Flowrider Accidents
Surfing at Sea – And the Risks Beneath the Waves
FlowRider surf simulators are among the most popular attractions aboard certain cruise ships. These simulated surf machines let guests bodyboard or stand-up surf against a high-pressure wave system. But what’s marketed as safe family fun often results in serious, painful, and preventable injuries.
At Sher & Volk, we represent passengers who have been hurt using cruise ship FlowRiders due to:
- Lack of safety training or instructions
- Poor supervision by crew members
- Guests being rushed or improperly grouped
- Equipment malfunction or uneven wave pressure
- Slip and fall incidents on wet surfaces
The injuries can be far more severe than expected — and cruise lines often try to limit liability using ticket contracts and waivers.
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Common FlowRider Injuries
Surf simulators are compact and forceful. When things go wrong, the results are often:
- Wrist and arm fractures from bracing against impact
- Torn ligaments in knees or shoulders
- Concussions or head trauma from wipeouts
- Spinal injuries from falling backward or landing awkwardly
- Facial injuries from collisions or hard landings
Even experienced athletes have been injured by FlowRider wipeouts due to improper settings, miscommunication from operators, or unexpected wave surges.
In some instances, repeated exposure to the intense pressure and surface can also cause abrasions and soft tissue damage — especially for guests who fall multiple times during their session.
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Hypothetical Case Illustration: FlowRider Shoulder Dislocation
Imagine a fictional scenario: A 35-year-old passenger attempts stand-up surfing after a brief group orientation. Within seconds, he’s thrown forward by an unexpected surge and crashes shoulder-first into the padded wall. He suffers a dislocated shoulder and torn rotator cuff.
Video footage later shows the crew member in charge was distracted, and wave pressure was not adjusted for rider skill level — both in violation of manufacturer guidelines. The cruise line may be liable for negligent supervision and failure to safely operate the FlowRider attraction.
In such a hypothetical case, additional discovery might reveal that the surf simulator had prior incidents that were not properly recorded or addressed — a red flag for broader systemic negligence.
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Cruise Line Responsibility for FlowRider Injuries
Cruise lines who choose to install high-risk water attractions like FlowRiders must:
- Provide skilled and attentive supervision
- Offer meaningful safety briefings
- Adjust wave settings for each participant
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained
- Keep surfaces dry and slip-resistant
Maritime law imposes a duty of reasonable care on cruise operators, especially when promoting activities to children and novice riders. When that duty is breached, injured guests may have the right to sue.
Courts have emphasized that entertainment value does not excuse lapses in safety. Just because passengers sign up for a thrill doesn’t mean the cruise line can disregard reasonable precautions.
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Waivers and Legal Barriers – What You Need to Know
Cruise lines often require FlowRider participants to sign liability waivers — sometimes on iPads or kiosks. However:
- These waivers may not be enforceable if gross negligence is involved
- Many passengers are not fully informed of the risks
- Children and teens may not legally waive rights
- Courts employing maritime law interpret waivers with close scrutiny
We routinely challenge cruise line waivers that misrepresent risks or fail to meet legal standards.
Additionally, waivers presented electronically — especially when rushed or buried in ticket fine print — may not hold up if the passenger can demonstrate they weren’t given a meaningful opportunity to review or understand the document.
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Steps to Take After a FlowRider Injury
- Report the incident immediately and request a copy of the injury report
- Take photos of the FlowRider, signage, and any visible hazards
- Request video footage if the incident was recorded
- Seek medical attention, onboard and post-cruise
- Keep all records, including waiver screenshots and cruise tickets
- Contact Sher & Volk, P.A. for legal advice before speaking to the cruise line further
Early action helps preserve evidence — especially if the cruise line tries to downplay or deny responsibility. At Sher & Volk, P.A., we can help passengers obtain surveillance footage before it is deleted and request sworn statements from crew or bystanders, where appropriate.
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Additional Liability Considerations
In some cases, FlowRiders are designed, installed, or maintained by third-party companies under contract with the cruise line. If the injury stems from a design flaw or improper calibration, these vendors may also be liable. However, the cruise line generally remains the primary defendant since it controls passenger safety and daily operations.
Courts also consider how FlowRiders are advertised. If promotional materials suggest the ride is safe for all ages or skill levels, that can support claims that passengers were misled and not properly warned.
In rare but serious cases, manufacturers of FlowRider equipment may be held accountable under product liability theories — especially if equipment failure or design defects contributed to injury.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I signed the FlowRider waiver?
Yes — waivers do not protect cruise lines from liability for negligence. We challenge these regularly.
Is the FlowRider more dangerous than it looks?
Yes. Despite looking like a fun attraction, it can generate high-speed wipeouts and hard impacts — even for adults.
Do I need to act quickly?
Absolutely. Cruise contracts often require claims to be filed within one year. Early legal help is key.
What if I didn’t report the injury until I got home?
That’s common. We can still help gather evidence, medical records, and witness statements.
Can I get video of my wipeout?
Possibly. Cruise lines often record FlowRider sessions — we can request and subpoena footage.
Can I recover medical bills and lost wages?
Yes. A successful claim can include compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including long-term therapy, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
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Talk to a FlowRider Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured on a FlowRider or other cruise ship surf simulator, don’t assume it was “just an accident.” Sher & Volk, P.A. helps passengers hold cruise lines accountable for unsafe aquatic attractions. We offer free consultations and only get paid if you win.
Contact us now to learn your rights and start building your case.
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