



From a surfer’s perspective, it’s pretty damned easy to hate jet skis. They are noisy, they pollute, they buzz lineups and chop up sets, and they are usually driven by barneys from Texas. But for all of the vitriol tossed their way, it's hard to argue the role that jet skis have played over the years when it comes to heavy water progression. From Herbie Fletcher’s antics at Waimea Bay and the early tow-in scene at Peahi to Laird’s “Millenium Wave” at Teahupoo and the current use by water safety teams as paddle limits continue to be pushed, PWCs have gone a long way toward elevating the sport of big wave surfing.

With all of the attention that big wave surfers get from the surf and mainstream media, it’s easy to forget the guys facilitating their rides. And it must get a little old being that close to the action but never actually getting a taste – to always be the man behind the scenes, but never the man behind the curtain. While no one wants to see their favourite wave overrun by motorised wave riding equipment, a barrel is a barrel – no matter what you are riding While not an obvious question for those of us on boards, motoheads might just lie awake at night wondering when they will get their moment in the spotlight – when they will have the chance to step out from their supporting role and take their place in the lineup. After all, dirt bikes and snowmobiles cast off their utilitarian reputation long ago, with extreme athletes regularly flipping and spinning 600-pound pieces of machinery through the air. It seems their aquatic brethren are long overdue to step up and take the jet ski places it has never been before.

Enter Mitch Young. Hailing from Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, Mitch is a professional jet ski free rider, and has had his sights set on the barrel for over five years. And early last month, he finally found that happy place, sliding his ski behind the curtain at one of Vicco’s many slabs. Decked out in a motocross-style helmet and riding a $25,000 ski, Mitch wasn’t exactly the picture of soul as he motored through the pit. And yes, many will write this off as little more than a gimmick, a novelty act in a global lineup rife with GoPro selfies and other attention-seeking shenanigans. But while no one wants to see their favourite wave overrun by motorised wave riding equipment (Garret Macnamara and everyone else on Wavejets, please take note), a barrel is a barrel – no matter what you are riding. Putting ourselves inside of heaving waves of energy is as good – and as crazy – as life gets. And no one is going to deny that this kid is as crazy as the rest of us.