If you’ve been to the beach or lake recently and seen someone hover in the air like Boba Fett, you’ve just watched flyboarding, one of the most unique extreme watersports to hit our shores.
Is Flyboarding a Safe Sport?
Flyboarding is an extremely safe sport, but being a very physical one, accidents can happen, which is why first-time flyers must be careful.
Proper preparation is crucial to a safe flight, listen to your instructor, watch some videos online before you go, and wear all the required gear for your safety. This means you should (must) wear a helmet and life jacket at all times to prevent any serious accidents.
Let’s take a look at the potential dangers the sport has and what we can do to prevent serious incidents.
9 Dangers of Flyboards
1. Falling Hard into the Water
Anyone that has fallen hard into the water will tell you that despite its soft, welcoming embrace, hitting the water hard hurts!
A flyboard can go up to 50 feet, and crashing downwards into the water at that height will certainly be unpleasant! Such impact can cause serious bruises, pull joints, and it can potentially break your bones!
That’s why beginners should stick to slower speeds and lower flights until they get the hang of flying and stop face-planting. When you fall (and it’s a “when”, not an “if”!), always keep your arms outstretched above your head to protect yourself.
2. Crashing into the Jet Ski
@laxtoluxury Well that didn’t go as planned 🤦♀️ #fail #flyboarding #ibiza #travel #foryou #fyp ♬ Tubthumping – Black Lace
When flyboarding, you are always connected to the jet ski by the hose, it is either 65 feet or 80 feet long. This means you can’t get very far away from the machine, making it very possible to crash into it.
Your instructor will tell you to flyboard away from the jet ski at all times, and when you fall, you should aim for open water at all times.
Your jet ski instructor controls your power, so they will always lower your speed whenever you get closer to the machine, or you are pointed towards it. It is unlikely, but it should be taken seriously as the damages could be extreme!
Watch the TikTok above, this first-time flyer crashes numerous times and does hit her head lightly on the jetski once. It could have been much worse!
3. Extreme Dehydration
Flyboarding is physically demanding; being an active sport with a ton of sun exposure there’s always a chance for dehydration. Be sure to protect yourself from UV rays with a rash guard or wetsuit. In addition, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent water breaks to rehydrate yourself.
It is easy to get heat exhaustion during a hot summer day, which is a potentially dangerous condition that can lead to heatstroke. Watch out for signs like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Plus, if you are flying in salt water, that may increase your chances of getting dehydrated, so be careful not to gulp any salt water in!
Also, many of us are on vacation when we want to give this a try, meaning we might have been drinking alcohol the day prior, this increases our chances of becoming dehydrated.
4. Crashing into Other Boats, Watercraft, and Docks
If you are in a crowded area, you’re going to be dealing with loads of obstacles like other boats, jet skis, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. Never flyboard in an area of other watercraft, as it is extremely dangerous!
Stay away from them and always fly toward open waters to prevent any bad crashes. Flyboards can go up to 50 feet, so crashing into anything hard from that height is going to cause a serious injury.
You should never be taking off in a crowded area, but if someone comes towards you unannounced make sure your seadoo controller knows to let off the gas.
5. Potential Marine Life Encounters
Although most marine animals are harmless and will only attack if provoked, you’re still in their territory, and some sea animals are dangerous. For example, you could encounter a jellyfish that gives you a painful sting on contact, or a stonefish that is one of the most venomous fish in the world.
Sharks are generally docile animals that don’t like the sound of a jet ski or any motorized vehicle, so they should steer clear of you. Sea snakes are also highly venomous, but they are not naturally aggressive towards humans. Just be sure not to piss them off accidentally!
It also wouldn’t be fun to crash into a large sea animal like a seal, that would hurt! It is very unlikely but a quick look around can prevent a collision or encounter.
6. Crashing into Rocks and Reefs
The ocean is a mysterious place and full of hidden treasures, but the one thing you don’t want to experience while flyboarding is a shallow reef or rock formation. Your flyboarding instructor should know the area well and warn you of any obstacles that you might run into, but always keep alert and check your surroundings if you are new to the area.
Tour operators usually stick to the same location, so this should not be a concern for you; this is a concern for people (flyboard owners) heading out into new areas that they are unfamiliar with. You never know whats under the surface.
7. Accidents Caused by Bad Weather
Being an outdoor watersport, you’ll always be exposed to the natural elements. Big waves, high winds, and storms that could suddenly come can catch you off guard while you’re on the water is a huge concern.
Always check the weather report before you head out, and check with your instructors as they have local knowledge and will know best. Ask a local if you are visiting and want to take your flyboard out for a spin.
You should avoid flyboarding in high winds, big waves, and thunderstorms at all times.
8. Drowning is a Possibility
A flyboard is buoyant and will help you float, and you should always be wearing a life jacket, but despite best efforts to keep safe, it is a water sport, which means it carries the risk of drowning. Sadly this has happened to a solo flyer before, I tell you this to warn you of the seriousness of this sport.
The water pressure flies you up into the air, but it can also shoot you deep into the water. If flying alone, this is much more dangerous as someone is not around to help in the event of an emergency. You can get stuck in the water the wrong way or you can hit your head and possibly become unconscious, making it a possibility to drown.
Be careful out there and always have a buddy with you, as it can save your life. Wear a floatation device always!
9. Do NOT Fly Intoxicated
Flyboarding is a physical activity that requires your full concentration, so hold off on having that beer until you get back to land.
Most operators will not take you on a flyboarding tour if you have been drinking, and operating a flyboard while under the influence is also illegal in many regions.
If you’ve been drinking, you’re also more likely to take unnecessary risks or engage in reckless behavior. The chances of an accident or injury goes way up, and you’ll have an impaired response to any impending emergency.
Going sober will make the experience much more enjoyable, you will get to do your very best trying this unique sport. Don’t waste your money and try going drunk, you’ll likely end up hurting yourself and possibly your guide.
Is Flyboarding Safe for Children?
Yes, flyboarding can be enjoyed by children, but super-young and lightweight children will not be allowed to go as the machine is just too powerful for their little bodies. Being too small makes it extremely dangerous as they would have no control, and the flyboard would basically take over, increasing the chances of a serious accident.
Many operators have an age requirement to flyboard which usually ranges from 10 to 15 years old, parent consent signatures are also required.
Is Flyboarding Safe for Seniors?
Although flyboarding is a physical sport, seniors with a reasonable level of fitness and no pre-existing medical conditions can safely enjoy it. However, seniors have to know the risks associated with a physical watersport and things like crashing into the water or potential obstacles can cause a lot of damage to brittle bones.
People with medical conditions like osteoarthritis should be careful, and if there’s doubt, always get clearance from a doctor before proceeding with any sport.
People with any heart conditions should also stay clear of this sport as it is extremely thrilling and increases your heart rate significantly. You do not want to cause any serious heart issues as you are flying, you are strapped into a flying board while in the water. It would take some time to get you out, making things riskier by the second.
Are Flyboard Accidents Common?
Serious flyboarding accidents are not very common, the most common accidents are minor falls into the water. These may cause some stiffness in your muscles and joints but often go away within days.
Flyboarding isn’t exceptionally hard, and people have been known to get up and fly within minutes. If it is your first flight, you WILL fall, but you’ll hit the water from about five feet, which isn’t too bad. Some beginners have been known to get to 10 feet during their first flight, but stay low, and learn slowly.
Serious accidents are uncommon for beginners because you’ll be flying low and slow. However, it is a physical sport, and injuries do happen.
Accidents have happened, and a death has occurred for a solo rider. That’s why having 2 people minimum is required, I do not recommend the flyboarder control their own power by themselves. This can lead to serious damages and death, so please fly with friends.
Flyboarding in a Pool
If you see someone flyboarding in a pool, they are likely a professional. First-time flyboard flyers should NEVER fly in a pool; it is extremely dangerous. The pool is only so big, and you are likely to wipe and lose control.
You can easily crash into the edge of the pool, which will break bones and cause serious damage. The last thing you want to do is smack your head on the concrete from 25 feet above the ground.
Also, avoid flying the flyboard over the ground surface. I have seen a video of someone doing it and wiping out, only to fall on a solid surface. This is just plain stupidity, in my opinion.
Stick to the lakes or the ocean as it is much more safe and makes for a more enjoyable flyboarding experience.
Flyboarding as a Passenger
Yes, this exists! Instead of you being in full control, you can hop on (not connected) and fly with the driver. These are often professional operators that take you for a fun flight. Although they are pros, there’s always a chance of a crash, so its best to wear proper gear, like your helmet and life jacket.
The worst thing about being a passenger is that you can fall off at any time; these smashes down into the water can hurt as they are unexpected.
Only do this with a professional, as new flyers will crash and you don;t want to be tandem flyer with them. Crashing into the water together can be painful if you both clash heads, body parts or get tangled together.
Do You Need to Know How To Swim To Flyboard?
A flyboard is buoyant and will help you float, and you should also be wearing a life jacket. However, knowing how to swim is highly recommended if you want to flyboard. It’ll allow you to be more comfy in the water and maneuver yourself around when you fall in.
If you aren’t a swimmer, consider taking some lessons or practicing in a pool first. The last thing you want to do is to panic when you fall into the water, which will take away some of your fun.
You still use your arms to keep your body upward in the water, so swimming helps with flyboarding 100%.
What Safety Equipment Do You Wear Flyboarding?
There are a few negotiable things, but a helmet and a life jacket aren’t. These are mandatory pieces of equipment that could save your life, so wear them at all times.
You could also use a wetsuit that will protect your skin from sunburns or abrasions that you might get when you fall into the water. If you choose not to wear a wetsuit, you can also use a rash guard.
Read our related post “What Should I Wear When Flyboarding?” here.
How Deep Does the Water Need to Be for Flyboarding?
The minimum depth for basic flyboarding maneuvers is eight feet. However, if you are planning to dive in and out of the water, you should leave a minimum of 12 feet. Choosing deeper water is always recommended.
Flyboarding Safety Tips to Follow
Flyboarding is a physical activity that has inherent risks, but you can try to mitigate some of them by following a few safety tips.
- Always wear the safety equipment that the flyboarding operator must provide like a helmet and a life jacket. These essential pieces of equipment will provide buoyancy, protect your head, and reduce the risk of injuries. You can also consider using a wetsuit to keep you warm and to protect your skin from sunburns and abrasions.
- Pay attention to water conditions, including the depth and any potential hazards beneath the surface. Avoid shallow or rocky areas, as these can pose risks to both you and the equipment.
- Before attempting flyboarding, seek instruction from a certified and experienced flyboarding instructor. Proper training will teach you the necessary techniques, safety procedures, and how to use the equipment correctly.
- Flyboarding is physically demanding, and being in the water can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flyboarding session to stay hydrated.
- Flyboarding should be done in favorable weather conditions. Avoid flyboarding during storms, strong winds, or other adverse weather situations that could be dangerous.
- Follow the instructions of your flyboarding instructor at all times. They are there to ensure your safety and provide guidance on how to have a successful flyboarding experience.
- Try to avoid flyboarding in busy areas and stay clear of any potential hazards and obstacles.
- Never flyboard while intoxicated, so hold off on that beer until after your session. When you’re intoxicated, your balance and judgement will be impaired and you might not respond well to an emergency situation.
Has Anyone Ever Died Flyboarding?
Yes, unfortunately, flyboarding is a physical sport and there have been a few serious accidents. For example, in 2017, a man was found drowned in Back River off of Tybee Island, Georgia.
In addition, Frank Zapata, the man credited with the invention of the jet pack, had a big 50-foot fall while demonstrating the flyboard. Luckily, he sustained only minor injuries. Yay!
Final Thoughts
Flyboarding is a safe activity, even though it is often called an extreme sport. However, it is a very physical one, and accidents do happen. Make sure you are always on the side of caution and go slow at the start of your first take-off. Have fun out there, and fly safely, my friends!
If you are interested in buying a Flyboard yourself, you need to read our full post on the cost of all the required Flyboard equipment here.
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!