How NYC Pirates Built One of the Largest Jet Ski Crews in America – NY Boat Show Podcast Series

The Bay Rats & Buoys NY Boat Show Podcast Series rolls on from the floor of the New York Boat Show at the Jacob Javits Center, and this episode brings the heat as we sit down with James, aka “Whiteboy,” from the legendary NYC Pirates. If you’ve ever seen hundreds of jet skis flooding the Hudson River and wondered who’s behind it—this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.

James breaks down one of the most jaw-dropping sights in Northeast boating culture: 400+ jet skis riding together on the Hudson River, an event that has become iconic across social media and the waterfront. What started as a tight-knit group of riders has grown into a full-blown movement, and James walks us through how NYC Pirates has exploded in size and influence since launching in 2017.

This episode goes beyond the rides and the adrenaline. James dives into the structure of the NYC Pirates, how the club operates, and what it truly means to be part of the crew. From safety and organization to brotherhood and respect on the water, he explains how riders of all experience levels can get involved and ride the right way. If you’ve ever thought about joining a jet ski club but didn’t know where to start, this episode lays it all out.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation is the Pirates’ commitment to giving back. James highlights how NYC Pirates consistently donates time, money, and resources to charities of all kinds, proving that the jet ski community is about much more than speed and spray—it’s about impact. From community outreach to organized charity rides, this group is using its platform to make a real difference.

At its core, this episode is about growing the jet ski and boating community the right way—bringing people together, promoting safety, building positive relationships on the water, and showing the world what organized boating culture can look like in New York City.

Recorded live at the NY Boat Show, this Bay Rats & Buoys episode captures the energy, passion, and momentum behind one of the most influential personal watercraft groups in the country. Whether you’re a jet ski rider, boater, or just love the culture of the water, this is one conversation you’ll be talking about long after the ride is over.