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A jetboard is a motorized surfboard, where the rider controls the speed using a handheld remote control (wireless or tethered) and uses the bodyweight transfer to maneuver the board. The driveline typically consists of a water jet module (similar to what is found in a PWC), and either a combustion engine or a battery powered electrical motor. Serving as an alternative to standard surfboards, the jetboard also allows differently abled athletes to engage in the sport.

Use

Jetboards remove the difficulties of conventional surfboards as they can be ridden without wind or waves. There is also no need for paddling, as the boards can be ridden at the touch of a button. Compared to traditional surfing, jetboarding can be easily learned and allows the user to become proficient in a short time. This makes this water sport suitable for a large audience of different physical conditions, ages, experience levels and riding styles. In addition, jetboarding can take place on lakes, rivers, canals, seas and oceans alike, making it further accessible to larger groups of people. In addition to private ownership, rental operations are becoming available at places resorts and boating hotspots. Furthermore, jetboards have found a niche as recreational accessories for yacht, sailing boats, and catamarans, adding to their appeal among water sports enthusiasts. Other opportunities outside of luxury such as use for disabled and adaptive athletes allow for the Jetboard to have widespread use and influence a multitude of different groups.

Alongside other electrically powered board embodiments, such as efoils, jetboards are gaining in popularity worldwide and are poised to become a permanent addition to traditional water sports.

History

Motorized surfboards have existed as hobbyist projects in various designs since at least the 1930s, originally in the shape of regular wooden surfboards with small engines attached.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] The first recognized board was known as the Surf Scooter, and was featured in a major Australian newspaper in 1935.^[3] Then came the Skimboat, which more resembled an actual boat rather than a surfboard. The board was powered by a 7 horse power engine, and weighed about 120 pounds. Despite its weight, it was able to be divided into three sections, making it portable.^[3] In the 1940s, Hollywood inventor Joe Gilpin decided he would try his own take on the motorized surfboard, but it never gained much traction. In the 1960s, the first commercially marketed jetboards were launched. The Jet Board, developed by Alfred Bloomingdale, is perhaps the most well-known. While it contains several features prominent in today's keyboards (such as a magnet leash kill-switch^[5]), it can be discussed whether the product was in fact a jetboard, seeing as its main purpose was to relieve a surfer of the paddling part of wave surfing. Another inventor, George Carter, introduced his product Surfjet in the same year. In the 1970s, Neil Townsend, after being diagnosed with a heart condition that threatened to end his surfing career,^[6] invented his own motorized propeller surfboard concept. His research helped pave the way for the innovations throughout the next two decades. Development of various motorized surfboards continued throughout the twentieth century,^[7]^[8]^[9] but it wasn't until electrification was introduced in the 2010s, that jetboards started to become relatively widespread. By means of electrical DC motors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, companies like Radinn, Lampuga, Jetsurf and Onean have been developing jetboards that are much easier to maintain and use, compared to their combustion engine ancestors, in addition to becoming very powerful and fast^[10] New innovations made on the jetboard allow for the aforementioned lithium-ion batteries to be swapped out when power is low, so that the user can continuously surf without having to go home and charge their board, and rather, they can just hit the beach, swap the battery, and continue surfing as they were ^[11]

Function

Jetboards commonly operate using a wireless controller, typically strapped to the hand, with a thumb throttle, controlling the power output to the motor at a given instance. A jetboard operates on an impeller system, which in essence, sucks water through as the board moves forward, and puts increased pressure on water as it exits the impeller system, thus generating thrust and propelling the board forward, relative to the given throttle control output.

Adaptive Surfing

The development of this jetboard technology enables adaptive athletes to engage in surfing. Members of the adaptive surfing^[12] community require accommodations to get onto the waves, needing specialty boards or a support crew to help push them into the surf.

The integration of a motor within the board^[13] eliminates the need for paddling, walking, or external assistance thus enabling athletes with disabilities to participate in the sport.

Thanks to the innovation of the jetboard, it allows for adaptive athletes who've never experienced surfing to enjoy surfing, and allows new adaptive athletes who enjoyed surfing prior to gaining a disability to enjoy the sport they love again, thanks to the jetboards innovation. GoFundMe and other foundations are allowing adaptive surfers to get the funding required to afford these boards as well, allowing for inclusivity, even for those who lack the financial requirement.^[14]

Competition

Since 2012, jetboarding races has been organized by the MotoSurf World Cup,^[15] based in Czechia. In the competitions, petrol powered and electric jetboards compete in separate classes. Notably, as of 2019, the sport gained official recognition from the Union International Motonautique (UIM), which itself has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2010.^[15] Competitors mainly use JETSURF boards, which are CE and EPA certified.^[15] Riders can compete in various categories, which include Elite, Stock, Stock R - Merlin Plus, Masters, Women, Junior Boy, Junior Girl, and Electric Challenge.^[16]

Regarding racing rules, the International Federation of Motorized Surfboards was established with the aim of promoting safe usage of motorized surfboards, regulating competition events, formulating rules, governing racing, and furthering the interests of its members.^[16] These rules are intended to provide a framework for fair and safe competition, with strict enforcement expected.

References

^ "History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "THE AMAZING HISTORY OF MOTORIZED SURFBOARD IN 5 MINUTES FEATURED". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "surfresearch". www.surfresearch.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
^ "POWERBOARDING.com". Retrieved February 8, 2007.
^ "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ "Electric Boards on the Water: Better Every Year". Retrieved Nov 28, 2024.
^ "Adaptive Surfing". High Fives Foundation. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
^ "What is a jetboard and how does it work?". Luxury Surf. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
^ "New Surfboard Technology Opens Lineups to Paraplegic Surfers". Whyy. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
^ ^a ^b ^c "About MotoSurf World Championship". Retrieved August 8, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "MotoSurf WorldCup". motosurfing.com. Retrieved 2024-03-22.

[1] "History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[2] "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[:1-3] "THE AMAZING HISTORY OF MOTORIZED SURFBOARD IN 5 MINUTES FEATURED". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[4] "A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[5] "History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[6] "surfresearch". www.surfresearch.com.au. Retrieved 2024-11-30.

[7] "POWERBOARDING.com". Retrieved February 8, 2007.

[8] "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[9] "A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[10] "The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation". Archived from the original on January 30, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[11] "Electric Boards on the Water: Better Every Year". Retrieved Nov 28, 2024.

[12] "Adaptive Surfing". High Fives Foundation. Retrieved 2024-11-28.

[13] "What is a jetboard and how does it work?". Luxury Surf. Retrieved 2024-11-28.

[14] "New Surfboard Technology Opens Lineups to Paraplegic Surfers". Whyy. Retrieved 2024-11-28.

[motosurfworldchampionship-15] "About MotoSurf World Championship". Retrieved August 8, 2023.

[:0-16] "MotoSurf WorldCup". motosurfing.com. Retrieved 2024-03-22.

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+{{Short description|Characteristics, Use and History of Motorized Surfboards}}
-[[Image:Jetboard.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Jetboard on display at the [[California Surf Museum]]]]
+{{for|the Hydroflight device|Jetboard (Hydroflight Sports)}}
-<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Jet.board ad.jpg|thumb|left|150px| Promotional graphic for brochure of the Jet Board, from 1965]] -->
-The '''Jetboard''' was an early powered [[longboard (surfing)|longboard]] [[surfboard]].  It is one of the earliest, if not the earliest motorized surfboard, produced from 1965 to 1968. The original designer was a former engineer from Boeing Aircraft. It was designed to use an aircraft trim tab roller control with your foot for acceleration. There was a simple ingenious safety OFF switch, using a magnet that connected two electrical terminals across a point, located close by the engine's surface watertight hatch. The rider would attach a strap to his ankle with a flexible wire line to the magnet. When he fell off, it would stop the engine.
+[[File:Jetboard in Action - Radinn Carve.jpg|thumb|Jetboard in action]]
-To start it, there was a flush submerged pull start handle in the top surface of the deck by the engine hatch. Air feed to the engine was controlled by a flapper valve vent forward on the nose of the board's top surface. It sucked air in, porting it to the stern (or rear) of the craft. It was constructed of a heavy marine grade aircraft aluminum alloy to withstand the saltwater conditions it would be used in. The hull was self-bailing via a venturi effect off the grated forward water feed port, on the bottom of the board, that exhausted through the jet drive nozzle to rear for propulsion. It required [[Planned maintenance|routine maintenance]] to keep a tiny vent hole clear of seaweed or debris or the engine compartment would flood easily.
+A '''jetboard''' is a motorized surfboard, where the rider controls the speed using a handheld remote control (wireless or tethered) and uses the bodyweight transfer to maneuver the board. The driveline typically consists of a water jet module (similar to what is found in a [[personal watercraft|PWC]]), and either a combustion engine or a battery powered electrical motor. Serving as an alternative to standard surfboards, the jetboard also allows differently abled athletes to engage in the sport.
-This board wasn't designed to be like a modern jet ski or later jet boards that were completely self-powered by much larger engines. The main design principal behind it was to aide a surfer in getting out through the waves, instead of laboriously paddling. This powered board also aided in times of smaller ocean waves to push them along or in order to catch faster waves without paddling. Steering was accomplished by moving your weight around on the board and leaning similar to any standard surfboard. But this board was no lightweight and carrying it any distance (despite its flip out handle) at {{convert|11|ft|cm|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} long and weighing {{convert|85|lbs|kg|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, could be a real chore. Even with two people going to a remote access beach to launch it could be more work than paddling a normal board once in the water. In heavy wave action, you would not want this beast coming down on your head, if you fell off. So it was seldom used in rough water conditions for this reason.
+==Use==
-With its aluminum hull and unique flat lightweight custom Tecumseh {{convert|6.25|hp|kW|order=flip|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} engine and its custom Phelon ignition, this board was indeed fairly thin. It was, however, remarkably buoyant with only the engine compartment, air vent feed tube and jet tube to nozzle stern, not being filled with flotation foam. Being that this board was only around five inches thick, made it much more like its big log board, non-powered cousins. In the later model, this original engine was further modified for reliability. Originally designed from a custom single-cylinder chainsaw motor with custom water-cooled jacket design, fed by the venturi effect of the enclosed jet prop that also bailed engine compartment water out through the jet drive's stern nozzle. This also carried the exhaust gases out the rear nozzle with a preventive flap to keep water from getting into the engine, when it wasn't running.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerboarding.com/classicjetboards.htm|accessdate=July 19, 2006|title=Fueling the Powered Board Revolution}}</ref>
+Jetboards remove the difficulties of conventional surfboards as they can be ridden without wind or waves. There is also no need for paddling, as the boards can be ridden at the touch of a button. Compared to traditional surfing, jetboarding can be easily learned and allows the user to become proficient in a short time. This makes this water sport suitable for a large audience of different physical conditions, ages, experience levels and riding styles. In addition, jetboarding can take place on lakes, rivers, canals, seas and oceans alike, making it further accessible to larger groups of people. In addition to private ownership, rental operations are becoming available at places resorts and boating hotspots. Furthermore, jetboards have found a niche as recreational accessories for yacht, sailing boats, and catamarans, adding to their appeal among water sports enthusiasts. Other opportunities outside of luxury such as use for disabled and adaptive athletes allow for the Jetboard to have widespread use and influence a multitude of different groups.
-The early mock up hulls were made of wood, but later production hulls were made by the aeronautical company [[Sargent Fletcher]] in [[El Monte, California]].  They very expensive to build, being made of thick gauge form fabricated, marine grade alloy or modified aircraft aluminum (like a plane wing or floats on float plane) and were mostly made of custom parts. They were priced expensive because of this costly fabrication process and only saw limited manufacture of just over six hundred. Sales were mostly to elite surfers and the wealthy. Selling for almost a thousand dollars, they were over half the price of a new Volkswagen Beetle in 1965. Their initial development and production was funded by [[Alfred S. Bloomingdale]] who was said to dislike paddling and was heir to the [[Bloomingdale's]] Department store fortune).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerboarding.com/classicjetboards.htm|accessdate=July 19, 2006|title=Jet Board History}}</ref>
+Alongside other electrically powered board embodiments, such as [[efoil]]s, jetboards are gaining in popularity worldwide and are poised to become a permanent addition to traditional [[water sports]].
-'''Jetboards today'''
+==History==
-A jetboard is a motorized surfboard, where the rider controls the speed using a handheld remote control and uses the weight transfer to maneuver the board. Since the introduction of motorized surfboards a new water sport known as jet surfing has emerged.
+Motorized surfboards have existed as hobbyist projects in various designs since at least the 1930s, originally in the shape of regular wooden surfboards with small engines attached.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://motosurfing.com/eu/news/obzor/motosyerfing-istoriya/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130045915/https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://motosurfnation.com/the-amazing-history-of-motorized-surfboard-in-5-minutes/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=THE AMAZING HISTORY OF MOTORIZED SURFBOARD IN 5 MINUTES FEATURED}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blag.illicitsnowboarding.com/2013/08/a-brief-history-of-motorised-surfboards.html|title=A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag|accessdate=August 8, 2023}}</ref> The first recognized board was known as the Surf Scooter, and was featured in a major Australian newspaper in 1935.<ref name=":1" /> Then came the Skimboat, which more resembled an actual boat rather than a surfboard. The board was powered by a 7 horse power engine, and weighed about 120 pounds. Despite its weight, it was able to be divided into three sections, making it portable.<ref name=":1" /> In the 1940s, Hollywood inventor Joe Gilpin decided he would try his own take on the motorized surfboard, but it never gained much traction. In the 1960s, the first commercially marketed  jetboards were launched. The [[Jet Board]], developed by Alfred Bloomingdale, is perhaps the most well-known. While it contains several features prominent in today's keyboards (such as a magnet leash kill-switch<ref>{{cite web|url=https://motosurfing.com/eu/news/obzor/motosyerfing-istoriya/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=History of Motosurfing in the blog Motosurfing.com}}</ref>), it can be discussed whether the product was in fact a jetboard, seeing as its main purpose was to relieve a surfer of the paddling part of wave surfing. Another inventor, George Carter, introduced his product [[Surfjet]] in the same year.
-With exceptional growth in recent years electric powered surfboards have gained popularity worldwide. By providing an enjoyable and exciting experience, Jetsurfing is an innovative addition to traditional [[water sports]]. Motorized surfboards remove the difficulties of conventional surfboards as they can be ridden without wind or waves. There is also no need for tedious paddling, as the boards can be ridden at the touch of a button. Compared to traditional surfing, jetsurfing can be easily learned and allows the user to master the sport in a short time. This makes this water sport suitable for a large audience of different physical conditions, ages, experience levels and riding styles. In addition, jetsurfing has great application potential, as it can be used on lakes, rivers, canals, seas and oceans. Therefore, they become attractive rental choices for sea lovers and adventurers. On the other hand they are also attractive "accessories" for yachts, sailing boats and catamarans.
+In the 1970s, Neil Townsend, after being diagnosed with a heart condition that threatened to end his surfing career,<ref>{{Cite web |title=surfresearch |url=https://www.surfresearch.com.au/00000000x.html |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=www.surfresearch.com.au}}</ref> invented his own motorized propeller surfboard concept. His research helped pave the way for the innovations throughout the next two decades. Development of various motorized surfboards continued throughout the twentieth century,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.powerboarding.com/poweredsurfboards.htm|accessdate=February 8, 2007|title=POWERBOARDING.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130045915/https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blag.illicitsnowboarding.com/2013/08/a-brief-history-of-motorised-surfboards.html|title=A Brief History of Motorised Surfboards - illicit Blag|accessdate=August 8, 2023}}</ref> but it wasn't until electrification was introduced in the 2010s, that jetboards started to become relatively widespread. By means of electrical [[DC Motor|DC motors]] and rechargeable [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]], companies like Radinn, Lampuga, Jetsurf and Onean have been developing jetboards that are much easier to maintain and use, compared to their combustion engine ancestors, in addition to becoming very powerful and fast<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=The Amazing History Of Motorized Surfboard in 5 minutes: How did it all begin? - Jet Surfing Nation|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130045915/https://jetsurfingnation.com/index.php/2017/08/30/history-motorized-surfboard-begin/|url-status=dead}}</ref> New innovations made on the jetboard allow for the aforementioned lithium-ion batteries to be swapped out when power is low, so that the user can continuously surf without having to go home and charge their board, and rather, they can just hit the beach, swap the battery, and continue surfing as they were <ref>{{cite web|url=https://aquasportsplanet.com/how-does-an-electric-surfboard-work/?utm_source=chatgpt.com|title=Electric Boards on the Water: Better Every Year|accessdate=Nov 28, 2024}}</ref>
+==Function==
+Jetboards commonly operate using a wireless controller, typically strapped to the hand, with a thumb throttle, controlling the power output to the motor at a given instance. A jetboard operates on an [[impeller]] system, which in essence, sucks water through as the board moves forward, and puts increased pressure on water as it exits the impeller system, thus generating thrust and propelling the board forward, relative to the given throttle control output.
+== Adaptive Surfing ==
+The development of this jetboard technology enables adaptive athletes to engage in surfing. Members of the adaptive surfing<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adaptive Surfing |url=https://highfivesfoundation.org/adaptive-sport/surf/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=High Fives Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> community require accommodations to get onto the waves, needing specialty boards or a support crew to help push them into the surf.
+The integration of a motor within the board<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a jetboard and how does it work? |url=https://luxury-surf.com/blogs/jetboard/what-is-a-jetboard-and-how-does-it-work?srsltid=AfmBOopZoKFGA1OF_n-pkTAxkzfALHoryCFmUkuvA0im-sMMlWXE_kWa |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Luxury Surf |language=en}}</ref> eliminates the need for paddling, walking, or external assistance thus enabling athletes with disabilities to participate in the sport.
+Thanks to the innovation of the jetboard, it allows for adaptive athletes who've never experienced surfing to enjoy surfing, and allows new adaptive athletes who enjoyed surfing prior to gaining a disability to enjoy the sport they love again, thanks to the jetboards innovation. GoFundMe and other foundations are allowing adaptive surfers to get the funding required to afford these boards as well, allowing for inclusivity, even for those who lack the financial requirement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Surfboard Technology Opens Lineups to Paraplegic Surfers. |url=https://whyy.org/segments/new-surfboard-technology-opens-lineups-to-paraplegic-surfers/ |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Whyy |language=en-US}}</ref>
+==Competition==
+Since 2012, jetboarding races has been organized by the MotoSurf World Cup,<ref name=motosurfworldchampionship>{{cite web|url=https://motosurfworldcup.com/about|accessdate=August 8, 2023|title=About MotoSurf World Championship}}</ref> based in [[Czech Republic|Czechia]]. In the competitions, petrol powered and electric jetboards compete in separate classes. Notably, as of 2019, the sport gained official recognition from the Union International Motonautique (UIM), which itself has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2010.<ref name="motosurfworldchampionship"/> Competitors mainly use JETSURF boards, which are [[Conformite Europeenne|CE]] and [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] certified.<ref name="motosurfworldchampionship" /> Riders can compete in various categories, which include Elite, Stock, Stock R - Merlin Plus, Masters, Women, Junior Boy, Junior Girl, and Electric Challenge.<ref name=":0" />
+Regarding racing rules, the International Federation of Motorized Surfboards was established with the aim of promoting safe usage of motorized surfboards, regulating competition events, formulating rules, governing racing, and furthering the interests of its members.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=MotoSurf WorldCup |url=https://motosurfing.com/events/motosurf-worldcup-/?sphrase_id=503 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=motosurfing.com}}</ref> These rules are intended to provide a framework for fair and safe competition, with strict enforcement expected.
 ==See also==
-*[[California Surf Museum]]
+*[[Personal watercraft]]
+*[[Electric skateboard]]
 == References ==
 {{reflist}}
+[[Category:Surfing equipment]]
-==External links==
-*[http://www.scooterhelp.com/jetboard/jetboard.history.html Jetboard history]
-*[http://www.dailystoke.com/surfing/surfboard-from-the-60s-comes-with-chainsaw/ Surfboard Chainsaw Engine]
-*[http://bruceloos.com/Aircraft___Boats.html Bruce Loos Aircraft and Marine Collection]
-[[Category: Surfing equipment]]