- Flyak
The Flyak is a
hydrofoil adaptation to the conventionalkayak . Twinhydrofoil s are designed to raise the hull clear of thewater and increase the speed. Speeds of up to 27.2 km·h−1 (7.6 m·s−1, 16.9 mph) can be achieved on calm water. [ [http://www.foilkayak.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=17 Foilkayak] page detailing speed statistics]Design
The Flyak has two hydrofoil fins below the surface of the water to create lift. At high speeds the entire hull is lifted 15 cm from the water, reducing the drag and allowing even greater speeds, reportedly more than twice that of a conventional kayak.
History
The Flyak was designed by
Einar Rasmussen andPeter Ribe inNorway and released in 2005.cite web
url = http://www.aftenposten.no/english/sports/article1161296.ece
title = Full speed ahead for revolutionary kayak
author = Thoresen, Thore-Erik
date =2005-11-25
accessdate = 2007-01-05
work = [http://www.aftenposten.no/ Aftenposten.no] ]Hydrofoil lift method is well established for motored and man-powered water craft, but the Flyak is the first to incorporate the design into a commercialkayak . Initial price estimate is US$2500.Comparisons and Records
A 200 m sprint was performed pitting Olympic athlete
Andreas Gjersøe in a Flyak against the four-man Norwegian National Team in a K4 kayak on SundayNovember 13 ,2005 . [ [http://www.foilkayak.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=1 Norweigian kayak race info] ] This race was featured on "Beyond Tomorrow" broadcast on WednesdayFebruary 8 ,2006 . [ [http://www.beyondtomorrow.com.au/archive.php Beyond Tomorrow show archive] ] It was reported that the Flyak won by a boat length. A K1 sprint specialist in a conventional kayak would expect to be some five seconds slower than a four-man boat over 200 m.References
ee also
*
Kayak
*Hydrofoil
*Human-powered transport External links
* [http://www.foilkayak.com Foilkayak "Flyak" home page]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U95UReP4mdo YouTube video of Flyak in motion]
* [http://www.human-powered-hydrofoils.com/ Human-Powered-Hydrofoils.com]
* [http://www.foils.org/gallery/misc.htm The International Hydrofoil Society]
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