The 2013 summer season was a major turning point for the sport of flowboarding with a number of events across the nation full of talent. This particular season really hits home for Hype Surf Company, not only was 2013 the founding year of Hype Surf Co. but we were also able to sponsor a number of competitions throughout the season. We had the chance to meet a lot of new friends from across the globe whom are now rocking the brand in their own state or country. Overall we had the best time and are looking very forward to the upcoming 2014 season.
1. World Flowboarding Championships
With the top flowboarders from across the globe and right here in America, the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa hosted the World Flowboarding Championships. This two day competition definitely tops all mainly because it brought in so much talent. One thing you will notice about different venues is that they offer their own unique riding style and that is what you see a lot of when you mix up so many different riders in one competition. I loved seeing the challenge and drive in the riders. The weather was perfect and the venue was more than accommodating. Following the end of the competition was the awards ceremony in a luxury banquet room and the official “Flow Life” premier brought to us by Boarders Magazine and Robert Katz photography. We definitely can’t wait to visit the Westin Kierland in the future.
2. Boogie Bahn Surf Series @ Galveston, TX
Out of the surf series the Galveston stop was by far the biggest turn out. Lost of talent from the locals as well as others from different regions of Texas. Absolutely everybody in the crowd including competitors, spectators and staff were having a great time soaking up the sun and getting into the competition. Something I will never forget was the sight of seeing dozens of the crowd rocking their Hype Surf Co. gear and apparel. Not just competitors but staff and visitors from the water park too.
3. Flow Tour Stop @ Wavehouse San Diego
Wavehouse is home to the most extreme flow in the nation. The famous Bruticus Maximus aka the BMAX in San Diego, California. This stop was very unique to the flow tour because most of the talent there for the competition is used to the flat surface Flowriders you see across the nation. It was a sight to see the determination in the eyes of the riders as they step into the liquid. This wave definitely makes you step up your game and put fear behind you as you hop into the water with a 10 foot chlorine barrel ready to eat you whole. Great times hanging out with the title sponsor of the Flow Tour, Carbon Bodyboards. After a long day of competition heats and finals, the Wavehouse gave us a dose of Night Wave. A gnarly night snow with the Wavehouse Flow Team riding to extreme limits under neon lights and mad beats from the famous storm trooper DJ ReZ.
4. Boogie Bahn Pro Finals
Along the shores of South Padre Island is one of a handful of Schlitterbahn Waterparks. The pro finals was the last of the Boogie Bahn Surf Series held in Texas on the largest Flowrider in the world stretching over 60 feet wide. This venue in particular has a stellar atmosphere that only brings back memories to the early Flowrider competition days from the late 90s/early 2000s where we would have well over 100 bodyboard competitiors and to be back there was awesome! Schlitterbahn brought in the old school flow show crew to judge the competition, Cathy Seabert famous flow tour competitor and flow mom to all to run the score sheets keeping everything on track and not to mention all the Texas pro finalist riders to compete for the top spot on the podium. Every pro finalist had their own personalized rashguard and overall stoked attitude. This was such a fun event and we can’t wait to do it again!
5. Flow Show @ State Fair of Texas
A newer addition to the State Fair of Texas is the attraction Summer Adventures that was open for the 2013 summer season in Dallas, TX. Giving a chance for the public to visit the famous Midway thrill zone of the fair as well as the new double Flowrider. Hype Surf Co. put together a flow show that was held during fall’s world famous State Fair of Texas as well as put a team together that consisted of the top flowboarders from the DFW area for the event. With celebrity pro bodyboarders Sean Beckwith and Tyler Danek. Unfortunately Summer Adventures won’t be around this next year but it has left us with great memories.