KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – MotoSurf America, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports organizations, will return to Lake Geneva and Keystone Beach Pavilion from April 21-23.

After debuting a year ago, the group will stage three days of racing for riders of all ages. There are seven categories: Juniors, Women, Men Hobby, Men Pro, Electric Challenge, Electric Skateboard and JETSURF Tube Fun Race.

Qualifying and practice will be on Friday, April 21. Heat races, electric challenge and tube race will be on April 22 and category finals, skateboard races and closing ceremonies will be on April 23.

The stop at Keystone Heights is the first race in the MotoSurf Continental Cup championship.

According to MotoSurf America, the racing weekend will offer racing action for men, women and youth athletes. After the last year’s success, electric-powered motorized surfboards will measure performances in the Electric Challenge relay race. More competition, a simplified racing format, a friendly atmosphere and unique experiences will be aired in a CBS Sports Network 30-minute documentary.

A year ago, 20-year-old four-time world MotoSurf champion Lukas Zoharsky competed on Lake Geneva. Races approached 40 mph around a closed, angled course. Racers with the fastest-timed laps were declared the winners.

“I’ve done lots of races since I started racing when I was 10 years old in Czech Republic,” said Zahorsky, who has won in such exotic places as Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Russia, Singapore and Czech Republic. “There is not a lot of surfing in Czech Republic, but we have lakes.”

With his muscular, low-center-of-gravity build, Zoharsky looked similar to a short, stocky wrestler. His success came from his ability to lock into the tight turns of the courses and maintain high speeds around the buoys.

“The gas-powered surfboards are a little lighter than the electric-powered surfboards that were part of an Electric Challenge round of competition as the boards are new to the sport,” said Zahorsky, who entered the sport becasue his dad was friends with the motor surfboard inventor, Martin Sula.

“The lithium battery makes them a little heavier and tricky in the tight corners to turn.”

Zahorsky, who finished his high school education and is currently in a university for a master’s degree, explained that the courses on the circuit are fairly similar, with each course with special parts of the track with splits and a “joker” buoy.

The three-day event was made possible by a collaboration between the City of Keystone Heights, Clay County Tourist Development Council and Airstream Ventures. The event is free for spectators.