New to racing

Which class is for me?

Read down the questions and stop at the answer that fits you. Each one lists the classes a rulebook opens to that rider, cited to the rule, and links to the class page where the full rules are.

This names classes that allow you, not the one to choose. Check the class page and the rulebook itself before you enter.

What machine do you have?

A Yamaha SuperJet, two-stroke

IJSBA Ski Lites is only for the two-stroke SuperJet and the SX-R. IHRA takes the two-stroke SuperJet in Ski Lites, Ski GP3 and Ski Limited. None of these lists model years.

Classes for A Yamaha SuperJet, two-stroke IJSBA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski GP3 · IHRA Ski Limited.

Basis: (IJSBA 2024, SKL.1) (IHRA V.20260603, O, M and P)

A Yamaha SuperJet, four-stroke, 2021 or later

IJSBA and IHRA both run Four Stroke Ski Lites for this machine, and IHRA also takes it in Ski GP3 and Ski Limited.

Classes for A Yamaha SuperJet, four-stroke, 2021 or later IJSBA Four Stroke Ski Lites · IHRA Four-Stroke Ski Lites · IHRA Ski GP3 · IHRA Ski Limited.

Basis: (IJSBA 2025, FSKL) (IHRA V.20260603, N, M and P)

A Kawasaki SX-R 800

IJSBA Ski Lites takes the two-stroke SX-R. IHRA names the SX-R 800 in Ski Lites and Ski GP3 and takes it in Ski Limited.

Classes for A Kawasaki SX-R 800 IJSBA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski GP3 · IHRA Ski Limited.

Basis: (IJSBA 2024, SKL.1) (IHRA V.20260603, O, M and P)

A Kawasaki SX-R 1500

IJSBA Ski Stock and IHRA Ski GP2 are both written only for the SX-R 1500.

Classes for A Kawasaki SX-R 1500 IJSBA Ski Stock · IHRA Ski GP2.

Basis: (IJSBA 2025, SSK) (IHRA V.20260603, L)

A Sea-Doo Spark or a Yamaha EX

IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites and IHRA Runabout Lites both take the Spark and the EX in all years, but not the EXR.

Classes for A Sea-Doo Spark or a Yamaha EX IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites · IHRA Runabout Lites.

Basis: (IJSBA 2022, RRL) (IHRA V.20260603, AA)

What would you have to change or buy? Each class page above grades the parts, and the ones it marks Not legal are what comes off the machine before you enter. The aftermarket pipe is usually the first question, and the answer turns on the class: the expansion chamber pipe under IHRA, class by class.

Do you want to ride standing up or sitting down?

Standing up (Ski)

Stand-up machines race in the Ski division. The IHRA glossary says they usually take more skill to ride. Vintage stand-up classes are included, and each of their class pages names the craft the rulebook admits.

Classes for Standing up (Ski) IJSBA Ski Stock · IJSBA Fixed Steering Ski Stock · IJSBA Ski Lites · IJSBA Four Stroke Ski Lites · IJSBA Ski Superstock · IJSBA Ski Modified · IJSBA Ski Grand Prix · UIM Ski Division GP4 · UIM Ski Division GP3 · UIM Ski Division GP2 · UIM Ski Division GP1 · UIM Ski Ladies GP1 · UIM Ski Veterans GP1 · UIM Ski Juniors GP3.2 · UIM Ski Juniors GP3.3 · UIM Ski Juniors GP4 · UIM Ski Future Electric (SFE) · IHRA Ski GP · IHRA Ski GP2 · IHRA Ski GP3 · IHRA Four-Stroke Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Limited · IHRA Ski 1500 Modified · IHRA Ski 1100 Modified · IHRA Ski Vintage · IJSBA Vintage Ski · IJSBA Vintage Ski Limited · IHRA Drag, Stand Up Unlimited.

Basis: (IHRA V.20260603, EE, Appendix A) (IJSBA 2025, VSK and VSKL) (IHRA V.20260603, DD.10)

Sitting down (Runabout)

Sit-down machines race in the Runabout division. They are bigger, with larger engines than stand-up machines.

Classes for Sitting down (Runabout) IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites · IJSBA Runabout Stock · IJSBA Runabout Naturally Aspirated · IJSBA Runabout Limited · IJSBA Runabout Superstock · IJSBA Runabout Open / GP · UIM Runabout GP4 · UIM Runabout GP3 · UIM Runabout GP2 · UIM Runabout GP1 · UIM Runabout Juniors GP4 · UIM Runabout Ladies GP4 · UIM Runabout Veterans GP1 · UIM Jet Raid · UIM Offshore · IHRA Runabout Endurance · IHRA Runabout GP · IHRA Runabout GP2 · IHRA Runabout GP3 · IHRA Runabout Lites · IHRA Runabout Limited · IHRA Drag, 2 Stroke Unlimited.

Basis: (IHRA V.20260603, EE, Appendix A) (IHRA V.20260603, DD.12)

A Sport machine

IJSBA and IHRA both run a Sport division. Its Spec lists name the Kawasaki X2, Sea-Doo HX and Yamaha WaveBlaster 701. IJSBA's homologation rules define it in words, as craft designed for one or more people that traditionally have a seat, within set weight, length and width limits.

Classes for A Sport machine IJSBA Sport Spec · IJSBA Sport GP · IHRA X2 Vintage · IHRA Sport Spec · IHRA Sport GP · IJSBA Vintage X2.

Basis: (IHRA V.20260603, J.2 and U) (IJSBA 2024, Sport Spec; IJSBA 2023, VX2) (IJSBA Homologation 2023, HOM.3)

Is there one kind of racing you want to try?

Tricks judged by a panel (freestyle)

Freestyle riders perform a timed routine of tricks and are scored by judges rather than by finishing order.

Classes for Tricks judged by a panel (freestyle) IJSBA Freestyle · UIM Freestyle Free · UIM Freestyle Amateur · IHRA Freestyle.

Basis: (IJSBA 2025, FREST) (UIM 2026, 312) (IHRA V.20260603, CC)

Straight-line speed (drag)

IHRA writes drag classes for Yamaha, Sea-Doo, stand-up and two-stroke machines, from near stock up to almost anything goes.

Classes for Straight-line speed (drag) IHRA Drag, Yamaha Pro Stock · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo Pro Stock · IHRA Drag, Yamaha Spec · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo Spec · IHRA Drag, Super Stock · IHRA Drag, Unlimited · IHRA Drag, Turbo No Nitrous · IHRA Drag, Stand Up Unlimited · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo vs Sea-Doo · IHRA Drag, 2 Stroke Unlimited.

Basis: (IHRA V.20260603, DD.1 to DD.12)

Long distance (endurance, offshore, raid)

Long races over many kilometres or laps, often with refuelling. The UIM runs Endurance, Offshore and Jet Raid, and IHRA runs Runabout Endurance on stock machines.

Classes for Long distance (endurance, offshore, raid) UIM Endurance · UIM Offshore · UIM Jet Raid · IHRA Runabout Endurance.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 317.01, 317.02 and 317.03) (IHRA V.20260603, W)

Two riders side by side (parallel slalom)

Riders run timed laps, then the fastest four meet head to head, one run on each of two circuits, until one is left.

Classes for Two riders side by side (parallel slalom) UIM Parallel Slalom.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 313)

Flying on water jets (hydro-fly)

A judged tricks event. The rider wears wakeboard shoes fixed to a bar lifted by water through a hose from a runabout, and the organiser supplies two identical machines.

Classes for Flying on water jets (hydro-fly) UIM Hydro-Fly.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 900)

How much racing have you done?

None yet

IJSBA Beginners, with three races or fewer, may use Stock or Limited machines. IHRA Beginners race stock machines for up to three events. The UIM has no beginner level.

Classes for None yet IJSBA Ski Stock · IJSBA Fixed Steering Ski Stock · IJSBA Ski Lites · IJSBA Four Stroke Ski Lites · IJSBA Vintage Ski Limited · IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites · IJSBA Runabout Stock · IJSBA Runabout Naturally Aspirated · IJSBA Runabout Limited · IHRA Four-Stroke Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Lites · IHRA Runabout Endurance · IHRA Runabout Lites.

Basis: (IJSBA Membership, MEM.2.1) (IHRA V.20260603, C.2)

I am an Expert or a Pro

These classes require or recommend an Expert or Pro rider. Novices may not enter the ones that allow supercharged or turbocharged runabouts.

Classes for I am an Expert or a Pro IJSBA Runabout Superstock · IJSBA Runabout Open / GP · IJSBA Ski Superstock · IJSBA Ski Grand Prix · IJSBA Sport GP · IHRA Ski GP · IHRA Runabout GP · IHRA Sport GP.

Basis: (IJSBA 2025, RSS.1, SKSS, SKGP and SPGP; IJSBA 2024, ROP) (IJSBA Membership, MEM.3.1) (IHRA V.20260603, C.2 and V)

How old are you?

Under 15

Junior classes exist, split by age bands such as 10 to 12 and 13 to 15. The UIM and IJSBA ask a parent or guardian to sign for you.

Classes for Under 15 UIM Ski Juniors GP3.2 · UIM Ski Juniors GP3.3 · UIM Ski Juniors GP4 · UIM Runabout Juniors GP4 · UIM Ski Future Electric (SFE) · IJSBA Ski Stock · IJSBA Fixed Steering Ski Stock · IHRA Runabout Lites.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 302.01 and 315.01) (IJSBA Membership, MEM.1.2 and MEM.1.3) (IJSBA 2025, SSK and FSSK) (IHRA V.20260603, C.2 and AA)

15

The UIM lets riders race from 15, counting age at 31 December. That opens its GP4, GP3 and GP2 classes and its other events.

Classes for 15 UIM Ski Division GP4 · UIM Ski Division GP3 · UIM Ski Division GP2 · UIM Runabout GP4 · UIM Runabout GP3 · UIM Runabout GP2 · UIM Runabout Ladies GP4 · UIM Freestyle Free · UIM Freestyle Amateur · UIM Parallel Slalom · UIM Jet Raid · UIM Offshore · UIM Endurance.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 203.01.01)

16

IJSBA's usual minimum is 16, though local law can move it. IHRA sets 16 for Ski GP and supercharged or turbocharged runabouts, and may allow 14 with written approval.

Classes for 16 IJSBA Ski Stock · IJSBA Fixed Steering Ski Stock · IJSBA Ski Lites · IJSBA Four Stroke Ski Lites · IJSBA Ski Superstock · IJSBA Ski Modified · IJSBA Ski Grand Prix · IJSBA Vintage Ski · IJSBA Vintage Ski Limited · IJSBA Vintage X2 · IJSBA Vintage SC · IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites · IJSBA Runabout Stock · IJSBA Runabout Naturally Aspirated · IJSBA Runabout Limited · IJSBA Runabout Superstock · IJSBA Runabout Open / GP · IJSBA Freestyle · IJSBA Sport Spec · IJSBA Sport GP · IHRA Ski GP · IHRA Runabout GP.

Basis: (IJSBA Membership, MEM.1.2) (IHRA V.20260603, C.2.2)

17 or older

The UIM's top GP1 classes start at 17. A 16 year old who finished in the top three of GP2 at a World or Continental Championship may move up.

Classes for 17 or older UIM Ski Division GP1 · UIM Runabout GP1 · UIM Ski Ladies GP1 · UIM Hydro-Fly.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 203.01.01, 314 and 900)

Are you looking for a class kept for one group of riders?

Women

The UIM runs Ladies classes in Ski GP1 and Runabout GP4, and a Women Pro group in hydro-fly. Ski Ladies GP1 needs ten committed riders to run separately.

Classes for Women UIM Ski Ladies GP1 · UIM Runabout Ladies GP4 · UIM Hydro-Fly.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 314.01, 302.01.01 and 900)

Veterans

The UIM runs Veterans GP1 classes for riders 40 or older, though a later article says over 40. That later article, on the Jet Raid, Offshore and Endurance Continental Championship, lists Ski and Runabout Veterans and asks Veterans for a year of national or international championship racing.

Classes for Veterans UIM Ski Veterans GP1 · UIM Runabout Veterans GP1.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 302.01.05 and 302.01.07)

Which body runs racing where you live?

Looking for a race near you? This archive holds no calendar of coming races, and no page here can tell you where the next one is. The directory of organisations and affiliates lists the national and regional bodies with their countries, and the events are the past championships and tours the archive holds papers for. Ask the club running an event which body sanctions it, and the answers below say which rulebook applies.

IJSBA

Mainly North America, plus a network of national affiliates around the world that may set their own membership rules.

Classes for IJSBA IJSBA Ski Stock · IJSBA Fixed Steering Ski Stock · IJSBA Ski Lites · IJSBA Four Stroke Ski Lites · IJSBA Ski Superstock · IJSBA Ski Modified · IJSBA Ski Grand Prix · IJSBA Vintage Ski · IJSBA Vintage Ski Limited · IJSBA Vintage X2 · IJSBA Vintage SC · IJSBA Runabout Rec Lites · IJSBA Runabout Stock · IJSBA Runabout Naturally Aspirated · IJSBA Runabout Limited · IJSBA Runabout Superstock · IJSBA Runabout Open / GP · IJSBA Freestyle · IJSBA Sport Spec · IJSBA Sport GP.

Basis: (IJSBA Membership, opening policy statement)

UIM

Europe, the Gulf, and countries whose national authority is part of the UIM network. Your licence comes from that national authority.

Classes for UIM UIM Ski Division GP4 · UIM Ski Division GP3 · UIM Ski Division GP2 · UIM Ski Division GP1 · UIM Runabout GP4 · UIM Runabout GP3 · UIM Runabout GP2 · UIM Runabout GP1 · UIM Ski Ladies GP1 · UIM Ski Veterans GP1 · UIM Ski Juniors GP3.2 · UIM Ski Juniors GP3.3 · UIM Ski Juniors GP4 · UIM Ski Future Electric (SFE) · UIM Runabout Juniors GP4 · UIM Runabout Ladies GP4 · UIM Runabout Veterans GP1 · UIM Freestyle Free · UIM Freestyle Amateur · UIM Parallel Slalom · UIM Jet Raid · UIM Offshore · UIM Endurance · UIM Hydro-Fly.

Basis: (UIM 2026, 107)

IHRA

The rulebook names no territory. Its contracts fall under Ohio law, which points to the United States.

Classes for IHRA IHRA Ski GP · IHRA Ski GP2 · IHRA Ski GP3 · IHRA Four-Stroke Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Lites · IHRA Ski Limited · IHRA Ski 1500 Modified · IHRA Ski 1100 Modified · IHRA Ski Vintage · IHRA X2 Vintage · IHRA Sport Spec · IHRA Sport GP · IHRA Runabout Endurance · IHRA Runabout GP · IHRA Runabout GP2 · IHRA Runabout GP3 · IHRA Runabout Lites · IHRA Runabout Limited · IHRA Freestyle · IHRA Drag, Yamaha Pro Stock · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo Pro Stock · IHRA Drag, Yamaha Spec · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo Spec · IHRA Drag, Super Stock · IHRA Drag, Unlimited · IHRA Drag, Turbo No Nitrous · IHRA Drag, Stand Up Unlimited · IHRA Drag, Sea-Doo vs Sea-Doo · IHRA Drag, 2 Stroke Unlimited.

Basis: (IHRA V.20260603, A.2.4)

What the rulebooks cannot tell you here

• The class records name their eligible machines for most classes but not all, so a machine missing from the first question may still be eligible in a class whose record names none; the class page and the body that runs racing near you settle it.
• The UIM defines no skill levels, and its licence has no grades, so a newcomer can be matched to UIM classes only by age and craft (UIM 2026, 107).
• IJSBA names Veterans (35 and over), Masters (45 and over), Women and two junior ski classes named for ages 10-12 and 13-15, though IJSBA may allow riders as young as 8 in the 10-12 class and the local affiliate gives each country's age requirements, but the archive holds no class record for any of them, so the chooser cannot link them (IJSBA Membership, MEM.1.2, MEM.8.1, MEM.9.1 and MEM.10.1).
• IHRA names Junior Ski (8 to 15), Junior Runabout (12 to 15) and Veteran (35 and over), but the archive holds no class record for any of them (IHRA V.20260603, C.2).
• IHRA sets no general minimum age. Only Ski GP and supercharged or turbocharged runabouts carry one, so every other IHRA class is left out of the age question rather than guessed (IHRA V.20260603, C.2.2).
• The youngest age IJSBA allows is not settled: MEM.1.2 runs two sentences together and points to a Section 23 the archive does not hold.
• UIM Ski Future Electric is listed for ages 5 to 7 in one table while other UIM rules set the junior band at 7 to 15, and the class has no published technical rules (UIM 2026, 302.01 and 315.01).
• The class records do not say which event formats each ordinary class runs in (laps, slalom and so on), so the kind-of-racing question covers only classes that are themselves a format.
• IJSBA defines the Sport division only in its homologation rules, as craft designed for one or more people that traditionally have a seat (IJSBA Homologation 2023, HOM.3.1). The Sport Spec and Sport GP class documents and the IHRA rulebook name the division without defining it (checked 2026-10-06).
• Whether IJSBA Ski Superstock requires or only recommends an Expert or Pro rider is disputed between two readings of the class document.
• The Under 15 answer includes IJSBA Ski Stock and Fixed Steering Ski Stock only because their records say junior riders must fit a restrictor plate. This caveat said until 2026-10-02 that no held document named the classes the IJSBA junior groups race in. MEM.1.2 of the held competition membership document names two of them, Junior 10-12 year old Ski and Junior 13-15 year old Ski, and neither is one of the two classes above, so a junior rider may belong in a class this answer does not list.

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