Proceeding Through Surf
Before operating in the surf, take time to assess the surf conditions from an elevated position on the beach. This will enable you to determine the height and strength of the waves, the intervals between them and the intervals between sets. Look for any inshore currents that may exist as this can affect the path the RWC may take. This may help in determining the most appropriate place to proceed out through the break using a rip, or non-break zone. The Operator should be assertive and decisive in moving through the surf zone to enable the RWC to be in the best position to manoeuvre.
Unbroken Waves
When approaching unbroken waves, the Operator should reduce speed near the bottom of the wave to minimise the likelihood of the RWC becoming airborne as it crests the wave. Damage to the RWC and/or injury to the Operator and/ or Crewperson may occur if the RWC becomes airborne.
Broken Waves
When negotiating surf, the Operator should consider the Crewperson and minimise punching through waves while the Crewperson is positioned on the rescue sled to avoid Crewperson injury.
When approaching a wave, it is important that the RWC has sufficient momentum to propel through the wave, without the RWC becoming airborne on exit from the wave. The Operator should throttle back just before the RWC reaches the base of the wave with sufficient momentum so that it rises over the white-water.
Alternatively, the RWC can remain stationary in the surf zone and at the last moment, accelerate appropriately towards the approaching wave, just prior to connecting with the wave. This will lift the bow of the RWC over the wave, rather than through it. This also stabilises the craft throughout the manoeuvre.
Punching a wave
Avoid punching large green waves whenever possible, as injury may result. The punching manoeuvre is appropriate to use in some situations where the RWC Operator may be rescuing a patient or shepherding members of the public. If no other option is available other than to punch through a breaking wave, the correct technique should be used.
As the wave is about to break onto the RWC, the Operator should:
- Plant feet firmly onto the deck.
- Adopt a crouch position, still holding handlebars.
- Keep bodyweight forward.
- The Operator should throttle off and accelerate at the last moment into the wave with sufficient speed to push through the wave, without becoming airborne.
- Duck their head down so that the body is behind the steering column and instrument panel of the RWC as the wave passes over. Minimising the body’s frontal area by aligning the body shape with the contour of the RWC (see fig below, a–b) and bending the legs to form a triangle (x–y), will minimise the impact on the body from the surf as it washes over the RWC.
- As the bow of the RWC exits the back of the wave, the Operator should immediately release the throttle to allow the bow of the RWC to drop down over the back of the wave.
- Keep legs and arms bent to absorb the shock upon landing.
- If operating with a Crewperson, ensure the Crewperson is on the sled before proceeding further.
Negotiating Waves with a Crewperson/Patient
It is vital that the RWC Operator clearly warns the Crewperson or patient of the pending need to punch a wave, by yelling “BRACE – BRACE,” so they can secure or brace themselves to the sled. The Crewperson must remain alert to the possible need to roll both themselves and a potential patient off the side of the rescue sled should the RWC fall back onto the rescue sled. This may occur if the RWC has adopted a vertical position on exiting the wave.
Turn and run
Turn and run is a technique that can be utilised to avoid the likes of larger or plunging waves the RWC is unable to take on.
The manoeuvre consists of the Operator scanning ahead for waves unsuitable for the RWC to manage. Once a non-negotiable wave is identified, the RWC Operator will quickly turn the RWC and proceed toward the shoreline. Generally matching the speed of the surf.
Once the wave is identified as negotiable the RWC Operator will turn back into the oncoming surf conditions.
Holding in the Surf
Holding in the surf is achieved by the RWC Operator keeping the craft in a standstill position whilst negotiating incoming waves. When in the surf zone the holding technique is best adopted for the white water of already broken waves. This manoeuvre is important when performing aspects of operational requirements such as rescues, shepherding and negotiating the break (waiting for a break in the waves) etc.
When holding, the Operator has the craft in the neutral position pointed directly into the oncoming waves, as a wave approaches, the Operator should slightly tap the acceleration (right) trigger to meet the oncoming waves energy, once the RWC has popped over the wave the Operator should return the craft to the neutral position by tapping the neutral / reverse (left) trigger.
Parallel Running
When parallel running it is essential that the correct technique is used, as detailed below. Practice in small surf should be conducted prior to attempting this in large surf.
When the RWC is about to come into contact parallel with a wave the Operator should:
- Ensure that the Operator is in a strong position to easily transfer weight around the RWC.
- Ensure the RWC has sufficient speed to maintain forward momentum.
- If the wave exceeds the height of the RWC, the Operator should turn the RWC to directly face the oncoming wave and continue to traverse down the break after proceeding through the wave.
- For smaller waves, Operators should rock the RWC so that the RWC is leaning away from the wave at the point of impact. This will present the bottom of the RWC to the wave, which will allow the wave to pass under the craft as it rocks back to a level position.
- RWC Operators should use their body position and the RWC momentum to safely negotiate the waves and keep the RWC balanced.
Returning to shore and beaching the RWC
The RWC Operator should never beach the RWC at speeds that pose a risk to the Operator, crew, beachgoers or patient safety.
Excessive beaching of the RWC is not recommended as it causes damage to the hull and impeller.
Beaching Considerations:
- Ensure no Crewperson or patient is onboard unless it’s an emergency.
- Assess beach topography including the slope of the beach, hydrological features (rocks, reefs), and proximity to swimmers or surfers.
- Choose a safe, clear area for beaching.
Beaching Technique:
- Approach the beach at a speed suitable for surf conditions.
- Time the approach with a large surge or find deeper water (e.g., a gutter).
- Apply only sufficient throttle to maintain momentum through shallow water and onto the beach to allow the RWC to slide just above the waterline.
- Adopt a suitable operator position (either standing or seated) appropriate for the conditions and RWC. If you’re using a seated position, ensure you brace yourself appropriately by placing your feet at the front of the foot wells and firmly hold the handlebars while keeping arms and legs bent and avoid locking arms or legs straight.
- Before beaching, the Operator must give the clear and concise command “brace, brace” to Crewperson and/or patient (if present).
- Stop the engine while there is still water below the RWC (at the same depth as launching) to prevent sucking sand into the intake, and at the appropriate time and speed, to allow enough momentum for the RWC to slide on to the beach.
- After beaching the RWC, always step off on the seaward side, so that a wave will not push or roll the RWC onto you.
- Beaching the RWC may result in small pebbles, sand, seaweed and other debris being forced into the jet intake grill, which can also damage the impeller. Before restarting the engine, rock the RWC from side to side in sufficiently deep water to remove any debris.