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How Do Hoverboards Work on Water?

Published in Water Sports Equipment 2 mins read

Water hoverboards work by using powerful jets of water to create thrust, propelling the board and rider above the surface.

Water hoverboards, often referred to as hydro-hoverboards, are essentially platforms that utilize water propulsion for flight over water. The core principle involves redirecting the thrust from a personal watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski through a long hose connected to the board.

The Mechanics of Water Hovering

According to the reference provided, the primary mechanism is straightforward:

  • Water Ejection: High-pressure water is pumped from a PWC through a hose to the hoverboard.
  • Thrust Generation: The water is then forcefully ejected from jet nozzles on the board.
  • Directional Propulsion: Unlike devices that propel water directly downwards, the reference states that on a water hoverboard, the water is propelled from the back end of the board instead of directly below. This rearward expulsion of water creates forward and upward thrust, lifting the board and rider out of the water.
  • Lift and Height: This pressure and thrust allow the user to rise above the water. The reference notes this can be up to a height of 49 ft.

Comparison to Similar Devices

The Hoverboard operates similar to the Flyboard, another popular water jet device. However, the key difference highlighted is where the water is expelled. While a Flyboard typically sends jets directly down beneath the user's feet, the water hoverboard propels the water from its rear, influencing its motion and control characteristics, making it feel more like surfing or snowboarding on air.

In summary, water hoverboards leverage the principle of Newton's third law – for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. By expelling water powerfully from the back of the board, they generate the necessary thrust to lift and move the rider across and above the water's surface.