Social Riding: Hawkesbury River Run |

Regular OZPWC Social Rider Cathy Brett launching at Apple Tree Bay

Something about getting up at the crack of dawn and launching in the tranquility of the early morning that fills your bones with the very stuff of life – connecting to the energy of nature, water and fresh air. Now toss in a bunch of friendly riders, beautiful balmy weather, someone who knows where they are going and you have a Beaches Recreational Powersports Social Ride!

Derek the boss @ Beaches Recreational Powersports

Run every couple of months by Derek and Christian, Beaches @ Balgowlah in Sydney’s northern beaches is a Sea-Doo dealer who loves to get out with his customers but opens his rides to all, regardless of what you ride. Although a firm majority were Sea-Doos’ there was representation from all makes including a couple of Kawi 300’s and a handful of Waverunners including an old 2 banger GP1300R.

Starting at Bayview ramp for the majority and a fair few of the OZPWC Social Ride crew from Apple Tree Bay near Bobbin Head, we all met up at Mooney Mooney for a 10am kick off up the river stopping several times to regroup the 40+ skis in attendance. Good to see a relaxed presence by the NSW Maritime who joined the ride and were approachable and friendly and supportive of the ride the whole time so well done to them.

Peter Curic on his Yamaha FX SVHO

Pace was whatever you wanted to run as long as you didn’t pass the leader and I was fortunate in that I had the full options available seeing as I was on Sea-Doo’s brand new RXP300 2 seater rocketship courtesy of BRP Sea-Doo. However despite Derek’s assurance that I would have enough fuel I was somewhat cautious in applying too much WOT given the relatively small 60L cap tank, the 80+km distance to a bowser and the massive hp available which could combine to wreck my day. As it transpired Derek was right, I still had 2 bars showing on the gauge at our lunch stop at the Paradise Cafe at Lower Portland. Now I knew I could have a little more fun on the way back after refuelling just down the river a bit at Cliftonville. Ride back was a lot faster however getting seperated from the group meant a bunch of us got a little lost missing the right turn at Milsons Passage but after a 15 minute detour we were back on track.

Regrouping at Milsons Passage

A good amount of time on a ski reveals all and Sea-Doo’s RXP300 is one hell of a machine that demands rider input. It has phenomenal acceleration that keeps giving through the whole rev range till it tops out at approx 118kph but the T3 hull keeps you working to balance the very responsive nature of its v hull handling. Moving your body around, handlebar and trim control to get the most out of the ski in the chop and rough water is paramount. Turning is something else, wedge your knees in the Ergolock seat and with the lean in character T3 hull you will corner harder than you ever have. Another great feature that you do not appreciate till you have an extended ride are the wedge handgrips which really take a lot of weight off your hands when standing, providing more area to dissipate load.

A top day on the water meeting and riding with a great bunch of people of varying experience including seasoned racers Corey Styles, Nick Pilgrim and Mark Qu and also many first timers out for their first ride on brand new skis. I couldn’t think of a better introduction to watercraft than a big run up the Hawkesbury. Thanks to Derek and his crew @ Beaches Powersports for organising and leading and to BRP Sea-Doo for the RXP300 loaner.

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