Flyboarding is an exhilarating new water sport that has become popular all around the globe. As you prepare to fly over the waves as you are propelled above the water, it’s important to be appropriately dressed.
You may see people wearing bathing suits, bikinis, and whatnot on a flyboard, and many do! However, certain bathing suits, especially bikinis, can fall off during your flight, and that’s not what you want. Also, loose shorts can easily slide down when you power through the water!
Let me explain what you should wear during your flyboard experience.
Are Wetsuits Required when Flyboarding?
Realistically, whether you need a wetsuit depends primarily on the water temperature and your tolerance to cold. If all goes well, you should spend most of the time on the flyboard above the water, but falls are common, and a wetsuit could keep you more comfortable if the water is cool.
A wetsuit also can protect you from UV rays and abrasions that you might get if you hit the water hard. In my opinion, a wetsuit is the safest thing you can wear when flyboarding, so if you can wear one, then you should!
Still, a wetsuit will be a personal choice, and if you don’t have one, you can also consider wearing a rash guard or “rashie”. A rash guard can help against hard smacks on the water, keep you protected from UV rays, and also keep you warmer.
What is the Best Outfit for Flyboarding?
As I mentioned earlier, wetsuits are best for flyboarding, they protect your body from everything the best. The wetsuit protects from water temperatures, UV rays, water impacts, minor seaweed scuffs, and more.
If you don’t have one, think about wearing a rash guard to protect your skin from UV rays or abrasions that you might get when you fall.
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If you choose standard swimwear, ensure it is snug and comfortable, allowing you a full range of motion. Loose clothing can create drag and fall/rip-off during impact. Most water sports enthusiasts will tell you that bikinis fall off very easily, so women should wear a one-piece bathing suit over a bikini when flyboarding if they have the choice.
Men’s swimming trunks should have a string to keep them as tight as possible to prevent them from sliding down.
Are Wetsuits Provided When Booking a Flyboard Session?
If you are booking a flyboarding session in a location that often experiences cooler weather, they will likely provide a wetsuit for you. In warmer locations a wetsuit may not be provided and they allow you to go in your own bathing suit you choose to wear.
If you have your own wetsuit you should wear it, it will provide comfort for you, keep you a good temperature, and keep you safe from hard water crashes!
Are Helmets Required when Flyboarding?
You may see people flyboarding without helmets, but this is usually people who own the flyboard o they are professionals. If you are booking a session for your first flight you need to wear a helmet for your own protection.
Wiping out is normal, but it can be painful if you gather speed and go high up, and crash down hard. A helmet will reduce the direct impact of your head on the water. There’s also a chance you can hit some floating debris or nearby obstacles. Wearing a helmet reduces the chances of injury significantly and I highly recommend you wear one during your flight.
Do You Have to Wear a Life Jacket When Flyboarding?
This is another must-have. A life jacket, or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is absolutely mandatory for flyboarding. Is an exciting sport but it also carries inherent risks, a life jacket gives you peace of mind throughout the experience and will keep you safe, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
It is possible you wipe out hard and become unconscious, having a floatation device to keep you up helps if someone has to get you up and out of the water in a hurry. Your flyboard does float, but a lifejacket keeps your upper body up too.
A life jacket also offers a little more protection if you collide into hard surfaces, reducing the risk of injuries to your chest and upper body.
Read my related post “Is Flyboarding Safe? The 9 Dangers of Flyboards” here.
Do You Wear Any Shoes When Flyboarding?
You will be sticking your feet into the boots that are on the flyboard, so you don’t need any shoes. However, you can wear aqua socks if you want more traction while walking on land or slippery surfaces before you launch, but it’s not needed.
So when you book a flyboarding experience, you can wear flip flops to the destination as it does not matter.
Interested in how much these Flyboards cost? Read our full Flyboard price guide here.
Can You Wear Glasses When Flyboarding?
It isn’t recommended to wear glasses as you flyboard. If you really have to, you should secure them with a sports strap. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be falling into the water often, and hitting the water with glasses on could really hurt! Plus, they are likely to fall off after your first crash.
What About Contact Lenses?
Contact lenses are not recommended to be worn in water by the American Optometric Association as water can get trapped behind them, which can cause infections and eye discomfort. If you must wear contact lenses you can always wear goggles (make sure they are tight) and your contact lenses should be safe to wear underneath.
Should You Tie Your Hair Up When Flyboarding?
It is up to you how you want to wear your hair, but securing it back and keeping it out of your face is always a good idea. Loose hair also creates more drag and could obscure your vision if you hit the water.
What You Should NOT Wear When Flyboarding:
Glasses – These are usually not recommended by operators. If you hit the water hard, you could hurt yourself or lose your glasses. Try wearing contacts if you need them with goggles.
Jewelry – This is a strict no-no. Flyboarding is an active sport that will engage you physically. Hitting the water hard could hurt you if you’re wearing earrings, and you can certainly lose your favorite necklace. Plus, jewelry can dig into your skin causing cuts and scrapes upon water contact.
Normal Clothes – Thick jeans or loose cotton becomes very heavy when it gets wet and could impede your movements in the water. Stick with a wetsuit or board shorts and a rash guard instead. Make sure that you will be comfortable both in the water and out in with whatever you are wearing.
Bandanas, Head Scarves, Hats – Various head accessories could get tangled around your neck, or in the flyboarding equipment, so try to keep everything you wear snug against you.
Loose Cameras or Phones – Avoid bringing unsecured devices on the flyboard. If you want to film your flight, use a camera or phone mount or have a buddy film you instead. Do not wear a necklace type phone holder, that will hurt your neck and likely will break off quickly.
What you wear while flyboarding is a personal choice, but just make sure you’re comfy and protected from the elements. Have fun out there and fly safe!
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!