On July 13 to 15, 2012, racers gathered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for the Western Canadian Watercross Nationals. Canadian watercross racers are some of the best in the world.

Racers at this year’s event included Carla Klippenstein—a three-time world champion and a multi-time Canadian champion from Fort McMurray, Alberta, and Mike Delaire, who is a three-time world champion and a two-time Canadian champion from Saskatoon. Delaire also has a top 10 Pro ranking. Mike Klippenstein from Fort McMurray, who is “the most winningest watercraft racer in the history of the sport,” was there as well. Klippenstein carries 20 world titles, he is a four-time Pro World Champion and he has more than 100 Canadian titles in numerous different classes.

As part of this year’s nationals, a night race on the river under the lights was added to the schedule.

Fast and furious

Watercross is best described as motocross on jet skis. Up to 20 racers wind around a course at speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour.

“The starts are always exciting, like in any racing,” said Delaire. “When you have 20 racers trying to occupy the same space at once it can get a little hairy.”

From September 29 to October 7, 2012, many of our Canadian racers will be competing in the annual World Finals at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.