One of the best things about the rapid progress in technology has got to be fancier toys! And by that, we don’t mean action figures. Fly boarding is a new sport that wasn’t around until a couple of years ago and has been welcomed by the masses. Men and women of varying ages are enthralled to take their self into the air with the adrenaline filled, easy to control fly boards. You’re not really a 90s kid unless you’ve imagined yourself riding a hover board like the green goblin from Spiderman or Marty from Back to the Future, at least once. It’s incredibly exhilarating just seeing people ride these jet powered hydro fly boards. Flocks of tourists are drawn into beachside areas where this technology is available for all. In fact, there are fly board competitions now being held where expert fly boarders showcase their finesse in controlling the powerful boards to execute the most impressive feats of personal flight maneuverability. These extreme shows attract many onlookers, but you know what’s better than watching fly boarders perform? Riding one yourself!
How it works
A fly board is basically a personal jet pack that is strapped in beneath your feet and is a creation of Zapata Racing in France. This fly board uses the power of propulsion to levitate in a controlled manner and take off the ground on your command. The water pressure is made from a personal watercraft that directs the high pressured water through a 60-foot pipe that is attached to the two propulsion nozzles beneath your feet. The nozzles are pointed downwards and throw water at a 90-degree angle from the sea surface, in the direction of the sea floor, to generate enough propulsion to lift you off the water surface. Think iron man, but with water for propulsion instead of the palladium made Arc Reactor power core.
Ease of control
One can assume this sort of technology requires hard training to get a hold of, but that’s not true. The fly board is a very easy to control and maneuverable instrument. After the user has been given proper instruction, it doesn’t take more than five minutes on average for them to take off and fly around hovering over the safe surface of water. If you’re a slower learner, there’s nothing to worry about.
There are two types of throttle control systems on the fly board. You can let your instructor power the throttles on and off, while you’re trying to get a handle on the controlling and basic hovering aspects of it. After you feel like you’re ready, step it up a notch, you can control the throttle yourself through the handholds on the fly board made possible with the electronic management kit installed on there.
Pro Fly boarder Trey Andrews said, “The learning curve is pretty steep, meaning it’s hard to start using the Electronic Management Kit but once you get the hang of it you will never want to be ‘driven’ again.” You basically control your direction by leaning towards the direction you want to go to. Tip your toes forward to go forward, and vice versa. Needless to say, it would be pretty exciting to pretend to be a superhero or a super villain riding on this fully controllable hover board. You can even do those cool dolphin dives in and out of the water with the jet powered boots you’re mounted on! Executing back flips or even front flips is always a fan favorite. If you’ve practiced enough, you can be creative with your maneuvers and tricks. The fly board is the perfect mix of water, extreme sports, flying and thrilling heights. Fly boarding doesn’t require a lot of strength. It can be a very relaxing and liberating experience.
A workout like no other
Fly boarding is the new favorite hobby for spring breakers because of how easy it is. Anyone can do it including you. Despite the obvious advantage of grasping the basics of fly boarding within minutes of the first session depending on your balance and coordination, fly boarding is a full body exercise. This unmatched workout experience can work your core, legs, and hips very well. Depending on your cardiovascular fitness and endurance, you can ride the fly board for as long as you can handle. Oh, and you definitely will feel the post-workout muscle soreness the next day, since it’s a workout that’s fun, safe, enthralling and one that you will not forget for the rest of your life.
How safe is it though
Those interested often speculate on how safe it really is, and they should too. The truth is, you’ll be in the safe hands of certified and experienced master pilot instructors guiding you and observing you, throughout the course. Additionally, the coast guard will also look out for you with eyes peeled. After your pre-flight instructions, you’ll be escorted in the water with a life vest and safety helmet. The instructors and experienced pilots are also trained in CPR and First Aid Certified programs. However, to make sure you stay within comfortable limits, do not fly at heights that you feel are above your skill level. Stay comfortable and enjoy the freedom in the air up there.
Give it a shot!
Have you ever ridden a fly board before? If you haven’t, you need to try it and experience the closest thing to personal flight in existence which has been an ever longing desire of man. You don’t need to worry about buying the futuristic overly expensive equipment either. Residents of Michigan, you need not worry! You can rent fly boards in Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minneapolis area, Long Lake in New Brighton and Crosslake in Brainerd, MI. Come on down to get a taste of how it’s like to levitate on your own two feet off the grounds in complete control and make your summer break the perfect holiday.