Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster
| Company type | Steel roller coaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Amusement ride |
| Founded | June 16, 2017 |
| Headquarters | San Antonio, Texas , United States |
| Products | Roller coaster ride |
Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster is a steel roller coaster featuring a dual-launch system located at SeaWorld San Antonio in Texas, highlighting the park’s commitment to animal rescue initiatives. Debuting in 2017, it holds the distinction of being North America's inaugural motorbike-style jet ski coaster, with ride vehicles modeled after the jet skis utilized by SeaWorld’s rescue personnel. The track spans approximately 2,600 feet, predominantly constructed over the park’s lake, reaching speeds up to 44 mph and a maximum height of 61 feet. This $18 million investment accommodates up to 886 passengers per hour.
Construction
During the coaster’s development, the park employed inflatable rubber dams to partially lower the lake’s water level, enabling construction activities without fully draining the body of water. Each year, SeaWorld San Antonio temporarily closes from January through late February to carry out thematic updates near the coaster’s entrance. The park provided ongoing progress reports on its YouTube channel throughout construction. Wave Breaker officially welcomed guests on June 16, 2017.
Ride experience
Guests board trains styled as jet skis and first pass through a video orientation tunnel prior to launch. The initial launch propels the train over a camelback hill before skimming across the lake’s surface, creating an authentic jet ski sensation. Midway through, a second launch boosts the train to its highest elevation atop a man-made island before returning to the station. The attraction is accompanied by a unique 30-minute musical score blending electric and orchestral elements, composed by Rick McKee.
Statistics
The coaster reaches a height of 61 ft and achieves a top velocity of 44 mph. Its track length measures 2,600 feet, supported by approximately 300 concrete pillars.
Trains
Operating with as many as three trains simultaneously, each train seats 16 riders arranged in eight rows of two. The ride’s hourly throughput is about 886 guests. Riders are secured using lap bar restraints, and the trains’ design mimics jet skis to complement the overall theme.
Theme
The attraction centers around SeaWorld’s animal rescue operations. Situated mainly above the lake within the park, it offers visitors an immersive experience simulating a rescue mission.
Reception
In Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards for Best New Ride of 2017, Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster earned fifth place with 6% of the vote.
| Golden Ticket Awards: Best New Ride 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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