Picture a wave pool experience that feels like an immersive video game, where you take on the role of a character with specific goals and challenges.
Flowstate is revolutionizing the way we enjoy wave pools by integrating a gaming element into every surf session.
This innovative Australian surf tech company has introduced Flowstate Game Modes, a points-driven gaming platform that rewards surfers based on their performance on each wave, while also encouraging surf parks to attract repeat visitors.
The system is currently operational at URBNSURF Sydney, URBNSURF Melbourne, Atlantic Park Surf, Lost Shore, and is set to expand to SurfTown MUC, with plans to reach more locations within Flowstate’s global network.
Rather than viewing each booking as an isolated event, the platform links every ride to leaderboards, achievements, seasonal contests, and rewards.
So, how does this innovative system function?
Points for Every Wave
Flowstate’s gaming engine is powered by the company’s advanced artificial intelligence model, which meticulously analyzes individual waves and surfing performance.
Surfers accumulate points during each session based on criteria such as the number of waves ridden, the duration of rides, and the complexity of maneuvers executed.
Operators can create various games using the same scoring engine, each with unique objectives, rules, and bonus multipliers.
According to Flowstate, the AI automatically computes scores for each wave once park operators establish the competition rules.
“The Flowstate AI model was designed from the ground up to accurately interpret every aspect of a wave; every maneuver, every section, and every ride is assessed in full context,” explained Chris Hausler, co-founder and CTO of Flowstate.
“Whether it’s your first time getting up on the board, surfing backside, or navigating a barrel, every moment is scored with weighted handicap points to determine a winner across all skill levels of surfers.”
The handicap system enables beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers to compete on a level playing field by comparing their performances against others of similar skill rather than the top surfers in the lineup.
Addressing the Challenge of Repeat Visits
For many surf parks, attracting new visitors is just one part of the business equation.
Encouraging those guests to return consistently is far more crucial.
Flowstate believes that gamification can address this issue without relying on discounts.
“Every wave pool operator is striving for the same goal: to convert a one-time visitor into a loyal customer,” stated Mike Mortimer, co-founder and chief product officer of Flowstate.
“Flowstate Game Modes provides us with the most effective rebooking mechanism we’ve ever had. When every session earns points, unlocks achievements, and places your name on a leaderboard, the motivation to book your next session is inherently part of the experience.”
The platform employs principles from behavioral science rather than solely focusing on rankings.
Surfers can quickly earn small rewards to encourage regular participation, while daily, monthly, and seasonal competitions offer longer-term objectives.
Public recognition is also a factor, with surfers earning titles like “Barrel Hunter of the Day.”
Flowstate also aims to shift the emotional response to failure; in one game, even a wipeout can lead to rewards that motivate surfers to continue improving instead of feeling discouraged.
Four Unique Games with Distinct Objectives
Instead of a single universal leaderboard, Flowstate has launched four branded competitions, each designed to target different surfing behaviors and business goals.
“Everyday Hero” is a handicap competition open to all. Surfers accumulate points for daily, monthly, and seasonal rankings, regardless of their skill level.
“Barrel Hunter” celebrates tube riding, with each AI-verified barrel contributing to a surfer’s score, rewarding top performers with recognition and prizes.
“Wipeout Roulette” transforms crashes into learning opportunities. After selected wipeouts, surfers may receive AI coaching feedback, technical advice, or offers for in-pool coaching sessions, introducing them to coaching services they might not have sought out otherwise.
“Winter Warrior” encourages participation during off-peak months, rewarding surfers who log the most waves in winter, helping operators boost demand during traditionally slower times.
Inspired by Arcades and Topgolf
Flowstate’s strategy reflects a broader consumer trend towards competitive social experiences.
Luke Wallace, co-founder and CEO of Flowstate, noted that the company examined businesses outside of surfing while developing the platform.
“Maintaining high levels of utilization throughout the week, month, and seasonal cycle is the primary objective for any surf park operator,” Wallace remarked.
“Consumer spending habits have become more cautious, and people are more selective with their expenditures.”
He added that Flowstate drew inspiration from experiences like Topgolf, virtual reality attractions, and traditional arcades to understand how other industries foster repeat participation and build customer loyalty.
A Marathon to Test the Scoring Engine
Prior to its commercial launch, Flowstate trialed the platform during a 12-hour surf marathon at URBNSURF Sydney.
Australian endurance surfer Blakey Johnston and Red Bull snowboarder Valentino Guseli competed while the AI tracked every ride across three different game modes.
Johnston triumphed in Barrel Hunter, scoring 2,611 points compared to Guseli’s 1,793. He also claimed victory in “Everyday Hero” with 7,046 points against Guseli’s 6,114.
Guseli’s bold approach yielded a different result in “Wipeout Roulette,” where he recorded 75 wipeouts compared to Johnston’s 19, winning that leaderboard with 25,266 points to 6,572.
The outcomes demonstrated how different games reward various surfing styles rather than just traditional performance metrics.
Beyond Just Entertainment
The platform also provides surf park operators with additional tools to enhance their business.
Operators can implement scoring multipliers to incentivize bookings during less busy hours or periods. Leaderboards can facilitate sponsorships through branded prizes and seasonal competitions.
Wipeout Roulette also introduces surfers to coaching, AI video analysis, and personalized instruction, creating new revenue streams alongside standard surf sessions.
Flowstate reports that Game Modes currently operates across surf parks utilizing five different wave-making technologies globally.
This launch signifies the second phase of the company’s rollout strategy.
In August 2026, Flowstate plans to release its first utilization and leaderboard data before showcasing the platform to surf park operators at the Surf Park Summit, scheduled for September 1 to 3 in Virginia Beach.
As wave pools evolve from mere surfing venues into vibrant destinations centered around community, coaching, and technology, competitive gaming may soon become as commonplace as selecting the next wave setting to book.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com