WATCH: Drone surfing is the future of extreme sports | Inquirer Technology

WATCH: Drone surfing is the future of extreme sports

/ 03:34 PM September 21, 2016

Looks kitesurfing is out and drone surfing is in.

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), also known as drones, as a recreational water sport is the latest technology fad among thrill enthusiasts.

Article continues after this advertisement

The new trend was introduced by Freefly Systems, a company specializing in camera drones, according to a Forbes report.

FEATURED STORIES

As seen in a YouTube clip, the “Free Fly ALTA 8” drone flew above water while towing Swedish professional kite-boarder Henning Sandstrom behind.

Sandstorm grabbed a skimboard and rode the drone in the waters of Dash Point Park in Tacoma, Washington, in the US. The kiteboarding veteran effortlessly skimmed through the course and even pulled a few tricks on the glassy lake.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, the idea behind the aerial wonder was first tested with a skateboard on an abandoned parking lot, according to the company’s co-founder Tabb Firchau.

Article continues after this advertisement

The outcome was so outstanding that the group decided to tweak it into a magnificent blend between kiteboarding, skimboarding, wakeboarding and surfing—but with a technological twist.

Article continues after this advertisement

The tech aims to revolutionize the sport of wakeboarding by eliminating the use of a manned motorboat, while also removing kitesurfing’s reliance to strong winds.

Despite the massive development, Firchau insisted that the invention could be even elevated to new heights once the technology behind pulling force and the overall autonomy can be increased for years to come.

Article continues after this advertisement

Weighing up to 20 pounds, the Freefly ALTA 8 is now available for purchase on the company’s website for $17,495 (P835,220).  Khristian Ibarrola

RELATED STORY:

WATCH: Drones take flight in professional racing league

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TOPICS: drones, extreme sports
TAGS: drones, extreme sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.