Interview: Chris Hagest of Pro Watercraft Racing

Ride Stand Ups: Welcome Chris! Tell us a little bit about yourself, when you first started riding stand ups, and what prompted you to try? 
Chris Hagest: My parents were Kawasaki dealers in the 60,70, 80s. They were at the very first Jet ski dealer meeting in 1973 and I was born 74. I guess I was about 3 and my Mom would grab me and throw me in the tray and force me to ride with her. I hated it, scared out of my mind. It’s the big joke in my family. Wasn’t until I was in High school that I started riding with a friend (Eric Herman) then racing came soon after. 

Ride Stand Ups : You’ve had quite a career in the watercraft industry and racing scene; what made you choose racing stand ups and what is your greatest riding accomplishment? 
Chris Hagest: Racing came naturally to me, 1992 was my first year. I spent 2 years in Novice, 3 more in Expert and then went Pro in 1997, back down to Expert in 2012. Currently, I consider myself an amateur. My favorite accomplishment has to be always coming from the back of the pack and winning. I did that a lot. I think my all-time favorite trophy is winning Novice slalom at the 93 world finals. 

Ride Stand Ups : What inspired you to build your own custom hull and handling parts at Pro Watercraft Racing?
Chris Hagest:  I’ve always had the desire to develop the PWC. Since I started racing I always was confused about how one turn was perfect and the next was so not. When I met Kanamori he became my inspiration, I owe a lot to him and I loved my job at Kawasaki for many years. The ProForce is not a slight spin-off of another model. I worked almost every angle to improve the interaction with the rider and the water. I wanted it to be the best possible in my mind. 

Ride Stand Ups : What problems have you faced and overcome in this industry, and what do you do outside of skis? 
Chris Hagest: Finding the right balance, struggling with time invested and financial support. It was a very challenging 3 years. No time for other hobbies, family, and work, this is my current life. I love it. 

Ride Stand Ups : How is today’s jet ski scene different from years ago? 
Chris Hagest: So much has changed hard to list it all. What I can say is those that love the sport are the ones that are still here. 

Ride Stand Ups : Is there anything you would like to see done differently/add to in the current ski industry/racing world? 
Chris Hagest: Yes, for sure more respect for the riders. The effort put into a Pro racing program vs. the return is not balanced. The organizers could put more effort into highlighting the winners. I think this could just benefit all involved. 

Ride Stand Ups : Who is your greatest role model? 
Chris Hagest: Do I have to have just one? Jacob for style, Macc for grit, Rius for being French, Rob Flores for finally hanging it up. Just joking overall there’s no better role model than my wife. 

Ride Stand Ups : Chris, thank you so much for your time! A bonus question here for the readers: what advice would you give to other racers and people learning to ride? 
Chris Hagest: Follow chixwithtrix! Hang out with those that make you smile a lot of good times come from this.