Pipeline the Surf Coaster

Surf’s up! In Orlando? Well, Florida is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, so why not! And this is SeaWorld after all.

The large, twisted air-time hill on Pipeline.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Introducing the newest roller coaster in Florida: Pipeline the Surf Coaster, located at SeaWorld Orlando. When Pipeline was announced as the very first surf coaster, the coaster community wondered what it meant. What did Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) have up their sleeve? Now we know. And boy, did B&M impress us, as usual!

Pipeline's first-of-its-kind seating arrangement.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Riders entering the courtyard where the roller coaster is located notice that the area around Pipeline, as well as the queue, is all beach themed. They are even treated to surf music while exploring the area and waiting in the queue. Once it's time to surf, riders board an actual oversized surfboard. The restraint system is very similar to a traditional stand-up coaster. During boarding, “surfers” adjust the restraint system to their height and hop in. The first thing to notice is that the seat does not lock in place like a traditional stand-up coaster. It is free to move up and down even after the shoulder restraint is locked in place. Hmmm, what could this mean?

Hmm, what could this mean?
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Once the all-clear signal is given to catch a wave, the coaster begins with a fairly intense launch. And here's where the surf magic begins. While navigating over the bunny hop during the launch, the seat rises up and riders’ feet are no longer on the floor — er, surfboard. It's a strange sensation at first but amazing nonetheless. After completing the launch, the train enters an overbanked curve. During this maneuver, feet again depart from the floor. For the rest of the course, anytime riders encounter a negative-G moment, the seat rises and feet dangle. While experiencing a positive-G, feet gently land back on the surfboard. Riders experience many positive and negative Gs while surfing. The course layout is such that the feeling of surfing is simulated; there are many left and right turns in rapid succession, similar to what a surfer experiences maneuvering a surfboard left and right, trying to maximize the thrill of the ride.

The course layout is such that the feeling of surfing is simulated...
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

A vista over Pipeline's sprawling track layout.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.

Pipeline the Surf Coaster is a totally excellent experience and a great addition to the amazing coaster lineup at SeaWorld Orlando. When visiting Orlando, devote some time to surfing. Thanks to SeaWorld and B&M, now you can. No ocean required.

— Chris Kraftchick
Operations Director
Assistant Regional Rep, Florida