Start the... surfboard?

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KNYSNA NEWS - While it might seem like something straight out of Hanna-Barbera's animated TV show The Jetsons, motorised surfboards are in fact real, and two locals are looking to pioneer the sport of motorised surfing - both locally and around the country.

Ross de Jager and Andrew Goets are two Knysnarians who have a passion for sport, adventure, being out on the water and a bit of speed (but not too much).

So, to combine these four factors, they set out in search of a sport that would quench each of their thirsts and this led to the world of motorised surfing.

If you're anything like me, the idea of a motorised surfboard sounds strange at best.

Sure, you've probably heard of a hydrofoil - you know those surfboard type things that people ride and bob up and down on like they're dolphins gliding through the water?

Well these are kind of similar, except they have jets attached to them and don't require any bobbing up or down. All you have to worry about is controlling your speed, and staying upright.

Speeds up to 60km/h

Unlike ordinary, traditional surfing you don't even need to catch a wave or hang on the crest of a wave. You just get going, get up, and go. It's that easy.

"It took me a couple of tries to get used to it, especially the speed, but once I got into the groove it was smooth sailing ever since," said De Jager.

Goets shares the same sentiment, and feels it could be a great recreational activity for people who can't quite get the hang of traditional surfing. "It's a lot easier than surfing, so a lot more people can take part and the sport can cater for a wider audience too," he said.

PHOTO GALLERY: Two locals are looking to pioneer the sport of motorised surfing

It's quite something to witness too. De Jager and Goets simply grab hold of a rope that includes a small handheld remote to control your speed, and once they've reached their desired speed they stand and go, cruising around the Knysna Estuary.

"They can reach up to 60km/h on a full charge, and can go for about 20/30km if you manage your speed correctly," Goets said.

Ross de Jager enjoys a ride on his motorised surfboard.

Room for growth

Although the duo haven't tested the motorised surfboards over a distance just yet, they believe one could theoretically go from Knysna to Buffalo Bay on one charge. Further, they also want to grow the sport within Knysna through their newly established Knysna Motorised Surfing Club.

"The sport has enjoyed immense success overseas, and we are very keen to grow it here, along with local jobs in manufacturing the designs etc," De Jager explained.