Carowinds Announces Record-Breaking Super Flume Ride
Rendering: Courtesy of Six Flags™ Entertainment Corporation
(eap) The U.S. amusement park Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced a new water ride for the 2027 season with “Rip Roarin’ Falls”. The Super Flume water attraction from Canadian manufacturer WhiteWater is to be built on the former site of “Rip Roarin’ Rapids”, which was retired in 2019, and, according to the park, is set to establish three world records.
Rendering: Courtesy of Six Flags™ Entertainment Corporation
Rip Roarin’ Falls is said to rank among the tallest water attractions built to date. The centerpiece of the new ride will be a mega drop of more than 100 feet (around 30 meters), which is being announced as the world’s first Super Flume Mega Drop and the world’s tallest log flume drop. In addition, the tallest reverse drop and the tallest reverse camelback are set to be realized.
The new attraction is themed as an abandoned, supposedly haunted lumber mill. Guests will board boats seating eight passengers each and embark on a ride lasting around six and a half minutes. Two reversing switches are designed to change the direction of the boats, allowing riders to travel both forwards and backwards. In total, the route will cover 2,240 feet (approx. 683 meters) through surging waters and two record-setting drops. For the finale, the boat will plunge from a height of more than 100 feet (around 30 meters), reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) before ending in an iconic splashdown. Guests may ride from a height of 35 inches (90 centimeters) when accompanied and from 41 inches (around 105 centimeters) when unaccompanied.
Rendering: Courtesy of Six Flags™ Entertainment Corporation
“This level of investment and innovation is a true testament of our team’s commitment to bringing legendary attractions and world-class experiences to the Carolinas,” said Bridgette Bywater, Carowinds president. “As a new signature ride, it combines record-setting thrills and cutting-edge ride innovation – all with a 35-inch height requirement that makes it accessible for families. It’s the perfect addition, sure to create lasting memories for generations of guests.”
With this announcement, the park is continuing its investment strategy of recent years. Since 2015, the park has opened more than 20 rides and attractions alongside expansions to the Carolina Harbor water park and the “Camp Snoopy” family area. Rip Roarin’ Falls is intended to join “Fury 325”, “Copperhead Strike” and “Snoopy’s Racing Railway” as another major attraction in the park’s portfolio. ■
