To look at the Pump-a-bike, you’d swear it would sink the moment it hit
the water. Not so, indeed, with a bit of practice, the human powered
hydrofoil is capable of nearly 20 miles per hour – not that much shy of
the world record for human powered watercraft
. To make it work, all you need to do is jump up and down. Given some
time to coordinate the movements and gain a degree of mastery, the
Pump-a-bike can even be used in surf to ride waves. Great photos.
Not as strenuous as it looks, but a bundle of fun.
The Most
Enjoyable Human-Powered Water Sport
The Pump-a-bike can even be used in surf
Still hard to believe it works, but it does
Constructed of aluminium and plastic, the hydrofoil weighs just 14 kilograms.
Launching needs a platform of some sort – any steady platform will do.
Unlike any other water craft, the hydrofoil comes apart and can be transported in a small bag.
The launch from the stand – part 1
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The launch from the stand – part 2
The stand
Pumpabike’s Simple Operating Procedures:
-
Hold the bike over the edge of the water with the big wing just touching the water.
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Place one foot in the toe strap while holding the handle bar.
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When ready, roll forward in order to place the front (small) wing into the water.
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Then the most important step: In a very smooth action, push the bike
hard away from the side. This will make you “take off” like an airplane
and start to “fly”. -
Once the bike is “flying”, you then start to bounce up and down in the toe straps. This will propel the Pumpabike forward.
-
Once “flying”, it is important to keep the wings in a horizontal plane.
Do this by keeping your body centralized. To correct any sideways roll,
simply move your body to counter this roll. -
Enjoy the ride and come back to land carefully so that the bike will not be damaged on rocks or similar objects.
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