As a big wave surfing legend, Kai Lenny sure must have seen
some interesting things. Lenny has made big waves his passion, and this passion
is not free of danger. If one wants to ride the big waves, one has to pay the
price. This price might be broken bones, broken surfboards, or broken jet skis.
The latter most happened with Kai Lenny, as he lost a beloved jet ski to the
harsh tow at Jaws. Fortunately, there
are amazing Helicopter Pilots that can retrieve the carnage.
Jeff Clark is one of the most renowned and respected big wave surfers in the world, regarded by the surf community to be a member of a small group of pioneer watermen. Jeff is best known for successfully pioneering the massive waves of Mavericks alone for years before it was discovered by the big-wave surfing community. Mavericks, located south of San Francisco, is considered to be one of the most dangerous big waves on the planet.
In 1975, as a hard-charging 17 year-old, Clark first paddled out to this monstrous wave located more than ½ mile off the coast, in his own back yard near Half Moon Bay. For 15 years, he surfed this wave alone, with only his ability and determination to find his way. The spot was, until then, known as a navigational hazard. But Clark saw a perfect wave, and from there he set a course to pursue the ocean’s energy, a living laboratory for his many interests and innovations.
Labeled one of the “world’s best big-wave riders” by Surfer magazine in 1994 and among the 100 bravest people in the U.S. by PBS, Clark has been featured in the films Riding Giants, Step Into Liquid, Adventures in Wild California, Discovering Mavericks and many other films.
A third generation carpenter, Jeff shaped his first surfboard at the age of 12. He later shaped boards specifically designed for big wave surf, and specifically for the challenging technical wave at Mavericks. He changed big wave surfing by introducing the first four-fin big wave surfboards and riding them at Mavericks. The design worked so well that others immediately followed, and the four-fin setup is now the standard for big wave surfing worldwide. Jeff Clark Surfboards® custom stand-up paddleboard and surfboard designs incorporate Jeff’s designs to improve speed, performance and pure joy for anything from flat-water racing, downwind paddling, and surf conditions from two feet to 60 feet and all the way to spinning barrels.
Clark is also the founder of the famed Mavericks surf competition, an event that has put big wave surfing in mainstream sports and has launched the careers of surfers, photographers, water rescue teams and many others. He owns and operates the iconic Mavericks Surf Company® and Mavericks Paddle Sports in Princeton-by-the-Sea near Half Moon Bay, with his own line of Mavericks Surf® brand clothing and surf wear.
Clark’s knowledge of the ocean and dangerous waters has set him apart as an expert in water rescue, safety and water dynamics, leading to many achievements:
- Development of the Mavericks Water Patrol, a group of expert boat and jet ski operators trained in water rescue
- Certification by K38 Water Rescue and by Hawaiian Water
Patrol Personal Water Craft (PWC) rescue
- Certification in Swift Water Rescue and service as
Incident Commander at Kings River water rescue training
- Stunt and camera boat driver on open ocean set of a 20th Century
Fox film Chasing Mavericks. His skill in navigating waves and dangerous
waters has provided many filmmakers and photographers the opportunity to
capture on film the power and beauty of the ocean.
- Research and development of the Clark inflatable life
vest for big wave surfing and extreme watersports
- Development of performance surfboard technology for
which he holds a US Patent
- Design and production of hydrofoils and boards for the
next generation of wave riding
Jeff supports many other organizations that help our communities, particularly in the area of health and wellness, including St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, Sonoma Children’s Charities, Schultz Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Navy Seal Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside, Coastside Hope, Half Moon Bay high school and middle school surf clubs.
While Jeff continues to surf and perform water rescue in big wave spots around the world, he is inspired by his three children and two grandchildren. He shares his motivational life lessons with fans and audiences across the country and through all industries.
Jeff remains as stoked as a grom to paddle out in any surf anywhere from two to twenty feet. He has found his wave.
Shared from Mavericks Surf Company
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Shawn Alladio the
founder of K38 several years back at an aircraft water rescue symposium in
California. She had a booth setup for K38 and was more than willing to chat and
share her immense knowledge of PWC rescue and water rescue in general. She
is truly an expert in jet ski safety and rescue and all-around Waterwoman.
Enjoy her story of K38 shared from LiveJournal December
27, 2008
Celebrating Two Decades of Service 1989-2009
K38’s namesake comes from 38 Klicks south of the American
Border in California. The company name wasn’t intended to have any meaning
that could be generalized or hoped for. It was to be a standalone icon
that referenced a creative free spirit outside of the confines of what society
accepts for how ‘things get done’. I have a personal saying ‘We make shit
happen’, sometimes it is that simple. Cliches often referred this to
‘outside of the box’ thinking when in reality, it is a complete never-ending
circle instead.
The K38 varied background was inspired by Shawn Alladio, of
course I am referring to myself, a competitive Jet Ski racer, and mother, from
the United States. My lifelong personal experiences and influences led to
the creation of a variety of training programs since my first Jet Ski ride in
1979. A decade later I began instruction to both recreational, racers and
public safety personnel. I ventured out and worked globally in a
vast scope of weather, water and personal watercraft and personalities, some
favorable and some adversarial. I have amassed more water time under
multiple uses globally par none. I’ve been blessed to work with our nation’s
military elite, law enforcement, lifeguards, fire service, heavy water, PWC
competitions, and many boating safety associations.
Not limited to training, K38 is also active in legislation
and supporting boating education, safety and enforcement and the co-creator of
thousands of training programs. Since then the company has expanded globally
with International Affiliates the message is clear, The K38 Way of Training is
the PWC standard. Our goal is to revolutionize lifesaving and recreational
boating using these unique small powered craft called, ‘personal watercraft’.
I have received awards, yes. That is not what motivates me, I
believe we can all change the world, if we apply ourselves, this is how I
determine to do just that, maybe not for you, but for someone down the line in
an ocean adrift calling for help. I hope this is what our training will
do for others, my heart believes.
The K38 Way of Training
The foundational contributions, combined with the
advancement of Personal Watercraft designs and evolution were a ‘process’ of
related events, mainly by trial and multiple errors. They have all been
personal and yes it has been costly. Just as personal watercraft was simpler in
features and function early on, so was the K38 Way of Training. K38’s
training programs evolved and adjusted in concert with the expansion of the
popularity and multiple uses that were being created as these small boats found
their way into mainstream applications. We have a saying ‘Every Beach
Within Reach’. Due to this action we realize our level of risk
oftentimes is extreme due to the designs of the craft we employ as being a very
‘forgiving’ boat. Our mindset is our measured success. We must
go with careful consideration of our risk and respect our equipment and the
environment, let alone compassion for our students learning needs, victims,
patients and cultures, and most importantly, the survivors of tragic
circumstances.
K38 Colors
Symbolism itself crafts our imagination. Our image is
built upon focused colors that represent a reminder of our shortcomings within
our human condition. Tempered with our desire to be of service to others, we
seek balance between extremes, even our environment. Without realizing
both aspects of our potential, humility would be an unattainable
necessity. But what is humility without strength? Yet the strong man
or woman must go. I will go.
RED
Red is our Blood, it is our passion that drives us to lead
others with knowledge that will and can save lives, it is the danger we manage.
BLACK
Our Black is our symbol of our Collective Experience; it is
our ‘wisdom’.
WHITE
White is our symbol of Security in Truth, it is our faith.
K38 SYMBOLS
Our vessel symbolizes ‘movement and teamwork’. Together
we are strong, but divided our measures create a heightened risk. We
recognize that is one movement or decision is not addressed with security, we
shall find ourselves managing a mishap, further spreading our resources and
safety. Our symbols and colors reflect our choices and our desire for
safety, ‘safety means danger’. One must go with confidence.
FLAG
Our signature K38 logo centered on a Red field; symbolizes
our unity as a family, regardless of language or culture. The banded
circle encasing the inset logo symbolizes our Earth and its waters we
ply. The trademark ‘hand reaching out’ needs no further explanation, it
speaks for itself.
All Hands on Deck
“Nobody Dies!” - K38 instructors join hands forming a
circle and facing one another, arms outstretched. This is done before and
after trainings or expeditions. It is simple, poignant and uncomfortable.
This cry we share is our committed reminder that our safety is our first
priority: ‘Nobody Dies!’ K38! What is your
occupation? RESCUE! Keep Moving, Keep Thinking, never stop moving…..
K38 Loyalty
The Life You Save May Be Your Own
Our Motto embodies the risk that all lifesavers take when
serving others in a time of peril. Each expedition or experience is
cumulative, enabling our level of commitment, and courage to be tempered with
accountability while underway. This process of earned abilities, does not
match to simply training methods as the absolute focus. One must be tested
and trialed to truly know what we are made of in the moment of applied
pressures. Our mission is to come home safely to our families, and
hopefully we can render assistance to those who are in need, so they too come
home.
K38 is represented in 14 countries, with deep respect,
gratitude and love I thank these men who follow my lead and lead so well
themselves. 2009 we celebrate gentlemen, we will earn then next 20 years
ahead, reuniting families and keeping our water safety personnel professional
and focused. I praise you for your dedication and sacrifices, only of
which we truly understand.
God watch over us, may we choose well enough in any given
moment and have understanding of our level of desire that matches our
capabilities as well as our limitations. Hallelujah.
SEMPER SPERO
‘Always Hopeful’
Shawn Alladio
