Imagine standing by a pond in Moscow — and suddenly, a man lifts off the water, soaring 15 meters into the air. He flips, spins, dives, and resurfaces like a dolphin. No special effects. No wires. Just the raw power of water and technology.
I witnessed this firsthand at the Hydrofly Fest in Izmaylovo Park on July 10, 2026 — and I can tell you, it was one of the most spectacular sports events I’ve ever photographed. Athletes from 17 countries and 30 Russian regions gathered in Moscow to compete in disciplines that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.
But what exactly is hydroflight? And why is it becoming so popular in Russia? Let me take you through it.
What Is Hydroflight?
Hydroflight (officially known as hydroflight) is an extreme water sport where athletes use jet‑propelled boards or jetpacks to fly above the water. The rider stands on a board connected by a hose to a jet ski. The jet ski pumps water at high pressure through the hose, creating a powerful thrust that lifts the rider up to 19 meters (about 6 stories) into the air.
By shifting their body weight and adjusting the angle of the board, the rider can move forward, hover, dive, and perform spectacular acrobatic tricks.
Hydroflight is not just a hobby — it’s an officially recognized sport in Russia, part of the water‑motor sports category, and it’s growing fast.
A Brief History: From France to the World
The concept of hydroflight was born in 2011, when French inventor Franky Zapata introduced the world to the Flyboard — a platform that could propel a person above the water using water jets. It was a revolution.
Over the years, the market expanded, and today we have various devices: flyboards, jetpacks, hoverboards, and jetboards. The term “Flyboard” is now a brand, while “hydroflight” has become the generic name for the sport.
In 2019, hydroflight was temporarily added to the All‑Russian Register of Sports by the Russian Ministry of Sport. Today, it’s an official discipline within water‑motor sports in Russia.
How It Works: The Mechanics Explained Simply
Here’s the basic setup:
- A jet ski pumps water through a hose.
- The hose connects to a board (or jetpack) with nozzles.
- The water shoots out, creating thrust that lifts the rider.
The rider controls the flight by leaning forward/backward and shifting weight left/right. Some systems allow autonomous control via a remote, while others rely on a pilot on the jet ski to regulate thrust.
The result? Incredible freedom of movement — and a lot of adrenaline.
Why Hydroflight Is So Spectacular
Hydroflight is one of the most visually stunning sports you can watch. Athletes soar to heights of 19 meters, perform backflips, spins, and even multiple somersaults.The Hydrofly Fest in Moscow featured several disciplines:
- Hydroflight — flying on a board with jet thrust.
- Jetpack — a backpack-style jet device.
- Hoverboard — a board that hovers above the water.
- Aquabike freestyle — tricks on jet skis.
Competitions are held in categories: Juniors, Women, Veterans, and Professionals. Each has its own drama — juniors bring raw courage, veterans show precision, and professionals deliver jaw‑dropping routines that leave spectators speechless.
Hydroflight in Russia: Where It’s Happening
Russia is becoming a major player in hydroflight. Russian athletes compete internationally and bring home medals.The highlight of the year is the Hydrofly Fest in Moscow. In 2026, it took place on July 10–11 at Krugly Pond in Izmaylovo Park.The scale was impressive:
- Over 100 professional riders from 17 countries and 30 Russian regions.
- Among them — current world champions and prize‑winners of major international competitions.
The event was organized by the Moscow Department of Sport as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project. Entry was free for all spectators — a great way to expose the public to extreme sports.Moscow is the heart of Russian hydroflight. The main training center is the Airborn Hydrofly School in Krylatskoye — the same area where the Olympic Rowing Canal is located. The school provides equipment, training, and even international‑level coaching.
Where Can International Visitors Watch or Try Hydroflight in Moscow?
If you’re visiting Moscow and want to see hydroflight live:
- Check the calendar on the Russian Water‑Motor Sports Federation website or the Moscow Department of Sport.
- Visit Krylatskoye — it’s easily accessible by metro (Krylatskoye station, then a short walk).
- Look for open‑air events — summer is packed with festivals and competitions.
If you want to try it yourself:
- The Airborn Hydrofly School in Krylatskoye offers beginner sessions. They provide all equipment and training in English if needed.
- Prices are reasonable, and they cater to tourists and locals alike.
How to get there: Krylatskoye is a district in western Moscow. From the city center, take the metro to Krylatskoye (Arbatsko‑Pokrovskaya line), then walk or take a taxi to the rowing canal area.
My Photo Report from Hydrofly Fest 2026
I spent two days at Krugly Pond capturing the energy, speed, and beauty of this event. The athletes were incredible — each one a master of gravity and water. See all photos here
Conclusion: Why Russia Should Be on Your Sports Radar
Russia is not just about hockey and gymnastics. It’s a country where new, extreme sports are embraced and developed. Hydroflight is a perfect example — dynamic, innovative, and incredibly visual.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, a photographer, or just curious about what Russia has to offer, keep an eye on Moscow’s event calendar. There’s always something happening — and it’s always worth seeing.
It was great to work on this event. If you are organizing a sporting event or looking for a photographer to photograph your athletes, I will be glad to cooperate. Write to us and we’ll discuss the details.
