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