Where to buy Jet Skis?

Motor Action Media owner, Anna Glennon, interviews hip-hop icon and former Jet Ski racer, Vanilla Ice (Rob Van Winkle).

Known as one of the most famous hip-hop icons of all time, there’s not a soul that doesn’t know hip-hop legend, Vanilla Ice. But what many people don’t know about the legend is his extensive background in personal watercraft racing – that’s right; Vanilla Ice was a jetski racer.

Like many racers today, Rob Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice) rooted a love for action sports in motocross, where he began at a young age of eight years old. As he grew older, the Miami native bought jetskis to enjoy in the gulf near his home.

“The moon used to get so bright in the evenings on the ocean” Van Winkle recalled. “We used to ride all day, and then all night. [Laughs] I don’t advise that you do that these days!”

After showing interest in jet skis, he was quickly introduced to some of the most popular riders of all time. He spent weekends riding with the greats like “Jammin’ Jeff Jacobs, Victor “The Slasher” Sheldon and Chris “The Flyin Fish” Fischetti. They even helped him construct a course to practice on. After spending time riding with them, it was clear that he had a talent for riding, and these legends encouraged him to try his hand at closed course racing.

Following their advice, he raced at a handful of regional and national events, and immediately caught the bug.

“I was really lucky to get involved when the sport was really at its peak.” Van Winkle said. “Thousands of people in the stands and ESPN, it was awesome.”

The superstar vividly remembers one of his favorite wins during his time as a racer at the seventh National Tour stop in Seaside, New Jersey. He dominated the qualifier on his carbon fiber ski and even hole-shotted the factory Kawasaki boats on the line. Throughout the season his best finishes were second and third.

“I was so excited when I won in Seaside.” He recalled. “I jumped up on the stage and did a little rap!”

While he was signing record deals, he was also signing major sponsorship deals. In his first season, Sea Doo sponsored him. In 1995, he signed with Factory Kawasaki.

“Being on Team Kawi, I got access to factory skis.” Van Winkle said. “They were completely different than anything you could buy during the time. The motors had tons of power for closed course racing.”

His talent took him all the way to the World Finals in Lake Havasu City. After his first day of racing, he was holding on to a strong second place.