New Water Ride at Carowinds Set to Break Records

A highly anticipated water ride that’s expected to set several world records is generating buzz among theme park enthusiasts. Carowinds, located on the North and South Carolina border in Charlotte, has unveiled plans for Rip Rollin’ Falls, which is set to open in 2027. This new attraction will replace the older Rip Rollin’ Rapids, which closed its doors back in 2019.

The park has revealed that this new ride will feature a dramatic 100-foot drop, which would make it the tallest drop of any water ride or log flume in the world. Along with this, the ride will have what is touted as the tallest reverse drop and the tallest reverse camelback drop in water ride history.

Riders will board an eight-person boat and traverse through a themed environment that resembles an abandoned sawmill. They can expect a wild experience filled with multiple drops and twists along the way.

One of the ride’s standout features includes a catapult effect, sending passengers backwards down a 42-foot drop before culminating in that high-speed final descent. The ride will span over 2,240 feet of track and will reach thrilling speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.

Carowinds also mentioned that the attraction would incorporate two high-speed reverse switches, allowing for a unique experience where riders will travel both forwards and backwards during their journey. The narrative behind the ride draws inspiration from a historic logging operation in the Carolina forests, where local folklore suggests that strange happenings still occur long after the mill closed.

The design aims to attract a diverse audience, with height restrictions set at a minimum of 35 inches for younger riders accompanied by an adult and 41 inches for solo riders. Excitement surrounding this new attraction has quickly spread online, especially among fans of roller coasters and water rides.

One Reddit user expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “This is amazing. Carowinds really needed more water features.” Others commented on the thrill factor, with one noting that it would be quite an experience to fall backward on a camelback drop in the middle of a log flume.

Many fans even mentioned that this ride alone could be a compelling reason to visit the park. One user from Canada remarked, “I might have to travel just for this. I love water rides!”

However, not everyone’s entirely convinced. Some have voiced concerns about whether the height of the ride might be daunting for younger guests. Rip Rollin’ Falls is scheduled to debut during the 2027 season, and further updates are expected from Carowinds.