https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/21/flying-soldier-to-attempt-channel-crossing-flyboard-franky-zapata

‘Flying soldier’ Franky Zapata expects to cross from France to England in 20 minutes

A former jetski champion and French military reservist who became known as the “flying soldier” after he invented a jet-powered hoverboard will attempt to cross the Channel this week.