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Human-powered hydrofoil

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Starting an AquaSkipper on the river Spree in Berlin

A human-powered hydrofoil is a small hydrofoil watercraft propelled entirely by the muscle power of its operator(s).[1] Human-powered hydrofoils may be driven by pedals, as in a hydrocycle, by paddles, as in a Flyak, or by bouncing, as in a trampofoil. Hydrofoils are the fastest water-based vehicles propelled solely by human power. They can reach speeds of up to 34 km/h (21 mph; 18 knots)[2][1][3], easily exceeding the world records set by competitive rowing which stand at about 20 km/h. This speed advantage is achieved since hydrofoils lack a submerged body to provide buoyancy, greatly reducing the drag force.[1]

Trampofoil

Trampofoil, also known as Hydro-bike, HydroSlide, Hydrothopter or Aquaskipper, is a light, one-person hydrofoil. A common design for human powered hydrofoils consists of a large hydrofoil at the stern end that is used both for propulsion and keeping the vehicle above the water, connected to a smaller foil at the bow used for steering. Riders operate the vehicle by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the stern, whilst holding onto a steering column.[4][5]

The Trampofoil is started and landed from the shore, or preferably from a jetty, and requires a bit of experience. When the Trampofoil is moving too slowly, it will sink, so no one has managed to get it started in the water. [citation needed] The Swedish and German navies have indicated their interest in the Trampofoil, but the problem with getting it started in the water continues to make it unsuitable for maritime use. Update: Finally this year 2011 a Spanish engineer and inventor has solved the problem of waterstarting through a simple and effective system based on a special retractable float design that allows easily resume walking from the water.

Originally developed in Sweden, the inventor was not successful with its marketing and has discontinued it. There is a new product, Aquaskipper, being made in the USA, and some private developments in Europe and other places.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Graham-Rowe, Duncan (2005-05-23). "Human-powered hydrofoil seeks jumpy riders". New Scientist.
  2. ^ "Pumpabike personal hydrofoil". Stuff.tv. 2005-12-17. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
  3. ^ http://lancet.mit.edu/decavitator/
  4. ^ "Suzi goes for a bit of pumping". Five - The Gadget Show. 2006-10-16. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
  5. ^ "Pumpabike: Human-Powered Hydrofoil". Gizmodo. 2005-05-24. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
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