BJ Ang makes waves in Arizona world jet ski Arizona

MANILA, Philippines - Ace Filipino jetski rider and former national champion BJ Ang of Networx Jetsports scored a rare feat for the Philippines in the international scene when he captured the ProAm Runabout Stock overall third place recently in the 2014 Jettribe World Jet Ski Finals in Lake Havasu City in Arizona.

It was the first time that a Filipino ever bagged a major podium finish as Ang’s feat also marked the highest achievement by a Filipino since the local governing body Jet Sports Association of the Philippines (JSAP) started sending contingents in 1996 to the most prestigious World Jet Ski Finals.        

He consistently finished fifth in both Moto 1 and Moto 2 of the Pro Stock, earninng points that steered him to overall third behind runner-up Eric Francis of Monster Energy-Hydro Turf Team from Palm Beach West Florida and champion Yamaha Riva rider Aero Aswar of Indonesia.

Organized by the world governing International Jetsports and Boating Association (IJSBA), the World Jet Ski Finals, dubbed as the “Olympics of Watercraft Racing”, is an annual international event participated in by no less than 160 member countries that send a delegation of riders to compete for the titles at stake, including the three premier classes of the world championships – Pro Open, Pro Ski and Pro Stock.

The feat was a wish granted for Ang who started competing in the local Petron Jet Ski Series at age 9. 

His father Willie Ang introduced him to the sport and has since supported his racing career for years after proving for himself his son’s exemplary skills, discipline, determination, dedication and most of all the love for the jet ski racing that pivoted his fast rise into the elite circle of ace riders at such a young age.

But witnessing the World Jet Ski Finals for the first time came as the biggest turning point in his career, influencing BJ Ang’s racing maturity and outlook.  It was then when BJ started nurturing the dream to deliver a milestone that would put the country in the spotlight of World Jetski.

For years, he never gave up on the dream that turned into reality on this international stint which he set to be his last.

“It’s really been quite hard trying to put a balance between the hectic schedules of work and the rigorous demands of preparing for such an international event. That’s why I decided this will be my last,” said  Ang.