Massiv - World's Tallest Water Coaster - Now Open at Schiltterbahn Galveston

© Schlitterbahn Galveston

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island has opened the world's tallest water coaster, aptly named Massiv, to eager riders.  Massiv, German for the world massive, represent a large investment into the Texas water park that is sure to turn heads of both visitors to the park and those passing by.  Featuring slide pieces in green, red and white, the towering attraction stretches nearly 1,000 feet long and gives riders a coaster-like experience including four uphill sections.

© Schlitterbahn Galveston

Much secrecy went into keeping the actual height of Massiv from the press for many months, even as construction of the slide was finished.  Just recently park officials (seen above) had the ride measured by Guinness World Records to verify that its height - 81 feet, 6 and three quarter inches - makes it the tallest of its kind in the world.

© Schlitterbahn Galveston

The water coaster's thrills start after a climb of 123 steps to the very top, where riders launch in a double tube down the first drop.  The 135 segments that make up Massiv include several steep plunges, tunneled curves and a translucent helix section.  The finale of the ride is a triple-down plunge toward the splash pool, touted by the park as the first on a water coaster.  Additionally, the uphill sections do not have a net 'cage' around them like other water coasters (thanks to a new slide design), giving riders an unparalleled view of the action.