iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Hunter Kowald built the SkySurfer, a custom stand-on aircraft that looks like a flying board. After footage of him flying through Times Square in June 2021 circulated, viewers compared him to Spider-Man’s Green Goblin. Kowald objected to the villain framing: “People are trying to put a little bit more of a dramatic effect too, which I really don’t necessarily like too much. But I like to think that I’m more of a superhero than a villain.”
Who built the Green Goblin-like flying board?
Hunter Kowald designed and built the SkySurfer, which Futurism described as a drone-like, stand-on aircraft. The Green Goblin comparison came from video of Kowald flying it through Times Square the month before Futurism’s July 2021 report. The appearance was striking, but the aircraft was Kowald’s own engineering project—not a movie prop or a conventional consumer hoverboard.
In a separate interview published July 6, 2021, Kowald described a background in mechanical engineering and engineering sciences, along with an extended process of designing, building, and testing the aircraft. That account came from Kowald; the reporting does not establish independent certification of his engineering or safety claims.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What is the SkySurfer—and is it a hoverboard?
“Hoverboard” is a visual shorthand, not a precise description of the machine. The SkySurfer is a custom, powered aircraft that a person stands on, with multiple rotors giving it a drone-like appearance. It is not the small wheeled self-balancing device commonly sold as a hoverboard.
#1 Best Overall
- VERSION: French
- À'GE: A mischievous and acrobat dog that invites Baby to follow him for children from 1 to 3 years old
- INCITE BABY TO MOVE: Titou is a mischievous dog, he invites Baby to follow him but runs away as soon as he approaches. With the three wheels of his hoverboard, Titou can move forward, backward and even spin on himself
- SENSORS: Thanks to its 4 sensors (two at the front and two at the back), the dog knows when Baby arrives to catch it and he runs away in the other direction. It can also avoid obstacles
- INTERACTIVE: Titou moves on his hoverboard and his ears move when he moves forward. 4 buttons including 3 illuminated allow you to learn more about numbers, emotions and trigger music
Kowald told Futurism that he worked through calculations, CAD, and computer analyses before and during construction, and designed redundant systems. He also described the project as taking two years, including eight months of full-time work at the time of the interview. Those timelines and technical details are his statements from 2021, not independently verified performance data.
Why did Kowald reject the Green Goblin label?
The comparison captured how the aircraft looked in the Times Square footage, but Kowald said he disliked the dramatic framing. He preferred to see himself as a superhero rather than a villain. In the earlier interview, he described advancing the technology responsibly as his priority: “Pushing this [tech] forward in the right way is definitely the top priority, of course.”
Rank #2
- ☆RIDE WITH SAFETY: Comply with safety regulations.Easy to learn,there is nothing more extraordinary than fun of FLYING-ANT hoverboards.
- ☆FLASHING WHEELS: 6.5 inch two wheels hoverboards with color light, light up your world at sunset.
- ☆HIGH-STANDARD QUALITY: Professional gyroscopes, acceleration sensors and motherboard, our hoverboard with bluetooth give you a smooth and stable riding experience.
- ☆BLUETOOTH SPEAKER: These hoverboard for kids built-in wireless speaker can be easily connected to portable devices in second, just enjoy your favorite music or books without wearing headphones.
- ☆VARIOUS STYLES: Develop many new models of hover boards, durable and reliable, suitable for kids ages 6-12 and adults.
What did Kowald say about engineering and safety?
Kowald discussed safety as a design and operating concern, not as proof that the SkySurfer had been certified. In his July 2021 interview, he described addressing issues involving condensation, heat, electrical current, and wiring that could short against the carbon-fiber frame. He also said he tested the structure to a 1.5-times safety factor, illustrating the claim with a 500-pound design figure and a 750-pound load. These are interview claims attributed to Kowald; Futurism did not report them as independent test results.
He also described precautions for flights, including checking airspace, obtaining relevant permissions, using closed courses, and having safety personnel present. For some shoots, he said, medical support and coordination with control towers or city officials could be part of the arrangements. Kowald characterized the regulatory framework as new and partly based on rules for paramotorists. This is his account from 2021, not a definitive statement of the aircraft’s current legal classification or the rules that apply to a particular flight.
Could the SkySurfer be used for rescue work?
Kowald proposed possible uses such as lifeguarding, fire and rescue, and disaster response. He discussed ideas including carrying a chain or inner tube to assist someone in the water, while noting that greater lifting capacity would come at the cost of flight time. These were proposed applications, not documented rescue deployments or proven operational capabilities.
He also discussed media and film work. In the July 2021 interview, manufacturing was still being developed, and he offered a roughly six-month production timeline as an expectation. That forecast does not establish that production followed, or that the SkySurfer is now manufactured, certified, priced, or available to buy.
Rank #4
- 【Hand Controlled High Tech Design (Gesture Induction)】Our UFO flying drone are equipped with 360° motion sensors that detect objects for ultimate flight control and obstacle avoidance. Place both hands on both sides of the drone, swipe a hand under when the lights start to blink rapidly, and watch this LED drone perform a 360° flip, get super cool and enjoy super fun. It’s designed to work indoors as well as outdoors, with a smooth flight pattern effect.
- 【Safe And Durable Webbed Shell Design】This flying toy drone is made of nontoxic and high-grade PP material, safe webbed shell that protects hands, walls, and furniture from the propellers. Woven shell design and protective case makes it easy to catch and keeps it from breaking. which is lightweight and flexible, making it able to withstand countless crashes.
- 【Indoor Hover Drone for Beginners】This indoor hover drone for beginners is equipped with powerful motors with equipped with smart, obstacle avoidance motion sensors, use your hand to guide to fly in all directions. The flying toys can light up, floats, moves, and 360 stunting through the air at your command (with gesture control). Then catch the UFO over and it will stop flying automatically.
- 【Cool LED Lights】When UFO drone is flying, there are 12 cool Colorful LED lights on the side, it can automatically change different LED light flashing modes according to the flight status. This cool drone not only brings fun to play but also helps to improve children's hands-on ability, operating skills, intelligence, and creativity. Enjoy vibrant LEDs light up this UFO flying toy with every flight.
- 【Portable USB Charging 】When the LED indicator flashes, it means that the drone needs to charged. The indicator light comes on when charging and goes off when fully charged. About 35-45 minutes full charge, 6-10 working duration. The hover drone toys enables various charging options such as charged by computer, power adapter, car charger, portable charger etc. Wherever you go, the drone ball for kids can easily carry, and will not take up a lot of space.
What is known about buying one today?
The July 2021 reports do not establish current consumer availability, a price, or present certification status. They describe a custom aircraft and a production effort that was still in development at the time. Without newer, reliable information, it would be misleading to present the SkySurfer as a product readers can purchase.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ORIGINAL SCOOT DRONE FOR KIDS: Here’s the first, and the most-loved hand operated drone in Force1’s Scoot drone family! Toss to launch this hand drone into the air and enjoy vibrant LEDs light up this UFO flying toy with every flight
- INDOOR HOVER DRONE FOR BEGINNERS: Equipped with smart, obstacle avoidance motion sensors, use your hand to guide its flight, play modern catch with family and friends, and catch it “hamburger-style” once you’re done
- DURABLE AND SAFE WEBBED SHELL DESIGN: This flying toy drone is designed with a webbed shell that protects hands, walls, and furniture from the propellers; this webbed shell also keeps the drone safe from damages as it fly around any indoor space
- US-CERTIFIED STEM TOY: This UFO drone toy is a great beginner drone for kids and kids at heart ages 8 and up; drone measures 4.7” D and includes a USB recharging cable
- QUALITY ASSURED: Fly this cool, self-flying sensor drone with family and friends for up to 8 minutes on a 50-minute charge. This hand-operated drone for kids and adults is designed for thrill and guarantees fun for everyone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
