Q: How does the FlowRider work?
A: Flygt submersible propeller pumps located in the pool below inject a 3 inch sheet of water over the engineered ride surface creating a surfable wave.
Q: What makes the FlowRider different from all other waterpark attractions?
A: In addition to the high profile nature of the FlowRider and long-term repeat media coverage, the FlowRider is the only water attraction that is a thrill and skill attraction. That is, the participant gets better the more times he/she rides, thus insuring repeat visits. The FlowRider is one of the only major water attractions where spectators enjoy watching as much as the participant enjoys riding, thereby enhancing its visibility and appeal. Lastly, the FlowRider allows a waterpark, resort or municipality, regardless of its geographical location, to connect with the extremely popular boardriding lifestyle that includes surfing, skateboarding, bodyboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding and snowboarding.
Q: How much power does the FlowRider use?
A: The FlowRider Junior uses 75kW, the FlowRider Single uses 90kW and the FlowRider Double uses 180kW.
Q: Is the technology proprietary?
A: Yes, Wave Loch’s wave technology is proprietary and is protected by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 4,564,190; 4,792,260; 4,905,987; 4,954,014; 5,171,101; 5,213,547; 5,236,280; RE 34,407; 5,271,692; 5,393,170; 5,401,117; 5,421,782; 5,564,859; 5,503,597; 5,628,584; 5,738,590; 5,899,633; 5,899,634; 6,132,317; 6,319,137; 6,491,589; 6,716,107; 6,928,670; 6,105,527; 5,911,190; and 5,860,766; and corresponding foreign patents. Other US and foreign patents pending. Wave Loch aggressively protects its patent and intellectual property rights.
Q: Is the FlowRider safe?
A: Yes, the FlowRider‘s waveform is a proprietary tensioned ride surface similar to a trampoline it is designed to absorb the energy of impacts. Flowboarders may wipe out, but they’ll get back up again and again and again.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: It’s more than a Toyota Camry and less than a Boeing 737, for price information, please contact sales@flowrider.com
Q: What is the capacity of the FlowRider?
A: The FlowRider has an average capacity of 160 persons per hour. A FlowRider Double has an hourly throughput is 320 persons. With additional elements, such as the Action River and Deep Flow Channel, capacity can exceed 1300 persons per hour. In addition to throughput considerations, note that the FlowRider is one of the only water attractions where spectators enjoy watching as much as the participant enjoys riding. Greg Mastriona, Executive Director of Hyland Hills Waterworld in Denver states, "It's not just the people riding the attraction, it's all the people who are watching, some of them up to two hours, just staying here watching their friends ride.” For its size, the FlowRider is considered a high capacity ride, making it perfect for an indoor setting.
Q: What opportunities exist for additional revenue generation?
A: Spectators love watching the FlowRider which in turn creates opportunities for food, beverage and FlowRider branded retail merchandise.
Q: Who buys a FlowRider?
A: Although the FlowRider was once thought of as a Waterpark Attraction, a new wave of creative installations is sweeping the globe. Venues include; surf shops, resorts, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, municipalities, residences, shopping malls, we are only limited by our own creativity!
Q: What boards do you use?
A: There are two types of boards, a bodyboard and flowboard, both of which have been designed especially for the FlowRider.
Q: How long does it take to install?
A: Approximately six months from start to finish, however, we could answer that question with another: “How fast do you want it and how deep are your pockets?”
Q: What is the lifespan?
A: Wave Loch’s first sheet wave attraction was installed at Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resorts, Texas, in 1991 and is still up and running successfully. Since then we have built over a hundred worldwide.
Q: Is the FlowRider similar to a wave pool?
A: No, the FlowRider is not a wave pool. By using pumps to shoot thin sheets of water over a composite membrane riding surface, a perfect perpetual wave is created.
The FlowRider allows the participant to drop in on their own unbroken “wave”, feel the power and acceleration, carve a turn, do maneuvers and cut back.
Q: Can the FlowRider connect to a lazy river?
A: Yes, the FlowRider can either adjoin a lazy river or stand alone as a self-sufficient attraction. The Flygt® submersible propeller pumps used for the FlowRider can power a lazy river. At no additional pump or energy cost, the Deep Flow Channel offers a super-high capacity white water rapids run with flow twenty times as great as the conventional water slide. The Action River, which also requires no additional pump/energy cost, is an exciting, high capacity family ride with flow sheers, boils, eddies, whirlpools, back-flows and hydraulic jumps.
Q: Are participants allowed to stand up ride on the FlowRider?
A: Typically, participants ride on a bodyboard in the prone position, on his/her knees, or in the drop-knee position. Stand-up riding is permitted if the purchaser sign and abides by the Wave Loch Flow Rules and Guidelines.
Q: Who does the FlowRider appeal to?
A: At first, riding the FlowRider can be a challenge, but with just a few tries everyone can experience the thrill of catching a wave. Then there are those who take things a little more seriously, for them, Flowriding is not just an activity, it is a sport.
Q: Can the FlowRider be installed indoors?
A: Yes, many of our rides are indoors, however it is important to consider the FlowRider's HVAC requirements.
Q: Can the water be heated?
A: Yes, there is no problem with heating the water in the FlowRider, although it would be performed by a local contractor.
