Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
| Company type | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement park ride |
| Founded | May 27, 2023 |
| Founder | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida , United States |
| Products | Launched stand-up roller coaster |
| Website | seaworld |
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, commonly referred to as Pipeline, is a launched stand-up roller coaster located at SeaWorld Orlando in Orlando, Florida. It officially opened on May 27, 2023. Created by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), this ride represents B&M’s inaugural Surf Coaster design, featuring surfboard-inspired vehicles that complement its surfing theme.
This innovative coaster incorporates seats that move vertically along the track. It reaches a height of 110 ft, achieves speeds up to 60 mph, and spans a track length of 2,950 ft. Pipeline marks the fourth B&M coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, joining the ranks of Mako, Manta, and Kraken.
History
On May 28, 2019, roller coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard secured a patent trademark for the term "Surf Coaster." In January 2020, a project codenamed "Project Penguin" emerged following the submission of site plans to Orange County authorities for a new attraction slated for 2021. This development was planned near SeaWorld Orlando’s entrance, adjacent to a pathway next to Bayside Stadium—an area formerly utilized for festivals. By June and September 2020, documentation confirmed the initiative as a "custom launch coaster" featuring stand-up restraint technology. Early speculation suggested that the Surf Coaster model would be installed at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld Orlando began hinting at the upcoming roller coaster in April 2022 by releasing images depicting trees with glimpses of coaster track and surrounding construction barriers. In June, the park employed the phrase "High surf advisory" as a promotional teaser and hashtag on social media platforms. The official announcement was postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
A conclusive teaser video showcasing construction progress was shared in October 2022. On October 18, 2022, SeaWorld formally revealed Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, announcing its planned debut in spring 2023. Promoted as the world’s first surf coaster, vertical track assembly commenced later that month. The ride’s trains were exhibited at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo held in November 2022.
Track installation was finalized on December 19, 2022, with testing beginning in March 2023. The grand opening was scheduled for May 27, 2023, preceded by an early access preview for passholders starting May 12, 2023.
Ride experience
Upon departing the station, the surfboard-themed train launches into a high-speed right overbanked turn. It then veers left into the park’s signature "wave curl" inversion before climbing and turning right into one of two helix segments. Following a full 360° helix, the train navigates a second overbanked curve and proceeds over a banked airtime hill. Subsequently, it turns right, swiftly shifts left into a 270° helix, then makes another left turn before curving right into the final brake run. The entire ride lasts approximately one minute and fifty seconds.
Characteristics
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is a unique surf coaster model developed by Bolliger & Mabillard that differs significantly from conventional stand-up roller coaster designs. Jonathan Smith, SeaWorld’s Vice President of rides and engineering, explained at IAAPA Expo 2022 that unlike typical stand-up coasters where riders remain rigidly "erect," Pipeline’s restraint system permits dynamic rider movement. This attraction is SeaWorld Orlando’s fourth Bolliger & Mabillard installation alongside Mako, Manta, and Kraken.
Track
The steel track extends roughly , with its tallest section being the initial overbanked curve, which reaches . The structure features a teal track supported by white framework.
Theme
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster draws its inspiration from surfing, focusing on the surfing cultures of California and Australia. The park promotes the launch as a "surfing launch," incorporating "wave jumping motions" that shift riders' seats to mimic the experience of surfing. The coaster's trains are crafted to look like surfboards. Its only inversion, known as the "wave curl," takes design cues from the surfing trick called the "cork alley oop."
See also
References