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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009 13:12 |
2009 Dana Point to Catalina PWC Sprint Race
RPM Racing Presents the Inaugural Dana Point to Catalina PWC Offshore Race on April 5th, California USA.
PWCoffshore Race Team Rider Shawn Alladio
WAR- We All Race
“Light bump. Small swell. Fast course”, the email from my friend David Puu gave his 3 elemental quotes. He sent it Saturday night at 10:38 PM. David has followed my travels on the 7 Seas and anywhere in the world; he delivers the current conditions with a perfect 100% accuracy. He has never missed a step. He hasn’t only earned my respect, he’s all about respect.
I had spent much of Saturday at the Registration, branding my Jet Ski with stickers and getting raced prepared. There was a lot of anticipation for this race. The big question and equalizer was the weather. Today the ocean was wicked; it showed promise of a slower pace with a lot of intensity for the boat, the racer and timeframes. But would the wind hold overnight? I and a few others were praying for that degree of difficulty. And we would lose big. California woke up with an endless summer in April.
The Amade Family arrived, kisses and hugs as usual, Mike Arnold was waiting for his #71 stickers I was bringing along that Ryan and Kyla made along with everything else Liquid Militia style. Together we spent the afternoon wallpapering our boats, but mainly laughing and having a great time with everyone. Kyla worked all day making hundreds of stickers I handed out, while Shaniah laughed in the background. Mark Gerner was there along with the RPM Racing staff, Pirate, Dubz and Daughter, Young plugged in my GPS for me as usual, Sean Conner was there. Aaron Cress is making magic happening for everyone, especially for Kim Bushong. I love this vibe!
Ahmed buys all his emergency gear that is required, it is an investment in not only his life, but it could be for others. How prophetic this turns when his boat has mechanical issues 8 miles from shore. I tell him to pack it tightly so there is no friction or movement so his gear stays in one piece. First time racing has a learning curve, and I’ve lost a lot myself not knowing what to expect. One reason to check out the PWCoffshore.com race site and take all the safety, riding and gear tips you can read up on their tutorials.
Now Sean mind you looks like he just walked off a NASCAR track. He and his race boats match like red hot Ferrari’s, but it’s his profile image that pulls this look together, because he’s smooth. Tequila Racing was there in the happiest of moods, lifting everyone’s spirits. This is what I love about our racers, even when there is stress involved they are the best group to hang with. They are having fun!
I texted Ahmed Amade at 9:14 pm “Rest well, pack everything tight!” In typical Ahmed fashion he texts back, “Thanks Shawn you are awesome”. I’m working on my motivational stickers for the racers. Ryan plugged in the text and I’m weeding till past midnight: WAR – We All Race. I will hand them out eagerly in the morning, nothing like having a few good words to pump a little more drive into the WAR machine!
Multiple phone calls and texts later from as far away as Minnesota I’m checking in with D.W. for our new ‘assignment’, well probably his. Jim Lambert hails some late night ‘race clip’ emails, and the general vibe is healthy and downright naughty. The PWC race community is juiced about the newest endurance addition, and a few of us will actually experience the big blue come 8:00am Sunday. And some will not sleep at all I imagine.
7 hours later at 5:16 am my phone rings, Puu says ‘It’s going to be a fast track. The Santa Ana winds have picked up in Ventura, it should be interesting’. His perceptions will prove prophetic. Mike Arnold was en route at 5:00am to the Dana Point Harbor from San Diego. He’s been training for his first PWC offshore race, having only ridden for 7 months; stepping up to a Catalina race is sheer determination on his part. He rigged his Sea Doo with race branding the day prior at the Technical inspection. He was the first to arrive on scene. I called him as I headed south on I-5. We laughed about the day ahead; he said it was glass in the harbor, no wind. Oh well! Let’s go racing!
Mark Gerner was next on my call list. He was already pulling out of the driveway. It was still dark, not much traffic and a light breeze began to blow. The stars were shining; I knew I would be able to see Catalina from the race starting position. This would make the route safe and secure for our introductory Sporstman Racers. A huge relief for me, it’s hard to separate the two, racing and safety, I’m stuck in the middle.
Russell Libby from the AWA - Socal Watercraft Club is on the deck; squared away he launches his support PWC and checks in, grabs his radio and he’s on remote control. Aaron Cress has the K38 rescue board tethered to one of his craft, so the tandem safety is secure for the race. The Avalon finish boat, a yellow Sea Tow safety vessel starts off across the channel to get in place. This is a great contribution to the safety of the racers, and they are on my own podium of sorts.
The racers arrive and pull into their parking stalls and begin prepping their boats. RPM Racing holds the rider’s meeting and everyone is good to go, the confidence level is high. Nothing runs out of schedule all day. My kids show up later and set up the Liquid Militia canopy and their day begins. Bryant Lambert and Matt Rodgers from Hypnotic Films arrive and begin shooting the Liquid Militia documentary. We’re focusing on our sport and the people who make it. This is the second stage of Endurance racing for Hypnotic Films, having shot the Mark Hahn 300, the Sprint and the finale will be the LB2CAT in July.
I check in with Ross from RPM Racing and tell him I’ll be the last boat to cross the finish line conducting a sweep. I bring up the rear later as Arnold and I are the last to refuel. Catalina was stunning, a USCG Cutter outside the harbor, the Casino loomed, waters were clear and I felt like I was in the Mediterranean.
Read the Full story here: http://k38watersafety.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1724 |
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009 13:07 |
Water Dawg Day-USMC Recon
Camp Pendleton, CA. May 29th 2009
Hellwoman and the Iceman are going to throw one down for the Devil Dawgs!
Shawn Alladio and Brad Colbert have been scheming for a surprise breakaway session for months, the Marines have been training hard, doing their thing. Now we get to launch our surprise attack!
Former PWCoffshore.com Marines are coming out on point patrol for personal watercraft offshore runs, & fun skill drills in the Pacific Ocean. These Marines have engaged in intensive training that compliments their warrior mindset and purpose; our mission is to support their training engagement with opposing forces of fun! One rightly deserves the other.
We are proud of our service personnel and these Recon Marines exemplify Strength and Honor. Never forget those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on your behalf. Our military service personnel dedicate their very lives to protect and serve others in need during wartime and peace keeping missions.
We extend our thanks to these fine PWC industry supporters for their product donations that are gifted to these fine Marines:
Kawasaki Motors Corporation, Yamaha Motors Corporation, American Watercraft Association, Liquid Militia Clothing, IJSBA, quakeysense apparel, Riva Racing, Watercraft World Magazine, PWCoffshore.com, socalwatercraftclub.com, K38 GEAR, Hypnotic Films, www.davidpuu.com
SEMPER FI
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The American Watercraft Association, lends invitations to local public boating safety agencies to attend a FREE 'H2O Responder Safety Day'. These are in conjunction with our trademark recreational 'Safety Days'.
Live Free. Think Free. Ride Free.
American Watercraft Association
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009 12:50 |
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONGRESS 2009 AWARD OF MERIT
Awarded to AWA H2O Responder-IJSBA Water Safety Director
 Pic by www.DavidPuu.com
Each year the National Water Safety Congress (NWSC) presents awards at the “International Boating and Water Safety Summit” to selected individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to water safety during the previous year. The National Water Safety Congress has an extensive award program to recognize those people who contribute to the safety of everyone who enjoys water recreation.
The National Water Safety Congress is committed to take leadership in advancing the promotion of education for the safety of recreational water activities throughout the United States and internationally by addressing water related recreation accidents and drowning throughout the nation. In a letter addressed to Shawn Alladio:
“It is my pleasure to inform you that the National Water Safety Congress intends to present you its Award of Merit at the 13th Annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit in Palm Harbor, Florida on Tuesday, April 21st at a special invitation luncheon.
This award recognizes your continuing efforts to train first responders of boating and water related accidents involving property damage, injuries and deaths involving recreational boaters and other users of the nation’s waterways.
K38’s training programs have become the standard for water rescue utilizing personal watercraft. And through your personal and selfless devotion in developing and openly sharing new and evolving emergency rescue techniques involving personal watercraft, many lives have been saved and tragedies averted.
On behalf of the agencies that have been, and will be the beneficiaries of your training and experience, the recreational boating public and the water safety and rescue personnel you’ve worked with, your dedication and devotion to the public’s safety is appreciated by the Congress and more importantly the families, children and others who will be safer in the future due to your efforts and the results they are achieving. Thank you on behalf of the National Water Safety Congress for all you do to make our waters safer.”
Shawn is also a past recipient of additional prestigious National Water Safety Congress awards:
Regional Award
Nations Award
For more information on the National Water Safety Congress including information on the Summit in Panama City Beach, you can go to the organization’s Internet web site located at http://www.watersafetycongress.org
Supporters
Please visit K38 and the American Watercraft Association H2O Responders program and Safety Days. http://www.AWAhq.org
K38 enjoys support from Kawasaki Motors Corporation utilizing Jet Skis watercraft for occupational water rescue and recreational boating education. In addition, Liquid Militia Core Wear Clothing, Mustang Survival, OTB Boots, K38 GEAR, Hydro Turf, and PWCoffshore.com.
http://www.K38 WaterSafety.com
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009 12:37 |
Washington, DC – May 2009 –
While boating is a safe and fun recreational activity enjoyed by thousands every year, in 2009 there may still be more than 600 boating fatalities from boating accidents.
With this statistic in mind, the 2009 North American Boating Campaign is again encouraging boaters to “Wear It!” during National Safe Boating Week May 16-22.
Wearing a life jacket can make the difference between life and death. According to the most-recently reported official
U.S. Coast Guard statistics:
- 90 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2007.
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- Drowning is the reported cause of death in two-thirds of all boating fatalities.
That’s why boating safety advocates continue to push for increased and consistent life jacket wear on the water.
“The consequences are too grim for anyone to afford to ignore the ‘Wear It!’ message,” says Virgil Chambers, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council, an umbrella group representing boating safety advocates throughout North America. “However, for whatever reason, every year some boaters choose to go without wearing a life jacket.”
“We want to prove that life jackets not only save lives, but that today’s life jackets are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear,” says John Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). “In fact, they don’t even have to be ‘jackets’ anymore. The old-fashioned, bulky orange life jacket most people are used to has been replaced with innovative new options we want all boaters to know about, including the new inflatable styles.”
Life jackets are available in a wide variety of compact, lightweight and attractive styles suitable for constant wear. Many are partially or wholly inflatable, and resemble a wide set of suspenders or even a belt pack. Special varieties are made for anglers, hunters, skiers and other sports enthusiasts. One newer style even has a built-in walkie-talkie.
“Life jackets today not only look cool and feel more comfortable, even on those hot summer days, but – most importantly – they’re saving lives,” Chambers says.
The North American Safe Boating Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates, including NASBLA, the Canadian Safe Boating Council and the many members of the National Safe Boating Council.
The campaign is produced under a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Partners hold local events, teach classes, distribute educational materials and perform free Vessel Safety Checks, among other activities.
Sharing the story of how life jackets save lives has the biggest impact when it comes from personal experience. The 2009 “Be a Survivor: Wear It!” contest calls on boaters to share their personal stories about boating accident survival where a life jacket saved the day. This year’s contest is sponsored by West Marine®, the national boating-related products and services retailer. They are donating one grand prize shopping spree worth $1,000 to this year’s winner. Entries will be accepted at www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com or by mail. Details will also be updated on the campaign Web site for 2009.
“We are looking forward to another year of hearing these inspirational stories,” Chambers says. “We are also planning to generate even more excitement online with interactive content promoting this season’s safety message, and encourage frequent visits to our site to spread the word on ‘Wear It!’” About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com for campaign materials and additional safe boating resources.
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Contact:
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Outreach Manager
National Safe Boating Council
703-361-4294
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Tuesday, 12 May 2009 12:34 |
Public Information Officers
Teresa GuillenArizona Game & Fish Department
(623) 236-7377 Office
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Gloria Sandoval
California Department of Boating & Waterways
(916) 715-1657 Cell
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Edwin Lyngar
Nevada Department of Wildlife
(775) 741-1004 Cell
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Tri-State Boating Safety Fair Promoting “Go Boating Safely!”
Officials to emphasize the enjoyment of safe and responsible boating on May 16
LAS VEGAS— “Go Boating Safely!” is the new theme for Colorado River’s Annual Tri-State Boating Safety Fair.
The event will take place May 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at London Bridge Beach Park, 1340 McCulloch Rd in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.Many beautiful lakes in Arizona, California and Nevada offer a variety of boating opportunities, but none of them are more popular than the 233-mile long and beautiful Colorado River.
“The river feeds into several massive lakes and runs through three states, so we will be there to clarify both the fun boating opportunities and the safety challenges we see with a waterway this large and complex.
We will also be distributing boating safety bags filled with promotional material and information on boating laws at 27 different boat launch ramps to make sure we reach the most boaters,” said Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi, California’s Boating Law Administrator.
This sixth annual fun-filled family affair will kick-off National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) by state, local and federal boating agencies that want to encourage boaters to hit the water this summer, but safely and responsibly.
Organizers will be talking about challenges that boaters face while boating on the Colorado River and about general boating safety. Families will be given the opportunity to bring in one outgrown or unsafe life jacket to trade in for a brand new one from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (while supplies last).
“This year, the lakes are full to the brim and we want people to go out on the water and enjoy the experience, but we also want them to be safe and make good decisions,” said Kevin Bergersen, Arizona’s Boating Law Administrator.
“Most of us know that life jackets and designating a sober captain saves lives, but expecting the unexpected and using good judgment are key factors in returning home safely. We want this event to provoke that kind of awareness and thinking.” Boating officials will also be informing boaters about “clean, drain and dry,” an effective procedure for combating and preventing the rapidly spreading nuisance of quagga mussels.
This nasty invasive species continues to pose a serious threat to fun, safe and environmentally friendly boating. “Quagga mussels are a growing concern as they take over more of the Colorado River System,” said Fred Messmann, Nevada’s Boating Law Administrator. He said experts will be on hand to demonstrate cleaning techniques, explain the issue and provide clarification to boaters with questions. The Tri-State Boating Safety Fair is free and the public is encouraged to stay the entire day to picnic, swim, fish and partake in the action.
Visit www.BoatColoradoRiver.com for more information about the boating safety fair. Information on common boating laws and each state’s requirements on the Colorado River can also be viewed on this Web site. - 30 -Note to media: Before the event, call for story opportunities, press packets or fact sheets. On the day of the event, reporters should check in at the Media tent for media ride-alongs or to interview spokespersons. High resolution photos from prior years are available. More details are at www.BoatColoradoRiver.com.
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