Canada: FlowSurf™ – River Wave Feeling Made in Canada

The Canadian company FlowRider, a subsidiary of WhiteWater West, is once again expanding its product portfolio of surf simulators. The new FlowSurf™ product type differs from other FlowRider products in that it can be used with a regular surfboard instead of a so-called flowboard. A deep flow of water enables guests to use a regular surfboard with long fins to carve the wave. The new product is inspired by natural standing waves in rivers, such as the “Eisbachwelle“ in the English Garden in Munich (Germany) or the “Waimea River Wave“ in Oʻahu (Hawaii).

“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,” comments 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,” she adds.

“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. River waves, which FlowSurf is modeled 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,” says Marshall Myrman, president of FlowRider.

FlowRider is suitable for all skill levels. For beginners, a bar initially provides the necessary grip to get a first feeling for the wave. (eap)