Contact: Dan McKernan
Manager of Marketing and Public Relations
Big Bear Lake Resort Association
Phone: 909.866.6190 Ext. 235
Cellular: 951.283.9442
Fax: 909.866.5671
Email:
Website: www.bigbear.com
RELEASE DATE: IMMEDIATE
EXTREME JOY RIDE
New Zealand Jet Boat is the Latest Attraction for Thrill Seekers
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif./ July 9, 2010 – Big Bear Lake now offers the only New Zealand style jet boat rides west of the Mississippi. Big Bear Lake’s newest attraction slings, dips, swings, twists and spins passengers for a 30-minute thrill ride.
“It’s equivalent to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, but on a large body of water,” said Wally Weber, owner and operator of Big Bear Parasail and Watersports.
Weber accidentally discovered the jet propulsion boats while visiting his daughter last year in Queenstown, New Zealand, which is known as the extreme sports capital of the world. The jet boat was just one of several extreme sports in Queenstown including bungee jumping, river surfing, heli-skiing and paragliding. When Weber caught sight of a jet boat at Lake Wakitipu twisting, turning and nose dipping without capsizing he knew right away it was a perfect fit for Big Bear Lake.
New Zealand style jet boat rides are 30 minutes long, and include a narrated tour of Big Bear Lake’s most notable landmarks such as Garstin Island and the Solar Observatory. Throughout the tour passengers will experience a wild and adventurous ride. At the end of the tour a grand finale finish includes a Hamilton, 180 degree spin that is guaranteed to get passengers screaming for more. The cost is $29 for adults and $19 for kids 12 and under. For more information call 909-866-4359 or visit www.bigbearparasail.net.
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About Big Bear’s New Zealand Jet Boat
The 12-passenger jet boat has an all aluminum body with a modified “v” bottom. It is equipped with a Hamilton Jet Drive Unit, which makes it easy to maneuver and do tricks. The boat is powered by a 375 horsepower 8.1 liter fuel injected Kodiak big block marine engine. The U.S. Coast Guard did a complete inspection of the boat, and approved it to withstand up to 3 ½ foot swells. The boat has two fire extinguishers on board, and each passenger is required to wear a life vest.