Who Needs a Paddle Anyway?

So you want to go kayaking but just aren't interested in all that annoying, you know, paddling? Have we got the kayak for you!
Meet the Jetbuster Jetrider XT, capable of splitting the waves at 40kmh (and denting your wallet at $3000). Jetbuster used to be Surfango -- check out their new website.

Stand-Up Paddleboard...with a Jet Engine

In the past, we've brought you a few stories about jet-power kayaks, but how about a jet-propelled surf board?
Surfango Powerboard, a Quebec company, offers a range of jet-powered kayaks from 2.6 to 3.4 metres in length (and from about $3600 to over $4000).

In addition, they also offer a jet-powered surf board that's totally rad. And so's the price at $3700.
Check out their video here.

Pulsejet Kayak

Until about 24 minutes ago, I'd never heard of a pulsejet. Or ever thought of putting one on a kayak. Fortunately, New Zealand has crazy people who can think of insane things like this all on their own so that I don't have to -- all I need to do is just sit back and watch all the fun on YouTube.
It was built by Bruce Simpson, who also built his own home-made Cruise missile.
The video is embedded below in two parts. In Part Two, the pulsejet kayak races against an Olympic kayaker.

Shaun Baker vs. Niagara Falls

Extreme kayaker Shaun Baker is possibly thinking about taking his jet-propelled kayak over one of the most famous waterfalls in the world: Niagara.
According to this story in the Niagara Falls Review, Baker thinks that his jet kayak could launch him clear of the danger zone of churning water at the bottom of the Falls. According to the article:

To take on big waterfalls, stunters need to propel themselves far enough out to clear of the “soft” churning white water. But the danger in going too far is landing in the green water downriver that can be like landing on concrete, he said.
While Baker doesn’t have any immediate plans to take on Niagara, the most famous waterfall in the world, he wouldn’t rule it out completely.

His jet kayak can reach 40 kmh on a flat lake which could be enough speed catapult him a fair distance out of the danger zone. Of course, that's what a jet-ski rider thought in 1995 when he rode over the edge, planning to open a parachute so that he would glide to safety. The parachute never opened.
Another person tried to kayak over the Canadian side of the Falls in 1990. The kayak is now in a local museum. His body was never found.
Performing stunts at the Falls is illegal.
Is Baker really serious about it? Again according to the article, his response is so cryptic that it would make any politician proud: “I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it. I’m certainly not saying I would.”

Jet-Powered Kayak

Here's a little something for the kayaker who has everything -- jet power!
The ad reads:

"Expand your horizons... Be the envy of all your friends as you zip along at 20+ mph in your jet powered kayak. 2 models to choose from, Sit in and sit on top. 9.5 HP electric start 4 stroke motor. 80 miles on just 2 gallons of gas. Get to your destination in a hurry and then paddle. In stock Now."

This looks insane, particularly the sit-on-top! Then again, our modern lifestyle is so hectic that I suppose there must be some people out there who want to squeeze a 15 km paddle into twenty minutes. Click here to make an offer -- only $2900!
These aren't the first jet-powered kayaks to be built. As reported in Popular Science and featured on Top Gear, Shaun Baker built a jet powered kayak in 2007.

What I like most is that engadget.com reports on Baker's efforts with the headline: Man Sticks Jet Engine in Kayak, Somehow Survives.