LifeSled History

Born In Hawaii

The LifeSled® PWC rescue board was conceived by Hawaiian lifeguards Brian Keaulana and Terry Ahue. It was first designed and manufactured in 1990 by Gary Fisher of Wahoo International Inc., innovators of Solarez®. At that time the board was merely a hefty bodyboard with several handles and a three point hook up for the then popular Yahama WaveRunner III. Since then, this sled has undergone numerous internal design changes to keep it unique amongst other companies’ boards that would follow it. The characteristics of the LifeSled that set it apart from the others are greatly attributed to its composite construction. A true plastic composite is like a metal alloy in that the desirable properties of multiple materials are expressed in the final product. For example, in order to have a lightweight flexible core and soft exterior married to an aluminum tow system, step-down densities of strategically placed transitional plastics need to displace the loads. The overall rigidity of a sled required to carry loads in excess of 450 lbs over the fulcrum of the transom must also have the modulus sufficient to endure sharp blows without fracturing, all the while being comfortable to ride on.

This is accomplished by LifeSled’s intelligent and proprietary stringer system. It’s not only what materials are used, it’s how they are used. Other original LifeSled features that make this device uniquely functional are our custom transom adaptors made for each personal watercraft make and model. LifeSled’s transom adaptors are vacuum-formed from high-impact ABS to each jet ski’s unique exterior allowing the rescue sled to nicely draft behind boat while underway. From first glance, you’ll see LifeSled’s virgin hull of a weatherable high impact copolymer that has no protruding parts such as handles or anchor points. The deck and rails are tacky when wet and highly abrasion resistant. The ten conspicuous composite handles on the LS1 and twelve on the LS2 are very firm and comfortable to hold even with cold, wet hands. They are simply potted with no extraneous shrouds or screws. The overall sled template is designed to function well in the draft of the boat and the rails are contoured to track through the water but allow it to break loose for initiating low speed turns. Some companies have produced straight templates with flat rails that have a tendency to dig causing erratic behavior. The swallow-tail design of the LifeSled facilitates the centering of bodies as when an incapacitated victim is uphauled.

Rescue specialists currently using the LifeSled comment on it:

• Brian Keulana – Lifeguard Oahu Hawaii. “We have used the LifeSled since 1990 and continue to do so because it is the lightest, most durable sled available – I’ve tried them all. We have LifeSleds over 7 years old in operation today”
• Don Curry – Pro Tow Surfer. “With your life on the line, Wahoo International has developed through years of testing, a complete PWC rescue sled system. Not only does this rescue sled function well but it can hold up to seasons of heavy use. With the addition of the transom adapter, it cost’s the same as the competitors sled alone and will perform better, not to mention out-last them.”
• Dan Moore – Pro Tow Surfer. “This sled handles so well in the water, you hardly even know it’s behind the boat. In slow motoring through sea foam, stability actually improves. The deck is sticky when wet and that’s comforting when you’re jamming through really rough water. The handles are thick, firm and easy to grab”