Simply put, the hoverboard is pulled by a jet ski, which creates a stream of water that flows into the hoverboard and propels it. This creates a high pressure that can carry you up to 5 metres.
I went to try the experience in Vraný nad Vltavou, which is just a short distance from Prague. There is a relaxing campsite called Lávka, where especially children can find refuge in a nice paddling pool. The hoverboard ride took place in the reservoir adjacent to the camp.
I got some "down-to-earth" advice on how to behave on a hoverboard from the guys, who are real nice guys and cool, by the way. They wanted to know if I was snowboarding, which is a big advantage for the sport. I do ride a snowboard, but then again I'm not a big champion and I don't really dare to jump much yet. Then I got a helmet and a life jacket and off I go!
Level 1: Troll
Get in the Vltava River. I lay down on the hoverboard and Roman (the instructor) added some juice and took me to a deeper depth. Then I had to find the straps attached to the board with my feet underwater. Once I felt them, I gave the instruction to Roman and the rodeo started :)
On the board you have your feet pushed into the straps, but otherwise it's "free". So I wasn't flying at all yet, but rather gliding on the water surface and getting my balance right. I was advised to hold the board with my hand so I wouldn't fall off while gaining height. So I was going in a wheelie, since I can only turn to one side, and holding the board with my hand. My thighs were working at full speed, I looked like a troll, and after five minutes I was completely cooked.
I took a break and Roman told me to try it without holding the board. And lo and behold, it worked. My thighs were already canting, but it was much better. After the next three rounds I was a bit more confident in the crampons and I gained courage. Level two begins. (:
Level 2: Boiled Pro
I brought my front foot up and suddenly I was off the water's surface. So far, about a foot, but even that counts. When I was lowering my height, when I brushed against the water surface, it was quite a blow because the board has a large surface area, but I always managed. Then I flew higher and higher, and longer and longer like superman. The highest I've managed to go is about three meters, but your eyes are still about 1.5 meters higher, so it seems like a good height.
I flew for a total of 20 minutes and really enjoyed it. I couldn't have lasted any longer than that, and I didn't feel my thighs for five days afterwards. Well, the challenge for next time? Don't get discouraged right at the start and try to attack the five meter mark. I'm definitely going for it!
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