Jump to Skill/Experience Level   Engine Classification   Events   Classes   The 2009 Hydro-X Tour will consist of four Watercross racing events.  All the events include Closed Course & Freestyle competitions.  Each event is set up to not only attract experienced circuit racers, but to give competitors who have little or no racing experience, an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and compete in a safe environment.   WATERCROSS RACING DIVISIONS                You will see many different brands and models of personal watercraft competing on the Tour.  For racing purposes and parity, the APBA separates watercraft into three racing divisions.  Ski Division Ski Division watercraft are designed for one person to stand on.  Skis are steered from the front with a moveable handlepole rising above the tray area that directs a rear jet.  Watercraft currently fitting into the Ski Division include several Kawasaki Jet Ski, Polaris Octane, Hydrospace and Yamaha SuperJet models. Sport Division Sport Division watercraft are designed mainly for one passenger and include a seat and fixed handlebar that direct a rear jet.  Sport Division watercraft weigh more than 300 lbs. and have a hull width that ranges from 26 inches to 38 inches.  Watercraft currently fitting into the Sport Division are the Sea-Doo HX, Yamaha WaveBlaster, Polaris Hurricane and Kawasaki X-2. Runabout Division Runabout Division watercraft that are designed for one or more people and include a seat and fixed handlebar that direct a rear jet.  Runabouts have a hull width greater than 38 inches.  The APBA separates the Runabouts into two separate divisions: 800cc and 1200cc.  Many Bombardier Sea-Doo, Honda, Kawasaki Jet Ski, Polaris, and Yamaha WaveRunner models fit into this class. SKILL/EXPERIENCE LEVELS  Racers are also separated by their skill or experience level.  No matter what your experience or skill level is riding or racing watercraft we have a class for you.  There are seven basic skill/experience levels. Beginner The Beginner class is provided as an entry class for new riders to experience the fun of watercraft racing. First time racers can race in either the Beginner or Novice class or both.  Novice The Novice classes are where riders learn about racing and improve their racing skills.  Most riders usually race in the Novice ranks for a few seasons.  Once a rider feels they are ready, they may advance to the Expert classes.  Novice riders, men or women, may be reclassified as Expert at the discretion of the Race Director if the rider is displaying obvious riding and racing skills well above other class riders.  Expert The Expert classes are for riders with advanced racing skills.  Expert riders have normally raced for several years and have advanced skills and equipment.  Expert riders can be moved back to Novice if it is determined that the rider is creating a safety hazard. Professional Professional riders have substantial riding experience and have developed advanced riding skills.  APBA pre-approval is required to obtain Pro status.  Veteran The Veteran Ski classes are open to rider's 30 years or older in the ski divisions and 35 years or older in the Runabout division. Amateur The Amateur class is defined as a combined Novice and Expert class.  Pro-Am The Pro-Am class is defined as a combined Expert and Pro class.   ENGINE CLASSIFICATIONS  Racing classes are then separated by engine size and the types of modifications done to the watercraft.  The three basic classes are Stock, Limited and Open.  Stock boats are basically stock with some handling changed allowed (steering, sponsons, ride plate, intake grate).  Limited boats are allowed minor modifications (aftermarket pipe, head, impeller, flame arrestor, ride plate and intake grate) and Open boats are allowed even more engine modifications.  Consult the APBA rule book for a more detailed explanation of the rules.   EVENTS  Watercross Similar to motocross on the water, Watercross racing is handle bar-to-handle bar competition that pits rider and machine in a personal watercraft battlefield.  Reaching top speeds of over 70mph, closed course racing features a buoy-marked, 1/2- to 3/4-mile track that is designed to keep the competition tight and fans close to the action.  Each race begins with one of the most gut-wrenching experiences in motorsports - the side-by-side gated start.  Similar to horse racing, a PWC racing start features up to 18 riders exploding off the line, each thinking to themselves, “I’m going to be the first one to that buoy.”  Surviving the first-turn is just the beginning.  Speed, technique and racing ability will all come into play, as the riders begin to negotiate a series of left- and right-hand turns - and one must not forget the man-made log jumps.  Inserted to add color and excitement for both the television and on-site audience, log jumps add a new challenge and show the extreme side of the already tough sport of watercraft racing. Freestyle Each event features an Amateur Freestyle segment that highlights the acrobatical abilities of these highly specialized athletes and their watercraft.  One of the truly “extreme sports,” freestyle features some of the most gifted athletes on the beach, performing two-minute routines in an Olympic-style format for a panel of seven judges. Competitors’ routines are made-up from a series of choreographed tricks that are performed to music.  Freestyle is the crowd favorite, as spectators get a chance to interact with the competitors before, during and after the competition.  Some of the more popular tricks and catch phrases include: Aerial Barrel Roll; Yellow Submarine; Hollywood Corkscrew; Sprung Monkey; Kilowatt Flop; Ride ‘Em Cowboy; Bull Doggin’; and many other eye catching tricks.  2009 Tour Classes Runabout Classes                   Ski Classes Beginner Runabout Open                         Beginner Ski Open Novice Runabout Limited                         Novice Ski Stock Women Runabout Limited                       Novice Ski Limited Veteran Runabout Open                           Novice Women Ski Ltd Amateur Runabout 4-Stroke Stock         Amateur Ski Open Amateur Runabout 800 Limited              Veteran Ski Open Runabout 800 Open                                  Expert Ski Limited  Amateur Runabout NA Stock                  Pro-Am Ski Stock   Amateur Runabout NA Limited               Pro-Am Women Ski Ltd Expert Runabout Limited                         Junior Ski Stk (Age 10-12) Expert Runabout Open                             Junior Ski Stk (Age 13-15) Pro-Am Runabout Stock                         Junior Ski Ltd (Age 13-15) Pro-Am Runabout Open                          Pro-Am Ski GP                                                                     Vintage Ski 550 Modified                                                                     Vintage Ski 750 Modified                                                                           Sport Classes                               Freestyle Classes   Sport Modified                                        Amateur Freestyle Sport Spec                                              Pro Freestyle

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