Skip to main content

Flyride Is the Insane Flying Watercraft You Never Knew You Needed

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).

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Learn to tie the clove hitch for when you need a secure, adjustable knot
The clove hitch is one of the most useful knots to have at your disposal in the outdoors
A clove hitch tied to a fixed point

The clove hitch knot is among the most useful outdoor knots you can learn. This fully adjustable bind has endless uses and can be tied either freestanding or around an object. Being fully adjustable means you won't have to completely retie the knot in your system if you want to adjust the tension of your rope.

Read more
8 healthy benefits of hiking you need to know
Start hiking and enjoy the mental and physical benefits right away
Two people hiking together

Hiking is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. However, it’s more than just a full-body workout; it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time in nature, clear your mind, and improve your sense of well-being. In addition, hiking is a fully adjustable workout, and you can start on an easy trail and work your way up to full-blown mountain hiking no matter how long your progress takes!

It’s an activity that can be done just about anywhere. Because the prime hiking season in the national parks around the U.S. varies based on climate and affordability, you can easily adjust your hiking plans to match the seasons and see some beautiful areas throughout the country. It’s a great way to meet nature at its level and a perfect excuse to shut out the noise of the modern world.

Read more
ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 is the first real off-grid AC and it’s discounted right now
Zero Breeze Mark 2 real off-grid AC being carried

Last summer, and most of last year, really, was one of the hottest on record. This year looks to be just as hot, so you'll need a reliable way to cool down. The problem with that is that air conditioners are expensive. They're expensive to install and run, and if you're living off-grid, you can pretty much forget about AC at all — until now, anyway. ZERO BREEZE has introduced the first truly off-grid air conditioner that's ultra-portable — at only 16.5 pounds — and battery-powered. The 24-volt battery can last up to eight hours in sleep mode, perfect for extended off-grid use or van-living. You can even connect solar panels or plug it into DC or AC outlets to boost battery life, if and when available. The handheld and lightweight design works exceptionally well for easy transportation and travel, so you can bring the Mark 2 wherever your adventures take you. Use code SPRING15 at checkout through ZERO BREEZE for a limited time to get 15% off your purchase — good from March 15 to March 21.
Buy Now
 
What can the ZERO BREEZE Mark 2 do for you?

Summer can be hot and clammy, and it can even get miserably wet if you live in a humid climate.  One of the trade-offs of staying off-grid is that you're living more efficiently, which also means you're interested in cutting down on power usage and comparable utilities. Even if that's not your goal, and you're just out for an adventure, you'll have to make the same concessions. The wilderness is, well, the wilderness. But with the Mark 2, a portable, battery-powered AC unit, you can cool off anytime, anywhere.

Read more