SeaWorld Orlando announced more details on their new coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is set to open in the Spring of 2023.
Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard, SeaWorld bills the new coaster as the world’s first “Surf Coaster”.
Riders will “feel the power of the ocean”. The innovative design elements that make this a first-of-its-kind roller coaster are the surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions that riders will experience. The unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle will give riders an immersive experience from the moment it starts. They will be secured on the roller coaster in a surfing position and will be launched at top speeds, feeling as if they are catching a wave. Riders will then feel like they are hanging loose when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave while sending them through several gnarly twists and turns.
“We are always looking for exciting ways to take thrills to a new level. This first-of-its-kind roller coaster will be the perfect addition to the already incredible lineup of attractions at SeaWorld Orlando,” said Kyle Miller, SeaWorld Orlando Park President. “SeaWorld Orlando will be the only place in the world to ride a roller coaster like this and we welcome everyone looking for the chance to experience it.”
Riders will surf up to heights of 110-feet in the air and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950 feet of track. The coaster can reach max speeds of 60mph, with five different airtime moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds. The ride has a projected height requirement of 54”.
After the announcement, SeaWorld allowed members of the media to get a look at the current status of construction. Some of the track has already been installed, but we should really start seeing vertical progress in the coming weeks as the ride gets ready to open next Spring.
Pipeline will be the seventh roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, which has dubbed itself as the Coaster Capital of Orlando.