FlowRider Removed from Wildwood Boardwalk

It is officially the end of an era on the Wildwood Boardwalk. On January 14th, the iconic FlowRider surf simulator was removed from the former Splash Zone Waterpark site, marking another visible step in the dismantling of a longtime summer attraction.

With its removal, only three FlowRider installations remain operational across the state of New Jersey, underscoring just how rare and distinctive the Wildwood setup had become over the years.

The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by Splash Zone to film one final tour prior to the removal of anything in the park. You can watch that video at the bottom of the article.

As many visitors already know, Splash Zone Waterpark permanently closed at the end of the 2025 summer season after 26 years in operation. The announcement brought an emotional response from locals, seasonal workers, and generations of families who made the waterpark part of their annual Wildwood traditions.

Since opening in the early 2000s, Splash Zone served as a central hub for cooling off on hot summer days, offering a mix of high speed slides, family friendly attractions, and interactive water experiences directly on the boardwalk.

Among its most recognizable features was the FlowRider. Unlike traditional water slides, the FlowRider offered a simulated continuous wave that allowed riders to bodyboard or attempt stand up surfing.

Also See: The Wildwoods Construction Video Update Jan 2026

It quickly became one of the park’s standout attractions, drawing crowds who wanted something different from the standard waterpark experience. For many visitors, watching surfers wipe out or successfully ride the wave became just as entertaining as taking a turn themselves.

The decision to close Splash Zone was not made lightly. The family that owned and operated the park cited long term considerations about the future of the property and its role in Wildwood’s evolving tourism landscape.

In official statements, ownership expressed interest in reimagining how the site could continue to bring life, energy, and enjoyment to the boardwalk rather than continuing operations as a waterpark. While the announcement left many questions unanswered, it made clear that the closure was part of a broader vision rather than a sudden or reactive move.

At this time, there are no finalized redevelopment plans for the property. Any future proposal would likely play a significant role in shaping the next chapter of this stretch of the Wildwood Boardwalk.

To prepare the site for eventual redevelopment, the owners held a public auction in December, selling off much of the park’s equipment, including slides, mechanical systems, and support infrastructure. The FlowRider was among the first major structures to be removed due to its size and specialized installation requirements.

While the physical footprint of Splash Zone continues to shrink, its legacy remains firmly embedded in Wildwood’s summer history.

For more than two decades, it provided a place where families gathered, teenagers challenged each other, and visitors made memories between trips to the beach and boardwalk rides.

The removal of the FlowRider is more than just a construction milestone. It is a symbolic reminder that Wildwood is entering a new phase, one that balances nostalgia with the realities of redevelopment and change.

Photos by Hanna Augustyn

Before you watch our video below, please do subscribe.