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A Wearable Underwater Jet Pack

The KikFin Shark lets you swim like one

By Rain Noe - July 28

in Tech

This KikFin Shark is a wearable underwater propulsion system.

Three cylindrical thrusters on the back, each containing a propellor, provide the propulsion. Each cylinder is attached to a shark-like fin that provides stability.

The fingerless glove you see on the diver's right hand contains the speed controller. The wearer can select between three speeds, topping out at 5.8 mph. (The average recreational swimmer can do perhaps 3 mph; a competitive swimmer, 4 mph and change.)

Perhaps most impressive is how they've handled the steering. You simply tilt your head in the direction you'd like to go; sensors in the rig detect this adjustment in your body position, and the thrusters then cooperate to deliver the desired directionality.

The batteries are embedded within the fins themselves, which helps to keep the batteries cool. They can also be swapped out for fresh ones while you're still in the water.

Manufacturer KikFin is taking pre-orders for the full $500 price; however, they've announced no shipping date, which sounds kind of dodgy.

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Jeffrey Warnock

a day ago

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One has to be proficient at equalizing pressure, too....the change in depth can be rapid requiring one to equalize quickly and often.

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david copeland

a day ago

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Tie your trunks tight - the direction of the jet is working against that.

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