Image Credit: FACEBOOK/seabreachercanada
July 28, 2023 - 7:00 AM
The orcas in Okanagan Lake have been turning lots of heads, even if they are mechanical.
Bruce Clark is a Peachlander whose pair of killer whale-themed SeaBreachers are often spotted swimming like real fish around the Central Okanagan.
“When we go out in the water a lot of boats circle us, corral us,” Clark said. “Then we start doing stunts, give them a little show and then take off.”
Although his SeaBreachers tend to draw audiences, they don’t have any trouble escaping crowds when they want to.
“No one can catch up, they can go 70 miles/hour (112 km/hour) on the surface and 30 miles/hour (64 km/hour) underwater,” he said.
“They jump 20 feet (six metres) out of water, and do barrel roles and bunny hops.”
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/seabreachercanada
It may be hard to enjoy other watercraft after trying out a SeaBreacher, Clark says. ”On a regular boat, or sitting on a Sea-doo – you’d fall asleep.”
Unlike a Sea-doo, which only gives drivers the ability to steer left or right, SeaBreachers function on three separate axis – including below water. However they're only meant to stay underwater for a short period.
Clark calls it’s an experience like no other.
“It's so mind-melting – you become one with the unit. You are the orca. It’s like a second skin on you almost.”
But drivers don’t have to “go crazy” to enjoy it. He says they’re also great to putter around in.
“Just open the cockpit, sit back and have a smoke, a drink or do whatever you want.”
Unfortunately, most people probably won’t get to enjoy the thrills of a SeaBreacher because they're pretty expensive.
“It’s a toy for the big boys.”
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/seabreachercanada
The cheapest models begin at around $115,000, and a trailer is also needed. Commercial models – like the two orcas Clark owns – are around $190,000 each, he said.
There are outfitters who offer rides in the back of the two-seater watercraft, but there are none locally. Learning how to operate them requires two days of instruction, but that can be shortened for people with experience flying planes or helicopters.
He said the quality of his SeaBreacher's manufacturing is similar to that of his Lamborghini — even faster.
Paint schemes are not limited to orcas – he said they’ve been styled as Lamborghinis, space shuttles, and a dolphin in the colours of Iron Man.
More information about the unique watercraft can be found on the SeaBreacher website, and here’s the link to the SeaBreacher Canada Facebook page.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/seabreachercanada
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