Flyboarding in Subic

Update:

After a session of hoverboard, I have tried flyboarding again in Subic last weekend so I am updating this post with more (nicer, less grainier) photos and video, as we did it during noon, with good lighting, and not at dusk like the last time. 

Aside from the time of day, the difference this time is the flyboard contraption that I've used now is without the two nozzles attached to my arms. I was told that they've encountered some issues with the arm nozzles, the inner parts of which can cause cuts when they become frayed, so they removed them all together.

I did not notice any difference in terms of maneuverability; in fact I think this time it's better because there are fewer things to mind while riding. The balance comes mostly from the legs anyway, so having the nozzles in the arms is a bit redundant.

The original post follows below. All information are still current. 

Here's another adventure that I can tick off my list: flyboarding, also known as hydrojet surfing. 

This weekend, I went to to Subic Freeport, the former US Navy base located just north of Manila, for the sole purpose of trying the new sport. Flyboarding was invented by Zapata Racing in 2011, and it is just starting to catch on to the thrill-seekers.

Up, up and away...

Flyboarding, in contrast to other board sports like surfing, does not involve a board. Rather, a contraption is attached to your feet. Another set of nozzles are also attached to your arms. 

Putting on the hydrojet contraption in the jetski

The contraption  in turn, is connected to a jet ski. The water being propelled by the jetski provides the thrust. In a way it is like Iron Man with his boot jets and repulsor, which enable you to shoot up out of the water and maintain your altitude. Just like in riding a board, you can control your direction by moving your feet and twisting your torso. The jets coming out from the hand-held nozzles can also provide some directional control.

Trying to maneuver the flyboard

We arrived in Subic about half an hour past four in the afternoon, and we proceeded to Networx Jetsports, the facility that offers flyboarding. After paying the fee, I was given a short video instruction about the concept, how to operate the hydrojet, how to maneuver, and the safety precautions while the machine is in operation. Then I was ushered to the beach by Vince, the operations supervisor of Networx, who introduced me to  Larry, the one who's going to operate the hydrojet. I also donned a helmet and a life vest. Another employee, who was the lifeguard, joined us in another jetski. He was circling around the whole time, shooing away other people in jetskis when they get too close to us.

The jetski powering the hydrojet

After checking the equipment we set out to a deeper part of Subic Bay to begin. At first I had trouble balancing and I could barely clear the water before falling back down. It turned out the nozzle on my left hand was undone. I went back to the jetski and it was reattached.

I managed to nail it the second try. I was now able to control the direction by moving my toes slightly on either direction, and I can balance better. Larry tried to increase the RPM of the jetski, and I kept going higher and higher, from 5 feet high to as high as 8 feet. I got more and more confident and eventually I was able  to do turns, and avoid the jetski when I'm in close proximity to it.

I felt like the wet version of Tony Stark

The twenty minutes that I signed up for flyboard time felt like a breeze when you're having so much fun. After a while Larry signalled to me that I have two minutes left, giving me a handful more chances to stand up and rise above the water. Then, the fun was over. As I left the water I noticed that I have a scrape on my leg, perhaps the result of tangling with the hose, and and bruise on my torso, probably when the vest rubbed against the skin. But it was OK. The adrenaline rush was more than enough to soothe the stings from  the saltwater.

How to Get There

Networx Jetsports is located in Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City. If driving from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway all the way to SCTEX exit. Then Take the Subic-Clark Expressway to Subic. Networx is just beside Gerry's Grill restaurant.

Useful Info

20 minutes of flyboarding costs PhP4,500. Networx also provide other services such as hoverboard (same price as flyboarding), jetski rental (PhP2000 for 30 mins), banana boat ride, and parasailing, among others.

Networx website: networxjetsports.com.ph / Phone: +63.922.812.9832

by Kin Enriquez.