The Water Jet Pack Is A Different Kind of Water Sport

A water jet pack seems like something straight out of a superhero movie. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a water-powered propulsion system that lifts its wearer as high as 30 feet above the water, spinning in corkscrews and circles at dizzying speeds. Suffice it to say, this experience—known as flyboarding—is not your average water sport.

Luckily, this type of flying isn’t restricted to superheroes. “Pretty much anybody can fly,” says Nate Sinisgalli, the manager of Jetpack America in San Diego. Sinisgalli should know—this is a guy who once donned a Batman costume while strapped to a water jet pack (also known as a hydro jet pack or Flyboard). He’s spent countless hours hovering in midair, so we asked him to share some expert tips for what first-time fliers should expect from their first flyboarding adventure.

Flyboarding Is Family-Friendly

Kids as young as 5 can participate in a tandem flight with an instructor, and it makes sense; the worst thing that can happen in most cases is a splash landing. For special occasions such as charity events, instructors may even dress up for the kids’ amusement. “Doing underwater spins in a Santa Claus suit, that was pretty fun,” Sinisgalli recalls with a laugh.

Most People Can Operate a Water Jet Pack

Just as kids can safely fulfill their dreams of flying, seniors shouldn’t have much trouble taking the jet pack out for a spin. “We flew a 92-year-old one time,” Sinisgalli says. “We fly a lot of elderly people, to be honest.” What’s more, at least two paraplegics and one quadriplegic have been up in the air.

Flying a hydro jet pack doesn’t require any strength, and even if it did, the instructor almost always manages the throttle for your first flight. You don’t need to be a particularly good swimmer, either, but you do have to prove that if you fall forward, you know how to get your face out of the water.

Flyboarding WIll Make You Feel Things

Every beginner experiences three unique sensations when they’re flyboarding: weightlessness, suspended height, and freedom of movement. Only small amounts of force are needed to move the water jet pack while you’re suspended in midair, so you can devote most of your faculties to soaking in these sensations.

Tricks Aren’t Just for the Pros

Through walkie-talkie helmet communication, instructors will help you through entry-level flyboarding tricks such as underwater submarines, low hovers, and donut turns. The easiest trick of them all? No-handed flying. “People sort of over-manipulate the control arms,” Sinisgalli explains. “They think it’s this intense sport, when it’s really not at all. You can let go of the control arms and they’ll stay exactly where you put them.” This means that, once you’re comfortable enough, you can let go and simply use your body to steer the hydro jet pack.

You (Probably) Won’t Get Sick

It’s common knowledge that panicking doesn’t do anybody any good. “That’s probably the biggest disadvantage people have,” Sinisgalli says. “If you’re out there to have fun … and you’re kind of open-minded to the idea of it … then you’ll do great.”

One thing people tend to panic about is the prospect of getting sick. Fortunately, Sinisgalli has never had anyone complain about (or even so much as mention) motion sickness. And every instructor has years of experience and certifications in first aid and CPR, so you’re in good hands no matter what.

Glasses and Contacts Can Be Protected

Clear vision is a requirement to fly. If you wear contacts, just close your eyes when you go underwater. If you wear glasses, get sport straps to hold them in place. Sinisgalli doesn’t recommend wearing goggles, as they have a tendency to come off.

It’s a Once-in-a-Lifetime Thrill

Despite the high cost (single rides typically range from $129 to $699), flying a water jet pack is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s a $30,000 piece of machinery that you’re flying,” Sinisgalli says, and not everybody has one of those sitting around in the garage.

Of course, if you do want to come back and try it again, plenty of places offer certification and training programs. Getting certified at Jetpack America, for example, means that you can come back and flyboard for a discounted rate, whenever you’d like.