Emery Burton, a 16-year-old watercross racer, recently secured a ninth-place finish at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. This achievement marks a significant milestone, providing Burton with a world ranking in the amateur ski lites class following a season of strong performances. The event, which concludes the competitive watercross season, brought top racers to the local waters.
Burton's qualification for the prestigious world finals came after a dominant season in the Western Canadian Watercross Association (WCWA). He finished first overall in two categories: novice ski lites and novice ski open. This success set the stage for his participation in the international competition.
Upon arriving in Lake Havasu City, the Burton family anticipated Emery would compete in the novice ski lites class. However, according to his father, Trevor Burton, this specific class was not offered at the World Finals. Consequently, Emery was elevated to the amateur ski lites division, a more demanding category that combines competitors transitioning from novice with those already established in the expert class. This unexpected challenge intensified the competition. Trevor Burton noted that "the competition was very tough," highlighting the steep learning curve Emery faced against more seasoned racers. Despite this, Emery managed to secure ninth place out of a field of 12 participants.
This result not only gave Emery a world ranking but also served as a valuable opportunity to learn from the experienced racers in the amateur division, his father stated. Beyond the main competition, Emery also engaged in the Young Guns program, specifically designed for racers aged 12 to 17. This program provided essential instruction from professional watercross racers and allowed for additional time on the course. A unique aspect of his participation was experiencing a slalom course that is, according to Trevor Burton, "only offered during world finals," further enriching his learning experience. Trevor Burton expressed immense pride in his son's ability to compete at such a high international level.
Watercross itself is described as a competitive sport where riders skillfully navigate a course marked by buoys while operating personal watercraft. The races typically feature stand-up Yamaha SuperJet watercraft, with competitors completing between six to eight laps per race. Unlike many other motorsports, watercross events are not timed; instead, racers compete directly against each other for first, second, and third place finishes.
Looking ahead, WCWA events are primarily held in Alberta, with discussions underway for the next season to commence in May or June 2027. Emery's new world ranking makes him eligible for the subsequent round of racing in Thailand, but the family does not intend to make that trip. Instead, the focus for the upcoming fall and winter months will be on maintaining and upgrading their watercraft. Trevor Burton voiced his optimism for Emery's continued progression, stating his hope to keep "levelling him up for next season and the ones after that."
