Have you ever tried flowboarding? Do you know what flowboarding is? We discovered recently that it’s the only way to “surf” in the middle of a big city. A thin layer of fast-flowing water is pumped uphill, to emulate the shape and feel of a wave. This simulated wave is the Flow Rider. The surface of the “hill” is not unlike a gymnastics tumble track, so it hurts less when you fall. And we four fell all the time.

One overcast Sunday afternoon, we arrived at Flow House Bangkok for our pre-reserved one hour. We signed the waiver, paid, and changed. Note to self; in fact, note to all: wear very snug swim gear. The waiver didn’t say anything about wedgies, accidental moonings, or the potential parting of ways with one’s bikini bottom.

After a lesson, we got going, each taking turns on the Flow Rider. We got the hang of flowboarding in the belly-down position, which was a great achievement and good fun! Kneeling on the flowboard was totally exhilarating but significantly more challenging to stay on. Standing (only the adults were permitted to try this) was a complete fearfest. We gripped a rope while standing on a narrow flowboard, about the size of a snowboard. Alaric and I were each able to maintain our positions for about a dozen seconds, before falling spectacularly, and having the wave wash us uphill, desperately grasping the waistband of our not-snug-enough bottoms.

It was a blast, even if we were whiplashed and sore for the next couple days. Well, by “we”, I mean the adults; these kids are like rubber! Lucky ducks. Lucky. Rubber. Ducks.

Here, take a look: