More than 40 high-performance powerboats roared through the Barnegat Bay on a recent Saturday, smashing through waves and cruising past people whose faces read, “I wonder what that’s like?â€
A rollercoaster in the open water is what it is like, except every hand onboard firmly grasps metal handrails rather than waving in the air, especially when the vessel flies over the largest waves and crashes back to the surface.
That was the sensation on Dave Ginfrida’s 52-foot, 15,500-pound Nor-Tech 5000 called “No Compromise,†as three 850-horsepower motors propelled it along the Ocean County coast. That much power is equivalent to about six standard Chevrolet Corvettes, or roughly 26 Toyota Priuses.
Enthusiasts who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on these boats, known commonly as cigarette boats or go-fast boats, always remember their first such experience, almost universally calling it “life-changing,†and … Details & Pictures
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — A fish out of water sent a Texas kayaker onto dry land instead of the finish line at an annual Missouri River endurance race.
Houston resident Brad Pennington was considered one of the favorites among men’s solo racers in the Missouri River 340, a canoe and kayak race that began Tuesday morning in Kansas City, Kan. At least until a 30-pound Asian silver carp jumped from the water and hit him in the head. The fish are known to panic and jump in response to passing vessels.
“It felt like a brick hit me,” Pennington said Wednesday.
The 43-year-old lawyer already was … Details
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Unless something completely unforeseen happens, the Unlimited Hydroplanes will be back on Mission Bay Sept. 17-19 as the featured attraction of the annual San Diego Bayfair event.
“We’re hoping to make a formal announcement Friday,” Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Association commissioner Sam Cole said Wednesday afternoon.
“We have an agreement. This is good news for the sport and the fans of San Diego. I met with the local committee in San Diego last weekend and everything got ironed out.”  … Details
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For six straight years, the Clear Lake Feet on Fire barefoot competition has been an event to bring together the worlds best wakeboarders for a day of fun, comradery, and some friendly competition. This years event was a total success and by far the biggest draw in it’s history. Being pulled by the Master Craft X-Star, powered by Indmar Marine Engines, 32 athletes hit the water in head-to-head elimination battles until only one athlete stood above the rest. All day friends and athletes were treated to some great treats provided by our sponsors. Monster Energy was on hand again this year keeping everyone’s thirst quenched and the energy up. Representing for Monster were many of their team athletes, including; Danny Harf, Shane Bonifay, Daniel Watkins, Jimmy LaRiche, Bob Soven, and defending 2 time champ Shawn Watson, all who competed in the day’s events. Chipotle Mexican Grill kept all bellies full with what seemed like an endless amount of their giant burritos. Alliance Wake Magazine shot photos and documented all the action on and off the water as Allisports.com captured it on film. For the second straight year Fox provided the riders’ jerseys, and their team athletes including Parks Bonifay and Adam Errington had strong showings. Radar Waterskis provided the equipment that was used for the on water barefoot action  … Details
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