20 Jun 2017
SeaWorld continues conservation focus with Rescue Coaster San Antonio debut
BY Tom Anstey
SeaWorld’s push for fun and meaningful experiences is continuing, with the debut of Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster at its San Antonio theme park.
Part of a US$175m (€156.8m, £137.9m) investment into new attractions across all of its US parks, the multi-launch rollercoaster has been created with an edutainment focus in mind.
Created by Intamin, the ride carriage – the first of its kind in North America – is designed to make riders feel as though they are riding a jet ski, with the steel coaster flying over the water, recreating the experience seen on the the company’s popular TV show Sea Rescue.
“It’s been more than nine years since we’ve had a new coaster and this one is unique for North America, so we’re super-excited to get our guests involved in the things our company does in the wild and having our guests learn about all we do to save wildlife,” said Carl Lum, president of SeaWorld San Antonio.
“What truly delights me is that this attraction best represents what SeaWorld is all about – it brings together the best of SeaWorld in one thrilling ride, and carries a message that leaves guests feeling inspired.”
The educational aspect will be introduced at the ride’s entrance, with AV elements in the queue showing the stars of Sea Rescue. Before launch, riders are assigned a mission – to either rescue a sea turtle, dolphin or sea lion. Following a mission briefing, visitors take a three minute ride on the coaster, reaching speeds of up to 44mph and heights of up to 61ft (18.6m) across 2,600ft (1,793m) of track.
At the exit, guests will see the animal they saved, with the option of making a donation or buying a product supporting their chosen animal in the retail store.
"Wave Breaker provides a coaster experience unlike anything in the current theme park landscape," said SeaWorld vice president of theme park development Mike Denninger. "While other coasters feature dramatic changes in speed, once you hit Wave Breaker's first launch you are moving fast throughout the entire ride. When you combine that consistent high speed with the banked and serpentine turns throughout the ride track that is 90 percent over the surface of the water, you get an unparalleled ride experience."
In addition to Wave Breaker, SeaWorld has been introducing a host of new attractions as it continues to position itself as a theme park with sound animal conservation credentials and a mix of activities to offer. The family-friendly Ocean Explorer in San Diego has already made its debut, as has a virtual reality experience on its Kraken coaster in Orlando, which debuted this week. SeaWorld also introduced its new “natural” orca show at SeaWorld San Diego, which debuted in May.
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