We've had the pleasure of speaking with two seasoned enthusiasts, Campbell Jenkins and Peter Kalbfell. They'll share their experiences and expertise in the realm of adventure boating, jet boats, jet skis, and powerboat racing.
In the thrilling world of adventure boating and powerboat racing, we often find ourselves wondering what it takes to get involved, whether it's an expensive pursuit, and just how safe (or daring) it truly is.
To shed light on these questions, we've had the pleasure of speaking with two seasoned enthusiasts, Campbell Jenkins and Peter Kalbfell. They'll share their experiences and expertise in the realm of adventure boating, jet boats, jet skis, and powerboat racing.
Q.1 What does adventure boating mean and what does it cover?
Peter: Adventure boating from my perspective is running a commercial jet boat. We do whale watching, wilderness cruises, and thrill rides.
Campbell: When it comes to jet skiing and powerboats, especially in the context of jet skis, we primarily deal with production jet skis, which can be modified to suit specific requirements. What's interesting is that the racing rules for many of these watercraft have remained largely unchanged for over two decades.
On the powerboat side of things, it's a bit more structured. This sector operates under the umbrella of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) on a global scale. However, each country has its unique affiliation and organization within this framework. Safety is paramount in this sport, and enthusiasts dedicate considerable time to learning the regulations and guidelines established by the UIM.
The beauty of this setup is that it allows for some flexibility. Most countries adopt these rules as a whole or adapt them to fit their local conditions. Sometimes, they even introduce exceptions that align with the types of watercraft they have available. While there are certain Europe-wide standards, it's noteworthy that America boasts numerous separate classes that aren't seen in European competitions.
In Asia, there's a degree of flexibility as well. The region tends to cherry-pick elements from the UIM regulations. Our goal is to streamline this process, making it easier for those in Southeast Asia to access the sport, particularly those at the entry level.
We recognize that building the industry requires welcoming newcomers, even those without prior experience. Consequently, we're committed to providing the necessary training to help them become competitive and ensure their safety. This approach lays the foundation for industry growth in the future.
Q.2 Is adventure boating and racing expensive, dangerous, and hard to get involved with?
Campbell: Contrary to what many people may believe, getting into adventure boating and racing isn't as expensive as it seems. The biggest hurdle is often finding the right information. The cost is often more affordable than anticipated.
Peter: It can be challenging to get started, but it's not impossible. Personally, I had a custom boat built and went through extensive training to operate a commercial jet boat.
Q.3 Is it dangerous? What is the danger factor?
Campbell: Adventure boating, particularly jet skiing, is relatively safe. There haven't been many fatalities in this sport on a global scale.
Powerboat racing varies by class, with some being very safe and others posing more risks. Generally, these events are supervised, adding an extra layer of safety compared to other sports like riding motorcycles on the road.
Q 4: Are any of these spectator sports or are they all participation sports or is it a mixture of both?
Campbell: It's a blend of both, and it varies by location. Some locations offer great opportunities for spectators to enjoy the action.
Peter: Indeed, while it's not a paid spectator sport, certain locations can accommodate spectators. For example, we operate at the southern hemisphere's longest jetty, which allows spectators to witness the excitement up close.
Q 5: Where can we do adventure boating in Asia?
Campbell: When it comes to adventure boating in Asia, Singapore is a noteworthy destination. However, due to the mixed use of the water and the need for port permissions, it does involve careful planning to ensure safety is not compromised. While Singapore has some restrictions in place, the rest of Asia offers an extensive array of opportunities.
Asia, with its vast waterfront and large areas that remain undeveloped for shipping, is a hotspot for hosting adventure boating events. Malaysia, encompassing both East and West Malaysia, plays host to several exciting events in this domain. Over in Thailand, there's a substantial following for jet ski events, and enthusiasm for the sport is palpable.
The region's passion for adventure boating is evident, making it an attractive destination for both participants and spectators alike.
Whether you're seeking to dive headfirst into the action or simply want to witness the excitement, Asia's waterways have something to offer everyone.
The world of adventure boating and powerboat racing offers an exciting blend of adrenaline-pumping thrills and breathtaking waterway exploration. Thanks to the insights shared by Campbell Jenkins and Peter Kalbfell, we've gained a clearer perspective on these captivating pursuits.
Adventure boating and racing need not be financially prohibitive, and with dedication, they become more accessible than one might think. Safety, a paramount concern, is diligently addressed through regulations and training, ensuring that participants can enjoy these experiences with confidence.
The passion for adventure boating is undeniably alive and well in Asia, with an ever-growing community of enthusiasts and an increasing number of events and locations to enjoy.
So, whether you're looking for an exhilarating weekend getaway or considering a new hobby that lets you conquer the water, the time is ripe to set sail on your own aquatic adventure in this dynamic and thrilling world. Dive in, and let the waves of excitement carry you away!
Note: This interview is being run for the Boat Buyer Expo (www.boatbuyerexpo.com). You can also watch the interview on YouTube HERE.
About Campbell: Campbell grew up in Melbourne near the beach and loved boating and water-skiing with his family. He has 15 years of experience in the pleasure boat industry, where he raced powerboats, sailed around the world, and spent 5 years on a big yacht. Campbell also worked in IT at an investment bank for 5 years. He even worked in the oil and gas industry on supply boats and drilling rigs and taught Dynamic Positioning to others. He still races powerboats and sailboats today.
About Peter: Peter started Jet Adventures in 2015 after working in the rock lobster fishing industry in Western Australia. He helped design a special jet boat in New Zealand, built by Kwikkraft Boats in 2015. After getting the boat approved for Australian waters, he began running it in Geographe Bay in the Margaret River area. Nowadays, he offers whale watching tours, wilderness cruises, and exciting rides on the Exhilarator boat.
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