The underwater jetpack, the CudaJet, has made waves in the world of luxury recreational equipment, catering to those with a penchant for adventure and an availability of funds. This extraordinary device enables the user to glide effortlessly beneath the ocean’s surface, offering a unique and exhilarating experience akin to flying. However, the thrill comes with the caveat that users must hold their breath while using the jetpack, turning every dive into a test of stamina.
Marketed as a pioneering innovation for thrill-seekers, the CudaJet is priced just below $30,000—a sum only a select few can afford. Designed by a young British entrepreneur named Archie O’Brien, the jetpack promises an exhilarating “weightless flight” experience, allowing users to move at speeds of up to 3 meters per second, which is approximately 9.8 feet per second. The compact design features a harness worn on the user’s back, along with a hand-held controller, ensuring the aesthetic is both functional and striking. The manufacturer notes that each unit is custom-made, with a lead time for delivery of about three months.
One of the intriguing features of the CudaJet is its impressive 90-minute battery life; yet, it lacks a tether to any oxygen tank or boat, limiting users to brief forays beneath the surface. They can immerse themselves underwater only when they can hold their breath for as long as they can manage, which adds a notable thrill as well as a level of safety awareness during use.
Since its launch in early 2023, the CudaJet has caught the attention of elite buyers, with nearly 100 units reportedly sold to owners of some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts. The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with O’Brien expressing excitement over the reception. The jetpack is particularly lauded for its ability to deliver a sensation comparable to human flight, with users describing the experience of gliding through undersea landscapes as “superhuman”.
The inception of the idea can be traced back to O’Brien’s vacation in 2017, during which he was enjoying free-diving at Koh Tao in Thailand. As a product design student at Loughborough University, he was inspired to create something that could enhance movement through water. Experimenting with propulsion systems, he initially fashioned a rudimentary version of the jetpack, which was “duct-taped” to his back, and began refining the design. Over the next several years, O’Brien dedicated around 30,000 hours honing his creation, which ultimately evolved into the sleek, capable device now known as the CudaJet.
However, like all extreme sports, the use of the CudaJet is not without risks. Users must possess a basic skill set, including the ability to equalize their ears and hold their breath, importantly emphasizing safety precautions such as monitoring battery levels and ensuring the equipment is stored correctly to maintain its functionality.
Although there are other devices on the market enabling aquatic movement, O’Brien is confident that nothing parallels the unique experience of the CudaJet. While alternatives like jet ski engines offer power, they lack the portability and versatility afforded by a backpack-style jetpack. Other smaller, hand-held devices have relied on lesser propulsion strength, not providing the level of speed and excitement CudaJet promises.
In a review of a competing underwater jetpack called XiaoTun, Dom Robinson, a diving enthusiast and operator of the YouTube channel Deep Wreck Diver, acknowledged the fun factor of the gadget but sensed limitations in its practical applications. According to Robinson, while CudaJet’s buoyancy feature is advantageous, it also introduces new challenges—such as requiring proper immersion techniques and the crucial need for adequate breath control.
Given the complexity involved in using such devices, Robinson expressed that not everyone possesses the skill to hold their breath long enough to enjoy the breathtaking capabilities displayed in promotional material. Consequently, while the CudaJet offers a thrilling adventure, it demands a level of preparation and skill that not all users may be ready for.
