Sea World San Antonio Opening World's First Launched Log Flume in 2023

© Sea World San Antonio

The announcement of a new log flume is always a big deal in my world, and this past week we got the announcement of not only that but a launched one to boot!  Sea World San Antonio put a big smile on our face by revealing Catapult Falls, a modern take on the classic log flume designed for the park by Intamin.  The ride will be located on the real estate of the park's former classic log flume, which was closed in 2011.

© Sea World San Antonio

Catapult Falls will be the "world's first launched flume coaster" when it opens in 2023.  It will also break the record for the steepest drop on a flume attraction, at 53 degrees.  While that may not be too steep on a modern roller coaster, it's considerably steeper than most log flume drops you are used to.  But that's not all, the attraction will also feature a vertical lift hill, a fun air-time bump after the drop, and a launched section - pretty wild for a log flume!

© Sea World San Antonio

Here is the park's infographic showing the different elements that riders will encounter on Catapult Falls.  The 8-passenger boats will head out of the station and meander around a traditional log flume path, then head into a large pond area where the boats will suddenly launch at 30 feet per second, "allowing riders to feel the rush of a coaster while experiencing the rocking and swaying of riding on a track of water."  The boats burn off the acceleration by heading up a small hill then down into a splash down area.

© Sea World San Antonio

Turning a corner the boats will then encounter an elevator style lift hill that will take them up to 55 feet above the park.  It's down the 53 degree drop after that, where the boats will achieve a maximum speed of 37 miles per hour.  At the base of the drop the boats will head up over a hill much like on a coaster before the final splashdown.

 

“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.”

Here is a preview video of how the ride will look when complete.  Can wait to see it in action!