CRYSTAL SPRINGS -- He may be retired and in his 70s, but Bucky Maynard, of Pine Bluff, is not slowing down, even when it comes to his hobby of water sports.
For 10 years, Maynard, who turns 73 in August, has been a hydrofoil water ski enthusiast, turning heads on Lake Ouachita and the Arkansas River.
Known by the brand name of Air Chair, Maynard rides the unusual-looking water ski primarily on the Arkansas River near his Pine Bluff home. Manufactured by Air Chair in Lake Havasu, Ariz., the water ski resembles a wake board with a seat affixed on top, with a post topped by fins below. The back fin can be changed out or flipped over for varying expertise levels: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
"I've had a lot of people try it, but were not able to get up on it," Maynard said.
Maynard, who retired from his independent insurance agency J.B. Bucky Maynard Insurance in December, plays on the water with wakeboards, kneeboards, trick skis, slalom skis and the Air Chair. He also has taught people from youths to seniors how to swim and save lives in the water.
"I borrowed my neighbor's Air Chair and practiced for a couple of summers. It took me a few years to be able to stay up without fishtailing on it," Maynard said. "I then bought my own and had to assemble it."
While a boat's wake can jar a water-skier and make them fall, Maynard says the hydrofoil rides smooth and mimics "flying in a plane." Rubber stirrups hold the skier's feet in place while a strap secures the top of the thighs as they sit on the seat. With its aerodynamics, post and fins, it cuts through the wake, creating a smooth ride.
"It feels like you're flying," Maynard said.
"It is the closest thing to parasailing. Everyone at the park (on the Arkansas River) always hollers at him," said Mike Tyler, of White Hall.
According to Air Chair's website, the hydrofoil, water ski, which was introduced in the 1990s, costs $1,000 to $6,500.
Local on 07/27/2016