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Jet Skis: A Lifesaver in Surf Rescue in Big Wave Surfing
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Jet Skis in Surfing and Rescue Operations: Revolutionizing Water Safety and Sport.
Jet skis, a term synonymous with excitement and adventure in the water, have played a pivotal role in both surfing and rescue operations. This article dives into the history, mechanics, and impact of jet skis, shedding light on their transformation from mere recreational vehicles to essential tools in water safety and sports.The Origins and Evolution of Jet Skis
The journey of jet skis began in the 1950s with the conception of “water scooters.” However, it was Kawasaki’s introduction of its model in 1973, influenced by Clayton Jacobsen’s design, that marked a turning point. Featuring a shift from seated to standing positions, an internal pump jet, and fiberglass construction, these changes revolutionized personal watercraft (PWC). The JS400 was a stand-up jet ski powered by a two-stroke, two-cylinder 400cc engine. Today, the personal watercraft market is bigger and worth around $1.5 billion. The best-selling jet ski brands are Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Sea-Doo.Jet Skis in Tow-In Surfing
The concept of tow-in surfing emerged in the late 20th century when surfers sought to conquer waves that were previously unattainable through traditional paddling. In the early 1980s, Philip “Flippy” Hoffman made the first search-and-ride experimentations at Oahu’s North Shore outer reefs using an original stand-up jet ski by Kawasaki. In 1987, Herbie Fletcher towed young Martin Potter into a huge Second Reef Pipeline wave using a stand-up PWC. Pioneers like Laird Hamilton utilized PWCs to reach and surf waves ranging from 30 to 50 feet, a feat impossible with conventional methods. Hamilton, Buzzy Kerbox, Dave Kalama, Mark Angulo, Darrick Doerner, Rush Randall, and a few others formed the “Strapped Crew,” the collective who used water scooters to slingshot surfboards into waves that had never been ridden. The first trials took place at Jaws, Peahi, in Maui, Hawaii. Initially, they used inflatable zodiac boats, but by 1993, Hamilton and company were already testing jet skis. The initial models featuring motorcycle handlebars lacked thrust and were designed for riding flat lakes. Taking them to high surf was dangerous. The innovative method of towing surfers into XXL mountains of water expanded the horizons of surfing but soon also sparked controversy due to the risks and environmental concerns associated with it. The tow-in movement had its ups and downs, and the use of PWC in surfing activities followed closely. The accusations of lack of sportsmanship led to a partial return to the paddle-in purity, and the lineups crowded with motor-powered engines led to no-jet ski legislation and bans. However, the death of several big-wave surfers and the need for water safety patrols to monitor competitive arenas kept PWCs in the lineups. In recent years, jet skis have become an increasingly essential tool in the world of surfing, especially in surf rescue operations in big wave scenarios. These powerful water vehicles have transformed the way surfers interact with the ocean, enabling them to tackle larger waves and ensuring increased safety in the water. It’s undisputable – jet skis have saved countless lives.How a Big-Wave Jet Ski Works
A jet ski moves through the water using a simple yet effective mechanism. At its heart is a small pump located within the hull, the body of the jet ski. Inside this pump is a crucial component called the impeller, which is essentially a rotating fan. When you’re ready to zip across the water and press the throttle, this is what happens: the pump springs into action, drawing in water from beneath the jet ski through a special grate. The impeller then gets to work, spinning rapidly and forcefully propelling this water out through a jet nozzle situated at the rear of the jet ski. This process of shooting water out at high speed is where the magic of movement happens. According to Newton’s third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, as the jet ski expels water backward with great force (the action), it propels itself forward (the reaction). This not only moves the jet ski forward but also allows you to steer and maneuver it, giving you control over where you go and how fast you get there. In essence, the more water the impeller pushes out, the faster and more agile the jet ski becomes. The technical features evolved dramatically over the years. For instance, in the past, the single impeller pump generated around 500 pounds of thrust. Today, double impeller models created 2,000 pounds of thrust. Big wave surfers use several PWC brands and models in their big wave stunts. However, some characteristics are now shared by all, including:- Fast acceleration;
- High maximum speed;
- Lightweight hull;
- 1-3 seats;
- Rescue sled with handles;
- Rubber-protected tow rope;
- The brake and reverse are controlled by the left handlebar lever;