7 Reasons To Add A Jet Pack To Your Jet Ski
Just a few years ago, very few people knew what a smart phone or a “tweet” was, but now, they are a part of our everyday life; a similar revelation is
taking over watersports! “Hydro-flight” devices such as jet packs, flyboards, jet bikes and hover boards, virtually unknown in 2010, are now dominating
the waterways around the world. It’s time to start thinking of the jet ski as a ‘power source’ for these new and innovative devices rather than as
standalone pieces of equipment. Here’s why:
1. You’ve probably mastered the jet ski “joy ride”
Do you remember the very first time you got on a jet ski, waverunner or SeaDoo watercraft? Did you feel the exhilaration of charging across the water
at speeds of up to 80 mph? The adrenaline rush of finding the perfect boat wake to use as a ramp to jump into the air. The sadistic satisfaction
of spraying your friends with a sharp turn that splashed water all over them. I certainly do. However, after riding on a jet ski a few times –
the adrenaline and the rush dissipate as the thrill-ride becomes a bit redundant and more like taking an uneventful drive in your car.
The majority of jet ski owners initially reported habitual or even addictive use after purchasing, but their usage vastly diminished over the months
and years to come due to boredom with the equipment.
2. Who doesn’t want to fly?!
Since the first flight of the Wright Brothers in 1903 and Felix Baumgartner’s skydive from space in 2012, man has always had an insatiable curiosity
and infatuation with being airborne. Hang-gliding, skydiving, motorcycle jumping, cliff diving…even trampoline parks. They all satisfy
our desire to fly, even if just momentarily. The water jet pack fits this model perfectly, fulfilling your adventurous side by having you flying
like a superhero within minutes, suspended in the air by two powerful streams of water, punctuating your flights with occasional ‘submarine’
dives where you glide under and out of the water like a dolphin and rocket back into the sky! Who wouldn’t love that kind of exhilaration?
3. You’ll impress yourself and everyone else on the water
Imagine hovering 30 to 50 feet in the air, waving down to the world below, diving beneath the water, blasting up through the surface as you spin
360’s into the air. As you can imagine, this always leaves onlookers speechless in disbelief and grabbing for their camera phones. I always
say, “Show me a 100-foot yacht and I’ll show you the jet pack that steals its thunder.” The age of the jet pack has finally arrived and those
who’ve experienced it understand the meaning of the term “jetpack rockstar”.
4. It’s easier than you think
With just a brief overview of the concepts, most first-time pilots are airborne within the first few minutes. Our jet pack team has taught pilots
from age 6 to 87, from 100 to 350 lbs and people with various disabilities, including amputees and paraplegics, proving that hydro-flight is
a family friendly activity that’s accessible to anyone who wants to feel the rush of personal flight. But, as easy as these sports are to learn,
the boundaries continue to be pushed, and the sky is, literally, the limit. If you mastered helicopter spins, what about corkscrews? If you
can walk on water, can you do a backwards moon walk? If you can do a backflip, how about a double…or a triple? The most common phrase
I hear after people take their initial flight: “I can’t believe it was that easy. I can’t believe I flew my first time out!” It truly is easier
than you think.
5. Your jet ski can become a “fly ready” jet pack within minutes
Hydro-flight devices can easily be hooked up to your jet ski within a matter of minutes. The jet pack converts back to a basic jet ski (or jet
ski to jet pack) with a quick and simple process. If you have a divided group of friends who love jet skiing and jet packing, everyone can
still have access to their ride of choice within minutes. Converting from ski to pack takes a few simple tools (the steering controls are removed
from the back of the ski, then the adapter kit, u-pipe and hose are attached). Done and done – now go have fun!
6. There’s more than one way to fly the friendly skies
Several years ago, the Jetlev backpack-style jet pack was the only hydro-flight option on the market, but since the industry has exploded, there
are now numerous versions available. The traditional backpack-style jet pack is still viewed as one of the most universally accessible ways
to fly. However, the jetboard (straps onto your feet similar to a wakeboard) is now gaining in popularity, especially in the younger, action
sports demographic. The latest introduction to the space is the jet bike, where riders sit on a seat and help steer with bike-style handle
bars.
The brands associated with these types are the following:
Backpack-Style Jet Pack: X-Jets, ZR Jetpack
Jetboard: Jetblade, Flyboard, Dolphin Board, Hoverboard, Jet Deck
Jet Bike: Jetovator, Fly Bike
View equipment options.
7. It’s more affordable than you think
When hydro jet packs were first introduced in 2011, the self-contained systems cost $100,000, which put them in the price range for the “lifestyles
of the rich and famous”. Now, with the introduction of the jet ski-attachable versions – some kits can be had for as little as $5000. There
is a jet pack system for every budget and if you already have a jet ski, it’s an extremely affordable way to extend the activities and options
you’d gain from your initial investment.
With jet pack “flight centers” all over the world, you can now “fly before you buy”, so be sure to check for local operators who can get you into
the air to experience what hydro-flight is all about!
