Human-powered hydrofoil explained

A human-powered hydrofoil is a small hydrofoil watercraft propelled entirely by the muscle power of its operator(s). Hydrofoils are the fastest water-based vehicles propelled solely by human power. They can reach speeds of up to 34km/h,^{[1] [2] [3]} easily exceeding the world records set by competitive rowing which stand at about 20km/h. This speed advantage is achieved since hydrofoils lack a submerged body to provide buoyancy, greatly reducing the drag force.^[1]

Propulsion

Means of propulsion include screw propellers, as in hydrocycles; aircraft propellers, as in the Decavitator; paddles, as in a Flyak; oars, as in the Yale hydrofoil sculling project;^[4] and flapping wings, as detailed below.

Flapping wing propulsion

Flapping wing propulsion devices are hydrofoils that produce propulsion by forcing a foil to move up and down in the water. The forward motion of the foil then generates lift as in other hydrofoils. A common design consists of a large foil at the stern that is used both for propulsion and keeping the passenger above the water, connected to a smaller foil at the bow used for steering and longitudinal stability. Riders operate the vehicle by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the stern, whilst holding onto a steering column.^{[5] [6]} It is started and landed from the shore, or preferably from a dock, and requires a bit of experience. When moving too slowly, it will sink, and the range of possible speeds is 9-.^[6]

Several variations on the design have been developed:

• The Wasserläufer was a forerunner of the design developed in Germany during the 1950s.^[7]
• The Flying Fish was developed by Allan Abbott and Alec Brooks in 1984.^[8]
• The Pogofoil, with pontoons for flotation, was developed in the US in 1989.^[9]
• The Trampofoil was developed in Sweden in 1998.^[10]
• The AquaSkipper was developed the US in 2003.^{[11] [12]}
• The Pumpabike was developed in South Africa in 2004.^{[6] [13]}

Electric assist hydrofoils

• The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is a Hydrofoil electric bike developed in New Zealand in 2011 onwards.^[14]

External links

• human-powered-hydrofoils.com - Human powered hydrofoil designs from 1953 to present
• How to "Fly" a Human Powered Hydrofoil - the "Aquaskipper" (www.instructables.com)

Notes and References

1. News: Duncan . Graham-Rowe . Human-powered hydrofoil seeks jumpy riders . . 2005-05-23 .
2. Web site: Pumpabike personal hydrofoil. 2005-12-17. 2008-04-29. Stuff.tv. 2008-09-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20080916224552/http://stuff.tv/News/Pumpabike-personal-hydrofoil/3096/. dead.
3. Web site: Decavitator Human-Powered Hydrofoil. 2013-02-10.
4. Web site: Design, Construction, and Testing of a Hydrofoil Rowing Shell. Lily Van Steenberg, Ensign, United States Navy. 2015. The International Hydrofoil Society. 2016-07-06.
5. Web site: Suzi goes for a bit of pumping . 2006-10-16 . 2008-04-29 . Five - The Gadget Show . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070319032433/http://gadgetshow.five.tv/jsp/5gsmain.jsp?lnk=401&featureid=219&pageid=-1&show=s5e5&section=Features . 2007-03-19.
6. Web site: Pumpabike: Human-Powered Hydrofoil. 2005-05-24. 2008-04-29. .
7. Web site: 1953 The "Wasserläufer". Human-Powered Hydrofoils. 2013-02-10.
8. Web site: 1984 The "Flying Fish". Alec Brooks and Allan Abbott. 2013-12-31.
9. Web site: 1989 Pogofoil Parker McCready. Human-Powered Hydrofoils. 2013-02-10.
10. Web site: 1998 Trampofoil. Human-Powered Hydrofoils. 2013-02-10.
11. Web site: Aquaskipper. Uncrate. 2013-02-10.
12. Web site: AquaSkipper. Human-Powered Hydrofoils. 2013-02-10.
13. Web site: Pumpabike. Human-Powered Hydrofoils. 2013-02-10.
14. Web site: Hydrofoil water bike to launch before Christmas. 6 October 2017.