By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

Surf will be up day or night, rain or shine at the new Fantasy Surf attraction at FantasyWorld resort beginning in October.

Surfing and Osceola County seem to be an unlikely pair in the landlocked Kissimmee area but that will all change with the arrival of Fantasy Surf.

The $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will open at 5151 Kyngs Heath Road at Vacation Villas.

The perfect wave will be unending, according to Chuck Richardson, director of hospitality and marketing for the resort.

Fantasy Surf features the FlowRider  system that has the look of surfing and wakeboarding, ride of snowboarding, and tricks of skateboarding in a safe and controlled environment, he said.  The thrills and techniques developed from this water experience have even spawned a new competitive sport – Flowboarding.

Fantasy Surf will feature a  Flow Rider double  system which is 32 feet wide, 49 feet long and can accommodate 25-30 riders per hour. The padded walls, floor and beach is covered by a three-inch sheet of water that creates a surfable wave. This ride, with its cushioned surface, was designed for wipeouts.

“Riders will experience an adrenaline rush like no other theme park or thrill-based attraction,” Richardson said. “Fantasy Surf riders will want to come back again and again as they increasingly develop their skill while cooling off in a secure, indoor environment. Plus spectators will enjoy watching as much as participants enjoy riding.”

Also at the resort will be a surf shop and dining area. Fantasy Surf will be able to accommodate large groups and parties.

“We are creating a Central Florida experience that will not only appeal to tourists but to school and corporate groups, board sport aficionados and people who want to learn a new sport,” Richardson said.

Approximately 300 construction tradesmen are working to build the 14,000-square-foot facility. Once completed, Fantasy Surf is expected to have 11 full-time employees and will be open seven days a week throughout the year.

Further information about the fall opening of Fantasy Surf can be found at www.UltimateIndoor

Wave.com or by following Fantasy Surf on Facebook.

Fantasy Surf also is sponsoring Orlando resident Sean Silveira, one of the top Flowboarders in the world.

Silveira, 21, has been out West in competitions in Southern California, including capturing the Flowboarding title in Oregon.  

Silveira, who is the 2009 Expert Flowboard division leader and the 2009 Wave Loch FLOW Tour national champion, aims to retain his title despite an ankle injury that sidelined him last fall.

“I’ve felt strong since rejoining the tour last week and I’ve even been able to showcase some  signature tricks,” said Silveira who honed his Flowboarding skills while working in an Orlando surf shop that featured a FlowRider. “Flowboarding is so exciting because it combines so many skills that appeal to almost everyone. I look forward to not only showcasing my technique in the competition but to also helping draw more attention to this fast-growing sport.”