Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine
Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine
Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine
4.5
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About
The FlowRider Indoor surf machines let surfers practice without subjecting them to the dangers of strong undertows, jagged rocks, and sharks that denounce the value of a college degree. Amid Surf Style's cavalcade of retail shops, the rushing tides of the FlowRider artificial surf machine lures thrill seekers of all ages. A combination of surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding, FlowRider, which has been featured in the St. Petersburg Times, challenges wave gliders to balance atop surging currents reminiscent of Mother Nature's towering waves. A soft riding surface absorbs inevitable wipeouts, and windows flank the sides of the surf center, allowing onlookers to peer in during each radical carving session. Catering to experienced boarders and rookies alike, FlowRider affords enough riding space to practice tricks, hone skills, and pump veins with more adrenaline than the amount that results from making friends with a T-shirt cannon.Free parking is available inside Surf Style's sprawling garage, which touts a 44-foot-tall marine mural crafted by Guy Harvey. Although not included with today's Groupon, visitors can also take advantage of the beach emporium's retail shops, restaurant, and convenience store.
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Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
198 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
38
Average
13
Poor
9
Terrible
14
LWill2
184 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Fun rainy day activity! You need a reservation and they do 30 minute sessions for $24.00. This is also one of the better surf styles for shopping. Get parking validated at the convenience store.
Written July 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the feedback, we are so pleased to hear you had a great time! Hope to see you again!
Written July 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia H
Palm Harbor, FL1 contribution
Jul 2014 • Family
Flowrider staff is good and helpful. Experience is fun. Don't care for the general manager, Ed, though.
Written July 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
Ripley, TN20 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
For the most part, our experience was pleasant. My daughter completely enjoyed the body board. Our experience with the staff was fine. The only issue we had was with opinionated onlookers. The staff could have done a little more as far as identifying inappropriate behavior/comments and not tolerating this. Fortunately my 7 year old was surfing so she was not in the observation area at the time, but other young children were. My husband gladly resolved the issue, but thought you should know. I get you cant control what people say, but you can set a standard of expectation when you serve such a vast age range.
Beyond that, it was great.
Beyond that, it was great.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian K
Parker, CO1 contribution
Oct 2022
Pricing is very misleading. I thought I was paying for 2 boys for a half hour each. He asked if they wasnted to go at the same time and of course the boys wanted to be together. I assumed that meant they would just share the hour, but instead the rate for 2 people for 30 minutes was the same as 1 each for 30!
On a positive note, the boys did enjoy the ride and the instructors help
On a positive note, the boys did enjoy the ride and the instructors help
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cruisinbob
Atlanta, GA859 contributions
Jul 2020
Great customer service, the wave is a tad dated, water flow is odd and the flowrider is very soft, it does take time to get used to a single( I had only done doubles). I had read a lot of bad reviews about how hot inside the flowrider was, however, that was not true temperature was fine. You get free parking which is an added extra. Overall, I plan to return. Fun time and good people.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EcoOco
Orlando, Florida50 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
In all candor, the concept deserves 5 stars. The problem, as you can tell from the other reviews, is in the application and the customer service.
Here is the concept: Patrons are put in line and each gets a turn. Beginners' turns usually last between 2 seconds and 30 seconds, and involve a lot of wobbling/holding on for dear life. If you have the misfortune of being grouped with other people who are experienced, they take turns showboating for 2-3 minutes each. If there are 6-8 per group, this could mean 5-6 minutes before a beginner (having watched those who make it look like a breeze) gets another turn to fall off the board in 5 seconds.
Surf Style misleadingly advertises "No experience? No problem! Our instructors are in every FlowRider session to help you learn to Flowrider or become a master". The employee assigned to our group seemed interested only in sitting and staring into space. At one point he got up with some effort and spoke to one teenaged girl. He ignored the rest of the kids, who were wiping out left and right.
Based on our past experience, we had called ahead, booked, and paid in full for an hour instead of 30 minutes, so our beginner-level kids could at least have a few turns. Halfway through the hour, they kicked everyone out, saying the water had to be "purged". Apparently it takes 30 minutes to purge, so we said we'll be back in 30 minutes. They said no, the next 2 sessions were completely booked, but if we wanted to stick around for 90 minutes (with our kids in wet bathing suits) they would let the kids finish the rides we had already paid for.
We asked why someone didn't tell us about the purge when we called, and why they took our money for 60 minutes when the machine was going to be purged halfway through our time. Their response was the purge time changes each day.
We then asked for a refund of the balance. Emily, a very nice cashier, called another employee over because she could not process the refund. The associate told her to call Jeremy. Jeremy never showed up, but presumably just advised Emily to give us a refund. Emily then said she had to wait 24 hours to hit the "refund" button.
It has been 4 days and this magic refund button has not been hit yet. Maybe it is just being purged. Shame on me for being fooled twice by these folks.
Here is the concept: Patrons are put in line and each gets a turn. Beginners' turns usually last between 2 seconds and 30 seconds, and involve a lot of wobbling/holding on for dear life. If you have the misfortune of being grouped with other people who are experienced, they take turns showboating for 2-3 minutes each. If there are 6-8 per group, this could mean 5-6 minutes before a beginner (having watched those who make it look like a breeze) gets another turn to fall off the board in 5 seconds.
Surf Style misleadingly advertises "No experience? No problem! Our instructors are in every FlowRider session to help you learn to Flowrider or become a master". The employee assigned to our group seemed interested only in sitting and staring into space. At one point he got up with some effort and spoke to one teenaged girl. He ignored the rest of the kids, who were wiping out left and right.
Based on our past experience, we had called ahead, booked, and paid in full for an hour instead of 30 minutes, so our beginner-level kids could at least have a few turns. Halfway through the hour, they kicked everyone out, saying the water had to be "purged". Apparently it takes 30 minutes to purge, so we said we'll be back in 30 minutes. They said no, the next 2 sessions were completely booked, but if we wanted to stick around for 90 minutes (with our kids in wet bathing suits) they would let the kids finish the rides we had already paid for.
We asked why someone didn't tell us about the purge when we called, and why they took our money for 60 minutes when the machine was going to be purged halfway through our time. Their response was the purge time changes each day.
We then asked for a refund of the balance. Emily, a very nice cashier, called another employee over because she could not process the refund. The associate told her to call Jeremy. Jeremy never showed up, but presumably just advised Emily to give us a refund. Emily then said she had to wait 24 hours to hit the "refund" button.
It has been 4 days and this magic refund button has not been hit yet. Maybe it is just being purged. Shame on me for being fooled twice by these folks.
Written June 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your feedback and sincerely apologize for your experience at our store. You are welcome to file your complaint with the Corporate office at Surf Style where the situation can be handled appropriately and measures can be taken to assure that this doesn't occur again. The refund which you are speaking of has been issued but as with any refund it takes time to processes. We do apologize for this inconvenience, we always do our best to meet customer expectation and strive to make sure all our customers enjoy their time on the Flow Rider and at our stores.
Written June 13, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clint12321
18 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I have always wanted to try this and figured this would be the perfect experience. You have to sign a safety waiver that you won't sue them if you get hurt. Unfortunately I ripped my finger nail off after slamming into the wall bleeding all over the place. The "kids" running the wave machine handled the entire experience completely unprofessional. I asked for a band aid, after they shows zero concern in my bloody hand in hope to slow or stop the bleeding. Instead of taking care of me they were yelling at each other because one guy disconnected his iPod and the music cut out when he grabbed the first aid kit. First aid kit had nothing to help me and my girlfriend ended up supplying the tissues to stop the bleeding! The two statements that I just can't forget made by the staff "You signed the waiver right? -You can't sue us, & Don't worry about the blood there is enough Chlorine in the water to kill anything." REAL ASSURING! The experience was cool but if you get hurt you are definitely on your own! I also asked what they recommend for female swim suits. He said that a shirt/top is recommended but no one had issues with the suit bottoms falling off. So I bought a shirt to go over my bikini and just left my suit bottom. Sure enough, first fall my bottoms came right off. Wear shorts. Bring your own towel.
Written November 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael R
1 contribution
Apr 2014 • Friends
My experience at this store was horrible. We spent 50 minutes waiting to check out in a line of 3 people because one of your employees were too busy "flirting" with fellow employees to take care of other customers. Then, they did not know the obvious sales that were going on throughout the store. We had to direct the employees to the place where the sale was taking place. When they said that the sale was wrong and the items we wished to purchase were in the wrong place, we decided on not buying the items. They were very rude about this and made it seem as if a burden.
Written April 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LifeIsGoodMomma
Florida34 contributions
Jun 2014
The flowrider was FUN! My husband had a blast the poor review is for the staff....rude and not very helpful whatsoever. We were in the store a couple times during our visit and any interaction we had with the staff was same....rude and not helpful.
Written June 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
Blue Ridge, GA42 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
The kids really enjoyed this attraction and had a great time. The customer service at the check in desk was very disorganized and did not seem well trained or motivated. I had made an online reservation and received a confirmation email. Upon arrival for check in I was told the confirmed time slot was not available and the did not understand how I was able to book the slot. After dealing with several different staff members the original booked slot was confirmed. We were able to add a couple of other kids last minute without too much trouble. A great time for the kids but bring your patience when dealing with the staff. This aspect of the business definitely needs some work.
Written June 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zamzamzamzam
toronto20 contributions
how much was the cost? is it safe as i saw people falling on it and getting carried in the waves .. kids are 5 and 7 old
Casey P
Springfield, MO38 contributions
I believe it was around $35 for half an hour. Unless you're a great surfer, you will fall down and get washed out...again and again. My 9 year old girl (good swimmer) had fun, but I think girls younger than that would be overwhelmed.
Shawndia F
Cleveland, OH
is it ap
propriate for a four year old to ride or is that too young?
Joe R
Shakopee, MN269 contributions
my 5 year old did it and he loved it.
Alexandre Guimarães
Manaus, AM10 contributions
Hi, there will be someone to teach how to surf in flow rider?
Parksfamily2014
Guildford, UK112 contributions
Hi, sorry. didn't see your question till now! There is always a member of staff to teach, but the number of people their attention will be split between will depend on the number in the group - so if you are a complete beginner it might be helpful to try and time it to get a smaller group. All the coaches seemed to be really enthusiastic and helpful when we were there!
If we buy a ticket for 1 hour, how many other riders will be using this same 60 minute slot. In other words how much time can our grandson expect to actually have on the Flow-rider?
Tara M
Hollywood, FL
Hello,
We allow a maximum of eight people in at a time. The group that is riding shares the time slot. There is a greater chance of there being few riders if you come earlier in the morning. We open the FlowRider at 8:30 am.
Thanks,
Jennifer
sarahdonnem
Charleston, SC14 contributions
Do you reserve this? How much? How much time? Are their lines. We are coming next week.
Tara M
Hollywood, FL
Hi There!
Yes, please call to make a reservation or you can simply go online to our webiste and click on the "indoor surfing" tab to book your session. All of the pricing information is also available on the website. One 30 minute session is $24 or $35 for an hour (+Tax). There are also memberships available if you are interested. Please feel free to call the store if you have any additional questions about the FlowRider 954-924-9779 ext 175.
Hope you have a blast!
Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine Information
Excellent Reviews | 124 |
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Very Good Reviews | 38 |
Surf-Style Flowrider Indoor Surfing Wave Machine Photos | 50 |