SNOHOMISH — Professional and amateur flowboarders are invited to show off their skills at the Snohomish Aquatic Center this weekend.
Competitors of all ages and experience levels can stand-up surf or body board on a wave created by a machine at the aquatic center. It’s the only indoor wave machine for flowriding in Washington, said Rob Serviss, aquatics manager for the center.
Spectators also are invited.
The FlowRider Pro/Am competition is set for Saturday at the aquatic center, 516 Maple Ave. It’s part of the USA Flow Tour. Professional competitors can win points for national rankings in the sport. Amateurs can sign up to compete and spend time learning tips and tricks from the pros.
The tour first came to Snohomish two years ago, and it drew about 15 boarders, Serviss said. Participation was up to 25 last year. Sign-ups haven’t finished for this year’s event. The cut-off is Saturday morning.
There are practice sessions Friday evening and early on Saturday, then the competition starts at noon. There’s a $40 entry fee that covers both days.
People who are taking part in the open swim or other activities at the aquatic center can stop by to watch the flowboarders. If guests want to come in to watch the competition but not to use any equipment, they may be let in for free as long as there’s space, Serviss said.
Flowboarding blends surfing, skateboarding and similar sports.
“The tricks and stuff that you see are more akin to skateboarding than they are to surfing,” Serviss said. “The pros especially do some pretty insane tricks.”
The event draws people from Idaho, Oregon, Canada and Utah. Flowboarders are a tight-knit group, he said.
“It’s kind of a niche thing, for sure,” Serviss said. “But it gives people who maybe normally wouldn’t come here a reason to come to Snohomish and check out the wave.”
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
Learn more
Registration and more information is online at flowboarders.com/competitions/snohomish-aquatic-center-proam.
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