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Royal Caribbean Flowrider: How to surf on a cruise ship

In:
06 Mar 2024

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to try boogie boarding or surfing right onboard the ship.

Picture yourself standing tall on rushing waves, surfing over a dark blue sea.

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to offer a surf simulator like this.

The FlowRider is a stand-alone surfing simulator with 30,000 gallons of water gushing over a curved surface.

Learning to surf on Flowrider

Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or riding the board is something you’ve always wanted to try, you’ll be able to use the FlowRider for free on your cruise.

Essentially, there are two different activities you could try on the FlowRider.

You can Boogie board, which is just riding lying down, with your stomach on the board.

Guest and crew member on FlowRider

Once you gain more experience, then you can begin to stand up and start surfing the waves with your feet planted on the board. This is the traditional surfing technique.

Royal Caribbean has different requirements for each step of the activity.

What is the FlowRider?

The FlowRider is a surf simulator that quickly pumps rushing water over a curved, thick vinyl material. Guests can get on a board in the middle and attempt to ride the strong waves.

The FlowRider was originally created as a land attraction but has since combined with Royal Caribbean to bring the ride to cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean’s website states that using the FlowRider is an extreme sport with a high risk of injury. Falling in the wrong manner could result in serious injury to the head, neck, back, hips, arms, and legs.

You will be required to stretch, watch safety videos, and sign a waiver before riding. 

Royal Caribbean crew members take your safety very seriously when it comes to using the FlowRider.

The FlowRider is located on the following ships:

  • Adventure of the Seas
  • Allure of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas
  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Odyssey Of The Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Spectrum Of The Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Wonder Of The Seas
  • Icon of the Seas

Oasis Class ships have two FlowRiders onboard. It is usually located on the rear of the ship on the highest deck.

How much does the FlowRider cost?

Flowrider on the back of Odyssey of the Seas

The FlowRider comes free of charge with your cruise fare.

However, you will have to wait in line with other guests to be allowed a turn. The lines can stretch on for quite some time, so keep in mind that the earlier you arrive, the shorter the line will be. 

For example, lines are shortest on embarkation day and early in the morning. The lines will be longest on sea days and in the afternoon or evening.

Oasis of the Seas looking aft from Flowrider

Private lessons, however, cost extra. 

For a 1-hour lesson, you can expect to pay $69 per person. These are group lessons, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 people.

Read more: First ever FlowRider professional lessons offered on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas

During this group lesson, staff will help you learn to properly stand up on the board and balance while on top of a wave.

You also have the option to rent the FlowRider area for 1 hour, for $345 total. Advanced riders who want more time on the waves can book this option.

Guests wanting a private lesson and access to the area for 1 hour can pay $552 total. This allows you to rent out the wave area and receive coaching with your entire group.

What are the restrictions for using the FlowRider?

odyssey of the seas flowrider, ifly, and skypad

Guests need to be at least 6 years old to ride the Flowriders. Ages 12 and under must also be accompanied by an adult.

Guests must also be at least 52 inches tall to use the bodyboard for Boogie boarding and 58 inches tall to use the flowboard for surfing. 

No footwear, jewelry, watches, goggles, or cameras are allowed.

Flowrider and waterslides on Voyager of the Seas

We recommend that guests wear tight clothing or cover-ups over their swimsuits. Remember that this is a high-energy activity in the waves, so swim tops are likely to come loose.

Royal Caribbean provides surfboards for the experience, but you can bring your own board if it is one specifically made for FlowRiders. If you do, you will be required to sign a board waiver and staff will inspect it for any damage.

Additionally, you can perform any surf tricks you like, but the board must remain between you and the water.

How can I surf on the FlowRider?

If you’re new to the FlowRider, you’ll have to start by Boogie boarding. You will lie flat on your stomach and try to balance on the waves.

Look for the times on your Cruise Compass labeled “Boogie Boarding” or “Mixed Waves.”

You will need to first complete the safety briefing and sign a waiver. Once signed, staff will give you a blue bracelet that signifies you are ready to ride.

During these open sessions, everyone who completes the waiver will be given a wristband and cleared for their first attempt.

You can, of course, just lay on your stomach and ride the waves. Try to keep your elbows tucked in and your legs in the water.

However, if you want to try traditional surfing, you can advance to the next step of trying to stand up.

You can let staff know that you’re ready to try standing up. On your turn, you will usually receive two attempts to try and stand up, balancing on the powerful waves.

These two attempts are per day! Staff do not allow people to get back in line and keep trying.

For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has careful rules about who is allowed to continue stand-up surfing. (These are adjusted often, and not clearly posted anywhere.)

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise. Here is my advice if you want to try it too

If you aren’t able to stand up on the board during your try and want to attempt stand-up surfing, this is where you may benefit from one of those group lessons. 

During your dedicated hour, staff will make sure you receive tips and coaching on how to balance on the board.

Usually, you will exit this lesson with a white wristband, denoting that you are a safe, advanced FlowRider.

The most common criteria are that you can start by standing up on the board, pushing yourself away from the wall and remaining steady on the waves.

The staff use their own discretion to make sure you will be able to surf safely.

Nicole trying the FlowRider

Once you are an advanced FlowRider, you can surf during “Mixed Waves” or “Advanced Stand Up Surfing.”

This is a great opportunity because once you have your wristband you can go to the advanced sessions, getting more time on the board away from all the newbies.

For those attempting surfing for the first time, put all of your weight on your back foot. Stand up straight with an open chest, and keep both feet planted on the board. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reservations required?

No, reservations are not required. For complimentary usage, you can wait in line with other guests.

If you are renting a private lesson, you can speak to staff about reserving time on the Flowrider at an extra cost.

Does it cost extra?

No, using the Flowrider does not cost extra!

However, if you want to book private lessons, prices start at $69 an hour.

What time is it open?

Times offered usually vary.

Check the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass to see what times are offered.

Remember that you can Boogie board during “Boogie boarding” and “Mixed Wave.” You can surf during “Mixed Wave” and “Advanced Surfing.”

Video: Surf’s Up on Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider

In:
30 Jan 2019

While cruising with Royal Caribbean, travelers looking for thrills can catch waves without ever having to leave the ship! Beginners and experienced surfers are able to hang ten by boogie boarding or standup surfing on any one of 19 FlowRider surf simulators in the cruise line’s fleet. Pair that with great views and the ocean breeze, the surf is always up on Royal Caribbean ships.

First ever FlowRider professional lessons offered on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas

In:
05 Oct 2016

If you want to learn how to surf from the best, the first ever "Flow with a Pro" cruise will take place on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas in December this year

This special cruise is sailing from Fremantle to Sydney, complete with tuition, expert advice and demonstrations from Adam Wildman, European flowboarding champion in 2013, 2014 & 2016 and Royal Caribbean’s home-grown FlowRider Ambassador.

Guests can ‘Flow with a Pro’ on Ovation of the Seas from Fremantle to Sydney, departing December 6, 2016 for a nine-night cruise. During this cruise, guests will receive access to complimentary group lessons from Adam Wildman, plus he will showcase some of his spectacular tricks with free guest demonstrations along the way.

Adam Wildman first discovered his talent for flowboarding on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas on a family holiday in 2009, and has now turned his passion into a profession. Hailing from the Gold Coast, his sport takes him all over the world. Having successfully defended his title as European Champion earlier this year, Wildman takes on the best of the best at the World Flowboarding Championships in Singapore.

"If you’ve ever thought about giving flowboarding a go, Ovation is the perfect place to test your talents. The most important thing to remember is that falling is half the fun! No matter your age or skill, you’re guaranteed to have a great time," said Adam Wildman, Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider Ambassador.

The signature FlowRider - which can only be found at sea on Royal Caribbean - mimics ocean surf conditions by pumping water at speed over the soft, padded riding area, which riders can ‘drop in’ on from the top of the FlowRider. Surfers will find it’s a slightly different experience to an ocean wave, since the water flows in the opposite direction, making it all the more fun to master. Guests can choose two different riding styles, stand-up traditional surfing and boogie boarding or knee boarding.

Everything about the Flowrider on Royal Caribbean ships

In:
29 Sep 2015

Perhaps no onboard activity is as synonymous with Royal Caribbean as the surf simulator known as the FlowRider.

When Royal Caribbean started adding FlowRiders to its cruise ships, it generated a lot of buzz and ever since then, the company has been working to add FlowRiders to more and more ships in its fleet.

If you want to give surfing a shot on your next cruise, here is what you need to know about this popular surf simulator.

What is the FlowRider?

Photo by Lawrence Smith

The FlowRider is a simulator that sends water a very high speed across a small area that mimics what it is like to surf on the ocean.

FlowRiders were first created as a business on land and have partnered with Royal Caribbean to offer guests cruising the chance to try it out there.

The FlowRider supports two surfing styles: stand up traditional surfing and boogie boarding.

Which Royal Caribbean ships have a FlowRider?

Royal Caribbean has added FlowRiders to more of its ships recently and here is the list of ships that offer a FlowRider

  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas (two FlowRiders)
  • Allure of the Seas (two FlowRiders)
  • Harmony of the Seas (two FlowRiders)
  • Symphony of the Seas (two FlowRiders)
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas
  • Adventure of the Seas
  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Odyssey of the Seas
  • Wonder of the Seas

How much does the FlowRider experience cost?

Photo by Royal Caribbean

A ride on the FlowRider is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

Guests can ride the FlowRider as many times as they like for free. They will simply need to wait in line for a turn.

There is the opportunity to book private lessons for an additional cost.  At last check, private lessons cost $60 per person and lasts about an hour. Each lesson will have six to eight guests.

Private lessons can be booked onboard the ship and is sometimes available via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.

What are the restrictions for using the FlowRider?

Guests participating in the FlowRider, for example, must be at least 52"/132 cm tall to use the bodyboard and 58"/147 cm tall to use the flowboard. 

Absolutely no footwear allowed, no goggles and no go-pro cams are allowed.

Important FlowRider tips

  • As the cruise goes on, the lines for the FlowRider can get quite long.  For shorter lines, embarkation day is always simple.  Port days and morning sessions tend to be less crowded.
  • Be sure to wear clothing that will not easily come off.  The force of the water has been known to cause "wardrobe malfunctions".  Women, especially, should consider wearing one piece bathing suits and/or t-shirts and shorts.
  • Guests can surf until they fall off the board, but the staff is pretty good at challenging the talented guests in an effort to improve their skills and increase the likelihood of falling off.
  • Check your Cruise Compass for session times. Often Royal Caribbean will offer special times for teens or adults.
  • The sports staff is there for your safety and your assistance. Ask them for advice, especially if you are new.
  • Tips for successfully surfing:
    • If you are stand up surfing, shift your weight to the back foot and never lift either foot off the board.
    • If you are boogie boarding, keep your elbows in and keep most, if not all of your legs in the water.

Pro surfer Paige Hareb tests out FlowRider on Voyager of the Seas

In:
13 Dec 2014

Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas just got a new FlowRider surf simulator added to her as part of an $80 million refurbishment and it's now passed its first test.

Pro surfer Paige Hareb boarded Voyager of the Seas to try out the new FlowRider while the ship was in Auckland, New Zealand.

Hareb gave it a try and commented on her experience, "I didn't know what to expect. I had heard a lot about it being completely different from other sports and from surfing and so I was a little nervous."

After getting the hang of the FlowRider, Paige showed off her surfing skills to others in attendance.

"I have been doing surfing for such a long time, so I guess it comes easy to me now."

Pro tips on how to ride Royal Caribbean's FlowRider (better)

In:
29 Apr 2014

Royal Caribbean's FlowRider is a very popular (and free) activity aboard select cruise ships but if you're anything like me, you aren't a natural born surfer. 

So we reached out to a couple of professional FlowRider veterans for tips on how to master the art of riding the artificial wave.

Our panel of FlowRider experts include

  • Nick, from All Things Flow13oarding, has been riding the FlowRider for 14 years and is a 7 time bodyboard world champion.
  • Brandon, from Heinen Motorsports, is a pro FlowRider and wakesurfer and uses the FlowRider to tran in the off season.

If you were to give someone brand new to the FlowRider one tip to, what would it be?

Nick: On the bodyboard: Hold the board on the side middle rails, keep your elbows on the board and use your legs in the water for speed and to keep the board straight. And most importantly have fun! 

On the Standup Flowboard: Keep at least a steady 80% pressure/balance on the back foot and lean on your back hip while trying to keep your shoulders balanced and pointing towards the front, Try not to twist and turn your shoulders and try to keep the board straight with your feet and hip. When you go on stay low on your back leg and try to go in a straight line with steady pressure and balance on your feet. About 80% on the back and 20% on the front. If the board starts to turn try to put more pressure on the back so that it straightens out. If you start falling get down lower and try to sit so that you fall safely. 

Brandon: I would say to new flow riders. Jst because you skateboard or snowboard or even wakeboard forget what you know and start from scratch. The flowrider is a beast of its own and there is no other sport that water is rushing at you up to 40 Mph.

What do you think the biggest mistake people new to the FlowRider make in terms of being able to stand up on the board?

Nick: Leaning forwards and jerking the board sideways and twisting your shoulders and hip. You want to try to go in a straight line and keep the pressure down on the board a steady pressure on the back.

Brandon: The trick to flowrider is keeping most of your weight on your back foot. I would say 85% of your weight. Stand up straight and don't hunch over. This keeps your weight more centered. When the board wants to turn just roll with it don't fight it. After a few falls you will be floweriding.

Honestly, how much does it hurt to wipe out on the FlowRider?

Nick: It doesn't really hurt at all! It's much like falling on a trampoline with water as padding. Bodyboarding is a much softer fall so that helps you learn how to fall a little safer.

Brandon: The first few falls might hurt a bit and the next day your neck will be sore. But its all in good fun!

Once you get the whole "standing up on the board" thing, what should people try if they want to learn a trick?

Nick: Stay low so you don't fall as hard and try to go slow; Some of the first tricks you can try are: Carving, 360, Ollie, Shuvit (Board Spin)

Staying low helps you keep your balance and more center of gravity. Recording yourself on video helps a lot and can help show you what you might be doing wrong. Watching videos on youtube helsp a lot as well!

Checkout Pro Flowboarders on our website and youtube! www.13roz.com and www.youtube.com/thirteenareowes. Everything is practice and if you try over and over you'll get it!

Any recommendations on best type of clothing to wear or not wear on the FlowRider?

Nick: The best things to wear are tight board shorts, one pieces, shirts/rash guards. 

You're not allowed to wear accessories so be sure to take off your rings, ear rings etc! You might loose them as well as your bathing suit so be sure to have them on tight! 

FlowRider to be added to Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas

In:
19 Feb 2014

Royal Caribbean has signed a contract with Mobimar to add the FlowRider surf simulator to Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas.  

Mobimar, a construction firm in Finland, also was contracted to add the FlowRider to Navigator of the Seas, which it already completed.

The FlowRiders will be installed on Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas later this year, with no specific date.  Voyager of the Seas is scheduled for a refurbishment in May 2014 and Explorer of the Seas will have her refurbishment in February 2015.

Each Flowrider module contains the surrounding stands, canopies, lights, water treatment system, Hi-Fog system, piping and cabling connections to the ship. The installation of each module requires approximately 30 days with minor advance preparation prior to entry into drydock.

Mobimar has been Royal Caribbean's partner for installing FlowRiders on its cruise ships since 2004 when it added them to Freedom of the Seas.  Mobimar is also working currently to add a FlowRider to Quantum of the Seas.

Tip of the hat to CruiseCurrents for the news.

Royal Caribbean now allowing tricks on FlowRider

In:
02 Oct 2013

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein announced the cruise line will now allow its guests to perform tricks on the FlowRider surf simulator after passenger complaints the rules were too restrictive.

The rules were tightened back in 2012 and as of this summer, guests are able to try various types of fun tricks, "such as sitting, 180 degree turn, facing opposite direction, lazy boy, drop knee, drop knee 360, layback, boogie shuvit, baseball catcher, 360, skiing, show pony, rail slide, basic ollie, pop shuvit, heel side stall and the toe side stall".

The FlowRider surf simulator is available on Freedom, Oasis and Quantum class cruise ships. Use of the FlowRider is complimentary.

Word of the cruise line's relaxing of the rules means guests who are good at surfing can try out more advanced tricks, which makes the FlowRider experience more intriguing to advanced surfers.

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