The safety of a surf rider machine, a surfing simulator, is a topic of concern and has raised questions about the risks and potential injuries associated with it. The safety of a surfing machine is a multifaceted issue that involves various factors which contribute to the overall safety of the activity. And to be honest, there is no simple answer.
According to a member of ASTM(American Society for Testing and Materials). ASTM brings together countless individuals spanning all industries, volunteering their time to create standards for safety. Surfing industry were blessed with a group of technical experts in the field of “ASTM Navigation” that were part of the committee.
To ask, “Are they safe?” is like asking “Is skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, skim boarding, etc… safe?” These are all sports that require a level of skill to improve upon. These are all activities in which people fall. Falling is generally not good for one’s health. Because there are inherent risks in these types of activities, and we need to know these firsthand – not by watching but by doing, experiencing. What we found was an activity eerily similar to snowboarding in powder – nose up weight back and a great workout. But much like learning to snowboard, I fell. Frequently and hard. I had great instruction though, so I pushed on and learned.
Minimal Risk of Falls By Surf Rider Machine
Don’t forget, nothing will prevent people from falling. When people fall, there is the opportunity for injury – mild to VERY severe. It is inherent in all board sports. I know, as I have been hurt many times surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. But Flowrider have Soft Landing Surfaces. The ride surface is designed with proprietary padding systems, including a tensioned composite membrane ride surface and Pillow Padding™, to minimize the impact of falls. When you do fall, it is important to learn how to fall safely. It takes time to learn how to ride well, and it takes time to learn how to fall safely too, but good instruction on the attraction can make or break the experience.
It also depends on what you fall on. Is the ride surface a soft landing? Are you falling on a ride surface that is the equivalent of 2” gym mat foam on top of a concrete or expanded metal substrate? Is it a drop stitch inflatable device on top of concrete? Or is it on top of a “kicker of foam?” Or is it a tensioned ride surface – like a trampoline?
So yes, people can, and will, get injured on a surfing simulator. Some more serious than others. It is part of the risk of board sports, and of the industry we are in. We make every attempt to make sure patrons and customers are aware of the risks, and to do everything possible to mitigate those risks so that the patron has the best possible experience.
Surf Machine Safety Measures Implement
While injuries on a FlowRider are a possibility, efforts are made by the manufacturers and operators to minimize the risks and ensure the safety of patrons. However, it is important for participants to be aware of the risks associated with the activity and for operators to adhere to safety guidelines to mitigate these risks
Who Can Ride The FLOWRIDERR
For your safety, participate only if in good health. Only You know your physicalcondition or limitations. If you suspect that your health or safety could be atrisk, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition of any kind, DO NOT RIDE!
Minimum Requirements
- You must be at least 42 in (1.07m) to bodyboard
- You must be at least 48 in (1.22m) to stand-up ride
- You must be able to swim in fast moving turbulent water
Do NOT participate if you have any of the following conditions
- Recent Surgery of Illness
- Heart Condition
- Neck, Back or Bone Ailments
- Pregnancy
- High Blood Pressure or Aneurysms
- Under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol
How to Bodyboard
All first time patrons of the flowrider must bodyboard and enter the surf rider machine from the bottomleftor right. prior to stand-up riding,all patrons must bodyboard.
- Proper board position. place slick side facing down flowrider logo facing up board’s round tail at stomach.
- Gentle entry. place board into flow and aim toward the front-center.
- Use of legs. control your movement byusing your legs as rudders.
- Elbows and hands on top. keep your elbows ln and fingerson top of board rails.
- Push down = go down.
- Pull up= go up.
- Lean to turn (left or right).
How to Flowboard “Stand-up"
- Proper keyboard position slick side facing down nose of board facing flow.
- Rear foot position place foot (left or right) ontail of board.
- Front foot positon-place foot (left or right)onfront-middle of board.
- Enter from the side ortop of ride.
- Keep all weight on rearfoot when riding.
- Bend knees to help balance.
Warning – to minimize risk of injury.
a).Do not step off board onto inclined ride surface.
b).Avoid the side surfaces where there is minimal water flow
Tips of Minimum The Risk
There are inherent risks in the participation of any amusementride, device,or attraction. The following techni inimize the risk of surfing injury.
- Tuck into a ball as you be into fall.
- Cover your head & face with both arms & hands.
- Try to orient feet first before hitting any surface.
