The propulsion vest for diving and exploring the seabed like a shark

Summer is synonymous with free time, vacations, and a desire to unwind. Beach getaways open up a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the sea, from relaxing walks to water sports that are increasingly attracting more enthusiasts . One of these activities that is growing in popularity is freediving , which allows you to dive without the limitations of traditional equipment and experience the sensation of total freedom underwater.

Now, this experience is even more exciting thanks to the CudaJet, an underwater jetpack that lets you travel up to 40 meters deep and feel like a shark in its natural habitat. Its innovative design and power make it an ideal tool for those looking to explore the sea in a different, adrenaline-filled way.

While we've seen several portable underwater propulsion systems, these typically strap to the user's arms or legs. The newly revamped CudaJet is different, as it's a genuine backpack-style underwater jetpack. We first heard about the device nearly seven years ago, when it was a prototype called Cuda, developed by British scuba diving enthusiast Archie O'Brien during his final year at Loughborough School of Design, and the commercial version of his vision was released in 2023.

The system consists of the dual-jet propulsion pack itself, which attaches to a padded neoprene harness worn on the torso. A hand-held remote control with a trigger and wiring allows for speed control and monitoring of the lithium battery charge level. The original 2023 version offered an estimated range of up to 40 minutes after 75 minutes of charging, but the 2025 update has improved its own records. Now, with the same charge, you can enjoy up to 90 minutes of use.

The propeller can be used to a maximum depth of 40 meters and provides 40 kilograms of thrust, which translates to a maximum speed of 3 meters per second. While this figure may seem modest on the surface, underwater this speed is an intense experience, as the resistance felt by the body as it moves forward is equivalent to flying at over 300 kilometers per hour.

The 2025 redesign has made the system lighter, now weighing 14 kilos instead of 15. In addition, the harness, available in four sizes, is easily and comfortably adjusted to each user.

This update is also reflected in the price, which has risen to £22,500 (around €26,700), a steep price compared to the £16,600 price of the 2023 model. However, the package now includes a two-year warranty, a luxury hard case, and a rapid charger. As if that weren't enough, every CudaJet is built to order to ensure the highest quality and customization.

The brand insists that, although the maximum speed of 3 meters per second doesn't seem high, the sensation of gliding underwater at that speed is pure adrenaline. "Many people think 3 m/s isn't fast, but when you're submerged, everything changes. The water's resistance multiplies the intensity, and the experience is comparable to flying at over 300 km/h on land," explains CudaJet.