What is Flyboarding and How Does It Work?

If you’ve been to the beach or lake recently, you might have seen some people hovering several feet above the water, seemingly propelled by jetpacks or hoverboards. Geez, what gives?

Welcome to the world of flyboarding, one of the newest extreme watersports and every adrenaline junkie’s dream.

While we might be some years away from doing a Boba Fett and zipping around the skies with a jetpack, flyboarding is certainly within reach of most people.

So what exactly is this crazy new sport and how does it work? Here’s the skinny on all things flyboarding!

What is Flyboarding?

Flyboarding is an extreme water sport that involves using a water-propelled board that is attached to a person’s feet, known as the Flyboard. The device shoots water downward with extreme power, allowing the user to fly above the water’s surface, where they can hover, perform tricks, and even dive down into the water.

Flyboarding is an exhilarating experience; it combines sports like jet skiing, snowboarding, and acrobatics, making it a popular activity for us adventure seekers and water sports enthusiasts. It is a one-of-a-kind activity that everyone should have on their bucket list.

Here’s a bit of history on the sport…

In 2003, a Chinese Canadian, Raymond Li, invented the game-changing JetLev, a water-propelled jetpack. It was the first ever hydroflight device, meaning instead of a fuel-powered engine, it uses high-pressured water as propulsion to create enough lift to allow you to hover, dive, and do crazy-looking flips and stunts.

Years later, in 2012, French watercraft rider Franky Zapata took the technology and created flyboarding, a variant of the original hydroflight jetpacks.

Today, there are even more variants, including flying jet skis and bikes! These futuristic water devices are becoming more common each year. Many popular destinations on the water will offer flyboarding sessions, so now it’s an opportunity for everyone to jump in on the fun.

Now watch the video below of a professional to see what flyboarding is:

@tommy_flyman Flyboard tricks #flyboard #flyboarding #sport #adrenaline #jetski #flyhigh #extreme #watersports #miami #acrobatics #gymnastics #jetlife #luxury ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – tommy_flyman

How Does Flyboarding Work?

The way flyboarding works is the Flyboard system first has to attach to a personal watercraft (PWC), there are adapters to fit Jet Skis, SeaDoos, and Waverunners. A U pipe attaches to the jetskis jet nozzle (where the water comes out), a hose connects to the U pipe, and then the hose connects to the Flyboard.

When the watercraft’s engine is engaged, water is forced through the hose and then through the Flyboard, where it sprays out of the Flyboards’ 2 nozzles.

The flyer controls the direction of flight by adjusting their body position and weight distribution. By tilting their feet and using their balance, they can fly above the water’s surface.

The jetski operator controls the total power, the more gas they give on the watercraft the more thrust, which either increases the user’s speed or height depending on their positioning. While this is usually the case, recent additions of wireless throttles have been created allowing the flyboard rider to control the jet ski, enabling a flyboarder to fly solo.

A Flyboarding Flight (Start to Finish)

Ready to start flyboarding? Here’s what a typical flyboarding flight entails and how you get airborne!

1. Safety Briefing

Every flyboard rental place will have a safety briefing. Be sure to listen intently and listen to your instructor at all times. The more you know the less likely of a serious accident happening.

2. Gearing Up

Now you’ll put on all your gear. Depending on where you are, you might need a wetsuit, sometimes they will be provided by the operator. But two things you definitely will need are a life jacket and a helmet! These will be provided when booking a flyboarding session, and ake sure both are securely attached and fit snugly.

3. Stepping into the Flyboard

Now you’ll need to put on the flyboard by sticking your feet in the boots. Flyboard tour operators will have a system to make this process easier. You will likely sit on the edge of a dock, or a custom platform provided by the company.

The boots are like lightweight snowboard boots, they strap around your feet and tighten to prevent too much ankle movement. This protects your ankles!

4. Getting in the Water

After you’ve got your feet in the flyboard boots, you’ll have to jump into the water. Often you will slide off the dock or the platform provided.

5. Move Away from Jet Ski and Other Obstacles

Now you’re in the water, you have to taxi to a safe distance away from the take-off platyfrom, whether its a dock or the shoreline.

You also need to get a safe distance away from the jet ski. To move through the water, lie on your front with your legs straight out behind you, and head and shoulders above the water line.

Your jetski instructor will then push a small amount of water through the flyboard to propel you forward. Communication is crucial here!

6. Begin Your Flyboarding Flight

Once you’re in the right spot, straighten your legs below you. Flyboards are somewhat buoyant which help you float. Try holding your legs steady and keep the flyboard balanced.

When you’re ready, give your instructor (or the person controlling the jet ski) a thumbs up signal and they will then provide you the power to begin flying.

Instructors will know how to control the power of the jet ski so that you aren’t going too high on your first try.

When you are out of the water, don’t look down at the flyboard! It will throw you off balance and is one of the easiest ways to faceplant.

Look forward and keep your back and legs straight. You can try tilting your feet to get a feel of how the flyboard steers. Also, try tilting the flyboard forwards and backwards by lifting or pointing your toes.

7. Landing/Falling

When (not if!) you fall, dive into open water with your hands over your head. Stay clear of the jet ski, and make sure you are far from shallow rocks or anything you can hit.

You may fall backwards, these are often the worst falls as you lose all control. Your jetski instructor will let go of all the power and you will just fall into the water. Just be prepared and keep your head facing forward.

Once you’re done with your flight, you can signal your instructor who will ease up on the throttle and let you down gently. You will then taxi over to the platform, pop off the flyboard, and then discuss with your friends how insane and fun flyboarding is.

Is Flyboarding Difficult to Learn?

Flyboarding isn’t incredibly difficult. Most people can get up on a flyboard in minutes and will be performing basic maneuvers in about half an hour.

However, it also can be challenging at the beginning, especially if you don’t have much experience with boardsports like skateboarding, watersports like surfing, and wakeboarding.

In addition, flyboarding requires balance, core strength, and some athleticism, so if you are exceptionally talented in these departments, you might have an easier time.

There’s no substitute for good instruction, so pick your flyboarding facility and instructor well. Online and peer reviews are an excellent information source too. Watch a few YouTube videos beforehand, it can truly help you out.

Don’t fret if it takes you a while to learn how to levitate. People have different learning curves so just keep at it!

Is it Dangerous?

It is an extreme sport after all, but when taking precautions, especially in the beginning, you can save yourself some pain.

You’re going to fall, that’s a given! The key here is to start very low at the beginning. Newbies on their first flight should keep at a maximum of five feet, although some have been known to go to ten. Staying at five feet means that falling into the water feels just about like jumping off from a dive board in a swimming pool.

As your skills progress, you can go higher, but always err on the side of caution and stay low until you learn how to adequately control your movements. Always wear a helmet and life jacket, and never fly in the direction of the jet ski.

In addition, flyboards can go up to 18.5 mph, but stick to slower speeds until you get the hang of it.

Where Are Some Popular Flyboarding Locations?

Doha, Qatar

Flyboarding is taking the world by storm. The first and second Flyboard World Cup was held in Doha, Qatar, in 2012 and 2013, with 50 and 66 athletes, respectively.

Dubai

The following two years, it was held in Dubai, where flyboarding is extremely popular. You can see all the flyboarding tours you can book here in Dubai!

Florida, USA

In 2016, Naples, Florida hosted the flyboarding World Cup. Since then Florida has been a hub for flyboarding, with so many opportunities for new people to book sessions all over the state! Of course, Miami is the most popular location for this activity, so if you are in the area give it a try.

Mexico

Mexico is another popular place, particularly Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos.

Cancun is a popular destination for water sports, and flyboarding is no exception. You can find numerous services offering flyboarding sessions, suitable for beginners as well as experienced flyboarders.

Located just south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is another top spot for flyboarding. The area’s many beach resorts often provide flyboarding experiences, or you can book with local operators.

Flyboarding is also very popular in Los Cabos, located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Here, the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, providing an incredible backdrop for flyboarding.

Okanagan Lake, Canada

The most popular place in Canada for flyboarding is the Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, BC.

Known for its sparkling, clean water and stunning natural surroundings, Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, British Columbia, has become a prime destination for flyboarding in Canada. This region’s warm, sunny climate makes it perfect for a variety of water sports, flyboarding included.

Maldives

Being an archipelago, Maldives is every watersports enthusiast’s dream. You can go flyboarding in Maafushi, a small, local island that’s only a short boat ride from Male, the capital.

Other Popular Flyboarding Destinations

How Much Does Flyboarding Cost?

If you want to try flyboarding expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $250 USD per session. A session will be 30 minutes to 60 minutes. The location of your flyboarding experience influences the cost of the session.

For example, in Puerto Rico you can pay $60 USD for a 30 minute session, while in Miami a 30 minute session can cost $110 USD. In Canada, you will pay $100 USD for a 30 minute session.

Prices are based on supply and demand of the location, sometimes a highly skilled instructor can charge premiums for private lessons to teach you tricks and more tips to become a better flyboarder.

If you love the sport, you might want to know what the cost to buy a flyboard is. To buy a brand-name (high-quality) flyboard kit you can expect to pay $5000, the standalone flyboards are going for $3900 but you will need the tube and adapters.

Flyboarding FAQs

Do Flyboards Need to Connect to a Jet Ski (PWC)?

Yes, they have to be connected to a jet ski with an impeller that pushes water through the hose and into the flyboard. The board then expels the water through the flyboard nozzles, pushing the rider up into the air!

How Do You Connect a Flyboard to a Jet Ski?

A thick, durable hose about 65 to 80 feet long is connected to the jet ski through a U-pipe on one end. On the other end, the hose is attached to the flyboard. There are adapters that are used to connect to specific model PWC, such as Kawasakis, Seadoos, and Yamahas.

Watch this video here to see how easily they connect:

Is there an Age Requirement for Flyboarding?

It depends on individual operators, but it isn’t recommended that children under ten use a flyboard. The power can be too much making the crashes potentially serious. Many operators have an age requirement of 12 to 18 to be able to go flyboarding.

Is there a Weight Limit for Flyboarding?

There isn’t always a minimum weight requirement, certain operators list that you must weigh over 80lbs to be able to ride. The weight limit varies by operator, expect the limit to be anywhere from 200 lbs to 300lbs.

Regarding true weight limits, flyboards do not have any. The heavier a person the more power the jetski will need to be to successfully lift them.

What is Flyboard Air?

A Flyboard Air works in a similar way as a flyboard, but powered by turbines fueled by kerosene. This jet-powered hoverboard was invented by Franky Zapata who also invented the flyboard.

The Air version allows flights up to an altitude of 3,000 meters / 9,800 feet and has a top speed of 150 km/h / 93 mph.

Final Thoughts

Flyboarding is a relatively new sport that is fast gaining attention from extreme sports enthusiasts, but it has already shown promise in developing into a key water sport. We hope to see great things from it in the future!

Jamie Penney

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!