Explorer Scouts Turn Old Hovercraft Parts into Life-Saving Fire-Beaters

A group of Isle of Wight Explorer Scouts have given retired hovercraft parts a new lease of life – by turning them into fire-beaters for use at Corf Scout Campsite.

The Xtreme Explorer Scout Unit (ESU) used old skirt rubber donated by Hovertravel, experimenting with different designs before producing more than 20 working fire-beaters in just one evening.

The project formed part of the Scouts’ work towards their Earth Tribe award, which encourages young people to take on projects promoting sustainability and meeting local needs.

Explorer Scout Samantha Sharp explained:

“We needed a project linked to recycling and a local need.

"The campsite wanted new fire-beaters, and using car tyre rubber didn’t work, so Hovertravel’s skirt rubber was the perfect alternative.

"We’re really pleased to support Hovertravel’s Green Initiative while helping to keep Corf safer.”

The initiative ties in with Hovertravel’s Hover Green programme, which focuses on repurposing worn skirt rubber.

Past projects have included recycling material into playground chippings, equestrian surfaces, and eco-souvenirs such as keyrings and handbags.

Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the Explorer Scouts repurpose skirt rubber into practical fire-beaters—combining sustainability with innovation and youth skill-building.”

Barrie Price, Warden of Corf Scout Campsite, added:

“We’ve been without a full set of fire-beaters for some time.

"Thanks to the Explorers, the site will now be a safer place for everyone.”