Drone surfing is here and it looks awesome

The only catch is that the drone costs $17,000.
 By 
Brian Koerber
 on 
Drone surfing is here and it looks awesome
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While some people use their drones for racing, fishing and even to deliver burritos, Freefly Systems found a new use for its drone: surfing.

With the help of the Freefly ALTA 8, the team was able to pull a man on a wakeboard and skimboard, making it possible to hit the water without the need of a boat.

Hugh Bell from Freefly Systems says that the team practiced the drone's ability before jumping in the water using a skateboard. Although the surfer does need a running start to gain momentum, the clip is still pretty incredible.

We were initially extremely skeptical that a drone, even of this size, could pull a full-grown man, but Bell insists that the video is genuine.

"The video and clips are indeed 100% real," Bell told Mashable in an email.  "We are also putting out a behind-the-scenes video this week as well."

When asked if the drone was the only thing pulling the boarder, Bell said, "The ALTA is the only thing pulling the boarder, yes!" 

The drone costs a cool $17,495.

photo of brian
Brian Koerber

Brian was the Culture Editor and has been working at Mashable on the web culture desk since 2014.


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