MacClugage: Pinoy jet ski riders potential world champs

MANILA, Philippines - American world jet ski champion Chris MacClugage believes Filipino riders have what it takes to excel internationally.

He took note of the impressive achievements of ace riders Paul del Rosario and BJ Ang in the Pro Class of the annual World Jet Ski Finals held annually in Lake Havasu City – the acknowledged Olympics of Water Sports.

Del Rosario, whom MacClugage had trained earlier, copped sixth on his Pro Runabout division debut in the 2011 edition while Ang captured the ProAm Runabout Stock Overall third place honors, the highest achievement by a Filipino last year.

“I suspect that Filipinos are a natural in any racing sport, they love watching racing competitions and quite surprisingly, they’re quite updated with what’s happening particularly in the Formula One and the Moto GP,” said MacClugage, who conducted a series of clinics recently upon the invitation of the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines (JSAP).

MacClugage said he is willing to help develop Pinoys into world champions in the future.

“Filipinos are no different from the Americans and Europeans as far as jet ski racing is concerned.  I believe it’s all a matter of teaching them the basics of jet ski racing, giving them the proper training and exposure, developing their character and getting the right machine to push chances for a world title,” he said.

MacClugage is considered one of the all-time greatest world jet ski champions. He was 19-time IJSBA world titlist, a 15-time National ruler, a four-time Thailand Kings Cup kingpin, a two-time Japanese champ and a two-time European Indoor supremo.

He produced his greatest performance in the 2013 World Jet Ski Finals when he clinched the Pro Ski Open, Pro Ski GP, and Pro Sport crowns to emerge the first rider in IJSBA history to win the three major pro titles in a single season.

Speaking from experience in his regular training site in the Gulf of Mexico, MacClugage advised Filipinos to test their skills in rough water conditions, too, saying it will come in handy in the world meet at Lake Havasu.

“Most of the present crop of jet ski riders spend their practices on the calm, silent waters of lakes. I would strongly recommend that Filipinos do their training on rough waters.  It had been my big edge since even the water condition of Lake Havasu could suddenly change, turning from choppy to extremely rough,” MacClugage said.