The Tetra Watercraft
The world's first hybrid watercraft independently sailed or propelled by people with complex physical injury or illness
The Tetra Watercraft is the world’s first hybrid watercraft that can be independently sailed or electrically propelled by people with complex spinal cord injury or disease (high tetraplegia), including those requiring mechanical ventilation.
The University of Utah Rehabilitation research and development team started designing, creating, and testing the watercraft in 2015. Those with spinal cord injury or disease have been testing prototypes on the water since 2016.
The Tetra Watercraft’s independent technology is similar to that of the TetraSki and is unmatched in its innovative command system, which offers new freedom, safety, and control in a plethora of waterways and water conditions.
A Tetra Watercraft training and distribution initiative for adaptive sports programs across the country launched successfully in the summer of 2021.
INdependence in action
How it Works
The Tetra Watercraft is built on top of the Hobie Tandem Island sailing kayak and uses both a joystick and mouth-controlled sip-and-puff system for independent control of steering, sail management, and electric propulsion.
A wireless remote control allows seamless instructor/caregiver override of the boat control systems for instruction or emergencies. A computer simulator provides sailing instruction and an option to customize watercraft controls.
What differentiates the Tetra Watercraft is its ease of transportation/set-up, beach deployment, safety, increased passenger capacity, no-wind performance, and remote control override.
The Tetra Watercraft is easy to use whether you’re a beginner or someone with significant sailing experience. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the watercraft — with or without the motor.
Tetra Watercraft Features
Hover over images for Tetra Watercraft details.
FAQs
+ When will the Tetra Watercraft be ready for use? . . .
The University of Utah's TRAILS Adaptive program (Technology Recreation Access Independence Lifestyle and Sports) completed a successful pilot program in the summer of 2021 with a Tetra Watercraft going to several adaptive recreation programs across the country. In the summer of 2022, we distributed the Tetra Watercraft to additional adaptive organizations and will be expanding for summer of 2023.
+ Where can I try the Tetra Watercraft?. . .
Individuals with complex physical disabilities are welcome to contact the University of Utah's TRAILS Adaptive program to inquire about scheduling a session to test out the watercraft. Sessions take place at [East Canyon Reservoir][2].
In addition, a Tetra Watercraft is available for use as part of our expanded distribution program with several adaptive organization across the U.S. Contact TRAILS to learn more.
+ Is the Tetra Watercraft for sale? . . .
Similarly to our TetraSki program, we do not offer the Tetra Watercraft for private sale. Our partnerships with adaptive organizations allow us to maintain an ongoing commitment to them in order to provide great customer service for hardware/software upgrades, feature additions, and, if necessary, repair work.
+ Is the Tetra Watercraft only for those with a spinal cord injury? . . .
No. The Tetra Waterski is intended for anyone with complex physical disabilities including, but not limited to spinal cord injury or disease, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, stroke, multiple limb amputation and many more.
+ Can I train to be an instructor or guide for the Tetra Watercraft? . . .
Tetra Watercraft instructors must be affiliated with one of our adaptive partner organizations and must attend a mandatory training course held through the University of Utah's TRAILS Adaptive program. Questions? Contact us.
+ How are you able to financially support this program? Can I support you? . . .
We are fortunate to have a supportive environment that is pro-innovation and affords our team the time and focus to design and build the technology.
If you are interested in donating to the Tetra Watercraft program to help us make more watercraft's available to adaptive programs in the future, please reach out and we can discuss options. Your support will make a difference! Contact Us
Partner PROGRAM
The Tetra Watercraft has been distributed to our partner programs in the U.S. as we continue to provide expert instruction. Contact us if your adaptive program is interested in a partnership.
““The simultaneous feelings of self-reliance and sheer delight ... are priceless. The experience also emboldens my vision for what great things my future holds.””
