If you love sports, being outdoors and being in water, you might think that you don’t have many options other than swimming, surfing and sailing. If yes, then you’re missing on one of the best water sports: flyboarding! Marrying the sport of surfing with some new-fangled technology, flyboarding involves the use of a flyboard that is powered by pressurized water. This combination has proven to be a hit and the experience of flyboarding is nothing short of spectacular.
The best part is that this is a very inclusive water-sport and while the learning curve is definitely steep, if you’re considering getting a flyboard and turning this sport as your new hobby, here are a few things that can help you figure out how to indulge in flyboarding in a safe manner.
Sign up for Classes
One of the first things you should consider doing is to sign up for flyboarding classes. You can sign up for one-day flyboarding activities every week that take you through a beginner’s crash course. However, if you’re in the mood to pursue flyboarding consistently, then the classes are a better option. Not only will they cover the basics, you’ll also learn more advanced skills with the one-on-one attention and time that signing up for classes can entail.
Much like any other sport with a steep learning curve, it is better to start off with baby steps under the supervision of a trained professional. You’re going to learn a lot and avoid getting any injuries as well as gain more confidence in your own abilities. Eventually, you will be able to graduate from your classes and be able to master the flyboard with the help of these classes.
Rent or Buy a Flyboard?
When starting out, the more feasible option is to rent a flyboard due to the fact that there are plenty of flyboards in the market that come with different price tags and are suited for different levels of expertise. Overtime, you will develop your own tastes and preference for a particular flyboard and then be able to make an educated decision regarding which board you want to purchase.
Your instructor can also help you out in this aspect by providing you with a number of different options. By renting a flyboard, you can easily observe the amount of usage the board will get, your skill level, as well as the overall maintenance that the board will require. Renting a board will allow you to keep all these factors in mind and pick a flyboard that will be a valuable addition for you.
Do Some Research
At the end of the day, if you have decided to buy a flyboard before you sign up for classes to learn flyboarding, it is recommended that you do some research. Make sure that you do research all the options that are available for you regarding which brands are the best and most reliable. While currently, the market place only has a few options to offer, you can ensure that you get the best one for you.
From the cost to the features that the flyboard has, be sure to thoroughly research your options as these can be a tad bit expensive. By doing prior research, you can ensure that you don’t end up spending money unnecessarily.
Pay Attention to Water Conditions
Just like surfing, sailing and even open water swimming, keep a close eye on water conditions as they do make an impact on the overall flyboarding experience. Rough or choppy waters will be more challenging, whereas when you’re starting out, it is better to opt for days when the weather is bright, calm and perfect for flyboarding.
Moreover, you don’t need to be near the sea to be able to enjoy flyboarding. Any large water body, such as lakes and rivers and even lagoons are perfect for this activity. Nonetheless, certain weather conditions can make these areas dangerous as well so it is better to avoid them when the weather isn’t perfect.
Get Some Safety Equipment
One of the best things about flyboarding is that it allows one to get a full body workout. From your core muscles to your shoulders, arms and legs, you can expect to get a little sore when you’re flyboarding for the first time. It is a good idea to invest in some safety equipment when you are getting a flyboard so that you can ensure that you don’t experience any muscle wear and tear. In fact, muscle injuries can be a common occurrence, particularly if you’re indulging in the activity improperly.
With the help of a seasoned professional, you won’t face such injuries. Keep in mind that flyboarding entails being propelled out of the water and your safety gear should be strong enough to ensure that should you fall into the water at an odd angle, you don’t sustain injuries. Anyone who has ever dived in the water improperly knows how painful the experience can be. Also, consider investing in some high-quality sun-screen that is waterproof because you’re going to get a nice tan with all the time you spend outside in the sun.
Give Yourself Time
Like with any other sport, it is difficult to master flyboarding with just a few classes. You’re going to need some extra practice with your flyboard, along with more classes in order to be able to indulge in flyboarding with ease. As with any sport, be patient with yourself and make room for mistakes. Treat each mistake like a learning opportunity to ensure that you keep learning.
Much like learning how to ride a bike, the flyboarding learning experience can be different for everyone and relies a lot on balance and control. While some people can be naturals, getting the hang of the flyboard in one class with ease, you will have to allow yourself to progress at a pace that is more natural for you. At the end of the day, remember to have fun when you’re out in the sun when you’re flyboarding.