This weekend, Aug.  20-21, the 2022 National Pro Watercross Championships will be taking place at the North Beach of Lake Charles.

According to Visit Lake Charles, this event will be an “action-packed competition” that “gives spectators an opportunity to witness the opponents’ athletic talents on their personal watercraft or jet skis.”

Watercross is an open-water motocross competition. Competitors use their personal watercraft or jet skis to race on unpredictable waters. Visit Lake Charles stated that the racers “challenge the notion of possibility by utilizing the most advanced watercraft equipment that reaches speeds over 85 mph, which radiates adrenaline from the water currents to the witnessing crowds.”

These competitions can take place on oceans, rivers, or lakes, making Lake Charles an ideal location for this event.

“Southwest Louisiana is the prime location to have an event like this,” said Eric Zartler, senior vice president of sales at Visit Lake Charles. “Our beach area is situated next to downtown Lake Charles and the interstate.”

“This gives competitors and spectators an opportunity to revel in the high-energy watercross race, a quick commute to their next destination, and the chance to celebrate in the heart of the city. We’re grateful to be the hosting city again this year.”

Food trucks for Big Daddy’s Sports Grill and Kona Ice will be located on the East end of North Beach to provide patrons and spectators with food, soft drinks, beer, and frozen treats.

A range of experience levels will be on display, from amateurs to professionals.

The event officially kicks off on Saturday with the Pro-Am races. The mandatory rider’s meeting will have the roll call from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. Failure to check-in to the meeting will result in a $50 fine.

Practice will begin at 9:15 a.m. Racing will begin directly after practice. The Pro Show will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pro-Am Classes will run all 3 motos on Saturday, while Amateur Classes will run 1 moto. The Pro-Am Championship Award Ceremony will take place 45 minutes post racing or post technical inspection.

On Sunday, the amateur racers will compete. The rider’s meeting will begin with roll call at 7:45 a.m. and begin at 8 a.m. Amateur Racing will begin at 8:45 a.m., featuring Motos 2 and 3. 30 minutes post racing the Amateur National Championship Award Ceremony will commence.

The IROC Stock, Pro-Am Runabout BOX Stock, Pro-AM Runabout GP, Pro-Am Ski Stock, Pro-Am Ski GP, Sport Stock (Pro-Am Class), and Pro Freestyle classes will determine National Championships.

It is recommended that participants pre-register for the event. The cost of admission for pre-registration is cheaper, running at $160 for amateur classes, $105 for junior classes and $220 for Pro-Am classes.

Registration will also be taking place on Friday, August 19, from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, August 20, from 7 a.m.- 8:15 a.m. Friday onsite registration will cost an extra $10 per class, while Saturday onsite registration will add an extra $25.

Spectator admission is free.

The race site is located at 1213 N Lakeshore Dr, in Lake Charles. Amateur parking will be first come first serve. To register for Pro Parking, email info@prowatercross.com with vehicle and trailer information.

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For online registration, visit prowatercross.org