Mark Gerner-Pro Endurance PWC Racer

MARK GERNER
Pro Racer

California resident

Mechanic: Aaron Cress

Race Boats: 2007 Kawasaki Ultra 250X and 2007 SeaDoo RXT. Too many modifications to address

Your Best Race?
2009 Mark Hahn 300 Mile Memorial PWC Race

What do you like best about endurance racing?
I enjoy offshore racing, it's intense. There is nothing like pushing the envelope at 70 mph in three to four foot chop while fifteen miles offshore.

Pit Crew-Supporters?
Aaron Cress, Zack, Russell Libby

2009 Sponsors:
PWCOFFSHORE.com, R&D Racing Products, Hydro-Turf, OTB Boots, Liquid Militia Clothing, Fly Racing

How many years riding? (not racing)
13 years

2009 Race goals?
Win the annual LB2CAT Offshore National Championship

Class you race under:
Pro/Am Race Boat #58

Most important lesson learned?
Never attempt to predict sea state, never.

Career Highlights?
Best win is the 2009 Mark Hahn 300 mile National Championship with race partner Robert Carreon

Favorite Quote?
"Strength and Honor"

Helmet and goggles?
Fly Racing Platinum, Oakley

Lifejacket?
Slippery

Wetsuit-bootes-gloves?
OTB Boots, Fly Racing Glove gloves

GPS Story? (global positioning system)
My GPS locked up one year during the annual LB2CAT race. I ended up next to a shark fishing boat in the middle of the channel, the shark boat had just dumped chum in the water. They were rather panicked when I rode up next to them to ask for directions (HA!)

Editor Note: There is an annual Mako Shark Fishing contest in the Channel

Favorite Dealership?
Dana Point Jet Ski and Clawson's in Fresno, Ca

Advice for anyone interested in offshore?
Ride as many hours as you can on rough water (never alone). But also train cardio off the water. NEVER ride alone in the ocean and always have the appropriate safety and communications gear.

Most important piece of equipment?
For racing, 'Lifter Wedges' made by HYDRO-TURF. They help keep your feet placement planted securely in the foot tray. And for Safety, a Marine Radio and GPS.

Ocean or Lake?
I never ride on lakes. I only ride the ocean. The ocean can throw multiple challenges at you at the same time, not to mention 8 foot seas. I love the intensity of riding hard in the ocean.

Who is your mentor/hero?
Ronald Reagan and Colonel Wesley Fox, United States Marine Corps (MOH)

Tell us about your mechanics focus for your race boat?
Speed AND reliability. Many boats can scream across the water at 80 mph, but will they stay together? The key for endurance racing is having a very fast but also a very reliable craft with exceptional hookup. The question is finding that point of diminishing return between 'speed and reliability'.