Hoverboards, a reality?

Question

hovercraft using plenum chambers have been around for a few years but are limited and noisy with the technology we have how long will it be before they can be created...and what type of technology do u think they will use....magnetic repulsion,anti gravity,etc

Answer 1

I don't know how long, but the current technology seems maybe a bit closer. Using maglev is very quiet, but it requires a railing to keep it from falling off. They also use a bunch of power, so it wouldn't seem very practical. I'm not sure if the technology behind Levitron tops would be able to make use in hover boards, because it requires spinning to create gyroscopic stabilization. The only thing that really looks like it might have hope is diamagnetic levitation with superconductors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybOHPLVze...

Unfortunately, that requires to be cooled with liquid nitrogen to work. I guess that we'll be stuck to railings or noisy fans. Or we can just stick to the old fashion skateboard.  

Answer 2

A few people have built hovercraft that are about the size of a wakeboard.