Human-powered hydrofoil
An aqua skipper is a muscle -powered vehicle. Following the principle of hydrofoils can be so fairly quiet glide over water and reach a speed up to 27 km / hr.
History
Was invented the principle of the Aqua Skipper in 1988 by Swedish engineer Alexander Sahlin. In 10 years of work, he has developed the first prototype under the name Trampofoil. Shane Chen, president of the company has Inventist the device later evolved ( fiberglass spring on the fork) and it brought as AquaSkipper for suitability for mass production.
Construction
The design targets a low-loss operation. The device is made of aluminum and composite materials, and weighs about 12 kg.
Basically, the sports equipment of two spring- connected with each other tees ( cross bars = airfoil of the wing, see Fig.) The lift is generated primarily by the flow of water to the rear leaf ( 244 cm span ). The tunnel is created by up-and- slide when hopping. The front wing can be rotated about the rod like a bicycle handlebar and serves as a steering and stabilization.
Aquatic species
Virtually all types of water are passable and low waves do not interfere, white water ( surf) is, however, inappropriate because of the lack of viability. The Aqua Skipper can be used on lakes, rivers and the sea. The water depth should be more than 100 cm ( at the start ), while driving slide the wings about 15-30 cm (?) Below the water surface.
Operation
The operation is performed by a rhythmic rocking motion. The athlete stands on two small kicks on the rear linkage. The start is best done from a bridge. To this end, the rear fin is positioned just above the water surface, one foot is already on the base of the Aqua Skipper, the other pushes it vigorously from the web and begins with the rhythmic up and down motion. The important thing is a combination of " hopping " and press synchronous with the poor. A curve passing through a best routing while simultaneously shifting the weight to the outside. It should reinforce the jumping movement before or something in the curve. The start of the water is not possible with the equipment currently available. The average operating time of the muscle- powered sports equipment are appreciated for trained athletes to a maximum of 30-40 minutes.