TARGET 151007

FLYBOARDING

Flyboarding together

Franky Zapata, Founder and CEO of Zapata Racing in France, one day realized that the power from the jets of a waterski could also be used for other things. So he invented a board that can be attached to the feet with a pair of shoes much like normal skis lock onto the boots of snow skiers. Then, the power of the jets ski's jets could be funnelled into the board to lift a swimmer out of the water. Thus began the sport of "Flyboarding".

How it works

The water pressure created from a personal watercraft (PWC) is redirected through a 60 ft hose that splits into two nozzles right beneath your feet that are pointed down, creating lift. There is a detachable rotating main bearing directly beneath the FlyboardŽ which allows the FlyboardŽ to spin freely around the supply hose. As you can see in the picture, the hose is tethered to the front of the PWC, this makes sure the PWC will always follow the same path as the Flyboarder.

You could say the PWC pretty much functions as a powerful pump. It does not have propulsion for itself anymore, but is simply being dragged forward by the person standing on the FlyboardŽ. The copilot sitting on the PWC, is on control of the throttle. However, experienced Flyboarders often use the "EMK" ( Elektronic Management Kit ) that allows them to control their own throttle.

Even under water

And, of course, since the jet normally powers the jet ski under water, it can power a flyboarder under water, too.

Dolphening

It can let you know what it feels like to be a dolphin.

Doing a flip
Doing a flip
Doing a flip

It will also let the more daring do flips and stunts at 40 feet above the water.

Group flyboarding
Group flyboarding

And,of course, because this is a very dangerous sport, there are schools and group flights that are an absolute must for the beginner.

For a video of a beginner just learning to flyboard, click here .

For a video of Stephane Prayas, world champion flyboarder, click here .
And below is a 3-minute exerpt of the video of flyboarding group shown in the pictures above. For the full video of the group, click here .

(WARNING: Turn the sound slider down BEFORE clicking the start button).


By the way, if you would like to own one of these, flyboards, the hose and footboard will set you back around $5,400 USD. The electronic control, another thousand or so. (jet ski not included.)


If you got impressions for which this feedback is insufficient, more information,
pictures and videos can be found at the following web sites:

Rocky Mountain Flyboard Co. (boards, parts & a blog)
Wikipedia
Zapata Racing (in French)
Cabo Flyboards (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico)