Since 2017 Healing Waves has established an amazing partnership with the Merton Aquadome, which enables us to have sole use of the FlowRider machine, with thousands of sessions being delivered.
The FlowRider is basically a big trampoline mat with jets pushing water over it to create a wave. The water is powerful, and Athletes will more than likely fall over/wipe out, but this is all part of the experience! We recommend that individuals are prepared for this as well as for the ‘rough and tumble’ nature of the activity. We understand that this activity does not suit everyone, so if an Athlete does not like the experience or gets too cold, they are more than welcome to have a dip in the swimming pools, as lifeguards will be on duty.
These sessions are run during the winter months from November – April when the ocean temperatures and conditions are less favourable. Healing Waves runs both 1:1 and group FlowRider sessions. For those Athletes who find a group setting overwhelming and who require a lower key and more bespoke approach, a smaller group or private session can be arranged.
We encourage Parents and Guardians to stay and watch their loved ones for the duration of the session. Single 1:1 sessions last for roughly one hour, and group sessions for two hours in total. There is a warm indoor viewing area with seats and a café for food and drinks. These sessions are a great time to socialise and get to know other Parents and Guardians.
We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled time to fill out waivers, medical records and declarations. These are required for both the Merton and Healing Waves’ records. The 20 minutes also allows sufficient time for sign in/handover and to get into wetsuits.
Your first session will always start with a safety briefing run by the Healing Waves team. We will talk you through how to fall, the do’s and don’ts and everything else you will need to know for your experience.
Changing facilities, lockers and the swimming pool are available for use by all Athletes and their families and/or carers, and at weekend events there is sensory play in the pool for Athletes in between their turns on the FlowRider machine.
Healing Waves will provide all Athletes with wetsuits, rash vests and buoyancy aids (if required in the pool). However, if you would like to bring your own that is fine with us!
The safety and wellbeing of our Athletes and Volunteers is of paramount importance.
- There are a number of safety rules that come with this activity as listed below:
- No more than one rider at a time.
- To ride you must be at least 42 inches in height and be in good health.
- Disclaimers and waivers must be completed before the activity and blue copies given back to the front desk and/or Healing Waves staff.
- Riders must not stand on body boards.
- Never slide down the side of the FlowRider or climb on and over the walls.
- Please do not lean on or drag the boards as this damages them.
- Do not stack the boards on top of each other and ride them.
- Do not allow boards to slide down the side of the FlowRider without someone at the bottom to catch them.
- Never walk up the mat (especially when the wave is on in front of the jets).
- Please don’t leave the wetsuit in a mess.
