Thrill Seekers
World's first water coaster of its kind catapults into Texas amusement park
![World's first water coaster of its kind catapults into Texas amusement park](https://fortworth.culturemap.com/media-library/catapult-falls-will-be-the-world-s-first-launched-flume-coaster.jpg?id=31835026&width=2000&height=1500&quality=65&coordinates=700%2C0%2C700%2C0)
A popular Texas amusement park is set to welcome a new water flume coaster: Catapult Falls will open at SeaWorld San Antonio in 2023. Called a "launched flume" coaster, the ride will be the first of its kind and will feature the world's steepest drop in a flume coaster.
Combining the anticipation of a vertical lift elevator with the thrill of a launched roller coaster and the steep drop of a water flume, the attraction will be equal parts adrenaline-inducing and refreshing.
“Catapult Falls will be the perfect addition to our already fantastic line up of family rides,” said Byron Surrett, SeaWorld San Antonio president. “Not only will it provide thrills for those wanting the exhilaration of a coaster-type ride, but being a water ride, it will give guests one more way to cool down in the hot Texas temperatures. It will be the perfect family adventure ride."
The launched flume aspect of the coaster is what gives the ride its name, as eleven boats with eight riders each will catapult through the launch at 30 feet per second.
A series of twists and turns leads to the ride's signature elevator — the only one of its kind on the continent, according to a release — which lifts guests at a speed of seven feet per second to a height of over 55 feet.
Riders catch breathtaking views of the park before reaching the ride's peak, where the chute plummets at a 53-degree angle into a watery splashdown at over 37 miles per hour.
Debuting in 2023, Catapult Falls joins other attractions such as the Great White, the Steel Eel, Texas Stingray, and Tidal Surge. SeaWorld Pass Members will be the first to brave this new adventure, and guests who purchase a season pass will receive unlimited admission for the rest of 2022, all of 2023, and a free Aquatica 2023 Season Pass. Special events such as Howl-O-Scream and the Christmas Celebration are included in this deal, as well as free parking and in-park discounts.
Find more information about Annual Pass options at SeaWorldSanAntonio.com.