Flyboarding: What is it, What are the Risks, and Do You Need Insurance?

Flyboarding is an extreme water sport that has captured the imaginations of adrenaline junkies worldwide. As the popularity of this exhilarating activity continues to soar, it’s essential for both individuals and businesses involved in flyboarding to understand the unique risks associated with the sport and the importance of businesses and individuals securing the right insurance coverage. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the exciting world of flyboarding, the risks involved, and why flyboarding insurance is crucial for everyone involved in this high-flying adventure.

What is Flyboarding?

Flyboarding is an innovative water sport that allows participants to soar above the water’s surface, propelled by powerful jets of water. Flyboarding involves strapping your feet to a board connected to a personal watercraft (PWC) via a long hose. The PWC pumps water through the hose, and the water is then forced out of the board’s jet nozzles, propelling the rider into the air.

The rider can control their altitude and perform various aerial maneuvers, such as flips, spins, and dives, by shifting their weight and adjusting the angle of the board. With proper training and safety measures in place, flyboarding can be an incredibly thrilling and unforgettable experience.

The Growing Popularity of Flyboarding

Since its invention, flyboarding has rapidly gained popularity as a must-try activity for thrill-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. The sport has spread across the globe, with flyboarding rental and instruction businesses popping up at popular tourist destinations, lakes, and coastal areas.

As more and more people discover the thrill of flyboarding, the need for comprehensive insurance coverage to protect participants, instructors, and businesses becomes increasingly important.

Unique Risks Associated with Flyboarding

As with any extreme sport, flyboarding comes with its own set of unique risks and potential hazards. Some of the most common risks associated with flyboarding include:

1. Risk of injury due to falls or collisions: Flyboarding involves propelling the rider to significant heights above the water. As a result, there’s always a risk of falling from a considerable height or colliding with other objects or people in the water, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe fractures or head injuries.
2. Potential damage to equipment or property: The flyboard and the PWC are both expensive pieces of equipment that can be damaged during use. Accidents, collisions, or improper handling can result in costly repairs or replacements.
3. Risk of drowning in case of equipment malfunction: Although flyboarding takes place over water, there’s still a risk of drowning if the equipment malfunctions or if the rider becomes trapped underwater. It’s essential for participants to wear appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, and to be aware of emergency procedures in case of an accident.
4. Environmental risks: Flyboarding takes place in open water, which means participants may be exposed to risks such as strong currents, underwater hazards, or even encounters with marine life. Being aware of the local environment and conditions can help mitigate these risks.
5. Legal and regulatory risks: Depending on the location, flyboarding operators may be subject to local laws and regulations governing water sports activities. Compliance with these regulations is essential to avoid potential fines, penalties, or even the suspension of business operations.

Why You Need Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is a crucial component of any flyboarding insurance package, as it provides protection for both individuals and businesses in the event of accidents or injuries. Liability insurance covers potential claims arising from bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured party’s negligence. For flyboarding enthusiasts and instructors, having liability insurance in place can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of accidents or mishaps.

Types of Flyboarding Insurance

There are several types of insurance policies available to cater to the unique needs of flyboarding participants and businesses. Some of the most common types of flyboarding insurance include:

1. General liability: As mentioned earlier, liability insurance is essential for both individuals and businesses involved in flyboarding. It can cover potential claims arising from bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured party’s negligence.
2. Personal liability: This type of insurance can protect the insured in the event of a claim or lawsuit that is filed against them.
3. Specialized water sports insurance packages: Some insurance providers offer specialized insurance packages tailored to the unique risks associated with water sports like flyboarding. These packages may include a combination of personal accident, liability, and equipment coverage to provide comprehensive protection for participants and businesses.
4. Business insurance for flyboarding instructors and rental companies: Flyboarding businesses, such as rental and instruction companies, may require additional insurance coverage to protect their operations. This can include general liability, professional liability, and property insurance to cover potential claims arising from business activities.
5. Event insurance for flyboarding competitions and exhibitions: Organizers of flyboarding events, such as competitions and exhibitions, should consider securing event insurance to protect against potential claims arising from accidents, injuries, or property damage that may occur during the event.

Tips for Choosing the Right Flyboarding Insurance

When selecting the right flyboarding insurance policy, it’s essential to consider your individual or business needs and compare different insurance providers and policies. Here are some tips to help you choose the right coverage:

1. Assess your individual or business needs: Determine the level of coverage you require based on factors such as the value of your equipment, the potential risks associated with your specific flyboarding activities, and your financial resources.
2. Compare different insurance providers and policies: Research various insurance providers and compare their policies in terms of coverage, premiums, and exclusions. Look for providers with experience in covering water sports and flyboarding specifically.
3. Understand policy inclusions and exclusions: Carefully review the policy documents to ensure you understand what is covered and what is excluded. This will help you avoid any surprises in case of a claim. Learn about XINSURANCE’s TRU Umbrella policy that fills that gaps and covers exclusions in your existing insurance policy.
4. Ask for recommendations: Seek advice from fellow flyboarding enthusiasts, instructors, or rental businesses to learn about their experiences with different insurance providers and policies. Their insights can help you make a more informed decision.
5. Consider bundling policies: If you require multiple types of insurance coverage, such as personal accident, liability, and equipment coverage, consider bundling these policies with a single provider. This can often result in discounted premiums and more streamlined claims processes.
6. Review coverage periodically: As your flyboarding activities evolve or your business grows, it’s essential to periodically review your insurance coverage to ensure it remains adequate and up-to-date.

Conclusion

Flyboarding is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and invest in suitable insurance coverage to ensure a worry-free adventure. By understanding the unique risks associated with flyboarding and securing the right liability insurance, both individuals and businesses can enjoy the thrill of this extreme water sport with confidence and peace of mind. So, strap on your flyboard, take to the skies, and rest assured that you’re protected with the right flyboarding insurance policy.

Partnering with XINSURANCE

Our comprehensive approach to insurance ensures that you can enjoy the thrill of flyboarding with the confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing your valuable assets are safeguarded. Here’s what you get with XINSURANCE:

• 40+ years of experience providing insurance solutions to businesses and individuals
• A real insurance partner that has your back when accidents, incidents, claims, or lawsuits occur
• Customized coverage options for commercial and personal insurance policies
• TRU Umbrella insurance – fill the gaps and exclusions in your existing policy to ensure you are properly covered

Get a Quote for Flyboarding Insurance

Head over to our water sports insurance page to request a quote and see more insurance solutions for all types of water sports!

If you want to submit an application, please fill out the TRU Umbrella Application for personal insurance needs or fill out the General Recreation Application for commercial insurance needs.

You or your agent can call us at 877-585-2853 to get a quote or if you have any questions.