Dozens of jet skiers flocked to the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon on Saturday for the first of a two-day watercross racing event.
Members of the Western Canadian Watercross Association took part in the weekend series to see just who was the fastest on the water.
For 16-year veteran jet skier Steve Chestalouski, the sport provides a way to combine a favourite pastime and a good workout.
“When I was back from Mexico, I was weighing 268 (pounds), started racing and got down to 220 just from stand-up jet ski racing and riding,” said Chesalouski. “It is a lot of core strength and a lot of muscles you don’t use for anything else.”
Novice rider Morgan Sieben has been surrounded by people who are involved with the sport and as a result, got hooked three years ago.
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“I always had a friend who had jet skis at the lake and I always wanted to try. It’s easy enough to try, you are always on the water and it’s been fun. I met this group and got into racing,” Sieben said.
Chestalouski, who is fighting for a chance to head down to the U.S. for the World Finals in the fall, is still searching for his first racing win. He has competed in 12 such events.
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“Got in the top 10, but have only broke the podium twice,” he said. “Got number three in the world twice. They have a master’s class for 40 and over — for old guys like me. Hopefully, I can get it this time.”
The sport has gained popularity in the last number of years and has become less male-dominated.
“There’s a women’s class and there is also a lot of women on the sit-down and run about (jet skis). So, definitely, a lot more women coming to race, which is great to see,” Sieben said.
After the final two-day series of the season takes place in Alberta next month, the World Finals take place in October at Lake Havasu in Arizona.
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