Newport won’t ban jetpacks in harbor, but there will be limits under latest plan

Water-propelled jetpack businesses would be regulated instead of banned in Newport Harbor under a plan advanced by the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday.

Council members directed staff during a study session to craft an ordinance that would allow a limited number of commercial jetpack businesses to operate in the harbor. Councilman Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, who owns Duffy Electric Boat Co., located at the harbor, recused himself from the discussion.

The action goes against the recommendation of the city’s Harbor Commission.

“I’d like this to find a way to get to a ‘yes’ from the council,” Councilman Keith Curry said. “I don’t think we need an absolute prohibition.”

However, all council members agreed that regulation of the activity will be necessary. The new law would ban residents and tourists from using their own jetpacks on Newport waterways.

Staff will present a draft ordinance to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.

Jetpacks are backpack-style devices that use seawater to propel riders into the air while they are tethered to an instructor’s watercraft via a long hose.

In June, the City Council agreed to a six-month moratorium on permits for businesses operating “water-propelled vessels” like jetpacks. Council members directed the Harbor Commission to study all aspects of the activity, including residents’ concerns about safety and noise.

One company, Jetpack America, had its permits before the moratorium and was allowed to operate in the harbor throughout the ban.

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

Commissioner Bill Kenney said the waterways in Newport Harbor are too narrow for water jetpack businesses.

“No specific location in Newport Harbor that would mitigate the issues was identified,” he said. “Because most operators are not experienced, there’s a potential for accidents and injury.”

However, council members expressed interest during the study session Tuesday about keeping jetpack activities in the harbor.

Water jetpacks have gained popularity in recent years, especially in areas that draw a large number of tourists, like Newport Beach.

During busy summer months, Jetpack America’s instructors take as many as 20 people per day on the company’s pontoon boat for “flights” above the harbor. Once on the water, the instructor feeds direction to the rider via a two-way radio in the participant’s helmet. In less than a minute, about 1,000 gallons of water flood through the jetpack.

After Jetpack America opened at Newport Harbor nearly four years ago, other operators looking to make a home there began sending the city requests for permits. At least two other companies are interested, according to city staff.

Some Newport boat owners have complained that the water from jetpacks sprays their vessels, damages the paint and creates wakes that knock the boats against their docks.

Nearby homeowners who spoke during the study session said the activity detracts from the peacefulness of the harbor.

Resident George Farah likened the noise from a jetpack to a vacuum cleaner or leaf blower.

“We can’t be outdoors and we can’t have windows open,” Farah said. “It’s very invasive.”

Several residents also spoke in favor of Jetpack America’s operation.

Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller said staff has not been able to complete its own jetpack noise study because of scheduling issues.

Safety also has been a concern.

A jetpacker in the 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.

Jetpack America has safety regulations that employees adhere to on the water, company representatives told the council.

The business has at least three employees standing by during each trip. If a rider gets too close to another vessel in the harbor, the instructor immediately cuts off water pressure to the hose, the company said.

“We have proven that we can coexist out on the harbor,” said Jetpack America President Dean O’Malley.