An ultimate guide to aquabike

Aquabike is an incredibly popular competitive sport and an extreme outdoor activity. It attracts many people because it allows riding a motorbike in the water. Tourists and sportsmen have a wide choice of vehicles, they can take part in different competitions and learn to perform various stunts. What else should you know about this activity?

The bike

There are many types of bikes for aquabike, including models for tourism, sports, or a mix of these two. Moreover, some models are constructed in a special way, so that it is possible to sit while riding a bike. Such models are perfect for water tourism and relaxation. The models created for standing on them are mostly used by professionals because they are perfect for different maneuvers, riding at high speed. Such bikes require more strength to ride them. A beginner will not even manage to start riding, because the technique of this movement is rather difficult.

The speed such bikes can reach is 120 kilometers per hour. Although it might seem too much, riding an aqua bike is a safe activity. Of course, sometimes sportsmen get injured, but it does not happen too often. The driving force of such bikes is the water jet rather than the propeller, which makes modern aqua bikes much safer. In addition, there is a special harness that connects one’s wrist with the ignition switch. If a sportsman falls, the bike does not keep moving.

Best models

If you are thinking of buying or renting a water bike, you should know what models are the best.

• BRP GTI 90 is a perfect bike for those who want to enjoy the process, as well as perform the simplest stunts and maneuvers. It is very powerful and has many functions, but its price is very high and starts at 12 000 dollars.
• Yamaha VX700S is a bike that is suitable for family vacation. Several people can sit there at a time. It costs 10500 dollars or more.
• Kawasaki Jet SKI is a sports model, it is not necessary to buy it if you are a beginner or amateur. Usually professionals opt for it.
• Yamaha Super Jet 700 is an extremely light model. It is easy to perform difficult stunts on it.

Safety rules

Although aquabike cannot be called an extremely dangerous discipline, there are still some rules everyone must follow to stay safe. Let us make a list of these rules.

• If you are drunk, do not go aquabike. Not only is it dangerous for your health, but also it can lead to breaking the bike, and you will have to pay for its repairing.
• Water bikes were not created for small children. Only those whose age is more than 10 years can participate in this activity.
• It is necessary to wear a life jacket all the time, no matter how good the weather is. It is possible to lose consciousness after a fall, and a life jacket will not let you drown.
• Do not ride a scooter at night. There are no lights attached to the water bike, which means that it is hard to notice it in the dark.
• Do not leave the restricted area. The buoys are placed there to prevent sportsmen from getting int o the open ocean.
• Always pay attention to what’s going on around you, especially if you are a tourist and practice aqua cycling near the shore.

Competitions

There are two governing bodies in aqua cycling: the UIN (Union Internationale motonautique) and the and the IJSBA (International Jet Sports Boating Association). The leading sportsmen in this discipline come from the United States and Italy. The IJSBA organizes the Pro Watercross Tour, which unites 8 championships. The competitions usually take place in Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Europe, France, Thailand. Sportsmen compete in 34 classes. Seven classes out of these 34 are professional. There are different types of races. What are they?

• First of all, there are round races that include 12-15 turning points. The turning points are marked with red buoys on the right and white buoys on the left. Whoever becomes the first to cover the distance wins the race.
• Secondly, there is slalom. This type of races takes place in a pre-prepared area. The track is basically a square that has some red buoys inside. The goal of each participant is to cover the whole distance without touching any of these buoys. This competition repeats several times.
• Freestyle is a competition, in which sportsmen perform their own program. They usually include various tricks and stunning maneuvers into their free program. Some elements are mandatory, while others can be chosen by sportsmen to their liking.

There are international and national championships. Usually all sportsmen are divided into several groups in accordance with their age. Men and women compete separately. The age determines the types of races, in which a particular person can participate. For example, children from 8 to 12 years old, as well as teenagers compete in round races. Participants who have already turned 16 can compete with adults, but in this case, their parents must allow them to do it. All sportsmen must be good at swimming.

Origin

The first bike for aquabike was invented by Clayton Jacobson II, who worked as a banker and was in for motorcycles. He decided to transfer motorcycle races to water after he had explored races in the dust. This type of races served as a stress relief, but falling down the motorcycle was quite painful. Jacobson did not want to fall onto such a harsh surface, and he thought that water was a great substitution to the ground. The first vehicle for aquabike was invented in 1965, and by the end of the 20^th century, it has transformed into a popular business.

Best places for aquabike

This activity can take place in any region where there are rivers, lakes or seas. The best countries for aquabike are:

• Thailand (there are more than 200 companies that offer water tours and excursions);
• Cyprus (water bikes are among the most popular entertainments in this country; riding a bike costs only 30-40 euro);
• Turkey (in this country, it is possible to go aqua cycling in any area);
• Philippines (at the local hotels guests can take part in competitions arranged especially for them);
• Bali (you can ask a professional instructor to accompany you on a water tour);
• Russia (in this country, it is necessary to have a license, otherwise you will be allowed to be a passenger only).

All in all, aquabike is a popular activity that is available in almost any place where there is water. To enjoy it, it is necessary to follow basic safety rules and be ready to experience unbelievable emotions!