Chimelong hosts team that flies on boards

Joining of three world-class Flyboarders to the original team added spectacular scenes to the Flyboarding stunt show over the “Hengqin Sea” at the center of Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin as of July 7. Delivering a thrilling experience for visitors at 8:30pm everyday, the team demonstrates hover-board flights 20 m above the waves, almost the height of a seven-story building.

The Flyboard is a water-jet machine that propels both underwater and in the air. Two nozzles positioned under the rider’s feet receive 90 percent of the water propulsion, while movement is controlled by tilting the feet. Hand nozzles receive the remaining 10 percent of water and are used to ensure stabilization, just as ski poles would, according to h2romagazine.com.

Flyboard show at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom 

The three new members came from the world-renowned Flyboard Show team, which was authorized by the sport’s inventor, Franky Zapata. Among them was Damone Rippy, one of the world's top Pro Flyboarders. Rippy claimed first place at the 2015 and 2014 North American Flyboard Championships and maintains his world Number 1 ranking. 

While performing the Flyboard stunt, the operators release fireworks through devices on their backs, thrilling the audiences with loud and colorful effects. 

Spectacular effects fill the sky. [Photos by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

Such spectacular performances are expensive, however, said team leader Stephane Prayas. The Flyboard is the key to the show and is made of a special resin with a precise production process. 

Due to its highly demanding craftsmanship, the Flyboard is produced in only three factories in the world. The Flyboards, water pipes and consoles cost up to €10,000 ($11,111) while the Flyboard mold is usually priced at €1 million ($1.12 million), according to Stephane.