Newspapers / The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, … / June 27, 1991, edition 1 / Page 56
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JET-SKIERS are part of the scene anywhere along the Imracoastal Waterway these days. These two were photographed just east of the Holden Beac'hTridge'""' It's A Boat! It's A Ski! It's A Lot Of Fun! BY MARJORIE MEGIVERN Fifteen-year-old Brett Barbee does it. So docs 30-year-old Ben Edkins. Wanda Hewett, a motherly type who is somewhat older wants to try it, too. It's a very speedy kind of locomotion and all the rage on the water, the newest form of water travel known as jet skiing. Well, that's how it's known, but jet-ski is a trade name, like Kleenex; the proper term of refer ence is personal water craft. This new toy has been around for about 18 years. Kawasaki invented it, but in the last five years other manufacturers, especially Yamaha, have gotten into the act and this per sonal -maneuvering-in-water-at high-speeds has become a craze. It bears little resemblance to ei ther water or snow skis, nor is it powered by a jet engine, so the original trade name is a puzzler. But it docs "jet" along at a maximum 38 miles per hour with a 50 horsepow er engine powering a vehicle up to ten feet in length. With handlebars resembling those of a motorcycle and a stable base for sitting, kneeling, lying or stand ing, it is considered safer than many water sports. r "If it turns over, it comes right back up again," explained Brett Barbee, a teenager who spends a Jot of time on his family's craft, which was being repaired and not avail able for demonstration. The Bar bee's is one of the larger version, comparable to a small boat, that will accommodate two on a broad seat, encased in a fiberglass hull with a gel coat cover. The largest craft will seat three persons. "I sure want to try it," exclaimed Wanda Hewett, who works in the convenience store on Ocean Isle Beach owned by Brett's father, Terry Barbe?. "I'd like to sit behind Brett and hold on ught." She demonstrated by hugging him tight ly from behind. Both laughed at her teasing, but both agreed that people of all ages are enjoying the speed and flexibility of this vehicle. "It's safer than water-skiing... I would never do that!" she added. Brett noted, "You have to wear a life jacket with it," but he said no tests were required to qualify one to use the vehicle. A license must be purchased for it, however, as for boats. "What I like to do best is jump waves," Breu said, adding that there were no locations along Ocean Isle Boone's Cove Custom Framing & Matting We professionally preserve your prints ? original art ? photos ? needlework ? mementos Acid- Free Conservation Our Specialty A I - ... - ? Also Available: Original Art ? Prints Cross Stitching Supplies We can now vacuum mount your posters and photos up to 44"x34". Boone's Cove Custom Framing & Matting Resort Plaza, Bus. 17 S., Shallotte ? 754-6199 ? Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-1 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES are enjoying the speed and flexibility of these personal water craft, popular ly known as jet-skis. This couple have the larger, two-seater model Beach that are off-limits to this ac tivity. Ben Edkins, visiting the beach community from Chapel Hill, owns a smaller model, about three feet in length, that has no seat and requires the skier to stand, kneel or lie prone, holding the movable handlebars. "It's officially a boat," Edkins said, "so you have to obey all the rules required of boats." The cost ranges from $3,995 to $5,800, depending on size. According to a Wilmington boat dealer, it also depends on amenities. r "In the larger crafts ihere can be gas and oil gauges and a reverse divert er," he said. 'That backs up the wa terflow, giving a reverse effect, so you can actually ski backwards." So popular has this vehicle be come, the dealer said he sold out last year by June 15. "It's great! It's my second love, next to motorcycle riding," he said. However, the speed and maneu verability of the personal water craft has sometimes been used irrespon sibly and given it a bad name. "Some idiots out there get drunk and act crazy around big boats," he said. "When the rules are obeyed and people operating them behave sensibly, this kind of skiing is very safe. And by the way, anyone caught operating this craft under the influence can get a DWI citation." Monitoring of all water traffic is done by the U.S. Coast Guard and particularly by N. C. Wildlife offi cials. Brett looks forward to the return of the family craft. "It's a lot of fun," he repeated, "but I really like surfing better. It's cheaper." Showing Original Contemporary Art Currently Exhibiting July-September Masks And Mugs Ann E. Chadwick Baltimore Beverly Gable Clayworks Martina A. Moore Marylynne Eloise West Stop by and see us and get your free dolphin notepads when you visit. > 2nd Floor Seaway Printing, Long Beach Road Southport, (919)457-5656 ___ __ 8.00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Da/// & Most Weekends p/||g "Olfffllll "ftZ/PPV
The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, N.C.)
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June 27, 1991, edition 1
56
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