Waterbird
 

Rick I

Have you seen the "Waterbird" gizmo video on kiteforum? Seems to work on the same principle as the underwater aqua -thing that you posted, only it rides on the top of the water? Pretty cool.

Look on the kiteforum Sept 23 "How to start kitesurfing" post.

Frank

Hey Frank,

It does use some similar principles to the Aqueon. I saw one and spoke to the designer at Surf Expo in 2004, a Chinese engineer based in Toronto as I recall. It is an interesting gadget.

Based on the following integration with LWD boards, I think he might be getting out of control, though. Too much green tea perhaps.

http://gallery.kiteforum.com/albums/albup92/3_G.jpg
The foils are tied into the board by small passive suction cups?! You know the kind you secure those tiny hummingbird feeders to your window with. Would be interesting to try though, at least before ripped free from the foils.
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=4374

Waterbird
 

The one in the video had handlebars like a bicycle and the rider stood facing front, and jumping up and down was the method of propulsion. Would be a good cross trainer for skiing. It was a little bulky though, but would be good to have if you lived on a lake. Seems like you would need flat water to be effective.

F.

Yes, that is his main design, then they called it the Aqua Skipper.

http://www.jumpusa.com/aquaskipper1.jpg
http://www.jumpusa.com/aquaskipper.html

The foil board setup shown above must have been a quick inspiration.
Haven't seen it since. With a better board attachment it might even work.