So where do today’s waterpark resort operators stand on the extreme aquatics trend? Many industry leaders have already taken the plunge. Both Kalahari Resorts African-themed waterpark resorts in Sandusky, Ohio, and Wisconsin Dells, Wis., feature surfing capabilities with FlowRider stationary wave machines.
Guests at the Wisconsin resort can also experience the Master Blaster, an uphill water roller coaster. At 570 feet tall, the attraction propels guests through the ride with 5,600 gallons of water per minute. The Ohio property includes the Zip Coaster, another “water-coaster.” “We’re not afraid to go big,” says Todd Nelson, president/owner of Kalahari Resorts. “We will continue to lead the industry with high-octane waterpark attractions.”
Each of the Schlitterbahn waterpark locations (Galveston Island, South Padre Island and New Braunfels, Texas) include extreme elements such as the six-story-high Master Blaster uphill water coaster; a Sky Coaster, which combines elements of skydiving and hang gliding; Boogie Bahn Surfing, a stationary wave-surfing experience; and several whitewater rapids inspired rides. “All of our attractions are very participatory,” says Jeffrey A. Siebert, director of corporate communications. “We’re constantly looking at new technology available to communicate and have fun with extreme thrill-type attractions.
Several Great Wolf Lodge properties also feature extreme attractions. These include Howlin’ Tornado, a tube ride; Hydro Plunge, an uphill family water roller coaster; and Coyote Cannon, a tube slide with a cannon bowl feature. In addition, the Mountain Edge Raceway — a four-story-tall, four-lane mat racing experience — taps into guests’ desire for more interaction.
“Extreme aquatics is a trend, says Julie Zakus, marketing manager at Richmond, British Columbia, Canada-based Whitewater West Industries Ltd. “Everyone wants to take it to the next level. You have to have something a little bit more than your everyday water slide.”
Zakus says Whitewater has worked on several extreme attractions recently, including two high-speed slides through dolphin pools and a wave pool at Mount Olympus, in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. This 2007 addition to the park has a 9-foot wave capability. “[Some of the extreme attractions] are as much of a spectator thrill as they are for the people on the ride,” she adds.
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