FlowRider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Flowrider® or Flow Rider® is an artificial sheet wave surfing environment incorporated in many waterparks and hotels. It was originally invented by Tom Lochtefeld, a California surfer, for the Schlitterbahn resort in New Braunfels, Texas. It uses an array of high-output waterpumps to produce a stationary sheet flow of water approximately 2 inches thick that flows over a fixed, foam-padded surface. Water recirculates through pumps located in a reservoir. The Flow Rider® is manufactured by Wave Loch, Inc. of La Jolla, California. There are currently more than 50 FlowRider installations around the globe.
[edit] User Equipment
Standup boards for using a FlowRider were first developed by Carl Ekström. They are about the size of a small wakeboard, but since the water is already moving less surface area is required. They do not use skegs but instead use their edges to provide stability. Bodyboards for FlowRiders are rounded to afford enhanced maneuverability. It is the only way to surf in the middle of the ocean.
[edit] External links
- Article: Profile of Tom Lochtefeld and WaveLoch
- WaveLoch Inc. site
- Official FlowRider® site
- Wave House San Diego, home of "Bruticus Maximus" offering 8'+ barrels
- Wave House Durban, home of "D-Rex" 10' barrels left and right
- Wave The Planet - Flowboarding community, news and info
- Image of a FlowRider
- Flickr photos tagged FlowRider
