Newport Beach considers putting water jetpacking out to sea at today’s study session

Gracie Henley gripped the handles on her jetpack in an attempt to steady herself as water shot out of two spigots at the bottom of the pack.

In just under a minute, about 1,000 gallons of water propelled the 26-year-old rookie flier into the air. She hovered above the glassy surface of Newport Harbor, stuck out her arms in a Superman pose and quickly face-planted into the water.

With a laugh, she swiftly rebounded and readied herself for another flight. After 25 minutes on the water, Henley returned to Jetpack America’s pontoon boat — which accompanies all fliers — adrenaline still coursing through her.

“That was awesome. I can’t even describe it,” Henley said. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

Henley and her friend Eli Delgado, 27, traveled to Southern California from Houston in the past week to celebrate Henley’s upcoming birthday. Delgado stumbled on a video of water jetpacking, and the two decided it was an experience they couldn’t pass up.

The activity has gained popularity around the world in recent years, especially in areas like Newport Beach that draw adventure-seeking tourists. On a busy summer day, as many as 20 people head out on Jetpack America’s boat to fly above the harbor.

“If you know how to drive a car or ride a bike, you have the motor skills to do this,” said Jetpack America manager John Stanley.

But as demand continues to increase, the Newport Beach market could be drying up — at least in the harbor.

In June, the Newport Beach City Council agreed to a six-month moratorium on permits for businesses operating “water-propelled vessels.”

After months of studies and public hearings, the city’s Harbor Commission voted in December to recommend that the council allow water-propulsion businesses to operate only on the open ocean.

During a study session scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, the council will discuss the future of water-propulsion businesses in the harbor.

After Jetpack America set up shop in Newport Beach nearly four years ago, companies looking to cash in on the city’s large tourism market began flooding the city with requests for permits to operate in the harbor.

Because Jetpack America had secured its permits before the moratorium, it is now the sole operator at the harbor.

However, some Newport boat owners have complained that water from the jetpacks sprays their vessels and damages the paint. Nearby homeowners say the activity is too noisy for the sleepy harbor.

Safety also has been a concern.

A man using the technology in Newport Harbor was briefly knocked unconscious last year when he fell after being propelled into the air and hit a piece of equipment in the water.

“There’s a potential for accidents and injury inside the harbor,” Harbor Commissioner Bill Kenney said. “It’s the Harbor Commission’s opinion that because the business could operate outside of the harbor, banning it inside the harbor wouldn’t be a significant impediment.”

However, Stanley said operating on the open ocean would pose safety risks for customers and possibly cripple the business.

Changing currents and swells would make flying difficult and likely unsafe for a first-time participant, he said.

“The open ocean is tricky,” he said. “It’s tough to play weatherman with the ocean.”