Initially, I mistook this old, stripped Toyota Tacoma outfitted with a massive wooden plow for some sort of makeshift war vehicle, but its purpose is much more joyous and lighthearted. This modified truck has been repurposed for an unusual task: generating waves for surfing.
Ben Gravy, who calls himself a “Semi-pro Novelty Wave guy” and is an adept surfer, shared this video on Instagram earlier this summer. The clip serves as a short excerpt from a full 30-minute YouTube video, which features a vlog-style presentation of surf-related antics, showcasing both the creation and utilization of this unique Toyota truck.
While I don’t know all the details of Gravy’s background, a quick look at his videos reveals that many of his stunts fall into the “don’t try this at home, kids” category. For instance, surfing the wakes of commercial ships is typically discouraged and is certainly a risky venture.
However, this Tacoma truck modified into a DIY wave-making vehicle looks like a blast. The modifications are relatively simple: significant parts of the truck’s body have been removed, and thick sheets of plywood have been positioned at an angle to allow the vehicle to push water off its “bow.” This concept mirrors a snow plow’s operation, but with a greater surface area and different angle of approach.
Given that water is quite heavy—over 60 pounds per cubic foot—and the truck is operating in a sandy, swampy bay, traction can be challenging. Furthermore, there’s the significant risk of water entering the engine bay, cabin, axles, and other parts of the truck. This means the vehicle is likely to experience a tough and short lifespan. These might be among the few individuals who genuinely require one of those intake snorkels commonly seen on SUVs parked at malls. Yet, even with such precautions, it’s hard to believe this truck could withstand the demands of wave-making for long. But that’s alright; considering the size of the waves produced, it’s likely that the novelty quickly wore off for pro surfers, and the Tacoma will be used more for fun on special occasions. I simply enjoy the playful, quirky, softcore Jackass-style shenanigans, along with the creative modifications made to old trucks.
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