Neoteric Hovercraft Adventure on Alaska’s Yukon River

 Approximately 450 miles northwest of Anchorage, you’ll find the Anvik River Lodge, the only lodge on the entire 120+ mile Anvik River. Owner Clifford Hickson and his family are now celebrating the 25^th season of the most remote fishing lodge in Alaska – and likely in the world.

But Cliff’s sense of adventure expands beyond owning a lodge in the Alaskan wilderness!

 There’s nothing like a hovercraft to expand an already adventurous life. Cliff Hickson gives you a fine example with the story of his recent 750 mile 3-day trip on the Yukon River from Nenana, Alaska to his lodge – his first experience flying a hovercraft.

Left to right: Cliff Hickson, daughter Alyson, wife Cheryl and son Blair.

Cliff’s hovercraft adventure, in his own words …

“Several years ago, while talking to a close friend that operates a surplus military hovercraft in Bethel, Alaska to deliver freight and mail on the Kuskokwim Delta, I became intrigued with the potential applications for our remote operation in Western Alaska.

My wife and I visited a hovercraft shop in Washington and, after spending weeks studying and watching about every video on YouTube associated with flying and operating the hovercraft I decided to get one. I looked at all the typical sites that list them for sale, and ended up finding a used Neoteric Hovercraft in Alaska that we decided to purchase.

After a month in transit it arrived in Anchorage, where I flew to get it and begin a 750 mile trip down the Yukon River to our Anvik River Lodge. I had never actually been on a hovercraft or ever thought about flying one. But due to the time of season and scheduling it became apparent that it would be necessary to bring it down myself. 

Knowing the reputation of the Neoteric Hovercraft I felt confident that it could be an extraordinary  and safe adventure. After all, it only had 18 hours of use!”

Cliff’s Neoteric Hovercraft is a pre-owned model built from a Neoteric Hovercraft kit.

“After determining the distance between villages and calculating fuel consumption, I made a plan and determined my weight and balance. It was fairly simple: I would carry 52 gallons of fuel (353 lbs.) as backup in the event I couldn't fuel up at villages where I planned to stop, myself (220 lbs.), tools and personal equipment, 2 gallons of drinking water and a bucket of fried chicken. Total weight = approximately 707 lbs. Incidentally, the entire trip took about 160-170 gallons of fuel.

With the help of a friend, I then drove to the town of Nenana (approx. 233 miles north of Anchorage) located on the Nenana River and went to the boat ramp. I still had not yet flown a hovercraft, so I loaded about a third of my gear and fuel and took it for a spin - literally.

After about 10 minutes practicing getting over the hump and maneuvering, I loaded another third of my gear and gave it a go. It was a bit more cumbersome, but doable. I took it once more around the patch and returned to the ramp and loaded the rest of my gear.”

Practice makes perfect: Cliff makes trial runs before he begins his 750 mile trip.

“I thanked my buddy for the ride and embarked on my Yukon River trip about 9:00 a.m. on September 2, 2020 and the day was bright and clear. It took me a while to get over that hump, and luckily I found a flat gravel bar to give me some lift. Once I was up I stayed on it until it was time to refill the 12-gallon fuel tank. I had to run about 6500 rpm as my typical cruise speed, possibly due to the replaced tachometer maybe not calibrated for the engine. That jury is still out.”

Cliff launches his hovercraft on the Yukon River and the adventure begins.

“My first fuel stop was the village of Tanana on the Yukon River. It was late afternoon and I had earlier arranged for fuel in all the villages where I stopped. When I arrived I learned the store owner and his wife also had a hovercraft, so I found camaraderie there along with fuel and conversation on hovercraft operation. That night was a hard freeze and he graciously allowed me to stay in a vacant cabin located by the river.”

Two hovercraft on shore at the village of Tanana.

“The next morning, I fueled up and departed early, around 9:00, due to the cold temps and moisture. Once it started to warm there were numerous fog banks, and because I had a GPS with good detail I pushed on. I went through one particular bank that reduced my visibility significantly, so I was barely hovering and following close to the bank when I came upon a stump. Unable to steer around it I found myself perched up on it and at a very muddy location.”

In the dense fog, Cliff’s hovercraft gets stuck on a tree stump.

“That was when I figured out the great design and importance of the Neoteric Hovercraft’s quick and easy skirt removal and repair. Of course, I had to empty the hovercraft and move it back to a flat spot to gain mobility again. I learned a good lesson there. 

As I continued further down the river towards my next fuel stop, I passed through incredibly beautiful wildlife refuges where moose and wolves could be seen along the river. The wildlife and view were exquisite. During the trip, sunset was 11:30 p.m. and sunrise 4:30 a.m. and it was never totally dark, so there was plenty of time to enjoy the view. I consider myself very fortunate to be one the few people who are lucky enough to experience such wonders.

I finally made it to the Yukon River Lodge where I was able to get more fuel, and visit with the owner who was very helpful. And I met several other villagers who were also headed downriver for a memorial service.

This day was fairly rainy and cold and for parts of the trip I had to deal with wind and 1 ft. waves. I pressed on until just before dark, when I found a gravel bar with a huge pile of accumulated driftwood and I built a pretty sizable fire that I kept going all night. It allowed me to stay warm and dry at least on half my body most of the time.” 

Cliff spends the night on a sandbar in the wilderness along the Yukon River.

“The next day I continued to the village of Nulato where I met an old friend who agreed to get me fuel from the local station. The villages along the river are very careful to allow anyone to enter because of the current Covid-19 pandemic. But I got fuel, and he also gave me some hot coffee, some Pilot Crackers and fish strips - a staple in the villages, and a finer meal can’t be found!”

Cliff’s hovercraft serves as a snack bar for his Pilot Crackers and fish strips!

The riverfront at the village of Nulato, where Cliff was warmly welcomed.

“I then continued on for the last leg of the trip to the Village of Anvik. My son Blair and friend / head guide Nick had been asked to bring fuel to the mouth of the river and meet me for the last 75 miles up the Anvik River to our lodge. We met just upriver of the village of Grayling and they had brought more food and fuel. We decided in the interest of weight that they would carry my personal gear and excess fuel.

Now the real adventure begins. Late in the day when we were all heading to the mouth of the Anvik River, an unfortunate situation happened. I was taking the shallow most direct route and they were not able to follow me. I was dipping behind islands and across mud flats, and just at sunset ran out of fuel on the opposite side of the Yukon.

I called on my sat phone and gave my predicament, but while waiting for the guys to show up, fell asleep while drifting in the middle of the river. I thought for sure I would hear the engine of the boat, but when I finally awoke it was almost midnight, and I had drifted about 18 miles past Anvik  I called again and decided that it was best to just wait until the next day. By the way, it was freezing again and I was very cold. 

The next morning, September 5, 2020, the guys showed up and we made the last 75 mile run to the lodge, arriving around 1:00 p.m.. I was happy to get home for a nap!” 

Cliff was welcomed home by everyone at Anvik River Lodge – including the wildlife!

“I’m interested in the possibility of a larger hovercraft as I’m exploring the potential of a new experience for our guests. I’m experienced in building airplanes and boats, so I can apply these skills to repairing this hovercraft. The last aircraft that I rebuilt made the cover of “Vintage Aircraft Magazine” (June 2002). I would probably be interested in a kit that I could build myself.

 I did get our new skirt and installed it, then my wife and I took about a 80 mile trip up the Anvik River and it was great. This was the day before we got sick. At the end of hunting season the last hunters we had exposed us to the Covid virus and the entire lodge got it. We are all healed now, but there was a period of recovery for a couple of weeks. It’s an ugly virus, and we are glad to put it behind us.”

Adventure is nothing new to Cliff. He’s owned avocado farms in Florida, and owns homes in the Florida Keys and Bahamas, which he’s in the process of repairing after they were damaged in Hurricane Dorian.

He’s an aircraft pilot, a ship captain and owns a 65 ft. trawler. He was an Olympic swimmer and a surfer. He taught himself carpentry and at age 21 he moved to Alaska to experience a frontiersman’s life. There, he built school houses from kits that were transported by ship along the coast. On one of his trips, in the cold Bering Sea, a storm caused 30 ft. waves and his boat sank. The captain drowned, but Cliff and four others managed to get to shore. The incident caused lifelong damage to his feet.

But regardless of his venturesome background, Cliff says his hovercraft trip “was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done – enjoyable beyond words!”

And his wife Cheryl adds, "Not only was this the first time he'd ever been on a hovercraft, he'll be 66 years old this month and he had open heart surgery in late January of 2019. So, holy cow, nothing will slow him down!"

The Anvik River Lodge: Home sweet home for Cliff and his Neoteric Hovercraft.

We at Neoteric congratulate Cliff for his daring undertaking, and we thank him for sending us the details of his adventure. Reading the story of his highly unusual hovercraft delivery was enjoyable and helps us to imagine the experience. We’re quite pleased that you happened upon a Neoteric Hovercraft and were successful in flying it 750 miles home to your lodge!

 Clifford Hickson visited Neoteric Hovercraft on Nov. 6, 2020 and met with the company President Chris Fitzgerald.

Dreaming of an adventure of your own?

 Launch your dream with a Test Flight or Flight Training on a Neoteric hovercraft!

And check out Anvik River Lodge

Considering a hovercraft? Fly before you buy!

Whether you’re interested in a rescue, recreational, commercial or military hovercraft, Neoteric gives you the perfect way to find out if a hovercraft is right for you before you buy one: Take a Test Flight or Flight Training & Maintenance Course. Check out this gallery of photos & comments from people who’ve done just that …

Mark Sidell, Washington USA: Recreational hovercraft

Marc’s Training Course left him even more interested in owning a recreational hovercraft.  “It was the best day, and very eye opening. And I loved the safety of being trained by someone so experienced and qualified. The Neoteric craft is versatile and you can go just about anyplace – like you can fly up a steep boat ramp. I think a hovercraft gives you a lot of independence and freedom to do things you wouldn’t dare do otherwise.”

Walt Sitz, Oregon USA: Rescue hovercraft

Walt belongs to Crisis Response International, a non-profit organization that provides rescue and relief support to humanitarian missions worldwide. Before he bought his craft, he took Neoteric’s Training Course. He said, “Hovercraft intrigued me because boats can’t get everywhere … I've been watching hovercraft for quite awhile and Neoteric kept coming up as the best one. Your reverse thrust system – you need to have that kind of control … That’s what brought us here – and we get to try it out before we buy … Training should be the first step in any vehicle. You don’t just jump in a plane and say, ‘I think I can figure it out.’”

David Olson, Minnesota USA: Commercial hovercraft

David's company, D & T Landscaping, Inc., wanted to see if a hovercraft could help his company manage environmental hazards such as blowing dust, at a major taconite mining region in Minnesota. After his Training Course, he bought two custom hovercraft designed to carry 100 gallons of dust suppression agent and a spraying system. He said, “Even if we can cover 80% of what’s not being covered today, that’s a significant improvement. It’s pretty exhilarating. It’s fun! I could see myself personally wanting one. And it’s much more stable than I anticipated.”

Alberto Torruella, Puerto Rico: Recreational & Commercial hovercraft

Alberto, in his 80s, lives on a beach, and also owns a hotel and golf course. He wanted a hovercraft to fly him over the beach and sea, but he wanted it to be a Neoteric hovercraft golf cart so he could attract business to his hotel. Before he bought his HoverGolf Cart, he took a Training Course “to see how it works out, whether I can handle it … “It was very enjoyable – and different. I used to drive motorcycles so I’m used to speed and crazy things – but not this crazy! I mean, you’re going 30 mph and all of a sudden you can spin and go backwards! Being able to fly backwards, etc. – it adds to the fun!”

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa USA: Rescue hovercraft

When Council Bluffs Fire Department decided to purchase a Neoteric rescue hovercraft, their first responders immediately completed a Training Course, which included flood rescue techniques. After their training, Fire Chief Justin James reported, “It was awesome being able to operate in deep and shallow flood water without having to worry about destroying a motor or a boat. We also got to train rescuing victims that may be stranded in trees or roofs of homes due to rising waters. We simply used the craft to hover into and hold position near these real obstacles.”

Cory Lingelbach, Utah USA: Military hovercraft

Cory is a U.S. Air Force Firefighter at Hill Air Force Base. Soon after his Training Course and the purchase of two hovercraft, an Air Force F-16 jet crashed on nearby mudflats at 300 mph. The pilot, who safely ejected before the impact, was rescued via hovercraft. Cory reported, "We launched from land then hit the water then land, water, and land again. This just goes to show you the hovercraft are very versatile. We use our hovercraft on and off our base. Without the level of training sophistication that Neoteric’s Training Course provided, we would never be able to perform our missions the way we do.”

David Kallman, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, added, "This is the first time our hovercraft were used in a real-world situation. We wouldn't have been able to get out to the crash site and rescue the pilot without them. They are state of the art. The Salt Flats are full of crevices and holes filled with water … but the hovercraft glide right over the uneven terrain and go where no other vehicles could go."

Paul Thrift, Indiana USA: Recreational hovercraft

When Paul thought about a hovercraft as a family recreational vehicle, he didn’t just call and place an order, even though he lives in the city where Neoteric is located. Instead, he signed up for a Test Flight and Training Course.  “I wouldn’t even consider getting one without this training; it’s an absolute must. And Chris was impressive beyond words, given his history and passion for it, which shines through … The day here was well worth it. Even if I didn’t go on to purchase a hovercraft, I would count the day a success and worth the money and time, just for the experience. I’d do it again just for the enjoyment! … It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want and experience the elements and spin around and not have the limitations of a wheeled or grounded vehicle. It looks like my family and I will be able to enjoy it recreationally, to access rivers and lakes, cruising, pleasure riding. My 16-year old son is especially excited about it – he thinks it’s pretty cool!”

Cory Wendt, Alaska USA: Commercial hovercraft

Cory Wendt owns a trout fishing lodge in Alaska. He and his father came to Neoteric for Test Flights to determine whether to buy a 4-passenger or 6-passenger hovercraft. After their flights, he said, “It was smoother than I expected. I didn’t expect it to be able to go through all the mud and sticks. I figured all those sticks would break up the air flow, but they didn’t … I didn’t fully have an appreciation until I drove it; it started to feel more like an aircraft. I could understand why training is important – I’d read it and heard it but didn’t really appreciate it until I was at the controls.”

Is a hovercraft right for you?

Find out with a Test Flight or Training Course ...

Cabin Fever? Here's the cure!

It’s that time of year in much of the world: the time when outdoor lovers have stowed away their boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes and ATVs and are sitting inside hoping for some snowmobile weather.

But that’s not the case with outdoor lovers across the globe who own a Neoteric hovercraft. Here’s what they’re up to …

You don't need that whole stowed-away fleet of vehicles when you have a hovercraft. It's the only all-season recreational vehicle that replaces that fleet - and it takes you places your other vehicles can't reach: you'll fly easily over land; swift water; shallow, frozen or flooded rivers; sandbars; swamps; mud; snow and even thin or broken ice. What a great way to save money and guarantee year-round fun!

But don't take our word for it - check out what our customers say ...

Still not sure you want to have a Happy "Neo" Year? It's easy to fly before you buy and find out if a hovercraft is right for you ...

Take a Test Flight or Training Course

First Responders: Save flood victims safely – with a hovercraft

Question:  Of all natural disasters, which is the fastest growing and most costly?

Answer:  Devastating floods – like those now plaguing Louisiana – are rapidly increasing in the U.S. and across the world. From 1980 to 2009, floods caused 500,000+ deaths worldwide and affected more than 2.8 billion people.

To date, the Louisiana flood is responsible for 13 deaths and damage to more than 40,000 homes. Last weekend alone, first responders rescued more than 20,000 people and 1,000 pets. 10,000+ people are living in emergency shelters and 70,000 have registered for individual assistance. The government has declared south Louisiana a flood disaster zone.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards calls the floods “unprecedented” and “historic”. But, extensive research reveals that deadly flooding is becoming more ordinary than extraordinary. According to FEMA, the area of the U.S. at risk of floods, including inland river areas and coastal regions, will grow 45% by 2100. It’s estimated that by 2050, flooding will cost about $1,000,000,000,000 a year, and cause major damage to the 136 largest coastal cities in the world.

Current statistics support these predictions: 1) 2015 was the second wettest year on record in the U.S., and 2) In just the past year, catastrophic floods occurred in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, South Carolina, Missouri and Illinois, to name just a few.

As flood disasters increase, it’s crucial that preparedness efforts must also increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that every year more deaths occur in floods than in any other weather hazard. And the death toll includes first responders, as well as victims lost to failed rescue attempts.

So, another question:  In the face of increasing flood risks, how can first responders increase their ability to perform faster, safer rescues, protecting their victims as well as themselves?

Here’s the answer ...

This video of Wylie Fire-Rescue’s Neoteric Hovercraft saving lives last year in Texas’ widespread flooding shows how easily it operates in shallow, debris-filled water and has the unique maneuverability for up-close access to victims without forcing first responders to enter the water.

But the proof of the Neoteric Hovercraft’s ability to outperform other water rescue vehicles consists of far more than a single video. First responders across the world rely on the Neoteric Rescue HoverTrek™; here’s what just a few of them say about the superiority of hovercraft over boats and other water rescue vehicles …

North Muskegon Fire Department, Michigan USA

"Our hovercraft have saved more lives than all our fire engines combined. Since 1985, more than 255 people have been rescued from Muskegon area lakes using the hovercraft. More than half of them would have drowned not having the hovercraft as a safe rescue tool."

WOPR, a national water rescue organization in Poland

“Regardless of the weather, our hovercraft can fly over water, ice, mud, sand, grass or wetlands – allowing us to get to those places you can’t reach either by boat or by foot. This machine can save people under the most difficult conditions that prevent the use of a helicopter.”

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas USA:

“The benefit of having the hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. It can also hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats that could be a hazard in flood water. A hovercraft is the answer to a faster rescue – a safer rescue.”

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada:

"The hovercraft gets us into areas that, before, we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa USA:

"Our hovercraft can handle some of the most dangerous rescues that would otherwise be out of reach. It's the only vehicle able to operate on any surface; you can get it anywhere that basically nothing else can get to. With it, we're not sending first responders out into bad water or ice. We can go over it all with the hovercraft, grab the victim and bring them back."

As you can see, hovercraft are a critical rescue apparatus for flood rescue operations. They’re able to access areas that boats, airboats and even helicopters can’t reach. Flat bottom Jon Boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use in flood water or shallow water. Debris and obstructions can not only damage rescue boats, but can pose a lethal danger to first responders and to flood victims whose lives they are tasked to save.

And the Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft, with its exclusive reverse thrust, greatly tops the maneuverability of other models, allowing you to back up, spin and hover in place. Flying 9 inches above the surface, the HoverTrek™ performs in debris-filled, shallow and fast-flowing flood water and allows rapid up-close access to victims, keeping first responders above the danger - not in it.

In dangerous flood waters, there’s no better way to save lives safely – or to keep rescuers from becoming the rescued.

Experience for yourself how a hovercraft saves lives safely …

Schedule aTest Flight today …

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft …

Hovercraft video: Lake Havasu HoverFest

Neoteric customer Gary Meyers created this great video of the 2015 Lake Havasu, AZ HoverFest, a part of the Lake Havasu Boat Show, one of the premiere boat shows in the Southwest USA. As you can see, Neoteric recreational hovercraft were well-represented! Watch them in action ...



There's just no better way to enjoy the outdoors than a Neoteric hovercraft - but don't take our word for it - check out what our customers say ...

A hovercraft will replace most of your other recreational vehicles - boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, snowmobiles and more - giving you an all-in-one, all-season vehicle that will take you places all these others can't reach.

And there's no easier way to experience for yourself what a hovercraft can do than to take a Test Flight or Training Course on a Neoteric hovercraft. Sign up today and get ready for the ride of your life!

#Throwback Thursday Hovercraft Video: Vintage Neoteric Hovercraft

Today is Throwback Thursday #TBT and it’s a meme especially suited to Neoteric. As the world’s original light hovercraft manufacturer, we have decades of history to share!

On this Throwback Thursday, let’s have a glimpse of Neoteric’s third decade in business. The 1980s established Neoteric Hovercraft as a global entity as we gained customers from across the world – India, China, Japan and many other nations. And intensive research and development produced several new Neoteric models, among them the LeMere and the Neova II.

The early 1980s were a precursor of our Bubba’s Hover days, as Neoteric craft gained international fame in commercial productions – they were featured in TV ads for Canada’s Labatt’s Beer, Germany’s Lord Extra Cigarettes and Brazil’s Hollywood Cigarettes.

Here’s the Labatt’s Beer commercial, filmed on Lake Isabella in California. When ordinary boats are just too ordinary for the job, it’s Neova II hovercraft to the rescue! …

When filming the Lord Extra commercial on California’s Lake Big Bear in 1983, the Neoteric hovercraft stole the show – and not much has changed since! ...

You can read the full history of Neoteric Hovercraft here.


Now it’s time to look forward and get a glimpse of what a hovercraft can add to your future! Find out how you can steal the show ...

Take a Test Flight or Flight Training Course …

Why do first responders prefer hovercraft to rescue boats?

With warmer weather ahead, first responders will soon be occupied with water and flood rescues. Unfortunately, too many fire departments and other rescue agencies are still relying on boats rather than hovercraft for water rescue operations.

Why would they need a hovercraft if they already have rescue boats? Here’s a quick video that helps answer that question. The Napoleon, Ohio Fire Department’s Neoteric hovercraft rescues not only a family stuck in a boat on the Maumee River – they also rescue the first responders whose boats became stuck or damaged in the shallow water!

The river was too shallow for the first rescue boat and it became stuck; the rocks clipped the propellers of the second rescue boat - turning this simple rescue into a three-hour ordeal.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use in shallow water or in flood water; debris and obstructions can not only damage rescue boats, but can pose a serious danger to first responders and to those whose lives they are tasked to save.

But don't just take our word for it. Read what just a few of our customers have to say about hovercraft versus rescue boats ...

Norman Township Fire Department, Michigan: "We perform water and ice rescues on the rapidly running, narrow, difficult to access Pine River, with rocks, downed trees and steep banks. We considered purchasing a jet boat, but its problems were quickly apparent when, during the company demo, rocks in the river caused the jet boat to break down."

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada: "The hovercraft gets us into areas that before we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas: "The benefit of having these hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. They're also able to hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water."

Roswell Fire Department, Georgia: "On low water, our aluminum boat can only go so far. With the hovercraft, we can travel over rocks, shallow water, sandbars."

Snohomish County Fire District 19, Washington: "At the bridge collapse, there was a lot of debris in the water. Boats weren't able to get into the wreckage, but we were able to hover back and forth through the debris and search for victims. We don't have to worry about what's underneath us."

First responders, come experience for yourself how a hovercraft can operate in conditions that prohibit the use of rescue boats - keeping you above the danger, not in it ...

Take a Test Flight or Training Course 

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft

National Geographic TV’s “Street Genius” to feature Neoteric Hovercraft!

There's no question that hovercraft attract attention. And the media just can't get enough of the Neoteric HoverTrek™. So, move over, Bubba's Hover, because you're about to be upstaged: Neoteric customer Gary Meyers and his hovercraft (named "Neo") are starring in an upcoming episode of NatGeo TV's Street Genius - to be aired in 170 countries in 45 languages!

Enjoy a brief premiere - here's footage from the May 2014 filming at Lake Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada ...

After the filming, Gary said, "The hovercraft was the main feature of the entire episode. Tim Shaw (the show's host) rode with me on several test flights, where we spun around on Lake Las Vegas and then flew up the beach toward the cameras. On the first take, I was to run perpendicularly up the sloped beach and stop right in front of multiple TV cameras. No problem - perfect landing! We filmed this approach four separate times at my fastest possible speed and each time I landed almost exactly on the same spot."

Follow our blog posts and we'll soon give you the exact date and time of the Neoteric episode of Street Genius. Leave a comment and let us know if you plan to watch!

In the meantime, check out how you can become a Neoteric celebrity ...

Learn more about Neoteric Hovercraft ...

Then enjoy a Test Flight or Flight Training Course

Neoteric Hovercraft as an Educational Tool

Keeping students engaged in the learning process is possibly a teacher’s greatest challenge. Understanding the amazing ability of hovercraft to captivate audiences of all ages, Neoteric and President Chris Fitzgerald have long been actively involved in education and working with students.  For instance, Chris is the founder of the DiscoverHover International School Hovercraft Program and, in addition, he often personally visits schools to introduce hovercraft and hosts students at Neoteric as well.

Our customers also generously share this spirit and use their hovercraft to work with students. Here’s a video of MedCity Hovercraft in Minnesota mentoring the Chanhassen High School Engineering Group with their Neoteric hovercraft …

By the way, this hovercraft is the same one MedCity used to rescue two deer trapped on an icy lake – if you haven’t seen it, here’s the video.

Here are a couple more examples of the educational value of hovercraft:

Neoteric Hovercraft makes learning fun at Sarah Scott Middle School

Students from Seoul, South Korea tour Neoteric Hovercraft

Whether you’re a teacher or a parent – or a kid yourself - a hovercraft is the ideal way to get youth of all ages fascinated with their education. From aerodynamics, mathematics and physics to painting, sewing, woodworking and much more, hovercraft can be used to impart knowledge in a wide area of subjects – and, even better, make it fun!

Get started today! Join the DiscoverHover program or, like Blake Resnick, HTC’s youngest student pilot so far, treat your student to a Test Flight or Training Course at Hovercraft Training Centers.

Are Hovercraft Going to the Dogs?

When Neoteric President Chris Fitzgerald boarded his HoverTrek™ to participate in the Hoverclub of America’s Wabash Cannonball Cruise, he really ‘put on the dog’ – his 3-year-old poodle mix, named Zoe! (But be forewarned: if you refer to Zoe as Fitzgerald’s “pet”, you’ll be barking up the wrong tree; she prefers “HoverQueen”) …

“It’s raining cats & dogs!

Bring the HoverQueen her royal umbrella!” 

said Zoe as she withstood the weather.

This was Zoe’s first hovercraft cruise and she thoroughly enjoyed it, even during the rain. As befitting hover royalty, Zoe wore her earplugs without the least complaint as she cruised the historic Wabash River. She was so relaxed, the HoverQueen even napped on the return trip to Vincennes, Indiana, even though the river, at flood stage, was moving more than 5 mph.

But HoverQueen Zoe Fitzgerald isn’t the only canine who revels in hover cruising. Dogs may be man’s best friend but poodles, in particular, prefer hovercraft. You’ve all met Joey Meyers, the Official Hovercraft Training Centers HoverPup – a 4-year-old poodle mix …

Joey says, “I double dog dare you to have more fun in those airplanes than in my Neoteric Hovercraft!”

Zoe and Joey are simply following an historic trend – particularly in their choice of Neoteric Hovercraft. History shows that man’s best friend has always recognized the latest and greatest in vehicles. Back in 1903, when the Ford Motor Company was incorporated, a dog named Bud accompanied Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson and a mechanic named Crocker on the first U.S. transcontinental automobile trip. On their grueling ride through the rugged U.S. West - where there were no roads - Bud wore goggles during their entire journey in an open-top Winton touring car. Jackson and Crocker (and Bud) were hailed as heroes and inspired a generation of automobile enthusiasts.

In the U.S, Western Europe and China alone, there are more than 200 million households managed by dogs. Just imagine what could happen if the publicity hounds get the word out that the latest and greatest vehicle is the hovercraft - Bubba’s Hover could become Puppy’s Hover!

See what the top dogs are barking about:

Take a Test Flight or Flight Training Course in a Neoteric Hovercraft!

Neoteric to star on NatGeo TV’s “None of the Above”

No doubt about it – the Neoteric HoverTrek™ is a media magnet! As just one example, our customer Gary Meyers and his recreational hovercraft (named “Neo”) is giving Bubba Watson and Bubba’s Hover a run for the money when it comes to celebrity status.

The National Geographic TV program None of the Above will feature Gary and Neo on an exciting episode this fall - and what a perfect place for them! On the show, the popular British host Tim Shaw, a child prodigy in science turned stunt-happy engineer, “pairs science, humor and hair-raising stunts to amaze and dumbfound. He challenges the people he meets, and the audience at home, to predict the outcome of a series of ever more spectacular experiments before uncovering the science behind the jaw-dropping outcomes.”

Gary Meyers (left) and Tim Shaw (right) gear up for some stunt hovering in Gary’s Neoteric craft on Lake Las Vegas.

Here's a great video clip of the film shoot on Nevada’s scenic Lake Las Vegas ...

“The hovercraft was the main feature of the entire episode," Gary tells Neoteric. "I did a separate interview where I described the HoverTrek’s features and benefits, and I hope that my many positive comments will survive the editing process!”

“Tim Shaw rode in the hovercraft with me on several “test flights” where we spun around on Lake Las Vegas and then flew up the beach toward the cameras and other participants,” Gary adds. “On the first take, I was to run perpendicularly up the sloped beach and stop right in front of multiple TV cameras. No problem – perfect landing! (Thanks to Hovercraft Training Centers, Chris Fitzgerald and Neoteric!) We filmed this approach four separate times at my fastest possible speed, and each time I landed almost exactly on the same spot.”

If you’ve seen Gary’s unique hovercraft before, you’re probably wondering what happened to its custom designs. NatGeo felt his craft was so striking it might distract viewers! “I was asked to cover the Tek-Wrap logos and images so as to not distract viewers, so Neo was all white,” Gary explains.

Enjoy a few more photos of the film shoot while you wait for Gary and Neo to show you some jaw-dropping hovering this fall on NatGeo’s None of the Above. Then leave a comment below to tell us what you think and if you plan to watch the show!

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