Surfers have been towed by boat, jetski, and cable, but a group of Hawke’s Bay enthusiasts have recently pulled off a first in New Zealand by drone surfing.
At the Clive River mouth, thrill seeker Jack Jensen became the first in the country to try the new sport as part of a mental health campaign.
The “Spark That Chat” campaign, run by Jensen’s production company MSFT Productions, focused on uncomfortable challenges, and has resulted in followers sending in clips from all over the world.
“It’s also about putting the phone down, disconnect and reconnect with what is in the present… it’s about ripping into it, connecting with those around you as well, like if you need a yarn, spark that chat, it shows so much courage to show vulnerability, to be real more than ever nowadays and it’s so important.”
Jensen’s big challenge was made possible with the help of one of only two pilots licensed to fly the DJI heavy lift drones in the country.
The drones, which cost around $60,000, are typically used for hunting and arable spraying.
Pilot and Aero Inspect company director Daniel Thompson said the flight was “really cool to do”.
“We’ll be refining these procedures to hopefully do more of this in the future.”
Jensen added: “The evolution of tech and action sports, humans pushing the limits and people building the equipment, it’s incredible… the rate it’s growing is wild.”
