14 Water Activities You Must Try on the Gold Coast

Buy a Jetpack

 

The Gold Coast is all about the warm water, golden sand and vibrant lifestyle, so it’s little wonder that it’s home to one of the best water activity scenes in Australia. From scuba diving and snorkelling to jet boating and jetskiing, from cruises and fishing tours to jetpack flyboard adventures, there is something to suit every age and preference.

Visiting the Gold Coast? Get into the water-loving spirit and try your hand at one of these great water activities:

Whale watching

From May to November every year, whale season presents itself to the Gold Coast waters. Whales in Paradise is the original whale watching tour for the region, and offer an incredible 100% Daily Sighting Record, meaning that should you not see a whale you get a free return until you do. Small groups and personalised service make for a great experience, and the tour also includes a cruise along the waterways to see the homes of the rich and famous.

Jet boating

Head to the “Spit” on the Gold Coast and you’ll see jet boats whizzing around on the water with a constant flow of smiling passengers. Experience Paradise Jet Boating and you’ll receive the ultimate Broadwater adventure, full of 360° spins, high-speed drifting, power slides, beach buzzing, and other incredible manoeuvres through the waterways. They are also the only jet boating experience to give you access to Moreton Bay Marine Park, home to dolphins and other spectacular marine life.

Jet ski

The Gold Coast has a number of companies hiring jet skis, with Gold Coast Watersports being one of the most popular. Located inside the award-winning SeaWorld resort, Gold Coast Watersports offer jet ski tours, parasailing, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and more. You don’t need any special licenses, making hitting the water easy and simple.

Showboat Dinner Cruise

Create a memorable evening with a Showboat Cabaret Dinner Cruise, where great food, entertainment and the water come together. The cruise begins with a feast you’ll never forget, and continues in style with cabaret-style shows, dancing, and on-board entertainment.

Super Duck Adventure Tours

The Gold Coast’s Super Duck is a unique way to experience both the city streets and waterways. The Super Duck takes you from land to sea in one easy manoeuvre, giving you more duck for your buck. Kids get the opportunity to become the driver, and will love seeing the Super Duck transform from bus to boat.

Birds Bay Oyster Farm

For a fun food and family adventure, head to the Birds Bay Oyster Farm with the multi-award winning Catch-a-Crab cruise. Tour the farm, enjoy trapping for crabs, try your hand at fishing, or simply sit back and enjoy the view. At the Birds Bay Oyster Farm Cafe, you can enjoy a lunch of freshly caught and cooked crabs and oysters, or shop for a souvenir.

Jetpack Flyboard

The newest water attraction for the Gold Coast is the Jetpack Experience, which blasts hundreds of litres of water through specially designed thrust nozzles to propel you through the air at crazy speeds. Enjoy the waterways as James Bond would thanks to Jetpack Adventures.

Sunset Safari

For the ultimate Queensland water experience, book yourself a tour with Australian Sunset Safaris and jump aboard a bus headed to four-wheel drive paradise Fraser Island. Swim in the crystal clear lake, watch dolphins frolic in the water, snorkel through mazes of brightly coloured coral, fish the reef or relax by the coral lagoon.

Deep sea fishing

Opt for a half or full day tour with Fish the Deep Gold Coast Fishing Charters, and you’re guaranteed a friendly and professional crew. Game fishing season is at its prime between November and February, making summer time the perfect time to hop aboard Careel. No license is required, and all equipment needed for catching marlin, mackerel, and sailfish is provided.

Sailing

Sailing across the waters of the Gold Coast makes for an incredible experience, especially when it is teamed with a spectacular sunset. The 2 hour Sunset and City Lights Cruise from Sailing in Paradise is the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, and the complimentary champagne and snacks will help you to relax. The stable catamaran has plenty of seating, including a trampoline section where you can work on your tan.

Surfing

You can’t visit the Gold Coast and not hit the waves for a surf! The Gold Coast is famous for its great surfing beaches and it seems almost sacrilege not to make the most of them. Hire a board from one of the many stores on the beach, or join a surfing lesson and learn from the pros. You could even try a wave pool surfing lesson at White Water World.

Swimming with dolphins

From the Gold Coast, there are a number of opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most majestic creatures. The Dolphin Deep Water Adventure at SeaWorld offers guests a once in a lifetime experience feeding and playing with dolphins, or head to Tangalooma Resort (about 2 hours north) for a day trip to experience dolphins in their natural habitat.

Scuba diving

If you’ve ever wondered what it is like to breathe underwater, a PADI scuba diving course is the best way to learn how. Experience the thrill of scuba diving with a highly skilled instructor, and discover dives sites such as South Stradbroke Island, the Wreck of the Scottish Prince, Narrow Neck Reef, and Golden Gate.

BBQ Boat

If lightning fast speeds and rocky seas don’t have you feeling all that excited about being on the water, why not hire a BBQ boat and hit the waterways in a BBQ pontoon, complete with a stereo and toilet. BBQ pontoons are available from a number of local hirers, with many carrying up to 12 passengers.

Information credit -  Meriton Apartments

Top 5 Water Sports Non-Swimmers Can Enjoy in Maldives

 AquaFly

Sometimes, sitting alone, I think. Only sometimes. At others, I seem to be too busy reading a book, watching a movie or slaying dragons on my PlayStation 3. But those precious times when I cajole my brain  to work, I think about life and its great questions. Questions like – what came first, the chicken or the egg? Or something deeply philosophical like – who let the dogs out (if you know, do tell me)? Or the most recent one – what water sports could a non-swimmer like me enjoy in the Maldives?

Wonderful, Beautiful Maldives!

 

At first, the answer seemed a dull ‘nothing’. But then the process of systematic evaluation kicked in and here are the results of my study. Here it is - top five water sports you can enjoy even if you don’t know how to swim.

1. Under Water Walking 

So what if you can’t go snorkeling? Under Water Walking is as much fun as snorkeling. You get the chance to walk on the ocean floor, to touch the ocean floor with your feet and get up close and personal with the many marvels of the ocean – all you have to do is to wear a see-through oxygen mask so that you can breathe under water. It is very safe and an instructor is always with you. No swimming, just plain old walking!

​ Walk under the water; come closer to nature in Maldives!

 

2. Jet Skiing

Speed, thrill and the beautiful waters of Maldives – a heady cocktail for anyone. Jet skiing is one of the most popular water sports in Maldives – and yes, you don’t need to be a swimmer to rev up the engine. You can wear  a life jacket and coast guards are always on the alert  so even if you fall; you would easily float on the water until you are rescued.

​ Jet-skiing - speed through the waves in Maldives!

 

3. Glass-bottom Boats

Well, this is something I would definitely recommend. You see, sometimes I like to draw on other people’s experiences too. But let me assure you that no man, woman or child on this planet needs to be a swimmer to get on this boat! The bottom of the boat is made of transparent glass. Once you reach far into the ocean you can actually see colourful creatures and marine plants jostling in the deep ocean. Without actually getting in to the water,  you get to see all the wonderful jewels of the ocean.

 

4. Banana Boat Rides

A boat in the shape of a banana! Well, who wouldn’t want to get on board that? You get on the boat, you are secured to the boat (so that you don’t fall off) and you go on a merry ride on the frothing waves of the ocean. Go bananas!

​ Fun & frolic on the banana boat!

 

5. Big Game Fishing

Maldives is a haven for those who love fishing. Although less promoted and less known than the other exciting water sports in Maldives, fishing is a good way to relax and have fun at the same time. The waters of Maldives teeming with excellent game fish which includes Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna and Sailfish. In an effort to promote big game fishing, Maldives Game Fishing Association (MGFA) plans to host the third Maldives Game Fishing Challenge, from November 15, 2013 to November 18, 2013.

Relax and fish at the beautiful beaches in Maldives!

 

Whew! See, there’s a whole load of water activities that you can enjoy in the Maldives and you don’t need to be a swimmer for any of them. All you actually need to do is to book your flight and hotel for Maldives. Do write to me if you have any queries about the Maldives; I would be happy to help!

Information Creadit - http://www.makemytrip.com/blog/top-5-water-sports-non-swimmers-can-enjoy-in-maldives

Flyboarding Tips for Beginners

Flyboard Hobart




Do you want to fly out of the water and feel like Ironman? Try flyboarding! If you have never done this activity before, don’t worry here we will give you some tips for beginners.
Franky Zapata uploaded his video of flyboarding on Youtube in the year 2011 and it immediately got innumerable views and likes.
And later on Aquaworld started to include flyboarding in its water sport activities. This fun adventure sport is made safely for you by Aquaworld, preparing you for the flight before the actual one.
Flyboarding is propelling above the lagoon with the help of water. This sport appeals to those who already tried activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, waverunning, etc. This tour will surely rush your adrenaline more than anything else.  
 

Flyboarding with Aquaworld

Why you should do flyboarding with Aquaworld? Well that’s because we guarantee complete fun along with safety. While flyboarding might seem too easy for some people, others might as well find it scary, but everyone considers it pretty exciting.
But it’s not that difficult to learn. Aquaworld provides all the training and information you need to have a great time flyboarding!

Flyboard

from $ 60.00 USD

Tips to enjoy your flyboarding in Cancun

Here’s a small list of tips and pieces of advice that Aquaworld has for beginners about flyboarding in Cancun:
Make sure to listen to what the guide says. Follow his instructions very carefully.
Pregnant women and people who are under even a slight effect of alcohol are not allowed to do flyboarding. The point is to have fun but safety is always the most important thing so Aquaworld gives its best to provide you a safe and memorable experience!
High-tide and high wind speeds are times when flyboarding should not be engaged in.
Beginners or experts, be sure to wear safety gears. These are not as cool to flaunt, but are a must to keep you safe.
Tie all the safety gears tight to the body like the body suit and the helmet. The most important are the boots.

Before your start, make sure to be at a safe distance away from your waverunner.
Maintaining the right balance is esencial while flyboarding. You need to listen to the guide to know which is the right posture so you don´t loose the balance. Stand straight, with your knees slightly bent forward, but never toward the back.
Make sure your body and mind are relaxed when flyboarding for the first time.
Flyboarding is fun and once you do it successfully you would like to try new pirouettes like an expert.
Practice and enjoy the basic level, get accustomed to it, get comfortable before moving to the next level.
For some it might come as tough to maintain a balance when up in the sky but don’t give up. It will pay off! 

Information by -  http://aquaworld.com.mx/en/flyboarding-tips-for-beginners/

A Beginner’s Guide to Flyboarding

 Flyboard

See if you can figure this one out:

What can swim like a mermaid, jump out of water like a dolphin, and boost up into the air like Iron Man?

Answer: You.

You’ve probably seen the latest innovation that brings super power like capabilities to us mere humans.

Yep, I’m talking about Flyboards.

For those less acquainted with this fine piece of human accomplishment you might refer to it as one of those water jet pack things, or maybe a water hoverboard, or even a Jet Ski jet pack if you prefer.

Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure we can all agree that these things are freakin’ awesome.

After some practice you can be flipping, spinning, and diving your way through the ocean. Even the dolphins will envy your agility and grace as you’re gliding through the water and air.

Instructors claim that it only takes about 3-7 minutes to learn basic maneuvers and if you have any experience with other board sports such as wakeboarding or snowboarding the learning curve drops dramatically.

This isn’t just for you young studs either. Whether you’re 15 or 70 you can be shredding the waters with your very own Flyboard.

If you’re one of those people always looking for the next thrill to get the adrenaline pumping through your system, there are probably only two things you are thinking when you see one of these new toys on the water:

• I want to try that.
• I want to buy that.

Yeah… we know the feeling. That’s why we are going to dive into everything you need to know about Flyboards in this post.

We’ll be covering what exactly a Flyboard is, how it all works, a brief overview of Flyboard history, and how to a buy a Flyboard so you can stop paying $300 per hour next time want to take one out for a spin.

Also, just for fun, we scoured the web searching for the best Flyboard video and came up with six of the greatest ones just for you.

What is a Flyboard?

What exactly is this thing and how does it all work?

Great question.

Watch this short video and you’ll see exactly what a Flyboard is. And don’t worry, there are some more insane Flyboard videos below for your viewing pleasure!

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Simply put, a Flyboard is a board with bindings that your feet are strapped into. Beneath each foot is a water jet pack. These water jetpacks get their water from a Jet Ski that the Flyboard is attached to with a long tube and an adaptor.

The water goes from the Jet Ski, through the connection tube, and out the jetpack device underneath your feet, which in turn propels you through the water and air.

Just imagine for a second that you have your own personal fire hose and its attached to your feet.

Yes. It’s that awesome.

The throttle on the Jet Ski, also known as a Personal Water Craft (PWC), controls the amount of pressure that comes out of the Flyboard.

Instead of the Jet Ski moving faster when you hold down the throttle, the energy is redirected into the tube giving the Flyboard user increased propulsion.

When you’re ready to step up your skills you can get the adaptor kit that lets you be in control of your own speed while you’re on the Flyboard. Rather than having a certified instructor regulate the amount of propulsion, you are in full control.

This adaptor is called an Electronic Management Kit. Your PWC will simply be following along behind you while you maneuver through the water.

Pro Flyboarder, Trey Andrews says this about the Electronic Management Kit:

“The learning curve is pretty steep, meaning it’s hard to start using the EMK but once you get the hang of it you will never want to be ‘driven’ again.”

All of your movements are controlled by the direction of your feet and the way in which your body is positioned. Want to go forward? Lean forward. Want to go straight up into the air? Stand straight.

Sure, it’s easier said than done at first, but after some practice you’ll get the hang of it.

Who Makes Flyboards?

Flyboards are a newer innovation in the extreme sports scene and were just recently invented in 2011.

A professional Jet Skier from France named Franky Zapata and his company Zapata Racing invented and manufacturers the Flyboard.

The idea presumably stemmed from Jetlev’s R200 Flyer. The idea for the Jetlev was first conceived in 2000 and took the team almost a decade to bring it to market.

The Jetlev looked more like a jetpack since it is strapped to your back and controlled with your hands.

This company created a high-speed pump and boat that comes with the jetpack device, which made the cost of the entire product an outrageous $100,000 USD.

This turned the Jetlev into more of a rental and novelty product that people could try on vacation, but it didn’t have a price point that would allow it to go mainstream.

The team over at Zapata Racing innovated on the concept by realizing that they could get the power from a Jet Ski instead of creating their own boat. The Jetlev was brought to market in 2009 and Zapata Racing followed soon after by launching their Flyboard in 2011.

In 2012, the Flyboard manufacturer, Zapata Raching, held the first ever Flyboard World Championships in Doha, Qatar where 50 Flyboarders from over 20 countries competed for the title.

There has been a world championship each year since 2012 and the number of Flyboarders continues to grow in both the women and men categories.

When you create something as awesome as the Flyboard there will inevitably be some company competitors that try to get in on the action.

Two of the companies that come to mind are X-Jets and Wataboard. X-Jets makes a similar product, which they are calling the Jetblade. Wataboard makes a more budget friendly version, which is simply called the Wataboard.

Also, there is a new product on the market from the team over at Innespace, which is called the Jetovator. Imagine riding a bike with water jet packs attached to it and you’ll get an idea of what the Jetovator looks like.

The great part about all of these companies competing and innovating is that over time we are left with better products at cheaper prices!

The Best Flyboard Videos

If you need some inspiration before you go out and ride a Flyboard for the first time or maybe just a quick reminder of how fun these things are, here is a roundup of the top Flyboard videos on the Internet.

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This is the original Flyboard video that sparked interest in the board around the world. You’ll notice that this version of the Flyboard has jetpacks connected to the hands to help stabilize the Flyboard.

Later versions eliminated this and now the board is completely stabilized with your feet and body placement, leaving your hands free to help you balance, maneuver, and hold the Electronic Management Kit if you choose.

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This is the Flyboard video Zapata Racing used to promote the launch of their first version of the board. Skip to about a minute in to get to the good stuff… they went a little over the top with the intro on this one.

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This is another official Flyboard video from Zapata Racing. This one features the newer version of the Flyboard that no longer has the hand stabilizers. If you ever wanted to see someone do a double backflip with water jetpacks attached to their feet… this is the video for you.

i

The Internet video sensation Devin Supertramp put together this awesome video featuring the Flyboard, cheering crowds, and some random people on Jet Skis!

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Want to see the best of the best Flyboarders compete? Check out this world cup video from 2014 in Dubai featuring the world’s top riders.

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If lasers, fire, and intense music are more your style then watch this video from an official Flyboard light show.

Want more? Just search for Youtube Flyboard videos and you’ll keep yourself entertained for hours.

Flyboard Price

Now that you’ve been thoroughly inspired by some of the best Flyboard riders on the planet, you’re likely wondering how you can get your hands on one of these badass pieces of machinery.

So, how much is a Flyboard?

For a top of the line, 2015 Pro Series, the Flyboard’s price is between $5,500 and $6,000. If you want to save about five hundred bucks and get the older 2014 version, you can pick that Flyboard up for a price between $5,000 and $5,500.

“Why is there a price range?” you might ask.

Well the final price depends on the type of hose you get and whether or not you need an adaptor. If this is your first time buying one of these, then you will most certainly need the adaptor so that you can hook it up to your PWC.

If you’re wondering what makes the newer version $500 more expensive than the 2014 version, Zapata added a few additional features into the latest model.

First, the Zapata Racing team was able to decrease the weight of the Flyboard by 30%, giving the rider more control in the air as well as less water resistance due to the new materials they used in the design.

Also, the board comes with adjustable footpads allowing you to customize your foot placement on the board, making the riding experience more comfortable.

Lastly, the nozzles are now adjustable and give you increased efficiency while you’re riding.

This price, however, does not include the PWC that you’ll need it to hook up to.

You’ll need a Kawasaki, Seadoo, Yamaha, or Honda PWC that is less than 10 years old in order for the Flyboard to work properly.

Besides the PWC, everything you need is included in the top priced option. This includes the Flyboard, bindings, pump, “U” pipe, rider hose, hose bearing and swivel, and foot straps.

When you make your purchase you can decide whether to get the medium sized bindings for foot sizes 8-11 or the large sized bindings for foot sizes 11-13.

The Flyboard competitor, Jetblade, is priced right in line with the Flyboard, while the Wataboard is a more budget friendly option priced at around $4,000. However, the Wataboard does not include bindings, which usually cost an additional $100-$300.

The Electronic Management Kit for the Flyboard that allows you to control the propulsion with your hand costs an additional $1,399. If you’re planning on competing professionally, you’ll definitely want to get this upgrade.

Some of the companies that sell Flyboards offer financing on the Flyboard kits allowing you to take home a brand new 2015 Flyboard for as little as $152 per month.

That’s definitely a lot cheaper than the $100,000 jet pack model that came out in 2009!

Where To Buy a Flyboard

Zapata Racing works with distributors all over the world and these distributors will be your point of contact if you’re going to make a Flyboarding purchase.

You can find a list of all the Zapata distributors who will be happy to help you with your Flyboard purchase on their website.

If you want to purchase a Flyboard and would like to work with the people who were Flyboarding at the very beginning, check out Aquatic Aviation. You’ll find an entire online Flyboard store with Flyboard kits and parts, as well as other Zapata Racing products.

The founders were riding Flyboards in 2011 and launched the first rental and dealership Flyboard company in all of North America in 2012.

Conclusion

Finally science is starting to catch up with our demands for hover boards and jet packs to fulfill humanities desire to fly!

Flyboarding is a rapidly growing sport and you can be sure to see more Flyboards at lakes and oceans in the near future.

Have you ever ridden a Flyboard? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Related Posts

• Whoa. The Flyboard Water Jet Pack!
• Kiteboarders Get Massive Air In South Africa
• 30 of the World’s Most Extreme Athletes
• Water Jet Packing (Yes, It’s Real)
• Introducing, the AirKick Human Water Catapult
• GoPro HD Hero 2010 Compilation

Information by - Joel Runyon

Top 10 Health Benefits Flyboarding

 Flyboard

Adrenaline seekers, listen up! If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit and active, flyboarding offers a perfect mix of high energy and fitness on the water. A flyboard is a water jetpack shaped similar to a snowboard and attached to a long hose that connects to a watercraft. High-pressure water propulsion transmitted through the hose pushes the flyboard rider up to 15 meters in the air. It combines the physical attributes of an array of popular sports activities including jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, skiing, snowboarding and acrobatic diving.

Here are the Top 10 Health Benefits of Flyboarding:

• Burns calories: Depending on your weight, age and time spent flyboarding, you could easily burn a couple hundred calories doing this activity.
• Muscle building: Flyboarding requires use of your legs and core to maintain balance and fly above the ocean surface. Exercising the core also supports proper posture. Imbalances of posture can lead to increased pressure on the lower back, a common symptom of weak core muscles. Strengthening the abdominal muscles allows the weight of the upper body to be evenly distributed over the front and back. When weight is distributed, balance improves.
• Adrenaline rush: Increased levels of adrenaline in your blood signal your liver to break down glycogen, the substance that provides your muscles with glucose, the primary source of fuel in your body. Adrenaline rushes occur when your muscles are running low on fuel while exercising, or when a sudden and unexpected demand of energy is required by the body in emergency situations.
• Vitamin D: While being exposed to the sun is something to be careful about, the sun is still very important to our bodies. The vitamin D gained from the sun’s rays help our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorous, facilitating normal immune system function. Additionally, having sufficient vitamin D in the skin helps minimize acne, boost elasticity, stimulate collagen production, enhance radiance and minimize lines and the appearance of dark spots.
• Healing properties on skin and face: If you’re flyboarding on the ocean, sea salt has great healing properties which can help to relieve dry and itchy skin and treat serious conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Sea salt facilitates quick healing by opening up the pores, improving circulation and hydrating the tissues. It also makes your skin softer, supple and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite while also acting as a moisturizer for dry, chapped skin and balances oily skin.
• Builds a stronger immune system: Research has shown that treading in cold ocean water activates and boosts the immune system, increasing white blood cell count. White blood cells are necessary for fighting off infections and diseases.
• Alkalizes the body: Since sea salt has not been exposed to high heat nor stripped of its natural minerals, it is devoid of harmful man-made ingredients and helps in alkalizing the body, preventing the buildup of high acid levels in the body.  The minerals aid in maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body, allowing proper nerve system and cellular functions and eliminating the risk of serious and life-threatening diseases
• Decreases stress levels: Studies have shown that simply spending time at the beach can reduce anxiety and depression levels and aids in the unwinding process. The calm and refreshing beach atmosphere allows the body to naturally unwind, while engaging in flyboarding is a natural stress reliever by engaging the body in physical activity.
• Softens hair: Sea salt adds softness, bounce and body to your hair. Due to the presence of essential minerals, it shines, moisturizes, repairs and protects hair. But know that overexposure to salt water can have opposite effects.
• Clears your lungs: A recent study in Australia revealed that frequent exposure to ocean air may have the ability to clear lungs.  Patients in the study revealed they experienced improved lung function, decreased sinus congestion and were able to breathe easier. Exposure to sea water even has the ability to aid in

BY -  Health Fitness Revolution

How to do a backflip on the Flyboard

 FLYBOARD AUSTRALIA

  Flyboarding operation is now better than ever! By replacing the stock Zapata Racing hose with a brand new, jet black, lightweight, low friction, water repelling PowerFly DXP Pro Hose from Neidner, we have upgraded the experience you will receive when Flyboarding with us. In our tests of the hose, our 205 lb. instructor was able to stretch out almost the entire length of the 60’ hose above the water, higher than we’ve been able to achieve in the past. This means backflips, spins, and other advanced tricks are easier than ever. Come out and put it to the test!

• 

  
  

  Flyboard Central Florida is a top of the line, certified flyboarding school at the World Barefoot Center. Spend the day soaring high in the air under the careful instruction of our certified teachers and enjoy an adrenaline rush under the Florida sun. Located in Winter Haven, Florida. 45 minutes from Orlando, 30 minutes from Disney, 1 hour from Tampa, and right where you need to be!

  863-293-2753

  Location: Flyboard Central Florida, 3915 Lake Conine Drive East, Winter Haven, FL 33881, USA

  Tags: flyboard , flyboarding
  See Original Posts...
• March 2, 2015 15:24

  How to do a backflip on the Flyboard!!

  The flyboarding backflip. The coolest trick in the book. The trick you pull when you want the onlookers on the dock to find themselves awestruck with how thoroughly awesome you are. If you’re looking to increase your popularity, have members of the opposite sex begging for your autograph, and boost your number of Instagram followers tenfold, learn the backflip.

  
  

  The easiest method to learn the backflip is to sign up for lessons with an experienced Flyboarding instructor, like the ones at Flyboard Central Florida (call 863-293-2753 to be backflipping in no time!). If for some reason that isn’t an option, and if you suddenly find yourself with a flyboard, jetski, and ample time to practice, keep reading!

  
  

  Once you are confident enough to reach greater heights on the flyboard, perform 360's, 720’s, and generally manipulate the board as you see fit, it’s time to start learning the backflip setup. The most important part of the backflip I have found is properly setting up. If you don’t setup the correct way, you run the risk of falling on your face, smacking the hose, or embarrassing yourself in front of your comrades. I am going to outline this process by assuming your primary, comfortable turning direction is to the left. If you are more comfortable turning right, just reverse the instructions.

  
  

  Step 1: The setup

  
  

  Begin by circling the jetski. I like to stay about 5 feet above the water and circle the jetski tight enough so that I am about ten feet directly off of the back left corner. Once you’ve reached this point, drop low enough so that the bottom of the board barely strikes the water’s surface. As you do this, stop your forward motion. Try to time it to where you “stop” right at the water’s surface for a split second and then begin moving upwards. You should be moving fairly quickly straight up, not forward, not backward, not to either side, but straight up. As you move straight up, use your peripheral vision to make sure the jetski is straight off to your left. Count to three. You should move upwards to nearly as high as you can. Obviously there is a trade-off, the higher you get, the more scared you might be, but the easier it is to flip. Most of the time when people struggle learning this trick, it’s because they simply don’t get high enough to be able to fully execute the flip. So get high, three seconds straight up high. Once you get to the top, you are ready to flip. Remember, if the jetski isn’t directly to your left when you reach the top, DO NOT flip! Just go back down, circle, and try again.

  
  

  Step 2: The Flip

  
  

  The easiest part, but it must be done right. Once you reach your optimal height, pretend like somebody with a really long arm has just reached out of the water below you, grabbed ahold of the hair on the back of your head, and yanked you straight down as hard as they can. That’s basically all you have to do, try and get your head underneath the board as the board is still moving up by arching your back and bending your knees fully. Keep your eyes open and spot the water below you.

  
  

  Step 3: The Landing

  
  

  The hardest part. The faster you flip, the easier it will be to get the board underneath you before you reach the water. Essentially all you have to do is to try as hard as you can to not under rotate. Over rotate as if you are going to go for a double backflip, but as the board gets almost fully underneath you, force the jets to point straight down and stop you.

  
  

  You did it. The crowd’s stoke level has reached an all-time high. They explode into thunderous applause followed by whooping and hollering that can be heard from the other side of the lake. I hope you’re wearing a helmet still, because they are about to shower you with Champaign and gift baskets. You my friend, have learned the backflip.

  
  

  ---

  Flyboard Central Florida is a top of the line, certified flyboarding school at the World Barefoot Center. Spend the day soaring high in the air under the careful instruction of our certified teachers and enjoy an adrenaline rush under the Florida sun. Located in Winter Haven, Florida. 45 minutes from Orlando, 30 minutes from Disney, 1 hour from Tampa, and right where you need to be!

  
  

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• Flyboarding Backflip Competition!

  When the crew at Flyboard Central Florida and the World Barefoot Center go out for dinner and a couple drinks, testosterone and alcohol mix together to produce smack talk and boasting. This is normal in all coworker/friend circles. The difference is, most friend groups don't have access to 260 horsepower jetskis and water jetpacks! So when our resident gas boy/handy man Rick Moyes challenged our on site professional barefoot waterskiing instructor Ben Groen to a backflip competition, it was game on. The rules were simple: Rick would go out and attempt as many backflips as he wanted to, then Ben would give it a go. Whoever landed a backflip in the least amount of attempts would win. The next day, Rick tried 27 backflips in a row without successfully landing one. Discouraged, he let Ben have a go. Ben landed his 9th backflip attempt and has been rubbing it in Rick's face ever since!
  
  Backflipping on the Flyboard is an advanced maneuver than one should only attempt under careful instruction and proper coaching. If you would like to learn how to land a backflip, sign up for our monthly membership program.
  
  

• Our Epic Flyboarding Video is Out!!!

  Last week we spent an entire action packed day filming with Jake Snider Films for our first ever YouTube video. Watch and see how much fun we have at Flyboard Central Florida!

  Location: Flyboard Central Florida, 3915 Lake Conine Drive East, Winter Haven, FL 33881, USA.

Information crdit-www.flyboardcentralflorida.com

Flyboard – Your Safety Comes First!

Flyboard Brisbane

Flyboard Safety

Whenever you try a new sport or activity, doing it safely should always be a top concern for everyone involved. Whether it’s something as tried and true as starting a jogging or running regiment or something out on the leading edge of adventure sports like flyboarding, the right safety equipment and preparation are paramount. Flyboard instructors take your safety, and theirs, very seriously; better to not flyboard at all if you’re not prepared to do it with all safety boxes appropriately checked off.

The Equipment

The flyboard has been designed to be buoyant and float in the water with a rider on board, making it easy to establish balance and be comfortable from the start (http://www.flyboardli.com/the-flyboard/). The flyboard’s inventor, Zapata Racing (http://www.zapata-racing.com/), along with the already large and always growing community of certified flyboard pilots, are continually looking to improve on the design, functionality and ease of use of the flyboard with safety a constant in everything they do. In addition to the flyboard being designed with safety in mind, you will also be issued a life vest and helmet before you start your flight.

Age

The appropriate age for flyboarding has been talked about and adjusted over the four years since the initial release in 2011. Here at FlyboardLI, we require riders to be a minimum of 16 years of age and anyone under age 18 must have a parent or guardian (adult) present as well. This applies to all individual and group packages that we offer.

Weight

Most flyboard pilots are free spirits and free thinkers and would probably say you should be any weight you want to be; however, due to the design of the flyboard and the physics involved in lifting you out of the water with hydraulic propulsion, the weight limit has been set at 300 pounds. Again, this is not a criticism or condemnation of those of you over 300 pounds, we’d love to have Vince Wilfork or Damon Harrison or Will Beatty come fly with us but it’s just not physically possible; at least not safely.

Information credit - www.flyboardli.com

Flyboard World Cup

 Flyboard USA

 

 Welcome to our Flyboard World Cup information page

H2RO Magazine provides comprehensive coverage of the Flyboard World Cup and other Pro Flyboarding events from around the world. We were in Doha, Qatar in 2013, Dubai in 2014 and are already looking forward to an exciting 2015 X Dubai Flyboard World Cup event. On this page you will find a bit of history about the largest Hydroflight competition currently happening in the world. We will also link you to our official event pages for each of the previous years.

2015 World Cup date is December 3, 4, and 5th

For the first time ever we will have a Hoverboard race at the 2015 X Dubai Flyboard World Cup. There will be prize money attached to the race and it should be a great event for both fans and competitors.

 Looks like at this year’s Flyboard World Cup competitors will have the choice between the new Flyboard Pro Series and the Flyboard Legend. They will also be flying with the new 75 ft X-Armour hose and on the new ZR impeller. The Pro Series board can be flown in the locked or unlocked (independent feet) setting depending on the competitors preference. This makes me think that even competitors who have not flown much on the Pro Series will still opt for it even if they leave it locked. We’ll see….

X DUBAI FLYBOARD WORLD CUP 2015 COMPETITION INFORMATION

REGISTRATION

• Participants must fill and return the registration form at: event@zapata-racing.com.
  (Link to download registration form coming soon)
• The registration will be validated at the reception of flight ticket and passport.
• The participants must pay attention to their passport validity.
  The nationals from the countries NOT mentioned in the list below will have to send their passport copy the soonest in order to receive the VISA for the entry into the Dubai territory.
  Countries for which a VISA is NOT required: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.

PARTICIPANTS
The competition will gather 42 professional competitors, 10 veterans and 10 ladies from more than 20 countries.
VIDEO PRE-SELECTION
40 participants will be selected either by the video pre-selection executed by the official World Cup judges or automatically entered due to a previous competitive result (see bullets below). The UAE Cup will also see two competitors fly in the Pro division.

• Only one video per participant
• Video should last a maximum of two minutes and be filmed in one sequential shot (no cut or editing allowed)
• Video must be sent BY OCTOBER 9th to event@zapata-racing.com with the subject line “XDubai Video – Name of the participant” and will appear on the dedicated youtube channel.
• In the case judges are at a stalemate, the number of “likes” or “thumbs up” on a competitors submission video will be taken into account when the judges make their final decisions.
  Competitors who have automatically earned a spot in the competition and do not need to submit a video:
• 16 finalists of the XDubai Flyboard World Cup 2014
• 4 finalists of the North America Flyboard Championship
• 2 finalists of UAE National Cup

COMPETITION AREA
The competition is organized on the sea, in a sheltered bay with calm water. The competition area will be in a square of 100 by 50 meters delimited by buoys. A pontoon will allow competitors to equip and take off.
SPORT PROGRAM

• 42 professional riders compete in the Qualifying Round.
• Top 16 competitors are then paired up for their first Battle Round based on their Qualifying Round score.
• Each Battle Round will see the competitor with the highest score compete against the competitor with the lowest score and so on.
• During each Battle both competitors will receive a score from the Judges which will determine the winner who will move on to the next round. The lower score of any battle is eliminated irregardless of its relationship to other scores in other battles. The running order will be given during the briefing.

SCORING SYSTEM
The competitors will be judged by a panel of judges composed of 5 professionals, and one Head Judge, who will assign points according to the following criteria:

• Technique: (Trick execution, trick difficulty and innovation) : 2 judges
  (a more accurate scoring scale will be posted mid-November)
• The variety/diversity of tricks : 1 judge
• Show (coherence and construction of tricks and combos, flow with an escalation in difficulty and a grand finale, attitude of riders)
• Competitors energy (number of scoreable tricks, execution speed, execution rhythm)

Each judge will score on a five point scale, which will result in a total score potential of a 100 points. The winner is the competitor who received the highest total score.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
At the end of the competition, the judges will award the 2015 X Dubai Flyboard World Champion with a gold Flyboard deck and prize money of $5000.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Any competitor whose PWC goes out of the competition area will receive a yellow card. If it occurs a second time, the competitor will receive an elimination red card. ( We believe a red card and elimination will occur for a second offense incurred in any round of the competition)
If the PWC flips, the competitor will be disqualified.
EQUIPMENT
During the competition and exclusively during the stages (no training sessions), the following equipment will be available for the riders:
– Flyboard Pro-series 2015 (without hand stabilizers) + wireless EMK + Shoes S/M
In the case where the competitor wants to use his own equipment, the rider will have to bring the following items:
– Original Board 2014 or Original Board pro series 2015
– Shoes of his choice
– « Y » 2014 (ref. FB02B01)
– Wireless EMK (only wireless EMK are allowed)
Compulsory equipment:
– Lifejacket
– For ladies: wetsuit, no swimwear allowed
Drivers are not permitted.
COMPETITION PLANNING
WEDNESDAY 2nd of DECEMBER
18:00 Inscription and welcome dinner
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3rd // UAE NATIONAL CUP
Morning: UAE National Cup Starts // 2 Minutes Rounds

• Round of 16
• Round of 8
• Round of 4
• Final ( both finalists receive World Cup entries)

Afternoon: X DUBAI Flyboard World Cup Ladies // 1.5 Minutes Rounds

• Ranking of the 10 competitors
• Round of 8
• Round of 4 (To be held on Saturday)
• Final Round (To be held of Saturday)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4th

Morning: X DUBAI Flyboard World Cup Veterans // 1.5 Minutes Rounds

• Ranking of 10 veteran riders
• Round of 8
• Round of 4  (To be held on Saturday)
• Final Round  (To be held of Saturday)

Afternoon:  Pro Rider Qualifications and Ranking

• 40 competitors + 2 UAE finalists – individual run – time limit: 1.30 min ranking
  The riders will run individually in front of the judges and will have to present a minimum of 5 tricks in a time limit of 1.30 min. At the end of this stage, the top 16 riders will qualify for the next round.
  The score obtained during the qualification run will dictate a competitors rank for the Battle pairings but will not be recorded for the next stages.

Points: For ranking and qualifications, scores will be public
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5th

Morning: HoverBoard by ZR® Race (Test Run)
Afternoon: Completion of All Divisions

• Pro Riders – Round of 16
  16 competitors – 8 battles – time limit: 2 min

The top 16 competitors from Qualifying will be grouped into 8 battles (2 competitors by battle). The competitors will be divided according to the scores obtained during their qualification run. Each competitor receives two minutes to present the maximum number of tricks.

• Pro Riders – Round of 8
  8 competitors – 4 battles – time limit: 2 min

At this stage of the competition, the remaining 8 competitors are divided in 4 battle pairings. Each competitor will have 2 minute run.
• Ladies Semi Final // 3 Minute Round
• Ladies Final // 3 Minute Round
• Veteran Semi Final // 3 Minute Round
• Veteran Final // 3 Minute Round
• Hoverboard Crono (timed) Race with four competitors.
IMPORTANT NOTE: From the Quarterfinal Round to the Final Round,  competitors will have to perform the following figures: 1080, double back flip, superman and spin back flip, and will be judged on the quality of each trick.
(H2RO asks: What is a 1080 on the Pro Series board?)
• Pro riders SEMI FINAL
4 competitors – 2 battles – time limit: 3 min
• Pro riders FINAL
2 competitors – individual run – time limit: 4 min
For the final, the two finalists will each have four minutes to present their best tricks and choreography to music. This final overall performance will be judged and the highest score will determine the 2015 X Dubai Flyboard World Champion.
18:00 Award Ceremony
H2RO wishes all the competitors the very best and thanks them for their dedication to our young sport!
_______________________________________________________

FLYBOARD WORLD CUP HISTORY…

In 2012, 50 Professional Flyboarders from 21 countries arrived in Doha, Qatar to compete in the first ever Flyboard World Championship. The competitors skill levels were as diverse as the reactions by onlookers as these new ‘superheroes’ took to the sky with jets of water spraying from their feet and hands. The competition was a success on many levels in that it brought a community of athletes together who ended up pioneering a brand new sport called Flyboarding. The 2012 Flyboard World Champion was Stephane Prayas of France followed by Sweden’s Petter Berglund and Trey Andrews of the USA.

In 2013, one short year later the arms were off and the world had become very aware that flight was possible and a lot more fun than ever imagined. Again 70+ athletes headed to Qatar this time with a vastly improved command of the board and a repertoire of tricks that looked purposeful and inspiring run after run. None had taken their skills to a higher level than Thailand’s own Suksan Tongthai. His ‘Back to Back’ flip ( a double with a slight pause between flips) was a hugely impressive trick and he also unleashed new variations that made him impossible to beat. Cooper Riggs finished second and Ben Merrell third, both from the USA. 15 year old Damone Rippy burst onto the scene in 2013 with a fourth place finish and used the event as a launch pad to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable and successful Pro Flyboarders.

The 2014 X Dubai Flyboard World Cup was a spectacle both on and off the water. Again 70+ Pro Flyboarders competed and with new sponsor X Dubai at the helm the event has a home for the next four years. It will be scheduled for the last week of November or first week of December in Dubai. Suksan Tongthai dropped the first Flyboard triple backflip and repeated as World Champion while Damone Rippy continued to prove he’s one of the best in the world finishing second. Jake Orel a fellow Aquafly teammate of Damone’s flew his way onto podium for the first time with a 3rd place finish. 2012 World Champion Stephane Prayas found himself back in the mix finishing in 4th.

This year’s event will see some rule, scoring, judging and format updates similar we believe to the execution of the 2015 North American Flyboard Championship. X Dubai plans on doubling the prize money each and every year meaning that 1st place should be worth a cool $20,000 in 2015.

by--http://www.h2romagazine.com/flyboard-world-cup

FlyboardLI and Paddle Battle LI 2015

Flyboard

It’s that time of year again and this weekend stand-up paddle boarders from all over will descend on Long Island for the 2015 version of Paddle Battle LI! Once again, FlyboardLI’s own Jimmy Bissett will be competing so come on out and show your support for your favorite flyboard pilot. Paddle Battle LI will take place this Saturday, July 18^th, on the Peconic River in Riverhead, NY. For those of you who have attended before, you know this is a great gathering of people who love to be on the water, whether they’re paddling kayaks, canoes or stand up paddle boards.

Paddle Battle is not only a day of fun for everyone, competitors and spectators alike, but an awesome way to raise money for three well-deserving charities. The event supports United Ways VetsBuild program, The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation and the East End Tourism Alliance. FlyboardLI is proud to be a sponsor for this event and help these amazing programs that assist in so many ways right here on our island home. Please don’t hesitate check out their websites and learn more about what they are trying to accomplish with your support.

This flyboarding season has been great so far and we’ve benefited from some perfect weather days, especially since the July 4^th holiday weekend. If you haven’t gotten a chance to flyboard yet, this weekend’s event is a fine time to find out what it’s all about as we’ll be set up in the vendor area to answer questions about this exciting water adventure sport. We’ll be offering on the spot discounts for those who would like to sign up for a flight so please let us know if you’d like to get on our schedule. We’ve had a lot of success this year with getting people from having never been on a flyboard before to hovering around the harbor like they were old pros so let’s get you out there flying high, too.

A lot of people ask us about flyboard safety, and at FlyboardLI it is our chief concern that we provide a fun and safe atmosphere that you are comfortable with before you ever put your feet on a board. We give instruction before every session, and there’s a reason why we call it a lesson, because our flyboard pilots are there to teach you all of the little nuances of becoming proficient in all of the flyboarding basics before you move on to anything else. Being a professional pilot takes a lot of training and all of our pilots have hundreds and in some cases thousands of hours out on the water. So be sure to ask any questions you like at our presentation booth or before and during your lesson so that your experience is one that brings you back to fly with us again and again.

Flyboarding hit the scene a few years ago and has done nothing but gather more and more enthusiasts ever since our friends at Zapata Racing strapped in for the first time. We’re proud to bring such a fun sport to the Long Island community and we hope you’ll come and see us at Paddle Battle this weekend.

 By-/http://www.flyboardli.com/flyboardli-and-paddle-battle-li-2015/

Flyboarding Tips for Beginners

 Flyboard Hobart

Do you want to fly out of the water and feel like Ironman? Try flyboarding! If you have never done this activity before, don’t worry here we will give you some tips for beginners.

Franky Zapata uploaded his video of flyboarding on Youtube in the year 2011 and it immediately got innumerable views and likes.

And later on Aquaworld started to include flyboarding in its water sport activities. This fun adventure sport is made safely for you by Aquaworld, preparing you for the flight before the actual one.

Flyboarding is propelling above the lagoon with the help of water. This sport appeals to those who already tried activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, waverunning, etc. This tour will surely rush your adrenaline more than anything else.

Flyboarding with Aquaworld

Why you should do flyboarding with Aquaworld? Well that’s because we guarantee complete fun along with safety. While flyboarding might seem too easy for some people, others might as well find it scary, but everyone considers it pretty exciting.

But it’s not that difficult to learn. Aquaworld provides all the training and information you need to have a great time flyboarding!

Tips to enjoy your flyboarding in Cancun

Here’s a small list of tips and pieces of advice that Aquaworld has for beginners about flyboarding in Cancun:

Make sure to listen to what the guide says. Follow his instructions very carefully.

Pregnant women and people who are under even a slight effect of alcohol are not allowed to do flyboarding. The point is to have fun but safety is always the most important thing so Aquaworld gives its best to provide you a safe and memorable experience!

High-tide and high wind speeds are times when flyboarding should not be engaged in.

Beginners or experts, be sure to wear safety gears. These are not as cool to flaunt, but are a must to keep you safe.

Tie all the safety gears tight to the body like the body suit and the helmet. The most important are the boots.

Before your start, make sure to be at a safe distance away from your waverunner.

Maintaining the right balance is esencial while flyboarding. You need to listen to the guide to know which is the right posture so you don´t loose the balance. Stand straight, with your knees slightly bent forward, but never toward the back.

Make sure your body and mind are relaxed when flyboarding for the first time.

Flyboarding is fun and once you do it successfully you would like to try new pirouettes like an expert.

Practice and enjoy the basic level, get accustomed to it, get comfortable before moving to the next level.

For some it might come as tough to maintain a balance when up in the sky but don’t give up. It will pay off!

Information Credit : www.aquaworld.com.mx