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
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)
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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The 10 Commandments of Offshore Racing/Riding
1. When you train in the Ocean, always have a wing man (second rider to watch over you and you watch over him/her) SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST
2. NEVER leave your wing man - NEVER LEAVE YOUR WING MAN, EVER
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. No drama.
4. Never intentionally compromise the safety of any fellow racer or rider, never.
5. Keep your head on a spindle while riding or racing, look left, right left right. Things happen quickly at 40, 50, 60, 70 miles per hour. Always maintain situational awareness.
6. After the race is complete, if you have a protest, follow the rules for escalation. Be respectful and accept the promoter's decision with professionalism and move on, good bad or indifferent.
7. Always wear the appropriate safety gear for riding in the ocean. This includes a sea worthy craft. Flight check i.e. do the "walk around" your craft prior to every ride (check the craft in great detail).
8. Have the appropriate navigation and communications equipment on your body and craft at all times, even if the conditions appear to be mild.
9. Understand that it is all about hookup
10. Never attempt to predict sea state, the ocean can and will change very quickly. This includes the presentation of fog unexpectedly. Be prepared.
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The 'TRIPLE CROWN OF PWC OFFSHORE'
RPM Racing Enterprises is proud to announce the second year of Offshore Events! Due to the increased support for PWC Offshore racing in 2009 this has generated an incredible array of racing talent and amassed exposure globally on behalf of our Offshore communities.
The advent of 3 PWC Offshore races for 2009 has given this sport the ability to create an inaugural series: the "Triple Crown of PWC Offshore'.
The commitment made by PWC offshore racers ushers in this charter namesake with complimentary Awards. The final point ratings will be tallied upon the final race for all 3 events.
Overall placings will be acknowledged from 1st through 5th in each Class by the supporting point system earned for these 3 PWC Offshore events.
The PWC Offshore panel that is overseeing the awards consists of Ross Wallach David Tew, Shawn Alladio
There will be additional Category and Recognition Awards that will be announced at the program that expand upon the diversity and talent within this community. You won't want to miss this awards program!
TRIPLE CROWN BACKGROUND INFORMATION
PWC EVENTS
1. Dana Point to Catalina Sprint
2. LB2CAT National Offshore Championships (July)
3. Dana Point to Oceanside and Back
PWC CLASSES
1. Pro Am Open
2. Vet Masters
3. Mfg. Stock
4. Amateur Open
5. Sportsman
6. Superstock Limited
About RPM Racing Enterprises
RPM Racing Enterprises promotes multiple power boat competition events under APBA Sanctioning. For more information on these races, please visit www.pwcoffshore.com or www.apbaracing.com.
Ross Wallach can be reached at rossdbos26@yahoo.com
About PWC OFFSHORE
Open Ocean races comprised of a minimum of 35 miles heading offshore or transiting off the coast. All Competitors are required to abide by Federal, State and Sanctioned safety gear. Racing and boating rules, regulations and recommendations apply at all times while underway. A racer's 'Code of Conduct and Prudent Mariner and Seamanship Skills' apply as stewards of the PWC community. Personal Watercraft are raced by competitors in distance, timed, and transitional runs on courses that compliment the theme of 'offshore' riding, versus inland waterways. Ocean riding consists of weather and water conditions and navigation while underway.
General Guidelines For Race Numbers:
1. 1-100 are usually earned
2. For APBA Offshore races and you don't have a number and want one - email Ross Wallach of Rpm Racing Enterprises and ask him to provide you with a number assignment that is not already taken / or email your respective promoter
3. Most of the time numbers are first come first serve (for numbers that are not earned).
4. Size - minimum 8 inches - you can purchase them for 12.00 and any motorsports store - recommend you go larger than that
5. Design your own at www.edecals.com
6. Ideally a white background with black letters
7. Most racers use lage white number on their craft / they pop and are easily seen (assuming of course your craft is a color other than white)
8. Do not use duct tape
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1. PWC Endurance Racing Pit Crew Processes and Practices For Endurance Races on Lakes such as the Mark Hahn 300 Mile Race in Lake Havasu, Az USA
THE THREE "B's" MUST BE RIGHT FOR SUCCESS IN OFFSHORE & ENDURANCE RACING: BODY, BRAIN, BOAT
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 refueling
10. All Pit Crew members should wear eye protection to protect against fuel splashes that could get in their eyes and result in potentialy serious injury.
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 crews put water in the tres. If you have a small, regular single trailer, you can use that trailer also.
5. Zuck up bibs for wiping up fuel spills
6. Have an extra set of goggles 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 (Z-wax preferred)
19. Large funnel for refueling quickfill cans
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

PWCOFFSHORE Racing Pit Crew Practice Agenda / Objective: In and out of the Pits in one minute or less safely
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT AND OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
1. What did we do well last year?
2. What can we do better this year?
3. Individual task review (analysis of what can be done better per individual Pit Crew role)
4. What safety items can be improved upon?
5. Eye protection review
6. How can we improve overall?
7. Define current roles, task organize by individual
8. Gear review
9. What additional gear does the crew need?
10. Gear transportation review / accountabilities (trailer, craft, ATV, 50 gallon fuel containers, fuel pump, fence)
11. ATV plan
12. Fence plan
13. Uniform review (in Pits and at the Awards Ceremony)
14. Code of conduct while wearing PWCOFFSHORE Jersey
15. Gear inspection
16. Fuel venting review
17. Communications plan / radios
18. Who is staying where and when is everyone arriving?
19. Craft review (rough / flat water)
20. Fuel consumption review based on targeted craft we will run - how much fuel do we need?
21. Release of liability review
22. Dry runs (multiple) / Practice
23. Determine date of next practice
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).
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.




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.



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









