There are a few different watercraft racing events. Watercross/Closed Course racing is an event much like motocross where multiple riders negotiate around a course of multiple left and right hand turns (see course example below).
There are usually up to 16 riders on the course at one time. All riders start behind a rubber band stretched between a couple of posts. The race director will be in a tower and will tell everyone to start their engines. If everyone is running fine he will flip a card telling everyone to get ready, then the rubber band will snap and everyone takes off. The course is made by placing red and yellow buoys in the water, held in place by counter balance weights. A red buoy signifies a left turn and a yellow buoy is a right turn. Laps are usually around ½ mile and take about 1 minute. The number of laps are usually between 8 and 15. Watercross uses the 2 moto format. You race 2 motos and the combined score determines the overall winner.
Slalom is a timed event where one rider goes around a small zigzag course of stationary buoys. You get 2 attempts to achieve the fastest time around the course.
Freestyle is a 2 minute timed event that allows a rider to show his skill in executing difficult tricks such as back flips and barrel rolls. The event is usually judged by a few people on shore who give each competitor a score and the highest score wins. This event is usually just before the lunch break and is very exciting to watch.
Endurance/Offshore events are based on a much longer course which may consist of a few turns or be from one point to another. These races may be one lap or many depending on the course. They can last multiple hours and test a riders endurance, physical strength and the reliability of their watercraft.
Typical race day schedule - A typical race day starts with registration and safety technical inspections starting around 7am. Riders meeting usually occurs around 8 or 9am and consists of going through the rules and important information about how the promoter runs the races. Be sure to check the pit board after the meeting to be sure you are listed in the right class and so you know which race you are in. Practice starts after riders meeting and gives each racer a chance to learn the course. After practice is done the first motos will start. After everyone races their first moto there will be a lunch break for 30 minutes to 1 hour then the second motos will start. At the end of the day there is usually an awards ceremony in which the top 3 racers in each class receive awards.
