chain link fence
2.  Extra Spark Plugs
3.  Extra oil
4.  Rags

6.  We suggest you practice pitting procedures at least one week before the race.   Professional Teams will practice multiple times before the race. 

"YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR LAST RACE"

ATV/Tow Vehicle
1.  You will need an ATV or a Rhino to pull your craft out of the water to fuel out of the water (10 feet from the water line).
2.  The quad should be a 4x4 quad, a large Utility quad is recommended (sport ATVs do not work). 
3.  Consider upgrading your tires to a mud tire such as Mudlites.

Mark Hahn 300 Race Checklist

1. Purchased your fence at your home state and bring with you to Havasu (Highly recommend purchasing in your home state and transporting out to the race - Havasu will be sold out / don't wait until the last minute).
2. Reminder, craft have to be 20 feet out of the water for refueling.
3. Have enough fuel cans based on your craft's fuel consumption?  Bring an extra 10 gallons above and beyond what you think you need.  (Stock Kawi ULTRA will require 120 Gallons)
4. Are your fuel cans clean and have you inspected them for water in them i.e. completely clean?
5. Have all of your fuel cans been inspected for cracks?
6. Pit Crew identified?
7. Is your Pit Crew Trained?  Are they efficient? Have you practiced?  Wing it on race day and you will lose valuable time. 
8. Is the small metal line connecting the fuel cap removed to avoid inhibiting the male end of the fuel job from going into the tank?  
9. Got zuck up bibs for avoiding fuel spills? 
10. Got extra plugs to bring with you?  
11. New oil and oil filter installed in your craft for the race?
12. Has your designated race mechanic inspected your craft with enough advance notice to take corrective action if he/she identifies an issue?
13. All your hose clamps tight?  (Do not over tighten!)
14. If you have a new craft, is your seat good to go i.e. do you need hydro turf seat covers?.
15. Do you have your HYDRO-TURF Lifter Wedges installed?
16. Have your ATV and trailer plan in place? 
17. Is the battery charged on the ATV?
18. Have you inspected the ATV and trailer?  ATV need oil or an oil change?  Tires in good shape / no air leaks?  
19. Have the correct size tow ball on the ATV to match the trailer?  Have you inspected to ensure that the towing height of the ATV is correct?
20. What's your food and drink plan for the race?  The racer is going to need energy. 
21. Have a hydro pack for water while riding and a few bananas on shore?   
22. Z-Wax on your goggles? 
23. Have all of your gear staged and ready to go? 
24. If its cold, do you have gear ready and staged for cold weather?  Emphasis placed on hands, feet and head. 
25. If its hot, do you have a wetsuit ready for hot weather? 
26. Have you inspected all of your gear to ensure its serviceable and ready to roll?  

"Last minute planning and corrective action usually results in substandard performance" 

"Piss poor planning results in piss poor performance" 

"NEVER ATTEMPT TO PREDICT THE WEATHER FOR RACE DAY, BE PREPARED FOR ROUGH AND FLAT WATER" 

2.  Pit Procedures For The Long Beach To Catalina and Back Race
 
The good news here is that there is very little need for a pit crew for the Long Beach to Catalina and back race.  There is no refueling so the only assistance the racer may need is being towed to the start line to preserve fuel and trailer support i.e. helping get the craft into and out of the water.   Technically, unlike the Mark Hahn race where you must have and need a pit crew, you can get by without a pit crew for the LB2CAT race.  

"PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY, WILL POWER" 

Burping Your Craft's Fuel Tank:  You will need a completely full gas tank for the LB2CAT Race.  If you're not familiar with the concept of "burping" your PWC's gas tank to ensure you utilize as much of the gas tank as possible, here it is:         

1.  Back your truck onto the launch ramp so that your craft is at an angle with the bow of the craft in the up position on the trailer.
2.  Remove your craft's gas cap and add fuel to the rim (don't spill).
3.  Gently move the craft back and forth with your hand by gently sharing the craft from left to right.
4.  Add fuel again, and go through the shaking process again.  You will notice that you are removing air and allowing for more surface area for the fuel.  
5.  Continue this process until you can no longer add fuel (don't spill).

"IF YOU TRAIN LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, YOU WILL BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE"

3.  Navigation:

1.  Make sure your lat and longs are accurate!
2.  Many use two GPS systems per craft (recommended) - if your GPS is on "Route" function snd you don't reach your destination exactly or the turn boat has moved or drifted, the route function doesn't register that you "arrived" and continues to point at the primary (first) lat and long.  If you have two GPS systems, you don't have to worry about this, especially for the LB2CAT race as you have only two destinations - they are the turn boat and the finish line. 
3. If you are racing a longer course like the Hahn, it is recommended that you input the two turns that are the longest and most critical for navigational accuracy.   You do not want to stop at a destination to input a new GPS destination during a race, you lose too much time.    
4.  There are multiple ways of mounting your GPS.  The picture below is the $5.00 method using a sponge and duct tape.
5.  The logic behind the sponge is to use it as a shock absorber from the pounding that your craft will take when the seas are up. 
6.  Allow the duct tape to dry in the sun for 24 hours for best performance.

 
Pic below: Top mounted GPS - note that the positioning of the GPS forward enables the standing rider to effectively stand and also see GPS without compromising riding position when looking down at theGPS    

Double (Two) mounted GPS:


(Below) Picture of the Lobster GPS Mount:


"NO SURRENDER" NEVER.........

4.  Training (Consult with your doctor prior to starting any training regime, we are not doctors nor do we have any training in nutrition consult with a nutritionist prior to taking any Supplements or changing your diet):

1.  The primary areas of your body you need to train are your legs, glutes, lower back,, lats, forearms and hands.  Sounds like your entire body, the priority is your legs, lats and hands.
2.  Buy a mountain bike and hit the trails, go long and hard.  Work up to at least fifty miles prior to a race.  What is climbing on a mountain bike?  Click here for a video
3.  Hit the gym and work hard, minimum four days a week.  
4.  Legs:  Squats, extensions, deep knee bends, cav extensions and multipe good old deep knee bends, yes deep knee bends - they work.  Go all the way down, and all the way up.  Hold the position at 90 degrees after 100. Hang from a pullup bar as long as you can, it will assist with your grip.
5.  Lats:  Pull downs, bent over rows, pull ups.  HANG from the pull-up bar for as long as you can as a final burn.
7.  Hydrate!  Drink water! This is critical.  Drink plenty of water and consider wearing a waterpack when your're riding or training.   
8.  Nutrition:  What we do - if you smoke, quit.  If you drink alcohol heavy, quit.  If you drink in moderation, don't drink for 48 hours prior to the endurance race.  If you eat fast food, quit.  Consider lean meats, lots of fruit and vegetables, complex carbs such as brown rice.  Use common sense.  Consult with a nutritionist and have them address your diet and possible supplements prior to making any changes to your diet.
9.  Supplements one of our racer takes (We are not nutritionists, consult with your doctor prior to taking any supplements):  Creatine, Protein Powder with Glutamine, MultiVitamin, B-Vitamins, Alpha Leupaic Acid (Anti-oxidant). Glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM for the joints and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.   
10.  CLICK HERE for nutrition information for endurance athletes.

Training for your throttle finger and hands/forearms: Below is a picture of a hand strengthening device that you can purchase at most Sportsmart Stores:  


Picture below is of the hand and finger strengthening device - a great buy

Below is another type of hand strengthening device that also works more aggressively on your forearms:

"Cut and Turns"

1. The good news here is that there is very little need for a pit crew for the Long Beach to Catalina and back race. 
2. There is no refueling so the only assistance the racer may need is being towed to the start line to preserve fuel and trailer support i.e. helping get the craft into and out of the water.  
3. Technically, unlike the Mark Hahn race where you must have and need a pit crew, you can get by without a pit crew for the LB2CAT race.   
4. You will need a completely full gas tank for the LB2CAT Race.  If you're not familiar with the concept of "burping" your PWC's gas tank to ensure you utilize as much of the gas tank as possible, here it is:        
5.  Back your truck onto the launch ramp so that your craft is at an angle with the bow of the craft in the up position on the trailer.
6. Remove your craft's gas cap and add fuel to the rim (don't spill).
7. Gently move the craft back and forth with your hand by gently sharing the craft from left to right.
   Add fuel again, and go through the shaking process again. 
8. You will notice that you are removing air and allowing for more surface area for the fuel.  5.  Continue this process until you can no longer add fuel (don't spill).
9. Make sure your lat and longs are accurate!
10. Many use two GPS systems per craft (recommended) - if your GPS is on "Route" function and you don't reach your destination exactly or the turn boat has moved/drifted, the route function doesn't register that you "arrived" and continues to point at the lat and long. 
11. If you have two GPS systems, you don't have to worry about this, especially for the LB2CAT race as you have only two destinations - they are the turn boat and the finish line. 
12. If you are racing a longer course like the Hahn, it is recommended that you input the two turns that are the longest and most critical for navigational accuracy.   You do not want to stop at a destination to input a new GPS destination during a race, you lose too much time.    
13. There are multiple ways of mounting your GPS. 
14. The $5.00 method using a sponge and duct tape.
15. The logic behind the sponge is to use it as a shock absorber from the pounding that your craft will take when the seas are up.  
16. Allow the duct tape to dry in the sun for 24 hours for best performance.     

Safety Gear for Racers
1.  In addition to the safety equipment listed on the other pages on this site, I am using the following  neck collar, click here for the SPARCO version 
Disclaimer:  To date I have used this and a few other less aggressive products, I have not tried ALL products and am testing a number of them, I am fairly tall, this Sparco brand is the one I am currently riding with for offshore, in the rough, my boat is specifically set up for my race or offshore practice program, yours may be entirely different - do your own research and make your own decision. Neck braces are not guaranteed to prevent injury.  Helmets are not guaranteed to prevent injury.   

2.  Do not go cheap on your helmet, buy a quality helmet
3.  Purchase High Quality Gloves
4.  Purchase riding boots that offer ankle stability like OTB Boots

Above PWCOFFSHORE.com Racing's setup for flat water at the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Race