News: SF Hurricane Harbor to add Tornado

Posted at 10:18 PM EST (0318 GMT)

Mar. 15th, 2004 -- Extreme tubing debuts this spring in Southern California when Six Flags Hurricane Harbor introduces Tornado, the water park's new thrill slide.

Riders will be sucked into Tornado, beginning their experience 75 feet in the air by blasting down a 132-foot long tunnel, leading to the mammoth, open-ended funnel. The ride's specially designed 4-person cloverleaf shaped tubes hug the inside of the funnel, splashing back and forth on 5,000 gallons of swirling water. The experience culminates in a waterfall splash, right through the mouth of the funnel into a cool catch pool below.

A spectacular viewing platform upon approach lets pending riders and other guests see all of the action up close. Tornado will carry 700 passengers per hour at a maximum speed of 35 feet per second. The unique funnel will be painted in a blue and yellow checkerboard pattern.

Tornado's unique design has received numerous distinctions including the amusement industry's 2003 Golden Ticket Award for Best Waterpark Ride and the IAAPA 2003 Best New Product Award in the Waterpark Category. It was created by ProSlide, a Canadian company.

"This is a great addition to our water park," stated Del Holland, vice president and general manager of Six Flags California. "It's a unique experience that our guests, friends and families can enjoy together."

Tornado joins a collection of splash water park attractions at Hurricane Harbor, including Black Snake Summit, which includes two of the tallest fully enclosed speed slides in Southern California. Tornado marks the first addition to Hurricane Harbor in seven years.

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