22 Feb 2007

In a left-field move for Gold Coast water park Wet'n'Wild Water World, construction is in early stages for Australia's next roller coaster.

Intamin, who brought Australia rides like Superman Escape and Giant Drop, is the company responsible for this unique family roller coaster attraction.

The Surf Rider, popularly known as a Halfpipe coaster, rocks riders back and forth on a giant U-shaped track, while rotating the two eight-person rings.

This is the first non-water ride to be built at Wet'n'Wild since opening.

As well as being the first of its kind in Australia, it's also the first roller coaster in Australia to use a LIM-powered launch.

Wet'n'Wild's Surf Rider is one of two new roller coasters coming to the Gold Coast in 2007. Dreamworld is building also its own launched coaster due to open later in the year.

Stay tuned for more Wet'n'Wild updates as this ride goes vertical.

05 Jul 2007

Vertical construction on the half pipe coaster has been completed.

Owing to its simple construction, requiring only a few sections of track, the coaster went up literally overnight.

Each of the two spikes have spring-loaded buffers.

The ride is 20m tall.

To fit in with its water park surrounds, the ride is expected to feature extensive water components.

This is the first water park in Australia to feature a conventional thrill ride.

The ride uses a LIM launch system to catapult the coaster carriage back and forth along the U-shaped track.

The ride is expected to open in the next quarter at Wet'n'Wild Water World.

Also at Wet'n'Wild, the slow winter season is also being used to remove the four body slides that made up White Water Mountain.

The body slides are to be replaced by yet to be revealed replacement attraction.

The fiberglass moutnain fa�ade has been stripped down to its steel framework.

The Terror Canyon tube slides are also closed during construction.

The manmade hill has been marked with surveying pegs.

Its replacement is expected to open later this year.