Most of use cars to get from Point A to Point B, and some of us even rely on two-wheeler for our daily commute. Whenever we have to cross a water-body, we wait patiently for a boat, load our vehicles onto it, cross the body and then drive off to our destination. But what if there is another way to travel on water? If someone told you a decade ago to drive on water, you would have called them crazy! Well, that day seems to have arrived and it’s all thanks to Guy Howard Willis, maker of the first hydrofoil bike. These bikes make use of the hydrofoil technology used by America’s Cup yachts, enabling riders to reach up to 20 km/hr. on water. Famously, the crown Prince of Dubai was so impressed with the design, that he pre-ordered three pieces for himself! So how did entrepreneur from New Zealand make such a splash? Read on to find out the secret behind the success of Manta5.
About the Founder Howard-Willis
Howard-Willis kept moving around in his childhood as he was part of a military family. He starting his education in Germany, attended an agricultural school in Kent and even worked on ferries for over a decade. In 1975, he shifted to New Zealand, and thus began his love for all things related to the sea. He initially set up a furniture business, before moving on to build hospital beds for the handicapped. He then established adventure gear store Torpedo7, and run it successfully.
While growing up in England, Willis took parts from garbage dumps to build his own bike with friends. He grew up thinking why we couldn’t do everything we did on land on water. This lack of options bothered him for years, till he finally decided to do something about it himself! He convinced professional bicycle designer Roland Alonzo to help him with his project.
This wasn’t the easiest of tasks as Alonzo is afraid of water and hence doesn’t know how to swim! Funded by Torpedo7, the pair worked for two years, until prototype three launched in a local swimming pool. Six years later, he unveiled the Manta5 Hydrofoil XE-1, which is the world’s first water-bike. The design, thanks to its uniqueness and flamboyance is making waves across the world!
Early Success
Since launching the company Manta5 in 2011, the bikes have gained quite a fan following, leading to over 12,000 pre-orders. Most of this interest comes from the US, followed closely by Europe, and Dubai. First deliveries will hit the market early this year, and Wills predicts that these bikes will change the way we view water-sports.
Willis envisions his product to lead to the birth of a new sport, making the Hydrofoil bike a Kiwi icon. The pair faced numerous difficulties early on as designing such a complex machine was no easy feat. Balancing maximum lift and thrust, especially at low speeds proved to be a difficult task.
However, relentless commitment from both pioneers led to a successful proof-of-concept and launch, which led to the company’s formation. In the 2017 Best Awards, their prototype won the Gold medal in the Concept Category, shooting them to super-stardom. Their video submission for the contest went viral, racking up over 350 million views on Facebook alone. Over a million people visited their official website, and thousands expressed their interest to buy the product.
Growth and Future Plans
In 2016, Greg Johnston joined the team as general manager, followed by marketing manager Louis Wilk, supply chain assistant Samaria Mason and Jeanna Sayson. It is interesting to note that all these people are graduates of the Waikato institute. Rounding up the team is a pair of electrical engineers, Daniel Dredge and Harrisson Jull.
Due to their innate presence, prototyping work for the bike happened after hours at the University’s Aquatic Centre. In 2015, their research centre shifted to Cambridge, with testing happening on Lake Karapiro. The company is also working closely with Callaghan Innovation and Export NZ to learn more about other business leaders from NZ.
Wills hopes that these bikes will go beyond just being a leisure product, and instead grow to symbolize New Zealand. One day, he even dreams that it becomes a sporting accessory worthy of becoming a part of the Olympic Games.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.