Industry News

Top UK surfers show up for Flow Rider debut

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 March, 2010 : - - Cornwall is anticipating a wet start to the summer season for all the right reasons this year. The eagerly-anticipated Flow Rider – an artificial 12m wide standing wave - has been constructed at the five-star Retallack Resort & Spa, near Wadebridge.

Following its official launch on April 1st, the extreme sports attraction - which is being sponsored by Quiksilver/Roxy – will be open to resort guests and residents of Cornwall from Easter weekend onwards.

Drawing on a mixture of surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and wakeboarding skills, the Flow Rider represents the very latest in artificial wave technology, providing excitement and thrills to everyone from global extreme sports champions to novice youngsters and adults alike. The wave itself uses a number of pumps that circulate water across a foam-padded incline at high speed to create a 2-inch deep rapid.

Specially-designed stand-up boards and bodyboards can both be used, and Retallack’s Flow Riding instructors will always be on hand to make sure even those without a world-class sense of balance can get a taste for the action.

To celebrate the launch of the Flow Rider at Retallack Resort, members of the Quiksilver & Roxy team including British Junior Champion Toby Donachie, Under 16s Champion Luke Dillon, top British female surfer Sophie Hellyer and 13-year old wunderkind Rhys Barfield, will be trying out their standing wave skills on April 1st.

Plans are also already in the pipeline to create a UK Flow Riding Championships which will host its first event at Retallack Resort in June, pitting the country’s best surfers, snowboarders, skaters and wakeboarders against each other in a unique cross-discipline clash. In addition, the launch of the Flow Rider is Retallack’s first step towards becoming the world’s only inland surf resort which will also incorporate a 100m wide breaking wave pool.

 “As a UK first, this is an incredibly exciting time for Retallack Resort and indeed for Cornwall as a whole and we’re all delighted to have Quiksilver and Roxy onboard,” says Jason Keyter, Retallack’s Resort Director. “Flow Riding is a wonderfully safe and fun activity that is as incredible to watch as it is to take part in.

You don’t have to be a pro surfer to use it which means it’s a great way to learn some balance and boardsports manoeuvres before hitting the waves, or indeed the slopes. The Flow Rider at Retallack Resort is set to make a real splash and we’re really looking forward to welcoming people here to enjoy it.”

The Flow Rider is set to form part of Retallack’s new Loop complex which, when complete, will also house retail units, a new restaurant and a spectator gallery. Flow Rider packages will be available to guests staying at the resort (including a mandatory induction) although Cornwall residents will also be able to sign up for a loyalty scheme.

Standard guest rate:
3hr beginner session : £40
1hr freeflowing: £25

Opening offer for locals (proof of Cornish residence needed):
3 hrs beginner session: £25
1hr freeflowing; £20

www.roxy.com
www.retallackresort.co.uk
www.quiksilver-europe.com

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Zoey Cotton

Flow Rider - Surfersvillage