Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors
  3. Auto
  4. News

Flyride Is the Insane Flying Watercraft You Never Knew You Needed

By

Man wasn’t built to fly, but that little wrinkle in evolution hasn’t stopped many of us from trying. If bungee-jumping, skydiving, and wingsuits are … nice, but not quite disco enough for you, the one-of-a-kind Flyride may be the antidote.

Zapata Flyride
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In short, Flyride is the world’s first flying personal watercraft. It looks a bit like a Jet Ski, rides like a Jet Ski, and is even powered by the jetwash from a Jet Ski. Except, it has added controls for going up and down — for flying. A thick, high-pressure hose connects from a running Jet Ski to the rear of the Flyride. Water is forced up the middle of the bike, below the seat, and out two steerable jets near the front. Take-off is possible from the water or the shoreline, and it’s allegedly easier than riding a bike. Allegedly.

FLYRIDE® , Zapata’s new invention !

The four ride modes ensure things only get out of control if you want them to. Most users are wise to begin their training in “Beginner Mode” or even “Child Mode.” When you’re ready to take the training wheels off and unleash the craft’s full 300 horsepower, switching to “Advanced Mode” turns things up to 11 (complete with “Kickstart My Heart” soundtrack).

Recommended Videos

Lest you think this whole thing is an express train to a broken neck, the Flyride features automatic self-balancing sensors to ensure it remains upright at all times. A series of gyroscopes provide balance assistance, and there’s even computer-assisted throttle, elevation, and take-off control. However, a dedicated “barrel roll” button deactivates many of these fun-stopping safety features. Provided you have enough altitude, depressing the button will spin you up to two times before automatically righting the Flyride.

Zapata Flyride
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Flyride comes courtesy of Zapata, the same folks responsible for Flyboard, the Silver Surfer-inspired HoverBoard, and this insane hydro jetpack. The French brand was founded by world champion Jet Ski racer Frank Zapata. Since its beginnings in 1998, the Zapata team has continued to pioneer the most insane ways for humans to travel over water at breakneck speeds. Given their already lengthy catalog of extreme products, we’re stoked to see what they’re planning next.

Flyride is available for pre-order for a cool USD $6,000. Check the official Zapata website to locate your nearest dealer.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio
Topics
Outdoors
Arc’teryx x BEAMS: The blend of Alpine tech and Tokyo style
Arc'teryx x Beams

The new Arc’teryx x BEAMS collection celebrates the brands’ 25-year collaboration and the blending of technical function with street-savvy style. The line highlights a re-creation of the 1998 Arc’teryx Theta hardshell, a Gamma softshell jacket, and Jogen bouldering pants. All come in the signature Kōyō color palette, modeled after Japan’s autumn leaves. 

I wore the Gamma Jacket and Jogen pants during the fall changeover in Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, testing for warmth, wind resistance, and style. Here’s my take.

Read more
Outdoors
More than a name: Meet Eddie Bauer, the true-life explorer behind your outdoor brand
Clothing, Hat, Face

From the time I was a little man, I excitedly tugged at the shirt tails of my father and grandfather every time they left the house to do anything relatively outdoorsy. They would leave the house hauling gun cases, fishing poles, camping gear, hiking packs. The men of my life loved everything adventurous, and they would do it every chance they could. When I was big enough, I would be allowed to come with them. I got my own boots. I procured my own active wear that could resist the weather. I opened my own parka for Christmas. Not only was I now in the same boat with them, in the same tent with them, and in the same deer stand with them. I also wore the same brand as them. Eddie Bauer was their go-to, and it had become my go-to.

But what was it about that brand? What was it about the man behind the brand that became the man’s best friend in the wilderness? Well, here is what you need to know about the guy who ditched the work world to open an outdoor brand simply so he could go outdoors all the time. And made it possible for my grandfather, my father, and then me.

Read more
Outdoors
Plug In, Ride Out: KTM’s Freeride E Gets Sharper for 2027
2027 KTM Freeride E

Austrian motorcycle company KTM’s dirt bikes have a reputation for ripping horsepower and world-title-winning performance. Across the world’s motocross tracks and enduro courses, the brand’s orange bikes win titles and provide the thrill of riding off-road. But for the most part, those bikes use 2-stroke and 4-stroke combustion engines. 

Now, looking toward the future, the organization’s latest electric off-roader, the 2027 Freeride E, optimizes power, handling, and range, with a variety of improvements over prior versions. Here’s the rundown on the bike’s improved specs.

Read more