Marine

Surf's up: Jetfoiler rises above the canals of Amsterdam

Surf's up: Jetfoiler rises above the canals of Amsterdam
Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
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Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
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Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
The electric-powered, remote-controlled Jetfoiler board in action
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The electric-powered, remote-controlled Jetfoiler board in action
The electric-powered, remote-controlled Jetfoiler board rises above the waves
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The electric-powered, remote-controlled Jetfoiler board rises above the waves
Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
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Inventor Don Montague rides his Jetfoiler board along Amsterdam's canals
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The same brain behind the airborne wind turbine that was acquired by Google has set his sights on a more down-to-earth goal: making just about any body of water surfable. Don Montague, former professional windsurfer, Makani Power founder and inventor, recently tried out his "Jetfoiler" on the canals of Amsterdam and sent us the video of the technically illegal urban adventure.

The Jetfoiler is different to electric jet-propelled surfboards from the likes of Lampuga or Aquila that ride on the surface of the water. Instead, it uses an electric hydrofoil to cruise along above the water's surface, magic carpet style.

''Jetfoiling is very easy, everybody can do it," says Montague. "With a remote control in your hand, you control the speed of your Jetfoiling board."

He explains that once the board has enough speed, the rider simply leans backwards and the board rises out of the water. The below video clip by Dutch filmmaker Bob van de Gronde documents Montague's urban surfing.

The City Surfer - Short

"We invited him to test his newest toy in the famous canals of Amsterdam," van de Gronde says. "Unfortunately the police [weren't] as enthusiastic about the idea as we were."

Montague has yet to announce any plans to make the Jetfoiler available to the public.

Source: Jetfoiler

View gallery - 4 images
6 comments
6 comments
FábioAlvesCorrêa
Pretty cool invention bro, but... of all the bodies of water, you choose an illegal-to-surf one? Kinda trying to get some free/cheap advertising.
Mzungu_Mkubwa
@Fábio, maybe not so free if fines or jail time is involved, eh? ☺ But, seriously, why would using the waterways to travel be illegal? These are viable avenues for traffic with the right vehicles. Don't they use them to skate to work on when frozen in the winter? This may not be the best "water scooter", but I'd think it'd be eco-friendly, and possibly even a legit means to commute for some.
windykites
This is a great device, and probably has a good range, because there is so little resistance. Jet foils ought to be more exploited. Why aren't all boats fitted with them?
ezeflyer
I want a sit down version of it. Good job.
ljaques
Kinda fun looking, but which law(s) did he break? Speed limit, noise limit, um, or both? Ooh, ooh, I know: No helmet!
GeoffreyBaird
Dood! High speed water travel in confined locations? What could possibly go wrong?