Father and son hoverboard across the channel

A father and son completed an epic channel crossing on a hoverboard. Rob Wylie and his son Morgan, set a world record when they did their hoverboard over the channel, completing the 23-mile crossing in an hour and 44 minutes.

They made the journey on a special type of hoverboard called an e-foil – an electric hoverboard powered by a lithium-ion battery that has a mast, wing and a propeller underneath. They’re shaped like a surfboard and lift from the water, making the rider feel as if they are flying. The pair used a brand called Fliteboard.

They are the first people to hoverboard across the English channel in under two hours. Their hoverboard English channel speed was 20 miles per hour during which they hovered three feet above the water.

Incredibly, they did the trip with just one battery charge and Rob had just 4% of power left on his battery when they crossed the finish line in Kent.

Rob told the press: “Ever since I first experienced riding on a Fliteboard, I was hooked as I knew this was going to be the next generation of watersports. I was so impressed that I also invested in the company to join the Fliteboard story and support building awareness around the product and eFoiling as a whole.”

Rob and his son started their crossing at Cap Griz Nez in France and were sent tumbling a few times by seaweed. They had two fishing boats nearby for support with professional crew on board from the first authorised Fliteschool in the UK, called OTS Watersports.

Said Rob: “The Channel crossing has not only set a new world record, but also proves how advanced Fliteboard’s technology is that we successful made the crossing in one sing battery charge. It was 112 year ago that somebody first flew across the Channel in a plane. Now 112 years later we have flown across on a self-propelled surfboard powered by electricity.”

Before they attempted to hoverboard across English Channel, the pair completed hours of rigorous training.

Hydrofoil surfboards have a nearly silent electric motor and are controlled by a handheld wireless remote that syncs via Bluetooth. They are the world’s smallest personal watercraft and can move through the water without the need for wind or waves.

You can’t see the electric propeller and as the board is raised above the surface of the water, it looks as if the rider is flying.

It is a very different experience to surfing or a stand up paddle board. Riders have to allow their shoulders to rotate forward as they move and control the rise and fall of the board’s nose with their bodyweight. The lift is controlled by subtle shifts in bodyweight. They can be launched anywhere in the water and you don’t need a trailer – you can walked them to the water’s edge. Before you try e-foiling, it is advised to seek lessons from a professional.

Heads up, Official Hoverboard can’t sell you a hoverboard that will take you across the channel, but we can offer you a nifty electric hoverboard that will glide across smooth surfaces, tackle bumpy terrain and provide plenty of thrills. Check out our range here.