Young Hopeful from Havasu Set to Shine at IJSBA World Finals

Every year, Lake Havasu transforms into a hub for personal watercraft racing, attracting competitors from around the world. Local racers, including a growing number of young talent, contribute to the vibrant racing culture along its famed shoreline.

One such young competitor, Jack “The Ripper” Cobb, has been racing since he was just seven. At 13, the Thunderbolt Middle School student relishes the adrenaline of each race. This past weekend, he participated in the Nauti Water Racing PWC Series Championship at Havasu Riviera Marina and is set to compete in the upcoming 43rd Annual IJSBA World Championships at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in October.

Lake Havasu proudly boasts its title as the birthplace of the Jet Ski, initially developed in the region before being embraced by Kawasaki. Cobb has a particular affinity for Kawasaki—an interest sparked by his father’s early model.

“My dad had this little Kawasaki JS 440,” Cobb recounted. “Once we fixed it up, I wanted to ride it and quickly sought something faster.”

In his pursuit of speed, Cobb acquired a Kawasaki Jet Ski 800 SX-R from Harry Goatcher, a local racing legend. Goatcher, a 2007 IJSBA Hall of Fame inductee, returned to racing after retiring in 1995, making his watercraft a valuable asset for Cobb’s ambitions.

This latest competition marked Cobb’s fifth, with a notable win earlier this year at Lake Havasu State Park. “When I’m not racing, I enjoy hanging out with friends at the skate park,” Cobb said, reflecting on his hobbies beyond the race track. He aspires to continue racing and eventually build his own hull.

Cobb shared some wisdom for aspiring racers, emphasizing the importance of safety and respect for the machines they ride. “Don’t be scared of it. Respect the machine, and you’ll ride well. Just have fun, don’t exceed your abilities, and maintain the right mindset,” he advised.

With excitement brewing, the International Jet Sport Boating Association World Finals is slated to return to Lake Havasu City from October 5-14.