Welcome to Theme Park Overload! Today the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk announced their replacement coaster for Hurricane, Undertow! This semi-unique spinning coaster shoots you through over 1400 feet of twisted yellow track! Check out the announcement video!
You'll board 4 person vehicles, both facing opposite directions. After climbing the 50 foot lift hill you'll be spun 360 degrees at 40 MPH! Check out some of the early renderings!
Now even though it won't be the "highlight" attraction of the year, this ride looks like a good fit for the Boardwalk. I was hoping for something with inversions (upside-down) but this fits in better with the Boardwalk's family friendly atmosphere.
I had the opportunity of speaking with the Assistant Regional Representative of ACE Northern California, Nicholas Laschkewitsch. The American Coaster Enthusiast group was treated to a sneak peak of the ride the day before it was announced to the General Public, along with a farewell celebration to the late Hurricane coaster (The coaster Undertow is replacing). He commented on both subjects.
“On August 26, 2012, the American Coaster Enthusiasts of Northern California held an event at the Boardwalk entitled “Farewell to the Hurricane”. The event included 1-hour of exclusive-ride-time, a lunch, and sneak peak at the Boardwalk’s new-for-2013 UNDERTOW! We found out all about the ride a day before the public announcement to not only the general public, but to their employees too. When the name was revealed to us along with the trailer, a thunderous applause erupted. It came as a surprise to most of us but some of the guesses our members had were pretty close or event spot on.
I personally think it will be a great addition to the Boardwalk as it will appeal to kids of all ages and sizes if they meet the height requirement. The ride also appears that it will be standing beautifully on the old Hurricane deck and will really look fantastic. The name UNDERTOW is also really awesome. I can’t wait to check this out in 2013!"
Thanks for that Nicholas. It looks like we'll be seeing more of this coaster very soon, with a projected opening date of Summer 2013! That's all for now from Theme Park Overload! Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with new rumors and announcements! www.Facebook.com/ThemeParkOverload My name's Nicholous, and thanks for reading!