Rocket Man: Former Wakeboard Pro Brings Flyboarding to Geist

Paul Stoeppelwerth stands on his Flyboard, a wakeboard-type device that propels you into the air using a jet ski’s water jet.

If you Google the words “lake recreation,” Paul Stoeppelwerth’s photo should pop up. A 2006 Lawrence Central grad, 2008 slalom ski pro, and seasoned wakeboard instructor, Stoeppelwerth can be found somewhere on or near the water during the warm months. This summer, he’s hoping to get his newest venture off the ground and hovering above the water.

Introducing Indy Flight Academy and Watersports – Stoeppelwerth’s start-up venture that looks to put Flyboarding® and Geist Reservoir on the extreme sports map.

How does Flyboarding work?

A willing participant buckles his or her feet into a wakeboard-looking device while standing on a dock. That device, called a Flyboard, is attached via a 45-foot hose to the water jet exhaust of a jet ski manned by Stoeppelwerth. The participant then gets into the lake and arches his back to keep his head above the water, while Stoeppelwerth throttles the jet ski and propels the participant to an open area. When ready, Stoeppelwerth accelerates the jet ski, pushing more water into the hose and propelling the participant into the air above the water.

Stoeppelwerth demonstrating the Flyboard in Florida during his training.

“It takes you a few minutes to get the hang of it,” said Stoeppelwerth who was recently certified a Flyboard instructor in Florida.

Look for these water-propelled flight enthusiasts around Cocktail Cove or at the south end of Geist Reservoir near the dam where boaters like to tie up and congregate. Like most start-ups, Stoeppelwerth is working through his pricing model to find the right amount of time for the right price. For the first 50 takers in May, Indy Flight Academy and Watersports will charge $99 for a 30-minute intro session.

To reserve your session or a discounted group block of time, call 317-348-4359 or visit the Indy Flight Academy & Watersports page on Facebook. Be sure to ask how to earn FREE flight time.

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