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Frenchman to retry ‘flyboard’ trip across English Channel

Frenchman to retry 'flyboard' trip across English Channel | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Wednesday July 24, 2019 file photo Franky Zapata, prepares to start a training flight over the Saint Inglevert airport near Calais, Northern France. French inventor, Zapata, will try again to traverse the English Channel on a flying board after his first attempt last week failed halfway. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

PARIS – A French inventor will try again to traverse the English Channel on a flying board after his first attempt failed halfway.

Franky Zapata’s wife, Christele, said Wednesday that he will retry the 36-kilometre (22.4-mile) journey Sunday from the French town of Sangatte to the area near Dover.

Last week, on his first attempt, Zapata crashed into a refuelling boat 20 kilometres (12 miles) into the trip. This time, his wife said he will use a larger boat for the refuelling stop in hopes of making landing easier.

He had to build a new board, a customized version of the Flyboard his company sells for watersports. The engine is fueled by kerosene he carries in a backpack, his feet fastened to the board.

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