Flyboarding is a very adventurous sport for the adrenalin junkies out there that love to explore blue waters in a fun and exhilarating way. It involves being attached to a device that propels your body away from the water’s surface through the mechanism of hydro flighting and a hose that supplies the water.
You can rise up to 20 meters and enjoy the view of the ocean from a stellar height while showing off the best acrobatic moves you have. It is also claimed that the fastest speed of 150 km/h can be reached on a flyboard giving you the maximum thrill from a single-player activity without being covered by metal and engines!
However, with the use of such great technology and exhilaration comes many risks. This should be given attention. Proper care needs to be taken as well. The following comprehensive list of tips will ensure that you are safe during your session on the flyboard.
Safety First
The first and foremost tip of vital importance is strapping your safety gear right and tight. You will be given a helmet, a jacket, and boots to wear during the course of the activity. It is very important to wear each piece of given and follow the instructions to the dot. This will ensure that you are safe during the activity.
The gear can take you to very high speeds on the water therefore you need to be properly strapped so you will not fall off and sustain any injuries. The boots especially need to be tied well to hold your feet and keep you balanced on the gear as you take flight.
The life jacket that is provided can help you stay afloat if you do not know how to swim well. It also keeps you away from the terrain beneath the waters. At times, the areas where flyboarding occurs is also where there are rocks under the water.
And the absence of a life vest will not allow any protection from the full impact that might be experienced from crashing into the rocky surface.
Pulling the straps of all your gear tight would also mean that you will no longer have to do it over the duration of the session so you can happily enjoy the sport without any further worries.
Age Restrictions
In general, there is no set age-limit for flyboarding. It should be considered, however, that individuals need to weigh at least 80 lbs. Children ages 10-12 are usually within this weight. It is to be kept in mind that some companies are specific about allowing individuals on the equipment to minimize risk.
It may also be a requirement of the local authority in the city or country and therefore it is necessary for the company or rental to enforce the law. This entails that it may be required for individuals under the age of 16 or 18 to be accompanied by their parents or a guardian when trying out the sport. Parental supervision might be a clause in their agreement and has to be met for teenagers and children to flyboard.
Alcohol
Flyboarding requires a good mastery of balance and this can be severely impaired by consuming alcohol prior to the session. During vacations and holidays, drinking alcohol is a fairly certain occurrence. People do it to unwind, relax and have fun but this does not bode well with flyboarding which requires good reflexes, balance and muscle control.
You will also be needing to get a good gauge at the distance that needs to be maintained between yourself and the Waverunner to avoid chances of collision and subsequent injury.
Weight Restrictions
As flyboarding is a sport that involves a lot of movement, it might not be feasible for everyone to do the sport. Many companies that provide flyboarding, are usually specific about the weight of the person as the equipment might not always be able to support the body of a heavier individual and would lead to constant fall with little rise.
Many people who are overweight and obese are often unable to keep their balance and may not be able to enjoy the sport as much as they would like due to the machines being unable to support more weight. It is advisable to reach out to your personal trainer to plan and prepare your body to perform the sport well. This will make it more enjoyable and safer for you.
Swimming skills
Oftentimes, the instructors that will help you out with flyboarding will evaluate your swimming abilities and experience. This is for them to understand if you are comfortable in the water or would require assistance in water to get through the session.
The sport needs the player to be calm and relaxed so that they can absorb most of the instructions and balance themselves better on the equipment with a composed mind. This would be spoiled if the individual is afraid of water or experiences panic.
Most water sports require swimming skills as a requirement but flyboarding has no such need. That being said, having the basic skills to stay afloat is definitely necessary. This will prevent the individual from panicking in the water. This also assures the instructor that in case of an accident or emergency, the rider is equipped to save themselves from drowning
The instructions
Saving the best for the last and instructions are of crucial importance to flyboard well without any mishaps ruining the experience. The instructor will provide you with the best possible instructions before and during the session of flyboarding to enhance your experience and ensure you get the best moves and views while being safe.
It is important to understand and follow the guidelines to get the most out of the sport. Despite learning all the instructions, there is always a possibility that you might not be able to reach the maximum height or fail to make a perfect tumble across the sky and this is perfectly fine as getting a good grip of flyboarding requires a lot of time and practice.
By mastering the basics and then powering through with perseverance and determination, it is definitely possible to perform the next level moves and fall in love with flyboarding.
Following these tips can help you attain the best flyboarding experience while being safe and secure during the session. Ensuring that your safety is the top priority will also ensure the thoroughness with which the sport can be enjoyed.
Despite taking all the precautions and maintaining the safety standards, there may be unfavorable conditions of the sea. This can include high tides or high-speed winds that can undermine your excursion.
Do not feel disheartened and try your best to fly on the water and experience the exhilaration through this water sport. Keeping your body fit and increasing your balance and strength in the gym can also enhance your flyboarding. It requires a lot of patience and practice and over multiple sessions with a trained instructor. If this sport is to your liking, also try out jet skiing and ride through the water at high speeds while feeling the splatter of water across your skin and augment your thrill to the next level!