News: Valleyfair announces RipTide

Posted at 1:35 AM EDT (0535 GMT)

Aug. 23rd, 2004 -- Calling all thrill seekers. Valleyfair is pleased to announce the addition of RipTide - 720° OF ATTITUDE for the 2005 season.

RipTide is a high-flying, gravity-defying and multi-spinning ride. At a $3 million project cost, RipTide creates a whole new ride experience. “This attraction is a very unique ride with a high thrill quotient and high capacity,” states Larry MacKenzie, Valleyfair’s vice president and general manager. “It will be a favorite among our avid thrill seekers.”

RipTide is a suspended Top Spin ride, designed by Huss Manufacturing of Germany. Its floorless gondola seats 38 passengers, back to back. The ride reaches a height of 59 feet and completes 13 full 360-degree orbits every 60 seconds, in both directions. The ride swings back and forth in a cradle-like motion until enough momentum takes riders over the top. At the same time, pendulum movements rock and loop for complete inversions in a very small space.

As an added feature, a fountain at the base of the ride creates a beautiful display, and with variable programming, can shoot high enough to get riders wet – even soaked. During specified rotations, the ride carriage will deflect water blasts out onto the midway in front. So onlookers better beware.

RipTide will be located within the midway games area. The remaining capital projects include re-theming of the games area and additional in-park improvements.

RipTide was developed for Knott’s Berry Farm in California for the 2004 season. Click here to access QuickTime video of the ride.