Hydro Storm 2

Water racing has one thing asphalt does not: the surface moves. Waves lift the bow at the wrong moment, and the wake of a boat ahead is a genuine hazard rather than a visual effect — following too closely bounces you off line entirely.

Throttle control is what separates the good runs. Backing off before a wave keeps the hull in contact with the water, and a hull in contact with the water is a hull you can steer.

Courses are laid out with buoys, so the racing line matters as much as the boat.

1. Ease the throttle before a large wave.
2. Stay out of the wake of the boat in front.
3. Take buoys tight but leave room for the swell.
4. Save boost for flat stretches of water.