[Key West, FL] Now there is another reason to go to Key West – jet packs. That’s right, you can soar above the water in a jet pack, just like James Bond.
Call it a license to thrill.
Jetpack Adventures, based out of the Galleon Resort & Marina, is the first company in the nation to offer the unique experience. A second company, Sundance Watersports, launches this month and will offer the service at Hawk’s Cay Resort & Marina near Marathon, according to Keys Weekly.
While the JetLev R200 may look like the famous flight machine from the Bond film Thunderball, it is in fact tethered by a 30-ft. hose to a small boat. And instead of some kind of rocket fuel, this jet pack uses sea water as its go-go juice.
The whole thing takes place on a “custom flight deck anchored in a picturesque bay,” according to the Jetpack folks.
As the flyer maneuvers above the water, the small boat follows along pumping water through the hose giving the device its lift.
Yes, there is a safety briefing. Once certified for flight, you pair up with an instructor who controls the pack with a remote while you get a taste of “three-dimensional flying.” As you get better, you gain more control of the apparatus.
Sounds dangerous. Not according to Jetpack Adventure’s website, which claims that this is the “safest water sport ever invented.” That’s quite a claim, guys, might wanna back that down a bit.
They say you can be flying safely, without assistance, in as little as six minutes, thanks to intuitive controls, built-in stability measures and an “enforced flight ceiling.” Meaning, the hose keeps the dumbest among us from foolishly climbing into the stratosphere.
Still not convinced? Additional safety features include a 5-point quick-release harness, protective back rest and head support, safety saddle and guaranteed floatation. And if you fall from, say, 30 feet, you land in the water.
The beautiful Key West water.
The whole process takes an hour-and-a-half, 30 minutes of which is spent flying solo.
The cost of this wicked fun? $249.
Visit the Jetpack Adventures website here. Visit the Sundance Watersports website here.
- Mark Christopher
Images via Jetpack Adventures website
