Here Is Where You Can Go Flowriding In New England
It’s not as easy as it looks, but it is as fun as it looks. If you’re unfamiliar, flowriding uses a smaller style board that is essentially part wakeboard, part balance board in a manmade wave pool. In addition, there are a few great places in New England where you can try flowriding.
This sport dates back almost 25 years. Tom Lochtefeld, the creator behind Waveloch, is often credited as the founder. Its popularity increased when Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines added a flowriding pool to their activity deck in 2006.
The activity itself looks a lot like surfing, wakeboarding, and skimboarding. In fact, many professionals in those respective fields (like Kelly Slater and Tony Hawk) have been big proponents for flowriding. However, hopping on the flowrider board is a very different technique. This is in part due to the fact that the raging waters and wave force pull up and against you. For example, if you are balanced and still on flowrider board, the waters will push you up the hill.
So, here is where you can try flowriding in New England
Aside from the various cruise lines that now offer flowriding as an activity, there are some great wave pools scattered around New England. To start, Jay Peak in Vermont has a very popular flowrider pool located in their Pump House waterpark. This is at the base of the Jay Peak ski mountain. This wave pool attracts resort guests in addition to local competitors who are out practicing. Though Jay Peak is the only location that is under the official Flowrider brand, Sky Venture in neighboring New Hampshire also offers indoor surfing. This past summer, founder Laurie Greer told WCVB-ABC Boston, “I wanted to create a place that you can come year-round.”
The 2023 Flowtour, which sees the best flowriders in the world compete, wrapped up in October. While you wait for the 2024 competition information to be released, you can learn more about Flowriding in Vermont by visiting their Jay Peak site.
5 Of The Best Outlets For Surf Attire In New England
The waves are starting to cooperate here in New England, so now is the time to get outfitted in the raddest gear. Here, I will take you through five of the best outlets to get surf attire in Massachusetts.
Over the past ten years, the shores of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have become hotspots for catching some of the best waves on the Atlantic coast. In recognition of the region fully adopting surf culture, major retail brands have opened locations in the area over the past year. Pairing national chains with local small business household names has made the area an east coast surfing hotspot. Jack Johnson, a Hawaiian north shore native, and the heart and soul of modern acoustic surf music, headlined the 2022 Levitate Music and Arts Festival.
What Is Surf Attire?
The question is simple but the answer is complex. Obviously, the most crucial component to proper surf gear is a good surfboard. Many outlets allow you to rent, but once you are ready to take up the sport regularly, it’s imperative that you have the board that is right for you. The best friend of the surfboard is a wetsuit. Often these items can be purchased from the same location. Though you can order wetsuits on Amazon or other digital retail outlets, they all seem to fit differently. Trust me, a loose wetsuit where water gets in the neck is one of the more initiating feelings in the water. Other necessary surfboard accessories include wax and a leash.
Finally, no surfer is properly equipped without attire to show you are a surfer when you are out of the water. Some of the stores we will list sell clothing that is representative of surf culture. In fact, one particular outlet makes their clothing with the beach in mind. They use recycled garments and often lead philanthropic efforts to help make our oceans cleaner.
Whether you are looking for a new board to hang ten with during the summer of 2023, or for athletic wear to sport while surf training in the winters, these five outlets for surf attire in New England are open and ready for you to cruise right in.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.
