Before you join the world of flyboarding or hydroflight in general, you may be looking for answers to some of the questions swirling around in your head,
so we’ve compiled our list of the top questions we hear from customers around the world and provided short answers to each of them.
Difficulty of Activity – Will I actually be able to do this or is it just for extreme athletes?
- While many people are intimidated by “flyboarding”, now known more commonly as “hydroflight”, which includes jetpacks, jetboards and jetbikes,
it is surprisingly easy. Many people assume it’s just for “extreme athletes” or people with great balance, but the majority of first-time pilots
are airborne within their first five minutes and many people are diving, spinning and flipping by the end of their first flights. Bottom line,
it’s actually much easier than you think.
- While many people are intimidated by “flyboarding”, now known more commonly as “hydroflight”, which includes jetpacks, jetboards and jetbikes,
- Ease-of-Use/Setup – Will I be able to set this up or is it too complex and requires specialized tools?
- Fortunately, all hydroflight systems are very straightforward to set up. With basic tools (socket and allen wrench set), you can remove the
stock steering system from the PWC to install the hydroflight adapter (this typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour). From there, it’s a simple
two-minute process to hook up the u-pipe and hose to get flying.
- Fortunately, all hydroflight systems are very straightforward to set up. With basic tools (socket and allen wrench set), you can remove the
- Safety – Is hydroflight safe?
- Even though you’re “flying”, hydroflight is actually much safer than many other activities on the water, such as jet skiing and wakeboarding,
where speeds can be much greater. With a standard PWC, max flying heights are around 30 feet and top speeds are less than 20 mph. Additionally,
all hydroflight devices float, so there is no risk of sinking when you’re in the water.
- Even though you’re “flying”, hydroflight is actually much safer than many other activities on the water, such as jet skiing and wakeboarding,
- PWC Requirements – What kind of personal watercraft (PWC) do I need to enjoy hydroflight?
- All hydroflight devices can be attached to the majority of late-model PWC’s (SeaDoo, Yamaha and Kawasaki, year 2000 and later). The minimum
required horsepower to fly is approximately 100hp, but we recommend at least 150hp (the more horsepower, the better the performance). As
a baseline, a 180hp PWC will get a 200lb pilot up approximately 30 feet. Replacing the stock PWC impeller with a dual impeller, which is
an impeller with a secondary inducer impeller, will provide better water flow and approximately 5-10 feet of additional height (it should
be noted that a dual impeller will provide more water flow, but will impact top speed when using the PWC normally).
- All hydroflight devices can be attached to the majority of late-model PWC’s (SeaDoo, Yamaha and Kawasaki, year 2000 and later). The minimum
- PWC Capabilities – Will I still be able to use my PWC normally?
- Yes, you can still use your PWC normally after you start flying, with two options to do so. Option 1 is to reinstall the stock PWC steering
system (approximately 30 minutes with basic tools). Option 2 is to use one of the aftermarket quick-connect steering nozzles that connects directly to the hydroflight adapter on the back of the ski to go from flying to jet skiing in less than two minutes.
- Yes, you can still use your PWC normally after you start flying, with two options to do so. Option 1 is to reinstall the stock PWC steering
- Guarantee – How can I make this a risk-free investment?
- Hydroflight is a new sport and a new industry, so we understand the hesitation to purchase equipment that you don’t know much about. To help
alleviate these concerns, one manufacturer, FlyDive, has created the “Fun-to-FlyDive” 30-Day Guarantee, where you can use your FlyDive
X-Board for 30 days and, if you aren’t completely satisfied, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked.
- Hydroflight is a new sport and a new industry, so we understand the hesitation to purchase equipment that you don’t know much about. To help
- Warranty – What happens if the equipment breaks or has problems?
- With any new equipment, one of the primary concerns is support and service if something breaks, which is why each manufacturer stands behind
their products with a minimum of a one-year warranty. If you have any problems, they will make it right for you.
- With any new equipment, one of the primary concerns is support and service if something breaks, which is why each manufacturer stands behind
- Price – Why does hydroflight equipment cost so much?
- When hydroflight was first introduced, the cost of a full system was $100,000. In less than five years, the cost has come down to the $5,000-$10,000
range for any new system. As the designs and manufacturing processes improve and more units are sold around the world, the price will continue
to drop. FlyDive currently offers the lowest-priced, top-tier jetboard on the market, seen here: Full X-Board kit.
- When hydroflight was first introduced, the cost of a full system was $100,000. In less than five years, the cost has come down to the $5,000-$10,000
- Weight of Equipment – Will I be able to easily transport and move the equipment?
- Most hydroflight devices (jetpacks, jetboards, jetbikes) weigh between 15 and 40 lbs, so they are easily transported. Jetboards can even be
carried on-board commercial flights, while jetpacks and jetbikes must be checked as luggage. Hoses range from 30 to 60 lbs and can be rolled
up for easy transport.
- Most hydroflight devices (jetpacks, jetboards, jetbikes) weigh between 15 and 40 lbs, so they are easily transported. Jetboards can even be
- Legality – Is it legal for me to enjoy hydroflight in my local waterway?
- Hydroflight devices are considered to be PWC-accessories in most states, so they can be used on most waterways where PWC’s are permitted for
use. With that being said, since this is a new sport, we advise all new users to check with local authorities to confirm legality before
flying.
- Hydroflight devices are considered to be PWC-accessories in most states, so they can be used on most waterways where PWC’s are permitted for
- Family-Friendly – Will my whole family be able to fly and have fun?
- Hydroflight is not all about backflips and dolphin dives, so you can rest assured that your whole family will love it. Most first-time pilots
are airborne within their first five minutes, so it’s easy to learn, and despite what many people think, it doesn’t require tremendous
amounts of balance. We’ve seen pilots from age 6 to 86 and even people in wheelchairs can fly on various hydroflight devices, so you can
feel confident that you and your whole family will love flying.
- Hydroflight is not all about backflips and dolphin dives, so you can rest assured that your whole family will love it. Most first-time pilots
- Longevity – How long will this equipment last and will I be able to get parts?
- Under normal use conditions, all hydroflight equipment will last 5-10 years. If you are using the equipment in salt water, you’ll want to flush
it with fresh water after you fly, and it is important to store the hose in a dry place out of direct sunlight. If any part is found to
be defective, contact your local dealer for a replacement. In many cases, the part will be replaced for free.
- Under normal use conditions, all hydroflight equipment will last 5-10 years. If you are using the equipment in salt water, you’ll want to flush
- Operating Costs – How much will it cost to operate (fuel, maintenance, clean-up, etc.)?
- When flying, the primary cost will be fuel, which will be consumed at 3-8 gallons per hour, depending on pilot weight and throttle use. Standard
PWC maintenance will be required, with emphasis on oil and spark plug changes to ensure peak performance. After each use, all equipment
should be rinsed with fresh water to prevent rust and corrosion. Most recreational pilots can operate their equipment for less than $50
per day.
- When flying, the primary cost will be fuel, which will be consumed at 3-8 gallons per hour, depending on pilot weight and throttle use. Standard
- Accessories – What accessories do I absolutely NEED?
- With most hydroflight devices, there are very few accessories that are absolutely
necessary. All public waterways require a life vest for anyone on a PWC, so the operator and pilot will need life vests when flying. All
jetboards use standard wakeboard boots, which can be attached simply with the provided hardware. While not necessary, an aftermarket dual
impeller will provide improved performance and height, so most private and commercial flyers invest in one as their first hydroflight accessory.
If you plan to use your PWC for flying and jet skiing, you may want to invest in a quick-connect steering nozzle, which allows you to regain
PWC steering with a simple 1-2 minute connection (compared to 20-30 minutes to reconnect the stock steering system). See our guide to accessories
HERE: Hydroflight Accessory Guide
- With most hydroflight devices, there are very few accessories that are absolutely
- If you have any other questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact us directly at info@jetpackamerica.com.
When you’re ready to purchase your Flyboard or any other hydroflight device, you can visit our Online Shop to see all available models.
