‘Surf Technology Inspired by Nature’ is how FlowRider describe their latest aquatic attraction.

FlowRider’s first deep flow stationary wave system is inspired by river waves as guests use a surfboard. 

FlowSurf was created out of over 30 years of experience in the stationary wave industry and is created using a deep flow of water, which enables guests to use a real surfboard to carve a never-ending wave. 

“We all live, eat, sleep, and breathe surfing at FlowRider. FlowSurf isn’t real surfing because you’re not in the ocean, and it takes out the most difficult parts of surfing,” says Marshall Myrman, president of FlowRider. 

“River waves, which FlowSurf is modelled after, provide an amazing and fun experience on a surfboard where you cut and carve a continuous deep flow wave. Surfers of all levels will be able to work on their skills and have an absolute blast on this wave.”  

FlowSurf is designed to accommodate all skill levels. A bar can be used to help beginners gain their confidence on the wave, and skilled surfers get the unique experience of shredding a wave that keeps pumping endlessly. 

Engineering Informed by Nature Engineering inspiration often comes from nature, and the Waimea River Wave is the inspiration for FlowSurf. This wave is created by surfers when the Waimea River overflows into the ocean, and the result is a silky-smooth surface that surfers can carve on. 

“We knew that to create the best possible ride experience, we needed to replicate the incredibly smooth flow found in some naturally occurring river waves, which is a huge challenge in a stationary wave system since pumps introduce turbulence.” says Eliza Dawson, design and development engineer at FlowRider.  

“To solve this problem, we took inspiration from nature. We observed that the roots of mangrove trees have a smoothing effect on water which inspired the water smoothing-technology used in the ride.”