Jet ski surfing is one of the most enjoyable sports that many participate in; over the years, 85% of those who have tried jet ski surfing say that they enjoyed every aspect of it. This has made jet ski surfing one of the water activities people want to always indulge in.

If you love surfing big waves, then buckle your seat belt because we will be learning everything you need to know about jet ski tow surfing, one of the most exciting and extreme forms of surfing.

I will explain what jet ski tow surfing is, how it works, what the benefits and risks are, and what the best jet skis and rescue sledges for tow surfing are. I will also give you a list of the top 10 best jet ski tow surfing spots in the world, where you can find the biggest and most epic waves ever.

What is jet ski tow surfing?

Jet ski tow surfing is a type of surfing that involves using a jet ski (also known as a personal watercraft or PWC) to tow a surfer into a breaking wave.

The jet ski driver and the surfer are connected by a tow rope, which the surfer holds onto until they reach the desired position on the wave.

Then, the surfer lets go of the rope and rides the wave as usual while the jet ski driver pulls away and waits for the next opportunity.

Laird Hamilton, Buzzy Kerbox, Dave Kalama, and others in the mid-1990s pioneered jet ski tow surfing. They realized that they could use jet skis to access waves that were too big, too fast, or too far offshore for paddling.

They also discovered that jet skis could help them perform more radical manoeuvres and aerials on the waves, thanks to the extra speed and momentum they gained from the tow.

Jet ski tow surfing is mainly used for big wave surfing, which is surfing waves that are over 20 feet high. Big wave surfing is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous forms of surfing, as it requires a lot of skill, courage, and physical fitness.

Big wave surfing also involves a lot of preparation, equipment, and safety measures, such as wearing a flotation vest, a helmet, and a leash and having a rescue team on standby.

Jet ski tow surfing is not only a sport but also a form of art and expression. Jet ski tow surfers are constantly pushing the limits of what is possible on a wave and creating spectacular and awe-inspiring performances.

Jet ski tow surfing is also a way of exploring and connecting with nature and experiencing the power and beauty of the ocean.

How does jet ski tow surfing work?

Jet ski tow surfing requires a team of at least two people: a jet ski driver and a surfer. Sometimes, there is also a third person who acts as a spotter and a communicator.

The team needs to have good coordination, communication, and trust, as they are dealing with very high speeds, powerful waves, and unpredictable conditions.

The jet ski driver is responsible for finding and approaching the right wave and towing the surfer into it. The jet ski driver needs to have a lot of experience and knowledge of the waves, the wind, the current, and the tide.

The jet ski driver also needs to have a good sense of timing, speed, and distance and be able to manoeuvre the jet ski smoothly and safely.

The surfer is responsible for holding onto the tow rope and letting go of it at the right moment. The surfer needs to have a lot of balance, strength, and agility and be able to ride the wave with confidence and control.

The surfer also needs to have a good sense of direction and be able to avoid obstacles and hazards on the wave, such as rocks, reefs, or other surfers.

The spotter is responsible for watching the wave and the surfer and giving signals and instructions to the jet ski driver.

The spotter needs to have good vision and be able to use a radio or a whistle to communicate with the jet ski driver. The spotter also needs to have good judgment and be able to alert the jet ski driver of any potential problems or dangers.

The jet ski tow surfing team usually follows a specific protocol, which may vary depending on the location, the conditions, and the preferences of the team. A typical jet ski tow surfing session may look something like this:

1. The team arrives at the surf spot and checks the weather, the waves, and the equipment. The team also decides on the roles, the signals, and the plan for the session.

2. The jet ski driver and the surfer get on the jet ski and attach the tow rope to the jet ski and the surfer’s board. The spotter stays on the shore or a boat and gets ready to communicate with the jet ski driver.

3. The jet ski driver and the surfer head out to the lineup, where the waves are breaking. The spotter watches the wave and the team and gives information and advice to the jet ski driver.

4. The jet ski driver and the surfer look for a suitable wave and position themselves accordingly. The spotter confirms the wave and the position and gives the signal to go.

5. The jet ski driver accelerates the jet ski and tows the surfer into the wave. The surfer holds onto the tow rope and follows the jet ski driver’s direction.

6. The surfer reaches the desired spot on the wave and lets go of the tow rope. The surfer then rides the wave as usual while the jet ski driver pulls away and circles back to the lineup.

7. The jet ski driver and the surfer repeat the process until they are satisfied or until the conditions change. The spotter monitors the situation and gives feedback and warnings to the jet ski driver.

8. The jet ski driver and the surfer return to the shore or the boat and detach the tow rope from the jet ski and the surfer’s board. The team celebrates, shares, and reviews their experience.

This is the end of the first part of the blog post. I hope you found it informative and exciting. In the next part, I will tell you the benefits and risks of jet ski tow surfing, as well as the best jet skis and rescue sledges for tow surfing. Stay tuned!

What are the Benefits and Risks of Jet Ski Tow Surfing?

Jet ski tow surfing has many benefits for surfers who love big waves and adrenaline, which you may not know, but the below benefits are what you will get from it.

• It allows surfers to surf waves that are otherwise unattainable by paddling, such as waves that are too far from the shore, too steep, or too fast.
• It gives surfers more speed and power to ride the waves, which enables them to perform more advanced and spectacular manoeuvres and aerials.
• It provides surfers with more opportunities and flexibility to surf different locations and conditions, as they can explore new spots and chase the best swells.
• It enhances the teamwork and communication skills of the surfers and the jet ski drivers, as they have to coordinate and cooperate to catch the waves.
• It increases the fun and excitement of surfing, as it adds an extra element of challenge and thrill to the sport.

However, jet ski tow surfing also has some risks and challenges that surfers need to be aware of and prepared for. Below are some of the risks are:

• It exposes surfers to more extensive and powerful waves that can cause serious injuries or even death if they fall or get caught in the impact zone.
• It requires surfers to have a high level of skill, experience, and fitness to handle the speed and force of the waves, as well as to avoid collisions with other surfers, jet skis, or obstacles.
• It depends on the availability and reliability of the jet ski, which can malfunction, run out of fuel, or get damaged by the waves or debris.
• It can create environmental and social impacts, such as noise, pollution, or conflicts with other water users, especially in crowded or sensitive areas.

Therefore, jet ski tow surfing is not for everyone, and it should be done with caution, respect, and responsibility. Surfers who want to try jet ski tow surfing should have proper training, equipment, and safety measures, as well as follow the rules and etiquette of the sport.

Top 10 best jet ski tow surfing spots in the world

Jet ski tow surfing allows you to surf some of the biggest and gnarliest waves in the world that are otherwise impossible or very hard to reach by paddling. These waves are not for the faint of heart, as they require a lot of skill, courage, and preparation. They also offer a lot of rewards, as they provide an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

There are many jet ski tow surfing spots around the world, but some of them stand out for their size, power, and beauty. Below are the top 10 best jet ski tow surfing spots in the world, according to many experts and enthusiasts.

1. Jaws (Peahi), Maui, Hawaii

Jaws, also known as Peahi, is one of the most famous and iconic big wave spots in the world. Situated on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii, Jaws can produce waves up to 80 feet high, with massive barrels and powerful lips.

Jaws is considered the ultimate challenge for jet ski tow surfers, as it requires a lot of skill, speed, and timing. Jaws is also one of the most crowded and competitive spots, as many professional and amateur surfers flock there to test their limits.

2. Nazaré, Portugal

Nazaré, located on the west coast of Portugal, is another legendary and notorious big wave spot. Nazaré is known for its giant waves that can reach over 100 feet high, thanks to a unique underwater canyon that amplifies the swell.

Nazaré is also known for its unpredictable and dangerous conditions, as the waves can change direction and break anywhere. Nazaré is the spot where many world records have been set and broken, such as the most significant wave ever surfed by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017, measuring 80 feet.

3. Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Teahupo’o, located on the southwest coast of Tahiti, is one of the most beautiful and terrifying big wave spots in the world.

Teahupo’o is famous for its thick and hollow waves that break over a shallow and sharp coral reef. Teahupo’o is also renowned for its heavy and violent wipeouts that can cause serious injuries or even death. Teahupo’o is a spot for experienced and fearless surfers only, as it demands a lot of respect and commitment.

4. Mavericks, California

Mavericks, located near Half Moon Bay, California, is one of the most notorious and challenging big wave spots in the world.

Mavericks can produce waves up to 60 feet high, with cold water, strong winds, and dangerous rocks. Mavericks are also known for their shark-infested waters, as they are located near a seal colony. Mavericks is a spot for elite and brave surfers only, as it requires a lot of skill and endurance.

5. Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania

Shipstern Bluff, located on the southeast coast of Tasmania, Australia, is one of the most remote and wild big wave spots in the world. Shipstern Bluff can produce waves up to 40 feet high, with multiple steps and ledges that create a staircase effect.

Shipstern Bluff is also known for its rugged and isolated location, as it is only accessible by boat or by a long hike. Shipstern Bluff is a spot for adventurous and daring surfers only, as it requires a lot of courage and luck.

6. Cortes Bank, California

Cortes Bank, which is located 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, California, is one of the most mysterious and elusive big wave spots in the world.

Cortes Bank is an underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor and can produce waves up to 80 feet high, depending on the swell and the tide.

Cortes Bank is also known for its unpredictable and hazardous conditions, as it is exposed to strong currents, winds, and storms. Cortes Bank is a spot for exploratory and visionary surfers only, as it requires a lot of planning and preparation.

7. Belharra, France

Belharra, located near Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, is one of the most impressive and spectacular big wave spots in the world.

Belharra can produce waves up to 50 feet high, with a smooth and clean shape that resembles a giant wall. Belharra is also known for its scenic and historic location, as the Pyrenees mountains and the Basque country surround it. Belharra is a spot for skilled and aesthetic surfers only, as it requires a lot of technique and style.

8. Dungeons, South Africa

Dungeons, located near Hout Bay, South Africa, is one of the most challenging and thrilling big wave spots in the world. Dungeons can produce waves up to 60 feet high, with a fast and hollow shape that creates vast tubes.

Dungeons are also known for their cold and dark water, as great white sharks and other marine predators frequent them. Dungeons is a spot for fearless and adventurous surfers only, as it requires a lot of nerve and spirit.

9. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos, located off the coast of Ensenada, Mexico, is one of the most consistent and fun big wave spots in the world. Todos Santos can produce waves up to 40 feet high, with a long and smooth shape that allows for multiple turns and manoeuvres.

Todos Santos is also known for its warm and sunny weather, as it is located in the Pacific Ocean. Todos Santos is a spot for enthusiastic and playful surfers only, as it requires a lot of energy and joy.

10. Mullaghmore Head, Ireland

Mullaghmore Head, located near Sligo, Ireland, is one of the most recent and rising big wave spots in the world. Mullaghmore Head can produce waves up to 50 feet high, with a steep and powerful shape that creates massive barrels. Mullaghmore Head is also known for its cold and windy weather, as it is located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Mullaghmore Head is a spot for innovative and ambitious surfers only, as it requires a lot of creativity and passion.

Conclusion

As we have learned, jet ski tow surfing is a type of surfing that involves using a jet ski to tow a surfer into a breaking wave. Jet ski tow surfing is mainly used for big wave surfing, which is surfing waves that are over 20 feet high. I hope you have gotten a clue on what you will be getting while jet ski surfing.