In March 2008, Rescue Division Manager Steve Reuter pioneered a water rescue program in Tavarua, Fiji focused toward the Fijian boatmen. The class was sponsored by the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Department and co-instructed by Marine Safety Officer Claude Panis of the HB Marine Safety Division.

The class consisted of nine Fijian boatmen that operate the pongas on the island and run the boats to and from the world famous surf breaks Cloudbreak and Restaurants.

The group participated in a 44 hour class focused on water safety skills such as surfboard rescue, approaching a victim in the water with the ponga, extricating a victim in the water with a cervical injury safely to the boat as well as reach, throw and go techniques.

With a huge amount of educational material and skills to cover the instructors and students alike pushed their way through the high tide of information and shot out the tube with a blast. The graduation for the team and much appreciation for the instruction given was celebrated by an impromptu Kava ceremony officiated by Chief Druku himself.

A special friendship was forged that week between Lifeguard brothers from distant lands. Bonds of similar experiences, sky’s filled with similar stars, a love of the ocean and helping people will hold their memories of this great accomplishment we call Rescue.

For 2008 Surftech Rescue Division is offering our Blacktip all soft boards in four different models. Meeting the specific criteria of the US Junior Lifeguard program the 9’0” Junior Guard Trainer,10’0” Junior Guard trainer/Rescue and 9’0” Rescue Trainer Paddleboard are used both for training and professional rescue. In addition, the 6’0” Swiftwater board is designed to provide a better solution for rapid water rescues. Designed with a larger surface area to keep both the rescue and victim safer when dealing with moving water and underwater obstacles, the boards also have high quality handles for helping reach victims as well as to keep all parties secure to board. The Blacktips have soft durable foam completely around each board minimizing the chance of injury to either the rescuer or victim when dealing with the unpredictable situations.

Additionally, Surftech Rescue Division offers a 12’0” hardboard rescue board. Using Surftech’s acclaimed epoxy sandwich construction, the 12’0” hardboard is tough while remaining light and versatile. Designed at the request of Hawaiian lifesaving organizations whom often prefer a hardboard for their open ocean rescues. These new products compliment our sought after line of Softop rescue boards that continue to be a popular component of rescue agencies worldwide.