Story by Kyle Weinberger

As you walk in the smell of chlorine hits your nose and the sounds water splashing fill your ears. At the YMCA in Lethbridge, they have much to offer, but one thing has grown quite the community.

The Flow Rider also known as the surf simulator is a machine that allows people who don’t have access to the ocean to experience it firsthand. But the surf sim brings much more than just the experience, it brings a sense of fun and competition.

One avid surfing enthusiast Tim Pearce continues to practice every time he can get to the community recreation centre on the west side.

“It has given me friends that I wouldn’t have ever met. It has also given me the positive encouragement to continue improving.”

The sense of community that is felt at the surf sim is undeniable. With many riders using the surf sim as their daily workout and to have fun, it’s no surprise that some riders are not too happy with the limited amount of time it is open. One regular surfer who requested they stay anonymous wishes there was more time to connect.

“Two hours per day is very limited availability.” However, these limited hours are just during the school year. Once the summer months arrive, the surf sim is typically open three times a day. Some riders are making sure their voices are heard to help improve the longevity of the surfing community.

“I plan on becoming more of an advocate for the flow rider to the management of the YMCA.”

For many first timers it looks very daunting as the water is being shot at you at 36 km/h. However, once you start it becomes hard to stop as you feel yourself improve every time.

With the support of your fellow surfers. it allows you to try your hardest without worrying what people think. This is one reason it attracts many people to come and ride. If you not comfortable standing and riding, there is another option: the body board.

This is easier and many people start out with the body board and then gradually move to riding on their feet. Pearce has been surfing for three years. Going more regularly helped him get more proficient at riding. However, with the cut back hours many riders including Pearce find it hard to make time. The Flow rider is open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. Anyone is welcome to come and have fun and you might enjoy it so much that you will see yourself joining the Flow rider community.