Sports

Aqua Elliptica looks to get the crowd walking on water

Aqua Elliptica looks to get the crowd walking on water
The Aqua Elliptica is a new watersport device that combines a cross trainer with a paddleboard
The Aqua Elliptica is a new watersport device that combines a cross trainer with a paddleboard
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The Aqua Elliptica is a new watersport device that combines a cross trainer with a paddleboard
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The Aqua Elliptica is a new watersport device that combines a cross trainer with a paddleboard
Users pump away on the footplates to turn a propeller and move the machine forward
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Users pump away on the footplates to turn a propeller and move the machine forward
The current prototype is bigger and heavier than the final design, which will be made of composite carbon fiber and Kevlar
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The current prototype is bigger and heavier than the final design, which will be made of composite carbon fiber and Kevlar
A rear view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
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A rear view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
A rear view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
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A rear view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
A side view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
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A side view rendering of the Aqua Elliptica
A rear view diagram of the Aqua Elliptica
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A rear view diagram of the Aqua Elliptica
A top view diagram of the Aqua Elliptica
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A top view diagram of the Aqua Elliptica
View gallery - 8 images

A Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign is raising money for a new type of watersport. The Aqua Elliptica works like a cross trainer that is used on water. Users pump away on the footplates to turn a propeller and move the machine forward.

The Aqua Elliptica slots into the stand-up paddleboarding category of watersports. It's made up of a number of parts that can be put together in different ways, to provide a variety of uses. The primary construction is a catamaran arrangement with two feet supporting a platform on the surface of the water.

"The Aqua Elliptica has been in development since May of 2013, although I have been working on stand-up paddleboarding for the past two years," the machine's inventor, Uriel Arad, tells Gizmag. "There have been several different design concepts, drawings, CAD, building with different parts."

The machine is currently only a prototype, which is bigger and heavier than the final version will be. If it goes into production, however, the plan is to build it using 90 percent composite carbon fiber and Kevlar. The propeller will be driven by a flexible shaft and a differential, and the device will be able to reach a speed of up a to 7 knots (8 mph or 13 km/h).

In order to be commercially viable, will it need to to be built with materials funded by the Kickstarter campaign. Arad says he still plans to take the product forward if the Kickstarter target of US$50,000 is not met, but that it will take longer and investment will have to be sourced from elsewhere.

If the campaign is successful, however, the Aqua Elliptica will go into production in July and should be available by September. It is expected to retail for $2,000 to $2,500.

You can view the Kickstarter pitch video below.

Sources: Aqua Elliptica, Kickstarter

View gallery - 8 images
5 comments
5 comments
Griffin
Looks much more like a mobile exercise machine than a "water sport device"… I'll stick with kayaking- this unfortunately looks top-heavy and awkward.
The steering makes it seem like I'll need an extra arm.
Steve W
Interesting -- but the video and photos all show it being apparently towed, only one instant glimpse of someone actually using it. They give the impression o a big wake and speed which is clearly not realistic in its intended usage. Realistic promotion would be more interesting. Add solar power and electric motor if you want a speed option.
Stephen N Russell
Test at Kona HI for Ironman Games alone, Hoorah, be a hit for tourism worldwide: Caribbean, Fiji, HI, Mexico, FL
sk8dad
Let's see high center of mass, short waterline, large wind profile...sounds futile.
Douglas Bennett Rogers
At last, machine with good price point and niche! Great for farm pond, bayou, or other smooth water. Air speed is low(w/o wind) so frontal area doesn't matter. Stepper configuration doesn't require multiple gears and is efficient.