A REMARKABLE SWAN SONG: Filipino Jet Ski champion takes home another world title in impressive last hurrah

A remarkable final race

Del Rosario’s recent and final race was held at Lake Havasu City in Arizona, USA, in early October, entering his last World championship at the 2023 SBT (Short Block Technologies) IJSBA Jetski World Finals. 

Paul del Rosario was able to secure one first place finish for the Philippines, under the amateur ski modlites class, and a runner up finish in another category the, veterans (ages 35-45yrs) ski gp class. Both categories are from the ski class/stand up category, a jetski type with no built in seats, requiring the rider to stand up, which is the most difficult form of jetski racing to date. 

Jet Ski racer wins World Finals international competition

Paul Del Rosario is among the athletes putting the Filipinos on the map of competitive Jet Ski and motorsports racing

For most people, riding a jet ski is a recreational activity. But unbeknownst to many, Jet Ski racing is a thing. And Filipino athletes are making waves in this niche—but awesome unique motorsport.

Jet Ski racing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a water sport similar to motorbike or powerboat racing, in which riders use Jet Skis to compete in open water. It’s a popular sport in the United States, Japan, Australia, and Europe. But in the Philippines, it does not have the exposure that, say, basketball or volleyball does. Other extreme sports gets more press than Jet Ski racing.