Flowstate has been rapidly expanding its consumer offerings and, true to the tech startup ethos, reimagining how we consume our own surf clips.
Last year, the company went next level by providing the stoked set with a broad range of competitive formats. Organizers can now host competitions in various settings, including wave pools, beaches, mountain skate parks, and other outdoor venues. Judges evaluate events either live (on-site), remotely, or through asynchronous formats.
This past winter, two of the world’s favorite surf parks, O₂ SURFTOWN MUC and The Wave, Bristol, put average surfers in the running for fame and internet glory—oh, and the occasional surfboard as a prize.
In Munich, the Winter Jam surf competition went off, attracting 47 entrants who logged 72 rides for entry. All waves were recorded through the Flowstate video system, and surfers cherry-picked their favorites to submit in one of three categories: Best Barrel, Best Wipeout, and Best Individual Style. Internal judges selected finalists, and winners were determined through community voting on social media.
The Munich winner (still pending as of today) walks away with a 5’8″ Indio Surfboard as well as several prizes, including free surf sessions.
Flowstate kept the clip comp rolling into Bristol for the OG surf park’s own iteration. The entries reflected the diverse mix of people who enjoy the Bristol wave tank. This unique Winter Warriors competition was their first “virtual” surf comp. Despite using the word “comp,” fun was the main goal.
“The comp has captured real moments in the water—whether someone has nailed a maneuver, had a great wave, or stepped up their surfing,” said Head of Surf Operations and Performance at The Wave, Victoria Johnson-Babcock. “We want to create an environment where people progress, where we can support performance surfing—but also where surfers can just have loads of fun in the water.”
“The Flowstate technology has become really valuable to our visitors, especially among our regulars,” added Victoria. “Being able to watch your waves back means you can review, critique, and therefore improve. It’s also a great tool that documents your best waves so you can share them.”
How It Works
Flowstate uses artificial intelligence and multiple fixed cameras around the wave pool to automatically detect, track, and film each surfer as they ride waves. The system records every ride during a session and processes the footage so surfers can view and download their clips shortly after finishing their surf.
The platform also generates photos, highlight clips, and replay footage, allowing surfers to review their rides, share videos on social media, or use the footage for coaching and performance analysis. In some parks, surfers can watch replays at the venue shortly after their session or access their videos through a personal account on the Flowstate platform.
Flowstate systems are installed at several surf parks worldwide including URBNSURF Melbourne, URBNSURF Sydney, Waco Surf, O₂ SURFTOWN MUC, Palm Springs Surf Club, Fireside Surf, The Wave, Bristol, Lost Shore Surf Resort and elsewhere.
