IAAPA Orlando 2002 was swimming with fresh ideas and products for the waterpark industry. Here’s a sprinkling of what’s new. 

Safety First
U.S. Aqua Sport presented a new solid foam composite rescue tube that offers an exceptional textured griping surface and a molded-in reach-assist handle. This foam will not crack or peel, has no mesh or coating, and has a sleek new design that
provides smoother rescue operation and superior durability. Water Safety Products has exclusive marketing rights. 

Water Play
SCS Interactive introduced WaterColors, a multi-level, modular, interactive water play system designed to be installed in phases. Each of the four successive play levels stems from a central water feature, enabling rapid expansion without costly retrofitting.
Whitewater West Industries exhibited an addition to its interactive themed AquaPlay products—the modular, expandable Rain Fortress water play system. Custom designing is available.  
Water play is going electronic with Interactive Smart Control Technology—a computer-controlled system that brings motion, sound, and scoring to water play elements. The new technology debuts on the Bamboo Beach Surf Shack interactive water play element, the first joint effort from NBGS International and Wizard Works Product Development.

Fun, Fun, Fun
Amusement Leisure has purchased Water Fun Products and has introduced the newest Sidewinder water ride—the Maelstrom. Riders will zigzag the sloping, narrowing pad from a variety of slide flume entries.  

Whitewater West introduced the Whirling Dervish thrill ride, where the brave experience the rush of G-forces on high-speed, spiraling flumes. Two flumes twist around a spherical tower that houses the stairs, and the supports come off the ride itself. This one is destined to be a feature attraction in any waterpark. 

The Human Pinball Machine is hot off the drawing board. Fun, spectacle, high capacity, and nostalgia all play as much a part in this inspired new water ride as the bumpers and flippers. The brainchild of Wizard Works and NBGS International, the new water attraction makes riders “human pinballs.” Perched in multi-passenger tubes at an entry point next to a themed backboard, riders float down a shallow, sloped pool. The riders-in-waiting activate the flippers, bumpers, and water-spewing elements that determine the rider experience. The goal is to make it into the “bonus play chute,” where tubes will be transported back to the entry point for a free ride.  

ProSlide Technology’s patented Cloverleaf three and four-rider tubes promise a new ride experience on existing thrill rides, as well as their own new Tornado dark ride. IAAPA’s Best New Product this year, the product offers stability of design to keep riders in place and allow for safe tubing, even when there are fewer riders than the tube allows for. The company will closely monitor applications in existing rides to ensure that tube-ride compatibility provides optimum safety.

Honorable Mention was awarded to Empex Watertoys for its Aquatrons children’s interactive water spray products. Created for areas without standing water, the system of colorful, round forms is made from reinforced composite plastics and has no exposed hardware. 

You Can Take It with You
Guests will find peace of mind in retail shops with the new DryPak from Kwik Tek. Crystal clarity and strength make personal belongings downright dunkable, enabling use of personal electronics such as cell phones and video cams without removing them from the waterproof packs.

Network and Learn
The IAAPA Waterpark Committee has announced intentions to survey member interest in regional waterpark meetings to provide more staff the opportunity to network. Please plan to be contacted for your thoughts on participating in the regional gatherings.

And plan to learn more about these IAAPA exhibitors’ new products to enhance the safety and increase the fun at your waterpark.