Though not to be confused with Bond-esque ‘jet packs’, JetPads are arguably every bit as cool – and infinitely more environmentally friendly. Battery-powered and virtually noiseless, these brand new personal watercraft are being touted as a safer, more family-friendly alternative to the Jet Ski and Jetbike; JetPad’s founders are also expecting them to be exempt from most of the rules that govern the use of Jet Skis in the UAE.
With top speeds of about 45kph and a running time of 60 minutes once the battery has been charged for just 30, the founders of the JetPad have seen an enormous amount of interest since they first showcased their product at the Dubai International Boat Show earlier in the year, and are expecting many of the UAE’s hotels to place orders. The first major delivery of JetPads is scheduled for the end of May, and from then you can expect to see them skittering across the sea throughout the emirate.
Approximately 18 months in the making, JetPad technology has been designed in a way that will allow hotels to set an invisible perimeter outside which the watercraft will not work (it will shift to idle mode), meaning the vehicles will never stray too close or too far from shore, keeping everyone as safe as possible.
On the day we arrived at Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s Pavilion sports club to try the new technology out, we were able to make a little noise-pollution comparison of our own: there was a very loud Jet Ski competition taking place on the open beach next door. JetPad’s claims are no exaggeration – the sound emitted by the battery-powered engine as we slowly cruised away from the beach was barely a murmur. At the moment, there are two seating configurations available: one that resembles sitting in a go kart (aptly named Go Kart), while the Leisure model has a saddle similar to a motorbike, which can either be straddled, resting on your knees, or lain across with your feet dangling over the end.
Despite the fact we were only able to reach speeds of 35kph, it still felt incredibly fast. When Danny, the young surfer and instructor that JetPad brought on board to demonstrate the watercraft, suggested we try doing a 360° spin at full pelt, our first reaction was to refuse point blank, convinced we’d flip it and go flying. ‘Just go for it – I’ve tried to loads of times and I still haven’t managed to flip it,’ he insisted. With a great deal of apprehension, we chuged back to get some distance and pick up speed, before pulling down on the throttle and hurtling off in a straight line. Turning hard, we were amazed to complete a full spin without feeling even slightly in danger of flipping, and we were soon feeling dizzy with repeated attempts.
Back on land, JetPad chairman Alexander Schellnast explained that the vehicles are safe enough that a child of eight could use them, though no doubt the number of eight-year-olds hurtling about in the same stretch of water would need to be monitored in order to avoid light collisions and trapped fingers. As with any beach activity, a degree of common sense needs to be employed in order to avoid an expensive game of water dodgems.
Aside from the usual precautions, however, Schellnast believes the UAE and its 800km stretch of coastline has been crying out for JetPads since restrictions on traditional personal watercrafts came into place. Once the sale of the first JetPad designs has properly taken off and manufacturing is in full swing, there are plans to begin the manufacture of different variations, including the ‘Explorer’ model, which has a viewing panel, allowing riders to look at the seascape beneath them. Perfect if you don’t dive, but want to nosey around Shark Island in Khor Fakkan or Snoopy Island in Fujairah. And infinitely more useful than a jet pack.
JetPads are available to order from approximately Dhs60,000 per watercraft. For more information, demonstrations or to enquire about trying out the new technology, see www.jet-pad.com (04 399 6199).
