Innovation in Safety & Design of Wetsuits & LifeJackets for Watercraft Riders

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  • 2025

  • Product
    Sport and Lifestyle

Designed By:

Commissioned By:

JPI Group

Designed In:

Australia

Jetpilot’s submission presents an innovative wetsuit and personal floatation device (PFD) solution, advancing water sports safety through integrated impact protection. This design was driven by firsthand experience with injuries and fatalities amongst peers, highlighting critical gaps in current safety standards for both competitive watercraft racing and recreational use.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
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  • Jetpilot sees it as their duty to drive safety forward for the sport of watercraft riding that flows then into the recreational aspect. As the popularity of the sport continues to rise, so too does the need for enhanced safety measures to protect riders. At Jetpilot we understand that Motorcycle Safety Certifications have been developed around exclusively absorbing the impact against a hard surface. This is great for land based sports, but we believe a watercraft rider should deflect the initial force sparing them from the brunt of the collision then after absorbing the impact into the water.

  • Unlike traditional designs, Jetpilot's innovation introduces a multi-tiered protection layer that first deflects reducing the initial impact and then absorbs the remaining force. This combination reduces the impact force more efficiently and enhancing safety without compromising comfort or mobility. This innovation is ideal for high-risk water sports, significantly lowering the risk of serious injury. The wetsuit, lifejacket, or wetsuit jacket features both permanently fixed and removable protective elements, offering adaptable protection tailored to the users needs. This modular approach improves ease of use, customisation for different activities, and ensures the products remains lightweight and flexible while delivering superior impact resistance.

  • Jetpilot's design has been meticulously race engineered and tested by world-class riders and their feedback has been prioritised giving Jetpilot the ability to refine their product to the highest standards. Commercially, Jetpilot offers a unique safety product that meets the growing demand in the water sports industry. Environmentally, Jetpilot's materials and manufacturing methods prioritise durability and sustainability reducing the need for frequent replacement. From a societal perspective, Jetpilot's design enhances personal safety, reducing fatalities and injury rates and promoting confidence amongst riders. By addressing the gaps in safety standards Jetpilot contribute to a safer sporting community and improve its reputation.

  • Jetpilot believes the most effective approach to impact protection is a two-step process: first deflecting the initial force, then absorbing the remaining energy. This philosophy led to the development of the Pro-Tech Back Brace, an innovation designed to provide superior safety for watercraft riders. Certified to Level 2 CE standards and approved for both ISO and Australian standard personal flotation devices, this removable back insert doubles the level of protection compared to Level 1, reducing transmitted force to under 9kN half the 18kN threshold of Level 1 certification. The Pro-Tech Back Brace features a patented three-layer construction. Its high-density polypropylene exoskeleton shell serves as the first line of defence, deflecting the initial impact. Inside, a dual-foam core made of EVA and XPE materials with closed-cell technology absorbs and distributes the remaining force evenly. These layers work in harmony, the foam compresses and the shell flexes creating a dynamic system that efficiently disperses energy and protects the body during high-impact moments on water. In addition, as an industry first, Jetpilot’s removable hip protection marks the next evolution in our Pro-Tech series. Designed to endure rigorous CE Standards testing, it meets a Level 1 CE rating under EN 1621-1:2012