Category Archives: Surfing

Big Wave rider Jeff Rowley deploys airbag to survive wipeout at Jaws

According to this article in Surfer Today, big wave surfer Jeff Rowley was buried so deep after getting pummeled at Jaws that he had to deploy an airbag safety device he was wearing. Apparently, he also has a miniature tank of O2 with him as well.

I’m not sure if the spill in the second wave in this video is the wipeout in question, but it could certainly be a candidate. I’m also unable to confirm if Rowley was wearing the Billabong V1 wetsuit developed by Shane Dorian and Billabong, which was announced last summer.

It’s good to know that the relatively new safety device for surfing can do its job outside of test cases. Wearable airbag technology is proving to be indispensable gear for big wave riders like Rowley and backcountry skiers and snowboarders alike, who risk being buried in tree wells and avalanches.

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McNamara drops into 45-footer on WaveJet prototype
Just how high-tech is surfing going to go? Certainly big wave riders need all the protection they can get and things like friends on jet skis and avalanche rescue inspired airbags are terrific tools for getting out of deep, dark wavy places. However, I’m afraid there will come a time when someone dies as a result of a mechanical failure, not at the hands of mother ocean.

Surfing and Zoomba
Surfing has finally made into the aerobics studio via the RipSurfer X, a treadmill like machine that combines the best in stupid fitness marketing with inflatable balls and a real board to stimulate the muscles used when, you know, actually taking part in the sport. Its patent is pending and it costs close to $800. Here’s a more affordable alternative.