In the 1980’s, Jet Skiing (as it was referred to then) was the new sport on the block. From the early days of jet bikes the sport progressed to Pole Skis and Kawasaki (who trade marked the Jet Ski brand) and Yamaha were the ski’s to have... in 440 and 550cc form! At this time Bitumix gifted a area of land and two small lakes formed from the old Ashby’s shingle pits to the Christchurch City Council. The lakes became known as the Lake Roto Kohatu Reserve and were to be used by cantabrian’s for recreational use. Around the same time a small group of Canterbury Jet Skiers formed a club and named it ‘The Canterbury Jet Sports Club’. The City Councillors and the early CJSC members had the foresight to create a designated area where Jet Skiers could train, race and play together without bothering other water users. And so the home of the CJSC was started.

The lake area was slowly developed by the CCC with help from the hard working club members and included plantings and the Start line area for race days. 1995 saw the first national event held at the Lake. It was a resounding success and the rest of the PWC community could not believe how amazing our facility was. The sport was growing fast and to help regulate it the CJSC joined forces with other regions and in 1997 the New Zealand Jet Sports Boating Association was formed. A National Governing Body to control the future growth and safety of the sport in NZ.

Throughout the years the CJSC and Lake Roto Kohatu have seen many changes. Runabouts (sit downs) and sport boats were introduced along with new brands Seadoo (now Bombardier Recreational Products), Polaris and more recently Honda and HRS Bernelli (formally Hydro Space). Today’s technology has brought us 4 stroke craft that are quieter and more environmentally friendly. Now with a wide range of craft from Pole skis to 3 seater Runabouts available up to 1800cc, the sport is exhilarating and exciting.

Our humble club is still the largest in NZ and has hosted successful NZ National events in 1995, 1997, 2002, 2005 and 2008. The CJSC is an incorporated society and run by a dedicated committee consisting of NZ’s most experienced and respected PWC personalities. We boast the most caped riders in the country and our club members regularly bring home a haul of national titles. Our club is home to multiple World Champion ‘Mike Carstairs’, World Champion ‘Stuart MacKay’ and many other successful international competitors.

Today the CJSC remains the only designated PWC lake in New Zealand. Exclusively open to CJSC members for recreational use and specified race days the lake is a great fresh water facility where PWC users can ride, train and socialise. Now with bbq areas and long term plans in place for club rooms, play areas and toilet blocks the lake is fast becoming a family orientated safe place to ride your PWC. To find out how you can be a part of it, check out our membership details or upcoming events... welcome to the Canterbury Jet Sports Club.