Shotover Jet - Dangerous???
Simen Aanerud
I just read some sad news in another NG that a Japanese tourist was killed
while riding a shotover jet in Queenstown, and I was mildly said, shocked.
I was stunned that this is even possible! It had hit a rock and then smashed
into a canyon, and how is this possible?? I was planning to do the shotover,
but now I'm having second and even third thoghts about doing it.
I was sitting with the impression that the jet was perfectly safe, that
there was no worries at all, professional drivers, safe waters!?! What is
this?? Of course I know there's a risk to everything, but not that, not the
jet!?!
Is anything fun safe anymore?
Simen.
Stephen Judd
Simen Aanerud <hans.a...@c2i.net> wrote in message
news:Af_X3.609$yW.2...@juliett.dax.net...
> Hello all
>
> I just read some sad news in another NG that a Japanese tourist was killed
> while riding a shotover jet in Queenstown, and I was mildly said, shocked.
>
> I was stunned that this is even possible! It had hit a rock and then
smashed
> into a canyon, and how is this possible??
Jetboats are very manoeuverable, and the drivers try to scare people with
last minute turns. Occasionally they screw up.
>I was planning to do the shotover,
> but now I'm having second and even third thoghts about doing it.
Nah, do it. Considering how many people do it, the odds are still pretty
good. As long as you can swim...
> I was sitting with the impression that the jet was perfectly safe, that
> there was no worries at all, professional drivers, safe waters!?! What is
> this?? Of course I know there's a risk to everything, but not that, not
the
> jet!?!
Well, there is definitely a marketing problem here.
Many tourist attractions provide the sensation of danger without real risk.
Jetboating on the other hand, provides both thrill and danger. Clearly some
people are under the false impression that it is no more dangerous than an
amusement park ride. the solution is probably honesty on the part of the
operators and promoters, rather than a change in safety standards.
> Is anything fun safe anymore?
If you seek authenticity in your adventure, it never was really safe. The
element of danger in adventure sport is necessary to the "fun". If you want
to be really physically scared in relative safety, you should probably
probably try rollercoasters instead.
Stephen
Nelly
<hans.a...@c2i.net> wrote:
>Hello all
>
>I just read some sad news in another NG that a Japanese tourist was killed
>while riding a shotover jet in Queenstown, and I was mildly said, shocked.
>
>I was stunned that this is even possible! It had hit a rock and then smashed
>into a canyon, and how is this possible?? I was planning to do the shotover,
>but now I'm having second and even third thoghts about doing it.
>
>I was sitting with the impression that the jet was perfectly safe, that
>there was no worries at all, professional drivers, safe waters!?! What is
>this?? Of course I know there's a risk to everything, but not that, not the
>jet!?!
>
>Is anything fun safe anymore?
>
The ShotOver jet is great and as sad as this case is this is their
first death. There are a few operators that have shocking records but
this is the first death for the Shotover.
I went on the Shotover in 1991 and if I had my way I would go on more
often, but many kilometres and a few dollars separates me from this
adventure. If I recall correctly the jet boats are only in a few
inches of water, someone correct me if I am wrong. They take you up
close to the rock edge and under hanging trees and a few spins and
thrills and it is all good fun. You wear life jackets in the boats
and after you have had your ride in the boat and are back on dry land
they take a nice photo of you.
I think the majority of the deaths that do happen are resulted from
when boats have spun right out of control and tipped everyone out
causing the odd few to hit their heads on rocks in the water. I don't
know if they are worn now but maybe safety helmets should be
implemented.
Go in the Shotover it's fun, your'e more likely to have a plane crash
on the way over than die in the Shotover jets.
Nelly.
SMJGKFC
ICQ 14823033
Rob W
"pilot error" and tend towards a mechanical malfunction.(The Press 15/11/99)
My pick would be either Kawerau Jets Twin River Jet trip on both the Kawerau
AND Shotover Rivers (1hr for around $60) or the Dart River Safari (About
5.5 hrs). 7k's of river and 20minutes is good once but I think I can use the
extra 20 bucks elsewhere
Simen Aanerud <hans.a...@c2i.net> wrote in message
news:Af_X3.609$yW.2...@juliett.dax.net...
> Hello all
>
> I just read some sad news in another NG that a Japanese tourist was killed
> while riding a shotover jet in Queenstown, and I was mildly said, shocked.
>
> I was stunned that this is even possible! It had hit a rock and then
smashed
> into a canyon, and how is this possible?? I was planning to do the
shotover,
> but now I'm having second and even third thoghts about doing it.
>
> I was sitting with the impression that the jet was perfectly safe, that
> there was no worries at all, professional drivers, safe waters!?! What is
> this?? Of course I know there's a risk to everything, but not that, not
the
> jet!?!
>
> Is anything fun safe anymore?
>
> Simen.
>
>
>
Rabbit
I found that the roller coasters in the US were more thrill. I want to try the
whitewater rafting next time. All activities had certain risk. My uncle became
paralysed after he had an accident while cycling when he's just a kid.