The Development of Aquaplaning

The sport of aquaplaning was introduced into the United States around 1919. Visitors to Hawaii had observed surfboards being towed behind powerboats to provide sport when the waves were not right for surfing, and the increasing number of powerboats in America gave some impetus to this new water activity. The first American-made aquaplanes were simply wooden platforms about 5 feet long and 2 feet wide. They were made very simply. Two or three ordinary boards were cut to size and fastened by 3 cross boards. The cross cleats were placed on the upper side of the plane. The two lines and bridle were affixed to holes cut in the front corners of the boards.

In its heyday the aquaplane provided many exciting water scenes for motion-picture news cameras. Among the leading aquaplaners were the Pope brothers, Dick and Malcolm, who later developed Cypress Gardens in Florida as a water-sports center. Tandem riding, cross rides, shoulder carries and other variations of the basic ride, provided vicarious thrills and goals for amateur aquaplaners. One of the more spectacular stunts was a transfer from riding an aquaplane to a sky kite pulled by another boat, and an air-borne trip before a fast drop into the water.

By the late 20’s, faster boats were available to the aqua-planer and the equipment became more sophisticated. Some of the boards were built like toboggans, with an upraised

front edge. It was found that a narrower board, 20 to 24 inches wide with a pointed nose and a tapered design, reduced drag and gave better stability and maneuverability.
The “jump” was added to the common aquaplane stunts. By inclining the board upward acutely, “kicking” the board, and pulling up sharply on the bridle, the better-designed boards could be jumped clear out of the water. At about 20 miles an hour, a properly designed aquaplane will “plane,” skimming the water with just enough “nose-up” to prevent cutting into the waves. The more modern aquaplaner moved his position toward the rear of the board, with his feet about 18 inches from the tail of the board.

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