Aquabike: racing on jet skis

At all, jet ski (Water bike) Is a rare example of technique that wasOriginally it was invented just like sports, and only then it was used as entertainment for tourists. The world's first jet ski was launched by Bombardier, the "parent" of the snowmobile, in 1968. In fact, originally planned to create self-propelled water skis, and a whole water motorcycle turned out.

About 15 years later, in the 80s, the United States was born the kind of sport hydrocycle racing - aquabike. In Russia, aquabike came almost twenty years later, the first Cups and championships began in the late 90's, and the first national championship was held in 2000, two years later the first Cup of Russia was held.

International Water-Motor Union (Union Internationale Motonautique, UIN) and International Water Sports Association (International Jet Sports Boating Association,IJSBA) supervise aquabike at the world level. Each year, these organizations hold championships of different countries (Great Britain, France, Brazil, Australia, Thailand, Guam), the European Championships, as well as the Pro Watercross Tour - professional tour on motocross in the water - and the international tournament "The Royal Cup".

Since 1996, UIM has been organizing World championships in aquabike in three classes. Classes include:

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  type of hydrocycle (sedentary or standing);
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  presence of force;
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  engine volume, etc.

Competitions on aquabike include the three main Dixiplines:

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  race (athletes compete in the passage of the route at a speed with a common start);
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  slalom (this is a fast race with a difficult distance, the participants pass it but the queue several times);
• 
  freestyle (figure skating on the hydrocycle).

For slalom and freestyle are commonly used standing hydrocycles. They are more maneuverable than sedentary, and are better suited for steep turns and tricks. But they are also less stable and require the athlete certain management skills. A sedentary hydrocycles allow to develop a high speed, so it is better for racing.

How safe is aquabike? Of course, like any other extremea sport, an aquabike can not be absolutely safe. But certain features of the design of the hydrocycle reduce the likelihood of an accident in the fall. So, the motive power of the hydrocycle is a water jet, and not a screw. Since the propeller is located inside the water jet pipe, there is no risk of losing the limb when it falls. In addition, the athlete's wrist is connected by a special harness with the ignition plug. If the athlete falls off the hydrocycle, the car immediately stops.

Aquabike will be even safer if observe the safety rules carefully. So, it should be remembered that the hydrocycle does not havebrakes, therefore according to the instructions it is forbidden to stop it with the help of the reverse. Well, do not forget about the protective equipment - a life jacket and goggles.

In general, before taking part in competitions, the hydrocyclist must undergo training lasting three months, and pass a special examination. Aquabike requires considerable skill and experience from the athlete, especially when it comes to slalom or freestyle.

And keep in mind that aquabike - not a cheap hobby. A good jet can cost as much asa good foreign car, it's better not to expect a price below $ 7000 if you want to get a really good car. It is best to buy a jet ski from official dealers of well-known companies (Bombardier, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Polaris).

It is also worth to include in the cost of gasoline andmachine oil (up to a liter of oil and 40 liters of gasoline per hour of training), $ 100-150 for a trailer for transportation, $ 30 for a normal hour of maintenance, and in winter time - $ 1 for a winter parking lot, $ 200 for conservation and re-entry.

If aquabike is just a hobby for you, and you do not plan a sports career, you can buy a used jet ski. But, when buying a used car, be sure to ask for help from a specialist, so that you do not slip the pimps. Otherwise, instead of conquering the water, you will be busy repairing and purchasing spare parts.

If you are interested in aquabike, the best search in your city water club. There you will be helped with the purchase (some clubssell hydrocycles, and buyers automatically get membership in the club), service. Some clubs offer their members a variety of discounts.

Aquabike - a great hobby for those who like extreme and is not going to save on their hobbies.