Moses Lake water park continues to attract talent for FlowRider event

MOSES LAKE - The annual FlowRider Competition returned to Moses Lake Saturday, bringing out some of the best talent from across Grant County to show off their surfing skills.

This was the fourth year for the event, Tom Los, recreation supervisor for Moses Lake Parks and Recreation, said.

Los said he likes to hold the competition later in the summer.

"It gives them two months to practice," he said, adding many of the competitors enjoy th FlowRider all summer and have a chance to practice before the contest and have returned every year for the event. Los said the skill level of some of the younger competitors continues to get better each year.

Most of the 22 competitors in Saturday's event are from Grant County, but Los said a few traveled to Moses Lake from Idaho. Los said last year several people from Canada made the trip down to ride the FlowRider.

The competition was open for all ages, with divisions for body board and Flowboard (standing) for 12 and younger, ages 13 to 17 and 18 and up division, allowing for beginners and more advanced riders to compete. The top three finishers in each division were able to pick out merchandise from the water park shop.

Moses Lake's Josh Snook finished first in both the body board and Flowboard contests in this year's event for the 18 and older participants. He took home the crown in the boys Flowboard ages 13 to 17 division in the first competition in 2010.

With only a few FlowRider surfing simulators in the state, the Moses Lake location, which was installed in 2008, continues to be a top draw for children and adults at the water park.