DIGITAL EDITION: H2X Show Makes a Splash at the South Point

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MAKING A SPLASH

The H2X Watersports Show are events that feature the world’s top professional jet ski racers and freestyle riders, wakeboarders and other acrobats demonstrating this “next wave” of action sports. This show is what you get if you combine high-energy watersports, with a spice of rock-glam, and an arena with a three-and-a-half-foot-depth, man-made indoor lake. Expect professional watercraft racing and freestyle jet ski jumping racers competing in head-to-head supercross style racing with qualifying rounds and a main event.

The brainchild of ex-jet ski racer (and jack of all trades) Tony “Grinder,” H2X is but one of many events he has produced, conceived and developed – such as “Motopsycho Mania” “Vampire Apocalypse” and more. Grinder himself is the founder, songwriter and vocalist of the group, “Means to an End,” an L.A./Las Vegas-based industrial hard rock band.

If you think he’s got a lot on his plate, consider that he’s also currently NASCAR training for the world’s first, hard rock, music-themed stock car racing team; as well as constantly developing his unique and edgy events for television; as well as to take globally. Grinder shares that he’s had over 20 years of experience staging extreme-sports shows, traveling as far as London, Rome and Seoul for past events. In all, he estimates that he’s staged over 100 shows throughout the world.

Such is the case with H2X, and as he puts it, “We’re the only people in the world that has a touring, water-based show in the world,” adding, “There are quite a few ‘arenas’ from around the world coming to Vegas to witness this.” Here are some fun facts about the event: the man-made, indoor lake holds 400,000 gallons of water, has a depth of three and a half feet, and takes approximately eight hours to fill. Not only that, but Grinder says that the cost to mount a show such as this one is in the “six-figure range.”

Grinder also shares that they use a state-of-the-art overhead pulley system which enables the riders/performers to be able to execute their back flips, triple jumps and what not. Not only that, there are also some “surprise elements,” plus some pyrotechnics, live music, ring side ladies, as well as an after party.

Likening it to the movies, “Waterworld” and “Blade Runner,” Grinder always manages to inject a “goth/post-apocalyptic/heavy-metal” theme to most of his events, and also, “a little of Vegas, too, with what we do in the water.”

Not to say that this event will only attract people who are fans of that genre, but essentially, all motorsports and extreme sports fans who would like to witness a one-of-a-kind event. All the stunts and entertainment at the show will perform to a backdrop of music and colored lighting effects. Even children can’t wait to attend the event, especially this one, as Grinder says, “There’s never been one elsewhere – that’s what makes this so historical and unique.” An added plus is that the success of the Vegas event determines future similar-themed events, perhaps even making it an annual show. “I told the people at South Point, after we fill the arena with water, I’m going to fill it up with snow,” says Grinder, half-jokingly, adding, “I’ve already gotten a lot of inquiries about staging this show here as a yearly event.”

-Rachel M. Sugay

H2X Indoor Jet Ski Race and Watersports Show, May 20-21, South Point Arena

Tickets are $20 – general admission, $10 – for 12 and under and $35 – “Splash Zone.” To purchase, call 702-797-8055. Show times are 8-10 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Each ticket comes with a complimentary admission to the H2X After-Party, May 21, from 10 p.m., venue to be announced. After-Party entertainment includes performances by Grinder’s band, “Means to an End;” as well as the chance to be part of a music video shoot and be amongst the audience as the show will be broadcast on national television, on Fox Sports.