What is FlowBarrel?

Having lived as a surfer in La Jolla, California, Tom Lochtefeld devoted himself to exploring new technologies in order to develop water attractions, and begin a new era in the evolution of water sports. The inception of the Flowbarrel concept began with Lochtefeld as a teenager daydreaming in the jacuzzi of his family home. As he watched the water flow from the jets and form little waves, he wondered why those same waves couldn’t be expanded to a size that could then be ridden, creating a perfect and predictable surf break.

After graduating from law school, Lochtefeld became a consultant for companies involved in the development of water parks. He always knew though, that there was a market for an artificial wave that would provide both an athletic challenge and an adrenaline rush for riders. So he began to dream of creating endless waves and installing them across the globe. Finally in 1990, he designed the first FlowBarrel®, which was installed in Texas, followed by a second in Norway. This businessman, and his team of experts and sports enthusiasts alike, developed two wave types. The FlowRider®, the gentler of the two, generates a smooth sheet of water that is pumped from the bottom to the top of a 2 meter incline, simulating an ocean swell. The FlowRider®is ideal for beginner to moderate riders as well as for body boarding. The FlowBarrel®, a more advanced kind of wave and Lochtefeld’s direct attempt to duplicate a strong La Jolla surf break he rode in his youth, creates a perfect 10’ barrel and challenges even the most advanced board sport athletes. The FlowRider® and FlowBarrel® are now the reality of the dream of never-ending waves and the spirit of Wave House, a company that is proud to offer its clients a veritable life style, inspired by sport and entertainment.

General Information

The artificial waves of Wave House – FlowRider® and FlowBarrel® – may be ridden with a body board or a flowboard. The latter is a hybrid similar to a surf board, but without fins, which makes it into a sport similar to snowboarding or wakeboarding. Flowboarding is a totally new discipline that can be practiced by board sports enthusiasts of all skill levels.

How does FlowBarrel® work?

The FlowBarrel® functions thanks to four submergible Flygt pumps that move approximately 160 thousand liters of water at 50 kilometers per hour over a soft, smooth surface, which helps minimize the impact of falls. The FlowBarrel® may be ridden standing (surfing) as well as lying down on the board (body boarding).

At Wave House, our mission is to prepare riders on the FlowBarrel, so that they will be better prepared to surf in the ocean. Subsequently, Wave House formed alliances with a group of surf schools at the best surfing beaches in Chile. There, we encourage everybody to become familiar with the ocean and to learn to ride the ocean’s natural waves. Click here for FlowRider safety