New Bedford Jet-Ski Enthusiast Goes Viral on TikTok to Help Save Sharks [VIDEO]

A New Bedford woman, Alexandra Corbin, has taken TikTok by storm with a video that will give anyone with thalassophobia – the fear of deep water – serious chills. The 34-year-old thrill-seeker went viral for a video showing her floating calmly in the middle of the Atlantic with her 2018 Yamaha VX Cruiser bobbing nearby, offering viewers a 360-degree view of the vast, dark ocean around her. On TikTok, she goes by agirl_andherjetski, and she's making waves across the social media platform.

The video, which has amassed a staggering 25.8 million views and 1.4 million likes, has sparked a mix of reactions, especially among those fearing a sudden shark attack. However, sharks are the last thing on Corbin's mind—she’s a passionate shark advocate and sees them as misunderstood creatures rather than threats. “I’m always on the lookout for sharks, hoping to see one while jet skiing,” she said, adding that she even swam with them in Florida last winter. "It was one of the most euphoric experiences I’ve ever had."

@agirl_andherjetski Would you swim in Massachusetts waters? #jetski #jetskivideos #jetskiing #jetskilife #yamahawaverunner #oceanvideos #massachusetts #agirl_andherjetski ♬ original sound - ?

Corbin's viral moment is just the tip of the iceberg for this adventurous jet-skier. We caught up with her to talk about her love of the water, her impressive ocean journeys, and her mission to save sharks.

How long have you been jet-skiing?

I've been jet-skiing since the summer of 2020, so about four years now.

What time of year do you normally wrap up jet-ski season?

I winterize my jet-ski by mid-November, but until then, I just wear a wetsuit. The latest I ever took the ski out was November 9th, on a random 65-degree day, to Martha's Vineyard.

What's the farthest you've jet-skied?

The farthest was a 90-mile round trip to Nantucket from Fairhaven, MA. I’ve also circled Martha's Vineyard a couple of times, starting in Aquinnah and ending in Oak Bluffs.

Aren’t you worried about sharks in open water?

I’m always hoping to see a shark! Sadly, I haven’t spotted one while jet-skiing yet, but I did swim with sharks in Florida this past winter. It was incredible. I believe if you’re educated about sharks, you’ll have less fear and realize how amazing they are. In addition to sharks, I’ve seen seals, sea turtles, Portuguese Man O’ War, and even a Mola Mola.

Have you ever gotten lost or needed GPS to find your way back?

I've never been lost. I know my way around Buzzard’s Bay and the islands by heart. If I do need GPS, I just use my phone.

What is it about sharks that you love so much?

I’ve loved sharks since I was little. As I grew older and learned more, I realized how vital they are to ocean ecosystems. Plus, each shark has its own personality. My two favorites are great whites, especially since we have so many in Massachusetts, and hammerheads.

Where did you grow up, and where are you currently living?

I grew up in Connecticut, about an hour and a half away from the ocean, but I hated being so far from the water. I spontaneously moved to Martha’s Vineyard for four seasons and then relocated to New Bedford in 2018. I love having the Cape and Islands in my backyard.

Do you have other videos that have performed well on TikTok?

Yes, a couple of POV-style videos have done well. One shows me free-floating in the ocean with my jet-ski ahead, and another takes my phone underwater to show how deep the ocean is below me. My goal is to either educate people, show a different lifestyle, or connect with those who share a love for the ocean.

Tell me about your business and your efforts to help save sharks.

My love for sharks inspired me to start a small business called Salt N’ Fin Co. I launched it in 2022 to design shark-themed merchandise and raise awareness about shark conservation. I’ve partnered with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham, MA, and donate 10% of profits from my great white shark collection to them. My goal is to help educate people and show that how movies portray sharks isn’t accurate. I also hope to partner with other non-profits to stop shark finning and protect these amazing creatures.