There’s flying, and then there’s flying. The first kind is familiar, as in Southwest’s announcement it’s taking over from AirTran Nov. 4 on flights from Orlando and Tampa down to Key West. That’s the kind of flying that employs Boeing 737s. It’s purposely un-exciting.
Then there’s, ah, flying – Flyboarding, to be precise. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t feel lonely. The Flyboard is a floating levitation device that attaches to a personal watercraft for power, employing a water jet to fly through the air. The set-up consists of a 50-foot hose, foot bindings on the board, and a pair of nozzles to provide thrust. Throw in a stabilization nozzle on each wrist and optional electronic management gear to control the throttle and the off switch.
You following this? The result of the rig is that you learn to hover just on top of the water, graduating to doing so a fulsome 40 feet in the air. You can also “fly” underwater.
There’s but one kiteboarding shop in the Keys (or anywhere else as far as we know) to foster the Flyboard experience, and that’s Florida Keys Kiteboarding. Ask for Aaron Osters.
Something more traditional? How about Kiteboarding per se? Keys Cable is a water-sports cable park where you can learn the art. Located at Mile Marker 59 on Grassy Key, the park offers complete kiteboarding instruction.
Something tamer? Paddling should be perfect. PADDLE! The Florida Keys is passionate about the pursuit. Sited in Tavernier, at Mile Marker 94.5, this new paddle shop serves up paddleboard and kayak tours, rentals and lessons. If you’re serious about seeing the Keys up close and personal, book one of their two- to three-hour eco-tours. They meander through the mangroves of the Upper Keys. Make the journey on a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak (we’ll take the latter).
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Glyn Lowe Photoworks)
