Snohomish Aquatic Center FlowRider instructor Scott Callens has accomplished incredible feats in the flowboarding world. He recently made quite a splash by winning first place in the pro category of both the National FlowRider and World Flowboarding Competitions, held in August and September.  

Callens’ love for flowboarding started at the age of 18 and he’s competed in more than 100 competitions in the past 11 years. He has competed in the National FlowRider Competition five times, with a 4th place win, a 5th place win, and three consecutive first place wins before 2023. Similarly, he has competed in the World Flowboarding Competition four times, winning 5th place, and 2nd place twice, before achieving his ultimate dream of being a world champion with his first place win this fall.  

Flowriding or flowboarding is a hybrid water sport that takes influence from surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding and bodyboarding. This sport is practiced and performed on a FlowRider which is a simulated surf machine. The Snohomish Aquatic Center has the only indoor surf simulation machine in the Pacific Northwest and the center’s open surf times attract beginners of all ages, water sport and winter sport enthusiasts, and everyone in between.  

Callens joined the Snohomish Aquatic Center staff seven years ago as a FlowRider instructor. 

“I really enjoy being an instructor. I get to do what I love and work with a wide range of people, from first timers to teaching how to carve, spin, and eventually ollie,” said Callens. “It's cool to see them progress as they keep coming back and practicing,” 

Flowriding has become increasingly popular since it began in the 1980s, especially in the last decade. 

“Flowboarding is pretty easy to learn,” Callens added. “I know a lot of people feel intimidated by it, but really, the surface of the FlowRider is like being on a trampoline. It’s a very forgiving surface. I would encourage more people to give it a shot and just have fun with it.” 

With FlowRider competitions now being in the off season, Callens plans to visit Thailand this spring to tour and visit seven different FlowRider units in the area before going for the national title again in the summer of 2024. 

Callens’ exceptional achievements help to bring recognition to the Snohomish Aquatic Center and inspire others to hang 10 and aim high! 

To learn more about the Snohomish Aquatic Center's FlowRider, click here.