French Inventor Crossed the English Channel on a Jet-Powered Hoverboard in Just 20 Minutes

Sunday’s feat was Zapata’s second attempt to cross the body of water. His first attempt took place on July 25 of this year, but failed after complications while refueling mid-flight.

If Zapata’s flyboard looks familiar, it’s because it stole the show during Paris’ annual Bastille Day parade last month. The board isn’t as out of place in a military parade as you might think — the French military has given Zapata’s company a $1.4 million grant, with the hopes of adapting the technology for use as a logistical or assault platform.