How SandShark Invaded the Florida Keys
An Inside Look at the Latest “We Are The Sharks” Ride
It recently came to our attention that SandShark led a Florida Invasion—but it’s not what you think. Since 2021, the popular anchor purveyors have been attending and supporting jet ski rides, and it’s since spiralled into a series dubbed “We Are The Sharks” rides. From Miami to Lake Powell, SandShark’s curated events span the nation, uniting groups of riders from all over the US.
One group in particular, SandShark’s Midwest riding community Great Lakes Ski Riders, hosts its annual “Florida Invasion”—where jet skiers from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio spend about three weeks riding through Florida. This January, the Florida Invasion took over the Florida Keys, with the help of jet skier, influencer, and this ride’s leader Nick Roldan.
“The ride was absolutely incredible, we couldn’t have asked for better weather or calmer seas. We started in Key Largo, rode out to Alligator Reef Lighthouse in Islamorada, and wrapped up at the Islamorada sandbar for lunch and the Sandshark giveaway before heading back to Key Largo to end the day,” Roldan tells The Wake Edit. “We had over 60 PWCs, with riders coming from all over Florida and even traveling in from Pennsylvania and Michigan. The teamwork leading up to the ride truly paid off. We were able to get the information out clearly and engage with the community in a way that made everyone feel informed, welcomed, and excited to be part of it.”
Rider Hector Ramos chimed in, “The Keys didn’t just host us—they felt us.” He continues, “From sunrise launches to wide-open runs, every stop had its own vibe, and every rider brought respect to the water. No drama, just machines, salt air, smooth waters, food, laughs, and memories that’ll live way longer than the fuel we burned. I’m grateful for everyone who rode out, supported, filmed, and kept it solid the whole way. The Keys run is officially stamped—and this is only the beginning for the Sharks and this group I call family.”
The whole purpose of these rides is community. Jet ski communities are social clubs, a place where people can unite under a common passion for being out on the water. These bigger rides, like Sandshark’s “We are the Sharks Rides,” even bring these larger communities together. “The camaraderie, the smiles, the laughs, and the shared time on the water are hard to put into words, you really have to experience it to understand it,” Roldan adds.
Experiencing it is one thing, but leading a ride of that magnitude is a whole other. “Seeing the turnout and the excitement from everyone was incredibly rewarding, but what meant the most to me was the trust everyone placed in me to lead them through the Florida Keys. Leading a group of this size was truly special. While it came with moments of stress; making sure everyone was safe and no one was left behind. It was an unforgettable experience to lead so many of my peers, and something I hope to do more of in the future. I’m beyond thankful to Sandshark for asking me to lead this ride and for the trust placed in me. It truly meant a lot.”
So with Florida Keys under its belt, what’s next on SandShark’s docket? You can catch up with the brand in May at its Tunnel to Towers Foundation Fundraiser, co-sponsored with Cycle Springs PowerSports and taking place in the Tampa area. This event allows SandShark to give back to military, first responders, and their families. You can also expect to see more SandShark-sponsored events throughout Florida, Mississippi, the Midwest, and Lake Havasu, Arizona.
