Exclusive: Want to fly like a superhero?

It’s the newest and most exciting extreme water sport and trials are taking place here in Bermuda.

It’s called Flyboarding and it involves strapping yourself into a pair of jet boots that are connected to a Jet Ski by a hose.

As the Jet Ski starts up, a stream of water gushes through the hose, propelling the flyboarder into the sky. Handheld stabilizers help keep the flyer in control.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can fly above the water like Iron Man or dive into the water like a dolphin.

Entrepreneur Michael Swan of CoconutRockets has brought the new craze to Bermuda and — pending Government approval — hopes to be up and running by the official start to summer, May 24.

Asked how he got into Flyboarding, Mr Swan told us: “I was researching online and I stumbled across a photo of a guy who was standing above a pool of water like Iron Man. I said ‘What the heck is that’? I clicked on it and it was Flyboarding.”

After some research Mr Swan decided he had to bring it here: “It wasn’t about being the first, I just thought it was exciting, it’s different, it’s new,” he said.

After many attempts to get in contact with distributors, Mr Swan finally got through to a UK distributor who was thrilled about the sport coming to Bermuda.

Mr Swan currently has one Flyboard with another on the way for later this month. He bought a jet ski earlier this year to operate the Flyboard and will buy another when the second device arrives.

“Basically, we have to be certified to train people how to operate a Flyboard. To be certified, we have to be trained.”

Trainer

A UK trainer, Mike Dear, flew down last weekend and trained Mr Swan in order to get him certified.

“He trained me and my team, my brother Charlie Swan, Elmore Warren and Kirk Simmons. We spent the last weekend with Mike out Flyboarding at Dockyard, trying to learn the ropes. He’s a stickler for safety.”

Also there were three daredevils from MediaHouse (parent company of the Bermuda Sun) — Jason Csiszar, Lee Osborne and Ephraim Divine.  

Mr Swan stressed that Flyboarding is very safe — even safer than water skiing: “It’s a very safe sport. All you’re learning is how to maneuver it. Going up and down, side to side.

“Within 20 minutes, people are flying and it’s exhilarating when you’re up there. The more you do, the better you get.”

He continued: “I’m excited about it. Our doors aren’t open yet. We’re still in training mode.

“We are still working with various government departments to cross our t’s and dot our i’s.”

Mr Swan plans to start in the West End and hopes to have locations islandwide.

He is currently looking at a few different spots around Somerset to set up shop, all subject to government approval.

And while Flyboarding might seem geared to tourists, Mr Swan says it will be enjoyable for locals as well.

“I also intend to avail it for corporate events or special events such as birthday gifts, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.

As far as how this will affect tourism, Mr Swan said: “It’s a massive deal for tourism. It’s really going to create a massive amount of excitement in our product. Here it’s possible to leverage the excitement behind it to make our whole tourism product more exciting.”

Mr Swan isn’t sure how much he will charge people when he gets up and running but he hopes to keep it under the $200 price tag for 30 minutes that is charged in Orlando.

He plans to start out on the weekends and hopes to make it operational seven days a week. 

For more information on Flyboarding in Bermuda, visit: www.coconutrockets.com.

Flyboarding fts

• Invented in France by world Jet Ski champion Franky Zapata in 2011

• First shown in the US in March 2012, officially launched there in June 2012

• Recognized worldwide for just a year

• No reported injuries since it has been in existence

• You must be 18 though 16 & 17-year-olds can do it with parental consent

• Medical and legal waivers have to be signed to -participate

• Average fitness levels are acceptable

Research: Mikaela Pearman