If you want to catch a flawless wave all the time, regardless of the weather, try flowboarding. It’s a sport that involves riding a stand-up or bodyboard on the flowrider – an artificial wave-producing machine 
that shoots out water at speeds of 20 to 30 mph over padded surfaces that mimic the shapes of waves. As such, it produces a stationary wave known as a sheet wave. For surfing, you actually have to lean forward to maintain your balance. For flowboarding, you have to keep your weight on the rear foot. What’s more, flowboarding boards are different – they’re completely smooth underneath and lack the fins wakeboards and surfboards have. Flowboarding boards are smaller, too (about the size of a small wakeboard), since moving water has greater surface tension and can support a smaller board. The flowboarding sport has grown and you can compete as an amature or pro in the Flowboarding competitions. As a beginner in this sport you will want to start with a flow bodyboard. The best body board which has the best durability and overall riding experience is the WCB board. You will see many other brands out there (we have tried them all) and find the WCB to be the best overall board. For other great watersports on the water, head back to our Water Sports Gear and find other options.
Here are the best Flowrider Indoor Surfing boards:
WCB Bodyboards
WCB BodyboardsFor over 20 years, World Class Bodyboards has been an innovator in the flow and bodyboarding industry. Their main goal is to continue to innovate in the industry and to make quality boards for riders of all ages, sizes, and experience levels. They have introduced designs of the highest tier, specializing in customs, production, and private label brands. WCB has pioneered many design concepts that have paved the way for today’s high performance riders. They are very passionate about their boards and truly hope you have as much fun riding their boards as they did creating them. Of course, the less expensive the board, the more for the beginner it is. Go here for WCB Bodyboards, and for the more experienced bodyboarder visit this link. My son uses the Rodeo LTD and loves it.
ASH Flowboards
ASH FlowboardsOne stand-up flowboard to consider is the Ash Flowboard. Ash Flowboards are built to order. You will need to allow additional time for production. My son’s took about 2 weeks to get after ordering, which seemed like an extreme amount of time for him. Because they are built to order, you can choose the color and design. It really is best to order your board from the manufacturer. For Ash Flowboards visit here.
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Mak Flowboards
Mak FlowboardsThey build and sell Flowboards for the flowrider. They believe they have built the #1 flowboard in the world. Again, you can customize your board and they are built to order. Because they are built to order, you can choose the color and design. For Mak Flowboards visit here.
Wham-O Mach 7 Body Board
Wham-O Mach 7 Body BoardThe Mach 7 is the most iconic and recognizable board in the world. With its classic shape, PE Core, and Crescent Tail the Mach 7 delivers strength and versatility for a variety of riding styles and waves.
Items You Will Need For Your Board
Sticky Bumps Tropical Surf Wax
Sticky Bumps Tropical Surf WaxBodyboard Wax is a slightly different formula that works better on softer surfaces like bodyboards and flowboards. Tropical Surf Wax is an all natural surf wax specially formulated for warm to tropical termperatures. All bars of wax are scented to remind you of the favorite flowrider that you want to travel to.
Purchase Sticky Bumps Tropical Surf Wax Here
Curve Bodyboard Bag
Curve Bodyboard BagThis is a great quality, well constructed and superbly considered design that will fit one or two bodyboards. Backpack style shoulder straps plus detachable padded shoulder strap and side carry handle
Purchase Your Curve Bodyboard Bag here
Sticky Bumps Wax Box & Comb Kit
Sticky Bumps Wax Box & Comb KitKeep your wax clean and neat with the Sticky Bumps Wax Box/Comb combo. The box holds 1 bar of wax and 1 wax comb. Keep your wax from getting on your car or full of sand.
Purchase the Sticky Bumps Wax Box & Comb Kit Here
Mr. Zoggs Sex Wax
Mr. Zoggs Sex WaxThis is the brand my son uses. He likes it over Sticky Bumps. Both are very popular. Sex Wax was originally formulated in 1972. This wax formula provides effective levels of traction.
Purchase Your Mr. Zoggs Sex Wax Here
Kanu Surf Men’s Rash Guard Shirt
The Kanu Surf rashguard shirt is quick dry and feature a UPF 50+ rating to block out the sun’s harmful rays, Kanu Swim Tees are designed for surfers of all levels as well as the recreational athlete
Purchase Your Kanu Surf Men's Rash Guard Shirt Here
GoPro Hero 5 Black
GoPro Hero 5 BlackWith its stunning 4K video, one-button simplicity and voice control, HERO5 Session may be the ultimate combination of performance and small size. Liquid-smooth image stabilization, waterproof design and go-anywhere durability help capture life as you live it. And when it’s time to edit and share, HERO5 Session can automatically upload footage to your GoPro Plus cloud account, providing easy access on your phone. Then you can use Quik, the GoPro editing app, to automatically create videos that wow.
SEAWAG Universal Waterproof Case for Smartphone
SEAWAG Universal Waterproof Case for SmartphoneThe Seawag waterproof case for smartphone will be your ideal partner during your aquatic activities to protect your smartphone. All our products are completely waterproof and tested to a depth of 25 meters (80 feet), even resistant to sand, dust and snow. Its design allows easy access to all functions of your smartphone without having to remove it from the case. Featuring a transparent screen at the back of the cover, you will have the opportunity, even in the water, to take pictures and record videos. Universal, suitable for all sizes of phones.
They make it look so easy in the video, but I would likely need a tailbone padding. This is one more thing to put on the list for my next vacation. Flowboarding indoor surfing, don’t think I have seen it mentioned here in Iowa.
Thanks for the fun new idea. 🙂
There are flowriders in Iowa believe it or not. You can go to the Flowrider Location Directory and you will see where they are located. I broke my tail bone more than once in gymnastics. So I know what you are talking about. But, I the bottom of the flowrider is padded, and you really don’t feel the fall 🙂 Thanks for visiting Flowrider Indoor Surfing.
I would love to try this! I’m sure I’d bust my tail! I live in Florida on the gulf coast, so we have no surf whatsoever, but you can find these indoor surfing places around in some areas!
I live in Florida on the Gulf Coast too Allie. My son works at the Flowrider as an instructor. I have tried it, and it is a blast. Hard! But fun! You will have to give it a try. Thanks for reading Flowrider Indoor Surfing.
I was looking for an indoor surfing board and I really like ASH Flowboards.And I can wait a couple of weeks to order since I will not go anywhere in this month.
You will love Ash Flowboards! Yes, you can always use what they have available at the Flowrider until yours comes in 🙂 Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
Oh how I’ve always wanted to try surfing…ever since I watched the film Blue Crush years ago! But I never did but it’s definitely something on my bucket list of things to do. Indoor surfing sounds like a great place to start and far less scary than riding the real waves which would probably be good for a beginner like me. I love all the great gear that goes with it too, and those colourful boards are the best part for me 🙂
Now I’m wondering if there is such a place as indoor surfing here in Britain, I will look into it. Thanks for all your awesome advice.
Hi Stefanie, I know that the tour group my son competes with has a world tour, which we don’t do (too expensive!). So I know that they have Flowriders worldwide. One day I would like to compete too. It is really a blast! It is a great way to break into surfing for sure.
The video looks awesome! It makes me want to do that! The ASH flowboards look quite cool but maybe your son was really excited cause 2 weeks is not that long, considering that they are custom made. Anyway, what would be an advise for a starter like me? i’m definitely not in shape and i’ve always wanted to do a cool sport like surfing.
You’ll want to start with a WCB bodyboard. Then once you get the hang of that, go for the stand-up board. My son does both, every day. So that is why the 2 weeks seems like an eternity to him. He was anxious to try out his new board. Even though the Flowrider have boards (not the best) for you to use. Thanks for visiting!
Looks like tremendous fun for sure and is what brought me here. I think it is a great way to try a form of surfing with less risk.
Are there a lot of these places to try flowboarding around the country? I live in the Mid-West.
Yes Dan, much less risk and a LOT of fun. Plus an easy way to learn how to surf. Granted there will still be a learning curve when going from Flowriding to surfing, but the same concept. Yes, they are located everywhere. I know Colorado and Utah have more than one Flowrider. You can google Flowrider locations and you will find a list of all the locations. All ages enjoy this sport, so no one is left to feel too old or too young for the sport. Thanks for reading!
I like this information. It is very informative and covers everything you need to know when it comes to body boarding. I think it is much safer to learn surfing and such like indoors where things are controlled. Excellent info!
It is safer Ruth, but do not wear a bikini LOL. The water is so fast that when you fall, if you are wearing a bikini, it WILL come off! I learned the hard way. But it is a blast and it is fairly painless when you fall. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
Thank you for the great info. Actually, I tried surfing only one time, and I completely failed 😀 Your post motivates me to buy a board and try again.
Now flowriding is VERY similar to actual surfing, and I am not sure which one is easier, or if one is easier than the other. You just have to keep trying. The firsts few times I completely failed too! Now I can stay on about 15 seconds lol. It is a blast and the boards are a bit cheaper than a surf board for the ocean. Plus, you can go any time of the year and always have a good wave 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Wow, Leahrae!
I fell in love with flowrider indoor surfing! Such an interesting article!
I would appreciate a bit more info on two topics:
1. About the places I can practice this sport;
2. You mention WCB boards. What is your most important reason that this board is your first choice?
Thank you very much
Hi Tony, first I will touch on the WCB boards. My son has been competing in this sport (he is almost ready for pro) and he has used every brand of board. Shoot we have 6 boards sitting in our garage. So I asked him, which board would you recommend because I am doing a post. Well he uses a WCB board right now, his third one. They are lighter than the other brands, and he can do his “tricks” easier. All the boards, no matter what brand you go with are going to be very similar in prices. They are just not all constructed the same way. The WCB boards seem to last him a lot longer too. I don’t know where you live Tony, but here in Florida, we have one on Clearwater Beach, West Palm Beach and in Orlando. In Texas there are several, one in Plano, at the water park, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. If you google “Flowrider locations” that will bring them up. Also I know he has competed in Las Vegas, and close to Salt Lake City Utah where there are also Flowriders 🙂 If you give me your state, I can tell you where they are located. And yes, it is a blast! All ages do the flowrider. I have a friend who is in her 60s, and she competes 🙂 Thanks for reading Flowrider Indoor Surfing.
I surfed for 30 years but never tried this. Looks like fun. Nothing like dropping in on a ten foot face doing a hard bottom turn, hitting the lip and getting covered but if you’re inland this would be the shnizzle!
It IS fun David! My son picked it right up, but me, well it is hard! I do have fun though and plan to work on it. Thanks for reading!
I have never heard of this sport but it does look exciting. It also seems to be more economical than other water sports. I know a couple of Grandkids who would love to try this out.
Great article and well written. Thank you for the information.
You are very welcome, and it is a fairly inexpensive sport. Other than the flowrider time that they do bill by the 1/2 hour. It is generally $20 to $30 per half hour. Just a note, if there are 7 others in the flow, then you will not get many turns in your 1/2 hour. But it is tiring. I know after 15 minutes I was done LOL. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
If I was just a little younger, I would be out there with you, lol.
Hey, I’m 56! Don’t get me wrong, it is hard! I can’t stay on the board very long or do anything fancy. But keeps you young for sure, and when you live on the beach, anything including H2O is a blast! Thanks for visiting!
This looks sooooo awesome!!! I would love to try it sometime. How hard is it? I like how you gave a list of things will need to take care of your board.
It’s really hard! My son was a competitive gymnast for 13 years, so he picked it up like it was nothing. I have tried a few times, and stayed on for maybe 10 seconds, lol. Yes, the wax is a must so you don’t slide off the board in the water. Thanks for reading about the Flowrider Indoor Surfing 🙂
I have never tried this sport but this read really makes me want to!! Informative and fun.
It is much harder than it looks! But, it is a blast! My son is an instructor and he competes. We love it! Glad you enjoyed reading my post on Flowrider Indoor Surfing!