There’s a new way to get your aquatic kicks in the capital, as Jet Skis, wakeboards and ringos get blown out of the water – literally. Abu Dhabi Week strapped in to check out why flyboarding is really beginning to take flight…
We must admit, being attached to a Jet Ski via giant tube, with thousands of gallons of water being blasted out from under our feet made us somewhat nervous. We spoke to German expat and Abu Dhabi resident Daniel Szymanski, who founded Flyboards UAE, to calm our nerves before giving it a try.
Tell our readers a little about yourself Daniel.
I’m originally from Germany and came to Abu Dhabi to work as a projects manager for an events company. I heard about flyboarding in early 2012 and I just had to bring it to the UAE. So, with some friends we bought the equipment and began to teach people and rent it out. We haven’t looked back since!
For people who don’t know what it is, can you explain flyboarding to us?
It’s a completely unique sport. Imagine a wakeboard or snowboard attached to your feet. This is then attached to a 50ft tube connected to a Jet Ski. The rider of the Jet Ski controls the throttle, propelling water through the tube and shooting out the bottom of the board. The power and the thrust keep you in the air or underwater at a controlled speed.
Is it difficult?
Well, like every sport, some people are naturally talented or it takes lots of practice. I wouldn’t say it was very difficult no. Our team of instructors will get you out of the water on your first session for sure.
Is it dangerous?
The worst thing that will happen is you fall into the water from three metres high. Our instructors and coaches who are on hand the whole time are in control of the board’s thrust, so you are in very safe hands. All of the correct safety equipment is provided with the session.
We’re feeling far less anxious now. So are there any skills that would really help us?
Balance is key. Almost every sport requires good balance, but water sports, especially this one, needs a good sense of balance. Wakeboarding, water skiing, surfing are all balancing sports on water. Flyboarding is above water and underwater!
What is the flyboarding scene like in the UAE?
Growing; faster than we imagined! Apart from having people like us on our Facebook page, people are signing up for lessons, rental and attending our displays. We have some “flyboard artists” who perform some incredible skills on the water. People stop their cars, pull over and get their phones out to take pictures and videos. It really is quite a sight seeing someone blast out of the water; it’s like they’re flying.
Describe this sport in three words
Fun. Unforgettable. Wet.
Jack delivers his verdict
“Szymanski was right. It was fun, unforgettable and wet! Rashad our instructor made us feel completely at ease and we felt far more excited than nervous as we entered the water. After a brief and simple lesson on how to set our posture in the water and how to be positioned as we accelerated out, Rashad strapped us to the board and gently pressed on the throttle of the Jet Ski, pushing us out into the open water.
With our body in position one, Rashad gradually pressed on the power and we soon felt a rumble under our toes. Now it was time for position two – straight legs, lean slightly forward and feet parallel to the ground. The water around our waist soon began to bubble and before we knew it we were launching out of the water. But with the natural reaction to bend the knees, we soon descended downwards, water at chest level.
After several attempts, each of about six seconds each, something clicked. We’d become accustomed to the straight-legged position and we were now cruising above the water and feeling rather happy with our 4ft soaring victory. Each launch, our instructor continued to pump more power into our flyboard, taking us skyward at an exciting pace.
Rashad guided us on how to improve our posture and to add some turns. Thirty minutes is the perfect amount of time to introduce yourself to this aquatic craze. The only problem was we were left wanting more! With the UAE sun warming up again, it’s the perfect start to a weekend morning.
Details
Cost: 30 minute session costs AED 350. This includes all equipment and training needed
Location: Yas Island
Booking contact: 050 817 3071
Jack Dignum
