Trampofoil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Trampofoil, also known as Hydro-bike, HydroSlide, Hydrothopter or Aquaskipper, is a light, one-person hydrofoil. The athlete moves it over the water by jumping up and down with both feet together on a footboard. The Trampofoil is kept afloat on a centrally-placed wing, once the correct speed is achieved. Another wing in the front maintains a constant height of the Trampofoil in the water.

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. 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.

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.

[edit] External links

• Article in New Scientist
• Instruction videos on how to use

This article incorporates text translated from the corresponding Danish Wikipedia article as of January 10, 2008.

This article incorporates text translated from the corresponding German Wikipedia article as of January 10, 2008.