Jetski lap proves popular

More than 100 jetskis landed for breakfast at Ōmokoroa last month, in the third annual social lap around Matakana Island. Tour organiser, Sean Joyce of Action Sports Direct at Mount Maunganui, says an aerial count using drone footage showed 130 plus craft on Sunday 14th March.

The number was down a little on last year’s 170. Sean says Auckland’s Level 2 lockdown may have had an effect.

“The weather is also hard to predict. Conditions can change, but the whole day turned out to be awesome. We need a full tide, hence an early start this year which may have been another factor for some of those who joined us last year,” Sean says.

The social lap launched at the southern end of Matakana Island then went down to Anzac Bay for 20 minutes and on to Ōmokoroa for breakfast.

“We changed our plans a bit because it was the same weekend as a triathlon in Pilot Bay. People love to do it; it’s a bucket list thing. Having a large group makes an open ocean trip accessible for people by taking the fear away. It’s less intimidating, and our harbour access to water in the Western Bay is incredible,” says Sean.

He says the jetski market has expanded in recent years from traditional recreational use like touring, towing, and racing into fishing.

Action Sports Direct says it is the Bay’s largest Sea-Doo and off-road Can-Am dealer, and also stocks one of the largest selections of pre-owned Harley motorcycles in New Zealand. PHOTOS: Bevan Collings, also a master of his craft.