What You’ll Find in This Guide

• What the FlowRider is and how it works
• What happens during a FlowRider lesson
• Who can bodyboard or try surfing
• What to wear when you ride
• Helpful tips for parents and first-time riders
• How to reserve FlowRider time at Surf & Splash Orlando

What Is the FlowRider?

The FlowRider is a 40-foot wave simulator that pushes 30,000 gallons of water into motion, creating a continuous simulated wave to ride.

The big advantage, beyond not needing a trip to the beach, is that you don’t need to wait for the next wave to roll in. Each time you wipe out, you can get right back up and try again. This is especially good for eager young riders who want to see how quickly they can improve.

There are two ways to ride.

Bodyboarding lets you ride lying down or kneeling on the board. To bodyboard, you must be at least 42 inches tall.

Stand-up surfing puts your balance to the test on your feet. To surf, you must be at least 52 inches tall.

If you’re new to the waves and trying the FlowRider for the first time, bodyboarding can be a good place to start. Kids can get familiar with the moving water and how the board responds before deciding whether they’re ready to try standing.

Yes, You Can Take FlowRider Lessons

Excited to try the FlowRider but not quite sure what to do once you step onto the board? Looking for some tips for surfing a tasty wave? Don’t worry, first-timers won’t have to figure everything out on their own.

Surf & Splash offers 30-minute group FlowRider sessions with instructors. Riders can get hands-on help as they learn how to position themselves on the board and become more comfortable with the water’s force.

Parent tip: Expect a wipeout or two. Falling is part of learning on the FlowRider, and the continuous wave means riders can get back on the board and try again.

Who Are FlowRider Lessons Good For?

First-time surfers and riders who want a little guidance before trying the FlowRider on their own can definitely benefit from a lesson.

They can also help families with kids who prefer to understand an activity before jumping in. An instructor can introduce the basics and give riders something to work toward rather than leaving them to learn entirely through trial and error.

If you already have a few sessions under your belt, use FlowRider time to keep working on your balance, turns, and control.

If you’re visiting with a larger crew, private group sessions are also available for groups of up to eight guests.

What Parents Should Know Before the First Ride

A little preparation goes a long way with the FlowRider.

All riders need to be in good health and able to swim confidently in fast-moving, turbulent water. If you’re pregnant, have recently had surgery, or have heart, back, or neck issues, it’s strongly advised that you not ride. 

You’ll also need to meet the height requirements to ride:

• Bodyboarding: 42 inches or taller
• Stand-up surfing: 52 inches or taller

If you have a question about whether someone in your family can participate, check with our team before catching a wave.

What Should You Wear on the FlowRider?

For your sake, and the sake of everybody at Surf & Splash, make sure to wear secure swimwear. The water moves quickly, and loose clothing or bathing suits can create a moment far more awkward than a wipeout!

Before riding, remove anything that could fall off or cause an injury, including:

• Jewelry
• Hats
• Footwear
• Eyeglasses
• Other loose accessories

A cover-up is also useful to have nearby before and after your session.

Parent tip: If your child is determined to spend a good chunk of the day riding, pack a second swimsuit. A dry change later in the day can feel pretty good after plenty of time in fast-moving water.

Should Beginners Start With Bodyboarding or Stand-Up Surfing?

For many first-time riders, bodyboarding is the more approachable introduction to the FlowRider.

You’re closer to the board, and you can focus on getting comfortable with the moving water before adding the challenge of balancing on two feet.

Traditional surfing brings another level of coordination into the mix. If your child has been eyeing the surfers on the wave all day, a lesson can help them understand the basics before trying to hang loose and stay upright.

There’s also no rule saying a vacation needs to produce a perfect stand-up ride. Getting knocked off, laughing about it, and immediately wanting another turn is a pretty successful first FlowRider session in our book.

Reserve Your FlowRider Time

The FlowRider operates daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. 

With so many eager little surfers and bodyboarders at Surf & Splash, we recommend reserving your session ahead of time. 

Go With the Flow in Orlando

The FlowRider is a fantastic addition to any day at the waterpark. You can learn something new, have fun while doing it, and maybe even challenge your family to see who can stay up the longest. Your first ride might last a few seconds. The next one might last longer. Before long, you may have a bona fide surfer kid on your hands — asking for one more turn for the fifth time.

Staying at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites puts Surf & Splash Orlando Waterpark right where your family is already spending the day. That means you can head back to your suite when everyone needs dry clothes or some downtime, then return to the waterpark whenever you like.

The resort’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites give families room to spread out, with dining, activities, and more to do close by once everyone’s dried off.

Ready to catch your first wave? Explore our current offers, book your stay, and start planning your Surf & Splash Orlando getaway.

FlowRider FAQs

Do you need surfing experience to use the FlowRider?

No. First-time riders can sign up for a 30-minute group session with an instructor to learn the basics.

Can kids ride the FlowRider?

Yes, as long as they meet the applicable height, swimming, health, and safety requirements. Bodyboard riders must be at least 42 inches tall, while stand-up surfers must be at least 52 inches tall.

Do you need to know how to swim?

Yes. Every FlowRider participant must be able to swim confidently in fast-moving, turbulent water.

Can our family book the FlowRider together?

Private group sessions are available for groups of up to eight guests, making them an option for families and groups that want dedicated FlowRider time together.

What happens if you fall off the board?

Wiping out is a normal part of riding a FlowRider. The continuous wave lets you get back on the board and keep practicing.