CRAZY (FUN) FITNESS – JETBOARDING HAS ARRIVED!
Being a good Aussie bloke I spend as much time as I can on various boards. Surf boards, wake boards, kite boards and even skate boards. Really, all just further evidence of a middle aged dude trying to stay young and with it! Then I happened upon the ultimate board…one with a Jet engine. The Jetboard age is coming and here is my take on this amazing machine.
I had just test driven a Seadoo jet ski that is literally faster than most Ferrari’s from 0-100kmh, so on that I was in heaven! Brutal power that was so smoothly delivered it was ridiculous. The Seadoo also whizzed around the water effortlessly and was great fun in every way. However I must admit the power and handling were so accessible that a lad like me would probably look for more challenge in a few months. On returning the Seadoo to the generous dealership, I saw a Jetboard JetBoarder Powerski for the first time and was instantly interested.
The same length as a surfboard and not much wider, a Jetboarder Powerski Jetboard houses a 330cc 2 stroke engine with a non directional jet drive which means that to turn this board you have to lean. I was interested, and luckily Mr Chris Kanyaro, Director of Jetboarder Australia was in town (from the Gold Coast) and offered me a ride. I borrowed a wetsuit and off we went.
The Jetboarder Powerski JetBoard looked pretty wild! A simple handle is all that attaches you to the board, no foot straps, no handlebars, no way of staying upright unless you can tame this toy and learn how to surf in your first minute or two.
AMAZINGLY WITHIN 5 MINUTES I WAS LEANING THE BOARD OVER SO FAR THAT I WAS ABLE TO PLACE ONE HAND ON THE WATER LIKE A SKIM BOARD AND TURN 180 DEGREES IN AN IMPRESSIVELY TIGHT RADIUS. WOW I HAVE JUST LEARNT HOW TO TURN A JETBOARD. IN SOME WEEKS I AM SURE I COULD REALLY MASTER THIS FANTASTIC TOY AND HAVE LOADS OF FUN.
Chris was very reassuring and soon enough we had the 80kg board warmed up and ready to go. In flat water I can just about guarantee an average non-sporty person will get going on the Jetboard in 5 minutes. I stood up straight away and yes it was a bit awkward, but not hard. To turn the board you have to really commit to a turn. To start with, get your weight centred over the board and then turn the board with your feet and body leaning into the turn. Amazingly within 5 minutes I was leaning the board over so far that I was able to place one hand on the water like a skim board and turn 180 degrees in an impressively tight radius. Wow I have just learnt how to turn a Jetboard. In some weeks I am sure I could really master this fantastic toy and have loads of fun.
The Jetboard is best on fl at water when you start out, but a bit of Googling shows experienced riders are getting into wave riding and even jumping. YouTube shows some turning and zipping around that is amazing. Chris assures me these boards are capable of 75kmph! You can double someone; you can hang ten, jump, carve, and cruise. It is however quite challenging and taxing, so a long distance trip is not really the go. Th is board is great in spurts of 5-10 mins, which gives you the time to have a break and chat to the amazed onlookers!
After my first go I was hooked and the advantages of the Jetboard over some other water sports are plenty. Unlike wakeboarding you don’t need a $50,000 boat, a driver and observer to get on the water.
You don’t even need super smooth water like a water skier needs. It is easy to transport, can be launched just about anywhere, and it’s also worth noting that the Jetboard uses hardly any petrol when compared with most family boats.
The downside is it does create some noise, so be careful not to drive beach goers’ nuts by circling in one spot all day. You will also need a license the same as you would for a Seadoo or any Personal Watercraft, and always wear a good lifejacket and protective gear like a waterproof helmet.
There are a variety of colours and the Jetboard including a training package and rego etc will set you back around $9000.
Find out more at www.jetboarder.com.au or call 1300 551 691 for details of your local dealer.
AFTER MY FIRST GO I WAS HOOKED AND THE ADVANTAGES OF THE JETBOARD OVER SOME OTHER WATER SPORTS ARE PLENTY. UNLIKE WAKEBOARDING YOU DON’T NEED A $50,000 BOAT, A DRIVER AND OBSERVER TO GET ON THE WATER. YOU DON’T EVEN NEED SUPER SMOOTH WATER LIKE A WATER SKIER NEEDS.
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