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“Yesterday, I was teaching an 8 year old. He was incredible. Last summer, a 72 year old. She was having so much fun.”

Pia says. “It’s great for the environment, they’re electric, no noise, didn’t create waves…what else is going to be the toy of the future?” The water is choppy, and Pia mentions that this will present “a little challenge.” After I confess my natural clumsiness and general lack of athleticism, he reassures me that I will be soon tasting the freedom of Fliteboard. “I will call it a go-cart in the water,” he says, “or a magic carpet.” Encouraged, I don a wetsuit, life vest, and helmet, and get ready for my first ride. We start by checking the equipment and battery levels to make sure everything is ready to go. He then explains how to use the controller, which is simple and failsafe – I will definitely be in charge of this machine. We wade out until the water is about chest height, and I scramble onto the board. I start on my belly, getting a feel for the speed and learning to steer by shifting my weight. It’s thrilling. And less than fifteen minutes later, I’m up on my knees, arms spread like an airplane or great heron, turning and accelerating as I please. It’s exhilarating, and for this klutz (who has never successfully waterskied or snowboarded), it feels like a triumph. “It is not an extreme sport,” Pia says. “Yesterday, I was teaching an 8 year old. He was incredible. Last summer, a 72 year old. She was having so much fun.” A wonderful teacher, Adrian is there coaching and encouraging me at every stage and instructing me on how to take it to the next level. He even gets some video of my ride, and I have to admit, I look pretty cool. When the lesson is over, I can’t wait to do it again. Curious? Check out the instructional video at fliteboard.com to get a sense of what a lesson is like. When you want to try it, check out any of the Fliteschools under “Locations,” or book a lesson with Adrian at hamptonsfly.com, and you too will be soaring in no time.

Adrian Pia, Owner of Hamptons Fly

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42 • AFLOAT USA Hamptons September 2022

AFLOAT USA Hamptons September 2022 • 43

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