Flowrider in Norway the good the bad and the ugly

[xpcdoojk]

Hello flowrider addicts, I am a flowrider addict and my name is JC. My addiction has caused me to expand my flowrider comfort range in desperate attempts to find sailings where there are never more than 10 people in the flowrider line for stand-up surfing. I have a problem.:D

 

So, for the 3 previous years, I went to sunny Florida and trips to those all familiar ports of call in the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Last year I added in Cozumel and Belize. I figured almost all kids would be in school in mid January and early February. Sort of. :eek:First trip to Port Canaveral, results were so so, as there were quite a few young Brazilians on summer vacation in late January and early February. So, the next year, I figured earlier in January would work better, but on the Oasis there were over 400 Brazilian young people on board. So, while in the line I talked to these young people and found out that there summer vacation was typically over by the 3rd week of February. So, figured there was the sweet spot. American kids would still be in school then and the Brazilians would be joining them. So, last year I got to meet and surf with Pez, the only kids on Spring break were from Vermont and New Hampshire the lines were better for advanced stand-up and for the next hour or so, but by 10AM even this cruise had a significant line, and I usually left the flowrider by 10... Sigh.:(

Then my bonus 5 day cruise at the end of February on the Liberty was the ultimate flowrider disaster. When we took the transfer bus from the Oasis to the Liberty, I saw all sorts of University of Florida stuff, and realized to my horror that their SB started in February. That cruise made it impossible to get a drink at any bar. If I hadn't had access to the Diamond Lounge I would have only had alcohol at dinner. The things I saw on that cruise.... Whoa!

 

So, my addiction pushed me to cancel a January cruise on the Anthem out of NYC the cruise prior to the big storm cruise because I figured it would be like the Oasis cruises. I replaced the Anthem with the Navigator to Norway figuring what moron would book a cruise to Norway to surf on the Flowrider? I then booked, the Anthem again in September cruising to Canada, figuring maybe in hurricane season, and with school starting I could find a sweet spot without going to freezing Norway. I then booked the Ovation of the Seas hopeful, that the Chinese spend all of their time giving the casino their money. Anyone have any insight on that, as I am about to book the airplane tickets?????

 

So, Norway, after spending a mostly delightful week plus in southern England, visiting London, and circumnavigating Cornwall, was finally upon me. Would my addiction be satisfied or would I discover that you can never get the fix you want to satiate the flowrider need?

 

Of course, the flowrider while in Southampton was closed to stand-up and was boogie board only.

 

Day two at sea sailing north in the North Sea at 21 knots in 10-15 foot waves and 35 knot winds blowing directly at the forward tip of the ship from the north. This meant that the wind was at 55knots on the top of the ship. What does that mean to those of us who are flowrider addicts?

 

It means that the 5 of us that first morning in the flowrider line, that the staff is immediately telling us that they may have to close the flowrider due to the conditions. Fortunately, they let us do most of the two hour session, the sports staff had wetsuits, booties, and rain jackets with hoods pulled tight over their heads. The surfers, all had wetsuits, from full 3MM suits to my 1MM suit and Gaby from Switzerland in her shortie 3MM suit.

 

I am not a flowrider expert, but I am a decent surfer, and can carve and surf for as long as I want, I can do 360s and other basic tricks tolerably well. First ride, I worked to the top of the wave, and was literally blown sideways, and wiped out. I quickly figured the higher on the wave the more you were affected by the apparent wind over the deck. Surfing was bad, my camera on its tripod was covered in water, and would typically blow over even when I had it on the ground under the benches at the back of the ship against the wall. It was about 60 degrees F or about 15-16C and it felt cold as heck, we didn't line up but stood in the non-functioning shower wrapped in pool towels trying to stay reasonably comfortable. The cut the session short by about 30 minutes. The evening session was a bit better but still very windy. We might have gotten to 6 in line. The next morning as we approached Bergen Norway we had the only advanced stand-up session of the trip for 30 minutes. Conditions were not as bad as we were no longer heading due north. It was still very cold, as the day was a series of rain showers. I didn't go because it was pouring on my aft balcony all morning, I didn't think standing in the rain was the best plan for surfing. That evening the temps were in the mid 50s low about 12-13C, and it was our understanding that the cut off was 50. After about 45 minutes they cancelled the session due to cold. Everyone of us in the line complained that it was above the minimum temperature. They gave us one more ride. I found out from the two kids from England that there was no morning session at all because of the rain.

 

So, day 3, the skies were sunny as we sailed the Nord Fjord to Olden, It was brisk but much better as there was very little wind. For the first time I was able to actually, surf without the fear of being suddenly blown over or of just freezing in line waiting for our next turn. I had become a very cautious and not good surfer the first two days, and I was pretty frustrated, this morning wasn't a lot better but at least I started to get a little rhythm back, and wasn't horrible, finally.

 

The afternoon session saw sunny skies and no winds, and since a lot of people were out on excursions, the four of us doing stand-up were able to have about an hour straight with no lines, and good conditions. Finally, I was able to get my rhythm and started surfing at my best. After about an hour we had the first of the noobs of the entire cruise, most of them except for a young girl in a wet suit did 1 to 3 runs, and were never seen again. The girl became a regular, and never really learned to surf. A few of the Noobs would show up occasionally, and most of them showed up again the last day which was a sea day heading back to Southampton. This was the first of two times on the cruise where I didn't wear my wetsuit.

 

So, for the rest of the cruise conditions were pretty decent, and I probably got in the most surfing of any cruise I have taken. The most people ever in line was about 12, but rarely even on the last sea day was it double figures in line. The best surfer of our group was Daniel from Switzerland, he would be competitive in most BOB competitions, his wife Gaby was the consummate quick turn artist, I was probably the next best, but the two kids from England 13 and 14 were so young and athletic that what they lacked in skill they more than made up for with youthful athleticism. The last regular was probably the worst, but he was still a very solid surfer.

 

The wave itself, seemed to be smaller than the Oasis wave, it seemed a bit less steep. It had a much larger deck above the wave, and that deck was softly padded, and was a bit slicker to stand on but the softness was awesome. The jets, laid down a nice smooth water condition with the middle crossing point the best of any ship I have been on. (Oasis, Freedom, Indepence, Liberty and Navigator). The trampoline itself could use a new paint job like the Oasis got while we were on it last year. Which made the wave so smooth. The shower area where we huddled to stay out of the wind, could use a working hot water option. The deck outside the flowrider could ideally use a hot tub, there is a huge unused area there, and they really should install a hot tub if they are going to sail these ships so far north or south.

 

Any questions? I will be happy to give you my non-scientific answers about the Navigator's Flowrider.

 

I have not yet found the ultimate flowrider cruise, but this might be the closest I have come, as long as you don't mind freezing at some times while waiting to ride.

 

JC

[subtchr]

That's dedication, JC! We enjoyed watching you and the others. A couple pics from that last sea day. I am assuming this was Gaby?

 

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[138east]

Have you investigated Transatlantics or Transpacifics? Explorer goes between Australia and Seattle. Navigator, Independence, and Freedom will be moving between the US and Europe. Generally few children and an older demographic.

[Big_G]

Nice read JC but be careful. The road to recovery begins with admitting you have a problem. It doesn't sound like you're quite ready for recovery. :D

[Biker19]

Hmm...I wonder what the crowds are like on the Explorer in Alaska?

[ptf2009]

Nice read JC but be careful. The road to recovery begins with admitting you have a problem. It doesn't sound like you're quite ready for recovery. :D

 

Be carefull JC! We were on the Indy a couple of years ago and a (40+yr. old) man had to be taken on a stretcher with his neck secured due to an injury on the flowrider. The Indy had to arrive early the next day in FL or Miami (can't remember) so that the man could get medical attention. His head hit the wall really hard!

 

It was a very scary situation with his wife and mother in tears as security and medical assisted him.

[xpcdoojk]

That's dedication, JC! We enjoyed watching you and the others. A couple pics from that last sea day. I am assuming this was Gaby?

 

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Yes, Gaby and me. You really shouldn't publish my picture, when someone here shoots me, you will feel guilty.:D:eek:

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

Have you investigated Transatlantics or Transpacifics? Explorer goes between Australia and Seattle. Navigator, Independence, and Freedom will be moving between the US and Europe. Generally few children and an older demographic.

 

People have figured out the transatlantics. Not sure about the TP.

 

JC

[Biker19]

People have figured out the transatlantics. Not sure about the TP.

 

JC

Not too a long a line on the Quantum - tho it was in the mid 50s in the north Atlantic in early Nov.:eek:

[xpcdoojk]

Not too a long a line on the Quantum - tho it was in the mid 50s in the north Atlantic in early Nov.:eek:

 

Lucky you. The Swiss couple said, the TA on the Oasis was packed with surfers.

 

JC

[Ocean Boy]

One month ago I was surfing Navigator's flowrider. I really like the sports staff on the ship.

[xpcdoojk]

One month ago I was surfing Navigator's flowrider. I really like the sports staff on the ship.

 

OB, I don't pay much attention to them, but Gabby from Florida, I had seen before. I think most of them were new, with the transatlantic. So, a few weeks on the job at most on the Navigator.

 

JC

[A&L_Ont]

JC, the good the bad and the ugly is about right. Riding in the poor weather is a rather "fair" description. You are searching for the elusive unicorn of flowriding, a ship with good weather and no lines.

 

I think I rode with your Daniel from Switzerland on Indy last fall. The one I rode with was he tall, in good shape and was a police officer. He was there with his wife and young child and his or parents had joined them for the cruise. A heck of a good guy. However the photo you post of his wife doesn't seem to be the same woman, unless multiple spouses are a common thing for the Swiss. :p

 

As for Biker19 who asked about Alaska. My plan is to find out next summer how many people will be waiting in line. Hopefully I will have found my unicorn. :)

[xpcdoojk]

JC, the good the bad and the ugly is about right. Riding in the poor weather is a rather "fair" description. You are searching for the elusive unicorn of flowriding, a ship with good weather and no lines.

 

I think I rode with your Daniel from Switzerland on Indy last fall. The one I rode with was he tall, in good shape and was a police officer. He was there with his wife and young child and his or parents had joined them for the cruise. A heck of a good guy. However the photo you post of his wife doesn't seem to be the same woman, unless multiple spouses are a common thing for the Swiss. :p

 

As for Biker19 who asked about Alaska. My plan is to find out next summer how many people will be waiting in line. Hopefully I will have found my unicorn. :)

 

Well you described Daniel pretty accurately by looks, but not him. I think he was about 50 a former investment banker, and I am 99% certain he and Gaby have been married for many years with no children. They were charming people, and very fit. They rented horrible bikes the day we were in Olden and biked a ton of miles.

 

Do you think that the Ovation leaving from Singapore in April going to Vietnam S Korea, Hong Kong, China next year could be a unicorn? Weather should range from sweltering to just nice.

 

On another note, on one of the coldest days, the guy who I ranked last, but who was a very solid surfer, wore, light long suit, shorty heavier suit, board shorts, and scuba booties. They didn't have a sole on the booties, and one of the sports people kind of questioned his wearing of them, but they didn't make him take them off. So, as always, everything is sort of up to whatever they feel.

 

JC

[SUPPI6]

JC, the good the bad and the ugly is about right. Riding in the poor weather is a rather "fair" description. You are searching for the elusive unicorn of flowriding, a ship with good weather and no lines.

 

I think I rode with your Daniel from Switzerland on Indy last fall. The one I rode with was he tall, in good shape and was a police officer. He was there with his wife and young child and his or parents had joined them for the cruise. A heck of a good guy. However the photo you post of his wife doesn't seem to be the same woman, unless multiple spouses are a common thing for the Swiss. :p

 

As for Biker19 who asked about Alaska. My plan is to find out next summer how many people will be waiting in line. Hopefully I will have found my unicorn. :)

 

 

Oh - not aware that Daniel is a police officer, has a second wife and a young child - maybe a scond life - intersting things one can find out on such a forum.:p

[A&L_Ont]

Oh - not aware that Daniel is a police officer, has a second wife and a young child - maybe a scond life - intersting things one can find out on such a forum.:p

 

On this week's episode of Sister Wives... one goes on a cruise and the other dozen;) are jealous. :D

[A&L_Ont]

Well you described Daniel pretty accurately by looks, but not him. I think he was about 50 a former investment banker, and I am 99% certain he and Gaby have been married for many years with no children. They were charming people, and very fit. They rented horrible bikes the day we were in Olden and biked a ton of miles.

 

Do you think that the Ovation leaving from Singapore in April going to Vietnam S Korea, Hong Kong, China next year could be a unicorn? Weather should range from sweltering to just nice.

 

On another note, on one of the coldest days, the guy who I ranked last, but who was a very solid surfer, wore, light long suit, shorty heavier suit, board shorts, and scuba booties. They didn't have a sole on the booties, and one of the sports people kind of questioned his wearing of them, but they didn't make him take them off. So, as always, everything is sort of up to whatever they feel.

 

JC

 

The more a I think about it your cruise in Singapore might be your unicorn. If the ship had two waves I'd almost bet money on it. Your ur Daniel isn't the same one we met, but they both would like solid guys, physically and metaphysically.

 

You know I just bought my first shortie. I will take it in November but my plan is no never use it.

[xpcdoojk]

Oh - not aware that Daniel is a police officer, has a second wife and a young child - maybe a scond life - intersting things one can find out on such a forum.:p

 

O, Come on Gaby, Daniel was telling me all about the drug bust he did right in front of his young child on the streets of Zurich.

 

Hard to believe it has been almost a week home.

 

A&L.... I pray it is a unicorn.... The world needs more of those.

 

JC

[Lordnlkon]

Just a suggestion, you can book the flowrider privately for an hour for around $340. It seems like a lot but last time I was on, I found a couple of the other regulars, if you split it 4 ways, $85 a person isn't bad. We did it twice last cruise.

[xpcdoojk]

Just a suggestion, you can book the flowrider privately for an hour for around $340. It seems like a lot but last time I was on, I found a couple of the other regulars, if you split it 4 ways, $85 a person isn't bad. We did it twice last cruise.

 

We have done this as well in the past. However, if I ever find a unicorn then spending $85 won't be necessary, and in true unicorn fashion it will last all cruise, not just an hour.:D

 

JC

[Lordnlkon]

We have done this as well in the past. However, if I ever find a unicorn then spending $85 won't be necessary, and in true unicorn fashion it will last all cruise, not just an hour.:D

 

JC

 

 

That's true. I'm fortunate to have a flowrider about 45 minutes from where I live. Summer is hard to get any decent time in but once school starts back up, I can go a lot of times for an hour or two by myself if I go during week days. It's a single though instead of a double which means it's no where near as much fun as the ones on the ships.

[hansolosmom]

We are doing Anthem in October and I am interested to see what the flowrider lines will be like. I was thinking they shouldn't be long

[loudbmw]

Anthem Flowriders lines during the cooler months tend to be short until the ship enters warmer waters. The water is heated and the iFly blocks the wind very well. I bring a shorty wet suit and am fine.

 

One downside to the Anthem that on our April cruise, they did not offer any advanced standup sessions. You also have the bogie boarder sessions which limit your standup time unlike the Oasis class dual flowriders.

 

That said, the Anthem flowrider has one of the best waves out there - very smooth and very fast! Expect to meet some really good advanced riders.

 

Lou

[bethco]

Texas schools start back in the time frame of 3rd week of August. That will greatly reduce the flow rider lines on Liberty in late August and September. That is something else to look at for shorter lines. You will also have warm weather the entire time cruising from Galveston at that time of year.

[suizas]

I'll be on the Harmony TA the end of October. I'm addicted to watching the flow rider but due to a wardrobe malfunction while boogie boarding 4 years ago I have retired [emoji160][emoji12]. I'll take notes for you... 2 flow riders on Harmony!