About the Flyboard
Created by Zapata Racing of France, the Flyboard is a personal jet pack that mounts onto your feet using bindings. The water pressure created from a personal watercraft (PWC) is redirected through a 60 foot hose that wyes into two nozzles right beneath your feet that are pointed down. When the nozzles are pointed down, that is what gives life. The wye connections and the hose connections each have bearings on them which allows it to swivel and not bind up.
Who Controls It?
There are two options for throttle control. While learning to fly, you will have an instructor on the PWC controlling the throttle. This lets you focus on the basics and keeps you safe until you get the hang of it. More advanced fliers can control the throttle and start/stop of the PWC from the handholds on the Flyboard with the use of the EMK (Electronic Management Kit). Fancy maneuvers and tricks require precise timing and throttle control. When you are ready to step it up, the EMK is a must-have accessory.
Learning to Fly
Learning to fly the Flyboard is much easier than you might think. When given proper instruction, most people will be out of the water and flying in the first five minutes, and many within 30 seconds. After 20 minutes or so, you could easily have the basics down and have good control of your movements over the water. Some have great balance and natural ability and get the hang of it quicker than others. Regardless, everyone will have a great time on the Flyboard!