We’d like to introduce you to one of the hit new sports in Barcelona: flyboarding. While the name of the sport is a bit of a misnomer, as the board runs on water propulsion, this summer sport is perfect for people who crave an adrenaline rush and want to cool off while doing it.
The History
In 1996, 17-year-old Franky Zapata of Marseille, France began his career in the world of Jet Skis. In this competitive setting full of large corporations, Zapata made his way up the metaphorical food chain until he had become so impressive that in 2005 he was named the official pilot of Sea Doo-BRP. Today, Zapata Racing jet skis consistently make up 70% of the starting block in regional, national and international championships.
The Flyboard was introduced to the world through the means of a Youtube video in December of 2011, creating a global-spread excitement. Zapata Racing’s experience in engineering and manufacturing Jet Skis helped them create a prototype of the board quickly, and ended up releasing the Flyboard to the general public in Autumn of 2012. Since then, the Flyboard has been increasing in popularity all over the world, and bringing with it competitions and events.
What is it/how does it work?
The Flyboard, in layman’s terms, is a board you are strapped to that causes you to float above the water. In a slightly more technical sense, it is a water jet powered machine which uses the propulsion from the water jets coming out from underneath the boards to create movement in both the water and the air. In addition to this, the rider has two smaller nozzles he or she attaches to his or her hands, in order to create stability while in the air. The board itself is attached to a thick hose, which in turn is connected to a personal watercraft (PWC). These PWCs often come in the form of a Jet Ski, and one person will be riding on the PWC controlling the amount of water pressure the board uses through the throttle of the PWC. So while the Flyboard rider controls his or her body through the use of the board and his or her hands, the PWC rider controls the height and/or speed of the flyboarder.
How can I learn?
While this whole process seems very complicated and difficult to learn as a beginner, in reality in can take as little as 10 minutes with an instructor to find your balance and start flying in the air. For the sport of flyboarding, all you need is a bit of balance, as the water pressure and the PWC rider take care of the rest. In Barcelona, a company called FlyBoard Barcelona hosts an activity called the FlyBoard Experience at both Port Forum and Port Ginesta. This activity includes two certified instructors, a short course on how to Flyboard, 15-30 minutes of flight per person, and equipment for anyone who wants to experience this thrilling sport. For more information about booking, visit the FlyBoard Barcelona website.
