In the realm of water sports innovation, one name has been making waves like never before: Fliteboard. Hailing from the shores of Australia, Fliteboard has captured the attention of enthusiasts worldwide with its revolutionary electric hydrofoil technology. Now, they're set to redefine the landscape once again with the launch of their latest game-changers: the Flitelab AMP jet and the Flitelab AMP mast.
For those unfamiliar, Fliteboard has long been synonymous with cutting-edge craftsmanship and unparalleled performance. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and harnessing the finest technology has cemented their status as an industry leader. From novices seeking their sea legs to seasoned pros hungry for new thrills, Fliteboard offers a spectrum of products tailored to every skill level and ambition.
The Flitelab range marks the pinnacle of Fliteboard's relentless pursuit of excellence. Boasting state-of-the-art engineering and meticulous design, these new offerings promise to elevate the hydrofoil experience to dizzying heights. The Flitelab AMP jet integrates a battery-powered jet into the board, granting users hands-free boosts into rolling swells and unbroken waves, ensuring maximum control during takeoff. Meanwhile, the Flitelab AMP mast features a sleek motor integration, facilitating boosted takeoffs and swift returns to the lineup.
The anticipation surrounding these innovations reached a crescendo with the release of pre-launch images and videos featuring Flite team rider, Adam Bennetts, navigating the pristine waters of Fiji. As inquiries swirled online about the equipment's capabilities, we seized the opportunity to delve deeper into Bennetts' journey as a water sports athlete and his collaboration with Fliteboard.
For those who are unaware, Adam Bennetts is an Australian waterman, DJ, ex-pro surfer, and entrepreneur, who epitomizes the essence of hydrofoil culture with his diverse talents and unwavering passion for the sport. He is renowned for his innovative contributions and stands as one of the most influential figures in the industry. His Instagram, @misterbennetts, offers a captivating glimpse into his multifaceted life, featuring dynamic riding styles and evolving setups. 
Can you share with us a bit about your background in water sports and how you first got involved in the world of hydrofoiling?
My dad was a professional Ironman when I was a grom, so I grew up around the surf club and naturally fell in love with the ocean. I started surfing when I was 11 and turned pro when I was 18 and had a 10+ year career in surfing. About 5 years ago, my brother gave me a go on his foil and i ordered one online on a Friday, it turned up in the post the following Monday and I haven’t surfed since - I’m very loyal to the foil!
How would you describe yourself both as an athlete and as a person, and how do these qualities contribute to your success in helping brands to pioneer hydrofoiling products?
I learnt a lot as a pro-surfer when I was younger and so I have been trying to apply all my knowledge and skills.
What inspired you to venture into the use of Flitelab products?
Fliteboard is a very innovative company and David (CEO and founder) is one of the most passionate and inspiring entrepreneurs I’ve met. He asked me to come on board as Fliteboard’s first athlete to promote and develop their current and future products. I saw this as a massive opportunity and long term career path because Fliteboard is leading the industry and I wanted in on that.
The AMP board is amazing as it allows me to ride the impossible.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges faced in development of hydrofoil assist products?
In all of my testing; I found the board design to be the biggest challenge because we need a board that paddles well and is able to be boosted along the water without getting any cavitation. After several iterations, we came up with a design that really is quite impressive.
It will open up foiling to a lot more people and it will open up surf breaks and down wind runs that were previously thought impossible to ride.
Can you walk us through the key features and technology behind the new Flitelab products?
For me the hands free operation is the best feature because you can use your arms to paddle and also it allows for a 2 handed pop-up, instead of an awkward elbow to knee get up like you have to do with other similar products on the market.
What kind of training and adjustments did you have to make to adapt to using this new equipment?
It’s a little heavier than my standard prone board so it’s just a matter of adjusting for the extra swing weight which only takes a few waves. Once you have those feels dialled in, it feels just like riding a prone board.
In what ways do you think this technology can make hydrofoiling more accessible to a wider audience?
It will allow capable foilers who aren’t the best paddlers to be able to catch so many more waves. It will also open up so many possibilities for down winding.
What advice would you give to aspiring athletes or innovators looking to break into the world of hydrofoiling and the use of hybrid/assist foiling equipment
Don’t knock it until you try it, because the saying “only a foiler knows the feeling” is so accurate. There is no way to describe to someone what you feel, you just have to get out in the water and do it to really understand.
After immersing ourselves in the world of Flitelab through pre-release materials and insights from Bennetts, one thing is abundantly clear: excitement levels are soaring, and the possibilities seem boundless. As we eagerly anticipate the full release of these transformative products, the stage is set for a new chapter in the realm of water sports.
For those eager to stay informed and be among the first to experience the Flitelab revolution, a visit to the official Fliteboard website is a must. By navigating to https://fliteboard.com/pages/flitelab, enthusiasts can access up-to-date information and sign up for mailing lists, ensuring they remain at the forefront of all the latest developments from Fliteboard and Flitelab.
As the countdown to the official release continues, the excitement only intensifies. To join the conversation and stay connected with Fliteboard and Flitelab, be sure to follow their Instagram accounts: @fliteboard, @flite.lab, @misterbennetts, and @foilhub.
In the world of water sports, innovation is the lifeblood that drives progress and sparks imagination. With the Flitelab range poised to redefine what's possible on the water, the journey ahead promises thrills, challenges, and endless opportunities for exploration.
As the curtain rises on this new era of hydrofoil adventure, one thing is certain: the future has never looked more exhilarating. Gear up, get ready, and prepare to embark on a journey like no other with Flitelab by Fliteboard.