Welcome to Ski M.D. We are based in Auckland, NZ, where we operate an advanced workshop specifically designed to service jetskis. We claim to be the #1 jetski service centre for all models including Seadoo, Yamaha, Kawasaki. We also have a wide range of accessories available through our shop, online shop and Trade Me. And you are now looking at NZ's #1 jetski website!
London To Auckland Ride: Day 29 It's All Over
Dear Friends/Supporters
You have probably noticed that not much info has been forthcoming in the past few days. I apologize for that but there is a very good reason. We did make the south coast of Turkey at Fenike two days ago but since then there have been some major changes. I have been waiting until now to tell you all as I didn’t quite know what to say.
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that The Jayco Ultimate ride has been called off. There are a number of reasons for this and in no particular order they are:
1. Even though Seadoo are still the best PWC brand in the world, they are not designed to take the continuous punishment that we have subjected them to with our hectic schedule and the modifications that we made to them. We found that we were continually losing time for maintenance and struggling to get spare parts in out of the way places. As a result we were getting further and further behind. When a fuel leak developed in my long range tank, effectively ruling out long open water crossings, we knew we couldn’t make Australia in the time I have available. The sponsored money from Jayco was always conditional on us reaching Australia as Jayco is an Australian Company with nothing to gain from exposure outside Australia and NZ so we offered it back on this basis and the offer was accepted. We have always struggled financially with the ride and this situation became unacceptable as a result. We are all in too much debt already.
2. Due to a rise in tensions in Yemen the NZ department of Foreign Affairs has strenuously warned us not to proceed south of Egypt unattended. The risk of terrorist and pirate attacks in Yemen has risen to an unacceptable level and we would be a prime target.
We all have families and it would be unfair to put their futures at risk for an adventure, even with such a good cause.
So friends, I am sorry if you feel we have let you down. I and my team have worked hard on this ride for three years now and we are absolutely beside ourselves with disappointment.
Keep spreading the healthy living message and early detection of cancer message. I will be. Even if we have saved only one life with it, all of this will have been worthwhile.
We are now in Rhodos in Greece riding north to Croatia where Ivan lives so that the skis can be returned to BRP. By the time we get there we will have covered some 8000km.
Regards
Jeremy
This post in memory of Douglas John Ell and Vanessa Margaret Beare
Our congratulations goes out to Jeremy and his crew for getting as far as they did which is the equivalent of riding one and a half times around NZ. All of you who have read Jeremy's book "The Ride" will know what this kind of trip involves, let alone what the boys have just achieved by travelling through foreign countries and ultimately the difficulties of support in remote areas and in a tough economy. We look forward to more stories when they return home.
Read the blogs on www.london-sydney.com
Order a copy of "The Ride" by Jeremy Burfoot (The 2006 ride around NZ) for $20 orders@skimd.co.nz
US Wet Racer Mag With Big NZ Feature
The latest copy of the US PWC magazine has arrived (late August) and we are excited to say they have dedicated a 4 page spread to report on our 2010 Nationals. It includes a brief article, results and photos. This mag has a huge free style focus and gives some great write ups on a few of the latest USA free ride events.
All yours for $5. Pickup or post. Email us to reserve your copy. orders@skimd.co.nz
Perfect Time Of Year For The Free Riders
The day is gloomy and patches of rain showers come across every half an hour, and just the odd bit of sunshine in between to mix it up, and this is the type of weather, at this time of the year, where you get the beach to yourself. And this is what we saw on Orewa beach - a group of free riders playing in the surf.... guys and girls.
With the wind blowing in the opposite way to what was predicted the waves were just little blips in the water, so when we saw 'Whitesox' upside down in the air, it was amazing and exciting. Everyone got decent 'air' and looked like they were enjoying the winter weather more than anyone else in the world.
See the photos on our PHOTOS page.
For more information on free style riding, check out www.dalusionfwx.co.nz
Jetski's Prove To Be Top Cure for SAD
SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder effects up to 20% of the population in winter, causing anti-social behaviour, lack of energy, and depression. One of the recognised natural treatments is 'light therapy' where the patient spends a set amount of time in front of a light unit or has special light reflectors set up outside their house to enhance the amount of sunshine received.
Research has shown that the family jetski is the perfect 'therapy' for everyone suffering from the 'winter blues'. The ease in which PWC owners can get to the water, spend an hour riding/playing and return home is proving to be another great use of these ever-advancing machines. The reflection of light off the water's surface, which accelerates sun burn in summer, is perfect for greater strength of light needed in winter to balance mental health.
With many of the top PWC clothing manufacturers getting into the game with winter gear, there is no excuse - especially in the North Island. Studies show just an hour of time on the jetski is a perfect dose, and this benefits your machine at the same time as PWCs are best run during the winter than stored.
Seeing we are now into the coldest months of our year and there are still healthy numbers of people going to the river or out fishing, there isn't any excuse for getting together with a friend, getting your wetsuit on and doing it!
Tauranga Jetski Club Back On The Map
After a five year 'recess' the Tauranga Jet Sport Association has reformed and membership is cracking! Long time racing enthusiasts, Leanne Brown and Grant Nicholson and their families are behind the club and it's re-launch. All enquires can be done through tjsa@xtra.co.nz and you can follow the club on Facebook. Membership season for this club runs from 1st May until 30th April. Cost is $50 for individuals or $60 for the family. Use the above email to request and membership form and get involved!
South Island PWC Websites Are Rockin!
Two newbies you might like to pop into your website favourites collection if you are a big jetski fan....
www.nzjetski.co.nz New addition to the NZ jetski community, with a South Island base, reporting on everything jetski! Launched in June, author and jetski enthusiast, Grant, is currently still updating the layout and getting it buzzing on the forum.
http://www.canterburyjetsportsclub.co.nz The new Canterbury jetski club site - and this looks to be one of the nicest websites around with fantastic layout. Content is current and hopefully they will keep it that way. This website should feature more as we lead up to the New Zealand PWC Nationals early next year.
Use Facebook To Keep Up & Have Your Say
An easy way to keep your finger on the pulse! We post info of events, new products and photos from our workshop nearly every day. Search Ski M.D Personal Watercraft.
Current discussion: "Is jetski racing too expensive"
Ski M.D. Newsletters
Our latest newsletter (SEPTEMBER 2010) is out! If you have not recieved your copy, please send your details to info@skimd.co.nz Next issue is due December.