Following the recent opening of Georgia Gold Rusher at Six Flags Over Georgia, there was a lot of chatter online about the new attraction – but especially in things we’ve posted on social media – we kept seeing a similar comment – not “it doesn’t spin.” – though seriously, the DO seats rotate – but rather something along the lines of “It’s the same coaster as Aquaman at Six Flags Over Texas.” It takes everything in our coaster loving nerdy hearts to keep from responding, “WRONG.”
In reality – there multiple notable differences between the two coasters that make them their own unique rides and experiences.
At first, it makes a lot sense to the untrained eye as to why they could be the same.
The rides are roller coasters. Yes, yes they are. They emerged from the same patent. Yes, you read that correctly, US patent #US5860364A, invented by former Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags Over Texas General Manager Errol McKoy, was the baseline for both attractions (though the technologies have been updated since McKoy first filed the patent in the late 1990s.) Both feature track that is roughly shaped like a half pipe. Yes, also valid. Water is involved. Yes, sure. Both coasters opened after a year-plus delay. We’re not going to talk about that one…
However, that’s where the similarities end. Here’s how Aquaman: Power Wave & Georgia Gold Rusher are indeed “not the same” roller coaster.
The Manufacturer & Model
At the most basic level, Aquaman: Power Wave and Georgia Gold Rusher are roller coasters made by different manufacturers. Aquaman is a “PowerSplash” model manufactured by German firm MACK Rides – one of a handful (five currently operating as of this writing) of the model produced by the company. Georgia Gold Rusher, on the other hand, was an “Ultra Surf” manufactured by Liechtenstein-based Intamin Amusement Rides – and is the first (and only!) roller coaster of its type in the world. This model might have inspired the coaster’s first name, “Georgia Surfer,” which was later scrapped in favor of “Georgia Gold Rusher.”
The Stats & Ride Experience
While both Aquaman and Georgia Goldrusher feature a “U-Shaped Shuttle” layout with an added “airtime hill” on one side of the station, the ride statistics are slightly different. They say “everything is bigger in Texas,” and this rings true for these two coasters. Aquaman: Power Wave features a track that is 118.7′ longer (708.7′ vs. 590′), has a maximum height 2.3′ taller (146.3′ v. 144′) , and a top speed that is 2.1 mph faster (62.1 mph v. 60 mph) than Georgia Gold Rusher.”
That said, while its track may be shorter by pure track length, there is a chance that Georgia Gold Rusher covers more ground than its Texas-sized predecessor. Gold Rusher takes on both of its twin spires twice, while riders on Aquaman: Power Wave only go up and down three times total.
The Trains
Perhaps the biggest difference in these two attractions are the roller coaster trains. Georgia Gold Rusher’s ride vehicle – an open-air 20-seat “hydraulic excavator,” according to Six Flags lore – features two rotating 10-seat “pods” where riders are arranged in a circle, facing outward. Based on initial rides, to say that the seats “spin” might be a bit of an overstatement – however, they are definitely “free-spinning,” dependent on weight distribution in each seating “pod.” The spinning is not intense, but more of a gentle rotation like one would find on a “Giant Frisbee” or similar style flat ride.
Aquaman: Power Wave’s trains could be described as more “conventional” trains, but resemble “shoot the chutes” rafts more than actual roller coaster trains. Like Georgia Gold Rusher, Aquaman’s trains also seat 20 guests, however, they are arranged in five rows of four, enclosed. Aquaman: Power Wave also features a second ride vehicle on its track made possible by a turntable loading system, increasing the ride’s theoretical hourly ride capacity.
The Water Feature
Another notable difference between Georgia Gold Rusher and Aquaman: Power Wave is the use of water inside the attraction. Georgia Gold Rusher’s water features – fountains and a pool – are largely decoration. The fountains are triggered when the coaster train passes by, making for an exciting visual for those looking on, but unless it’s an incredibly windy day, riders will not get wet.
True to its superhero namesake, water has a much stronger presence for Aquaman – whose grand finale is a reverse climb up a 148′ tower, and a drenching splash down in the rapidly filled reservoir below. (Curious how that water feature works and you’re able to cross that section of track once while dry and once via splash down? Coaster101 has you covered with this 2019 article!) The water serves as natural brake, and the train makes a slow return to the turnable/station following the splash.
So, as you can see, as much as people want to believe it, Georgia Gold Rusher and Aquaman: Power Wave are not actually the exact same roller coaster. They’re both fun coasters that fill a compact footprint at their respective parks, but they are definitely unique in their own ways.
Don’t believe us? Take a ride on the coasters in the video below to see for yourself.
🍀 Who needs luck? Experience a gold rush this St. Patrick’s Day with the official on-ride POV for #GeorgiaGoldRusher.
Unlock unlimited thrills with a 2025 #SixFlagsOverGeorgia Silver Pass, available for just $49*, now with free parking!
Buy passes: https://t.co/62zzpwGFqI pic.twitter.com/EjtiIlerSi
— Six Flags Over Georgia (@sfovergeorgia) March 17, 2025
Be sure to head to the websites and social channels of the respective parks to learn more.
Six Flags Over Georgia: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram
Six Flags Over Texas: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram
(Now on to learn physics to explain to everyone else in the comment section why Georgia Gold Rusher’s trains don’t “spin” like people feel they should.)
Recent Discussion