TO P TOYS FO R YO U R OYST E R
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Originally designed with lifesaving in mind, the recreational version weighs just 18kg or 24kg depending upon battery size. With a top speed of 8½ knots, the Wave Jam provides the thrills, but also the means, to explore the locality at water level. Steering is achieved by simply leaning your body.
3 S N O R K I E -TA L K I E Paired with an Aria QR+ full face mask, this allows you to speak to similarly equipped snorkellers within 150m. The unit attaches to the snorkel of the mask and will only work when that is above the water. The masks are much more comfortable as you do not have to spend the whole time chewing a rubber mouthpiece. This also makes speaking easier too!
Designed for the recreational scuba diver (it is rated to a depth of 30m) the Seascooter weighs 8.2kg and the whole package stows away in a compact carrying bag. It has a mount for a GoPro® and will pull you along at up to 3mph underwater, with a run-time up to 90 minutes. An interesting (and much lighter at 3.7kg) alternative is the Seawing II which has two props instead of one and a lithium-ion battery instead of the Seascooter’s lead-acid unit. Recharge time is shorter but so is the duration at 40 minutes. This is more suited to being used at snorkel depths and is suitable for crewmembers of all ages.
Top Toys
Lying at anchor in an idyllic bay will often need to be supplemented with something cool and refreshing. New materials and technical advances, particularly in electrical propulsion, have meant you are now spoilt for choice – but you might need a bigger toy box. Here are 10 great toys to consider for your Oyster.
4 T I WA L 2 This is a proper little performance dinghy! At 2.8m and with the main hull similar in construction to an inflatable SUP, it has inflatable side-decks and a toe strap allowing the crew to properly hike out. It has a 5.6m2 North Sails set off an unstayed carbon mast, and blocks are by Harken. The whole thing weighs 41kg, can be assembled in 15 minutes without the need for tools and comes in two small bags that can be easily stowed.
5 FLITEBOARD AIR Originating in Australia, these electrically propelled foil boards have developed a strong following. This inflatable version is more buoyant and packs down to a small size. Speeds of up to 26 knots are promised, with a duration of up to 90 minutes with the larger capacity battery. Control is via a wireless handheld controller that also acts as a virtual kill cord – you will need this when you’re learning. This is a premium product with high build quality. For many, it will also be addictive!
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