Cruise Guest Learns the Hard Way That the Surf Simulator Shows No Mercy

Wipeouts are commonplace for Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider Surf Simulator. But one guest of Quantum of the Seas experienced a particularly epic fail in which he lost his swim shorts during his ride.

It’s unclear which sailing he was onboard for, but the 4,180-guest ship is currently operating Mexican itineraries from Los Angeles, California.

Most people would attempt to lie low until the incident was long forgotten. However, this guest is embracing embarrassment with a sense of humor that can only be described as commendable.

“Hey guys! Hoping someone on here might’ve seen or heard about someone wiping out and losing their shorts on the flow rider… I’m the dude lmao,” the passenger posted on Reddit.

Aside from a blow to his dignity, the passenger was thankfully not seriously injured in the fall.

“My ass hurts and my elbow is bruised up…but NOTHING hurt more than hearing a bunch of families laughing and screaming ‘his shorts came off’ as you’re butt booty naked,” the guest wrote.

The FlowRider is a 40-foot-long surf simulator that sends 30,000 gallons of water rushing at guests per minute to allow them to surf or boogie board. The water typically moves at a speed of 17 to 30 miles per hour depending on the setting.

Because of the water pressure, Royal Caribbean encourages guests to wear well-fitting bathing suits and strongly advises passengers to avoid two-piece bathing suits without board shorts and/or a rash guard to avoid incidents like these.

The experience is currently found on 22 Royal Caribbean ships across the Freedom, Oasis, Quantum, Voyager, and Icon-class ships.

A Plea to Fellow Passengers

Crowds often form to watch guests attempt to surf on the FlowRider, which is located at the aft (rear of the ship) on Deck 16. As confirmed by the guest, this wipeout was by no means private.

Given he was unexpectedly nude, the main purpose of the post was to ask witnesses to avoid sharing photos or videos of the wipeout on social media.

If guests weren’t willing to respect his wishes, the man hoped that they would at least share them with the pantsed cruiser so that he could laugh, too.

“To be more specific, there was definitely a good sized group of spectators and I saw your phones so if anyone got any videos or pictures, I get it and I probably would’ve done the same so I’m not mad but please don’t share them,” the cruiser pleaded.

“The crowd was supportive but I was too in shock to ask anyone in the moment lol but anyways, if those pictures and videos are going to float around, at least send them to me please,” he wrote.

In an update, the guest said that several passengers had approached him to ask about his missing shorts, but that the interactions were funny and lighthearted. None of those guests had taken photos or videos of the fall.

What Happened to the Shorts?

Nearly 100 people have commented on the cruiser’s Reddit post, and one of the top questions on everyone’s mind is what happened to the shorts after going rogue.

Maintaining his sense of humor, the guest has kept a running gag going that the shorts have been lost since they unexpectedly left his body.

“Omg, sending thoughts and prayers to your shorts. Hope they’re okay out there,” one cruise fan quipped in the comments section.

“Never found them, they’re probably out there getting drunk,” the original poster joked back.

Another cruiser asked if the guest had filed a lost and found report to locate his shorts, to which he replied, “Didn’t file a lost and found report but I am considering throwing them overboard for their betrayal.”

More likely than not, a crew member quickly retrieved the shorts and handed them back to the guest so that he could regain his modesty as quickly as possible.

The surf simulator has protective barriers so that guests, and apparently their shorts, don’t fly off the simulator and hurt themselves.

FlowRider Surf Simulator Comes With Risks

While losing your pants is unusual, riding the surf simulator is considered an extreme sport and more than one’s ego can get bruised.

Though crew members do everything they can to prevent injuries, guests have gotten hurt in the past. Earlier this year, Cruise Hive reported that Royal Caribbean was sued after a guest suffered head and neck injuries in a FlowRider fall.

“Riding on the FlowRider® is an extreme sport and high-risk recreational activity,” Royal Caribbean cautions on its website.

“Sheet wave surfing on the Flowrider may result in physical or mental injury, including but not limited to serious injury to the head, neck, back, hips, arms, and legs, as well as the possibility of illness, disease, paralysis or death,” the cruise line added.

Passengers are required to fill out a waiver prior to enjoying the FlowRider that shows they understand the risks. But while guests are warned of potential safety risks, the potential for public nudity may not be flagged by the liability waiver.