Performing turns
When performing a turn in an IRB, the IRB Crewperson can have a significant impact on the responsiveness of the IRB by appropriately moving their weight around in the IRB. The IRB Driver should always communicate clearly to the IRB Crewperson so that the IRB can perform effectively and safely.
Key points for performing turns:
- The IRB Crewperson should always lean to the same side the IRB is turning towards
- Default turning direction should be port (Driver) side which involves pushing the tiler arm away. This causes the IRB Crewperson’s weight to push on the buoyancy tube on the inside of the turn further down, into the water creating better grip of the water
- The amount of movement required will depend on the weight of the IRB Crewperson and the weight and position of the IRB Driver
- Three points of contact should always be maintained by the IRB Crewperson
- The IRB Driver should reduce to a lower speed before changing the motor direction and then accelerating during the turn
- The IRB Driver should advise the IRB Crewperson of their intention to turn before performing the turn
- It is recommended that IRB Drivers practice performing turns in flat water or past the break initially
Port Turns
When the IRB is performing a port (left) turn:
- The IRB Crewperson should move their body towards the port (Drivers) side for the IRB.
- The IRB Crewperson should lean inwards of the IRB always holding on to the bow handle and the crew operator handle, with the left foot in a crew foot strap
- The IRB Driver leans outwards of the IRB always holding the tiler arm, foot in a driver foot strap and left hand holding the driver operator handle
- When performing a tighter turn the IRB Crewperson may crouch in the centre of the IRB, while maintaining their left foot in a crew foot strap, maintaining their palm up grip on the crew operator handle and holding the bow rope and port passenger operator handle with their left hand.
Starboard Turns
When the IRB is performing a starboard (right) turn:
• The IRB Crewperson should move their body out of the starboard (Crewperson) side of the IRB
• The IRB Crewperson should lean out of the IRB, always holding on to the bow handle and the crew operator handle, with the left foot in a crew foot strap
• The IRB Driver leans inwards of the IRB always holding the tiler arm, foot in a driver foot strap and left hand holding the driver operator handle
Performing a Turn Before a Wave
When performing a turn prior to a broken or unbroken wave:
- The IRB Driver should advise the IRB Crewperson of their intention to turn before the wave
- Ensure that the IRB Crewperson is ready with three points of contact
- The IRB Driver may throttle off to perform a tighter turn and then slight acceleration over a wave or as they turn back to shore
Parallel running
This is typically the quickest and safest way of moving along the beach with appropriate spacing from the break zone. The IRB remains in the white-water zone.
The technique:
- IRB Driver maintains a constant speed to maintain vessel stability and trim
- IRB Crewperson positions themself, so they are leaning into the wave or towards the high point of the IRB. When travelling with the wave on the starboard side the IRB Crewperson leans out of the IRB. When travelling with the wave on the port (drivers) side the IRB Crewperson leans into the IRB. This positioning will prevent the IRB capsizing.
- IRB Driver should meet the wave at a 45-degree angle for smaller waves. For bigger waves, meet at a 1 o’clock angle.
- The IRB Driver should aim to meet the wave where it is weakest.
Punching a wave
The IRB Driver is to consider the safety of everyone on board by avoiding the need to negotiate a wave that is about to break on or directly in front of the IRB. Manoeuvring directly through such waves is known as punching. If a situation is reached where punching is unavoidable, the IRB Driver is to instruct the IRB Crewperson to assume the emergency punch position, by commanding “punch” as the IRB meets the wave. The IRB Driver, from an initially slow speed, meets the wave with sufficient force to break through at an angle of 1 o’clock. The IRB Driver should also crouch down and lean forward so that the wave can pass over.
Negotiating waves
In general terms, the IRB must always be operated to the IRB Crewperson’s ability and the IRB Driver must be constantly communicating with the Crewperson and providing advance warning of what they are doing:
- The best line to negotiate the surf zone may not always be the most direct route
- The IRB Driver should be assertive and decisive in moving through the surf zone to enable the IRB to be in the best position to manoeuvre
- The IRB Driver can hold the IRB in the surf zone with just enough throttle to go over the white water without moving forward. This position can be maintained until a lull occurs and then the IRB Driver should proceed forward to negotiate the ‘break’
- It may be necessary to turn and run away from waves or turn 360 degrees (doughnut) in the surf zone to ensure appropriate timing to approach waves
- When approaching a white-water wave, the IRB Driver should approach the wave at a 1 o’clock angle, throttle back just before the IRB reaches the base of the wave then accelerate before hitting the white water to lift the nose up and pop over the wave
- Where the white water is reasonably large, it may be necessary to accelerate the IRB more after the initial impact, to ensure that the IRB continues to travel up and over the wave
- Only use sufficient power or vessel momentum to match the force of the wave. Excessive power and acceleration over a “green wave” may result in the IRB becoming airborne. This may compromise the IRB as the IRB Driver has no control while airborne. It increases the risk of the IRB tilting or even capsizing and the IRB Driver may have less time to negotiate oncoming hazards. It may also compromise the crew increasing risk of injury or dislodgement.
- The IRB Driver should make adjustments for any movement (drift) which could carry the IRB away from the best position to negotiate the break
- If conditions permit, the IRB can be run parallel to, and clear of, the face of the wave until a suitable opportunity arises to negotiate the wave
- It is important for the IRB Crewperson to watch for and notify the IRB Driver of any swimmers or craft users who may be in the direct path of the IRB
Solo driving
Solo driving is an emergency skill and not intended as a routine way of operating an IRB. It is a skill that requires practice and should be used only operationally where the IRB Crewperson has left the IRB by accidentally falling overboard or jumping overboard to perform a rescue.
Typically, a solo IRB Driver will aim to retrieve the IRB Crewperson or move behind the break, as soon as safe to do so.
Alternatively, the IRB Driver will return to shore to collect a new IRB Crewperson.
There are two recommended methods of driving the IRB without an IRB Crewperson.
Sitting on a buoyancy tube
In this method, the IRB Driver remains in the normal position seated on the port (drivers) side buoyancy tube and leans to the centre of the IRB. Some IRBs are prone to excessive bow lift and may roll if a large wave needs to be negotiated, or if windy conditions are encountered. Port (drivers) side turns are preferred.
Crouching on the floor
In this method, the IRB Driver crouches or kneels in a lunge position in the middle of the IRB, with their weight as far forward as possible, and maintains control of the tiller arm in their right hand. This creates more stability when negotiating waves.