There has been much speculation and discussion on the topic of the world’s first surf coaster since its announcement, and now we finally have some answers. Coaster101 writers Shane and Mike were on the scene for Pipeline’s media day, and have some thoughts to share on this revolutionary new coaster model.
First things first, what are your initial impressions?
Shane: This is a ride experience unlike anything I’ve been on. The SeaWorld representatives were very adamant about this not being called a stand-up coaster, and after experiencing it I understand why. I wasn’t really prepared for how much of a difference the adjustable seats would be, but it’s an incredibly fun twist on the model and adds a lot of re-rideability.
Mike: This was an awesome take on a B&M stand-up coaster surf coaster! No seriously, I get why SeaWorld insists on this ride being called a “surf coaster”. It definitely is a one-of-a-kind experience. It basically removes everything I didn’t like about B&M stand-up coasters (the locked in seats and restraints), but still brings in all of the thrills. My first impression of the ride reminded me of Georgia Scorcher at Six Flags Over Georgia. The Scorcher is probably the best B&M stand-up coaster. Pipeline takes everything good about that ride and takes it up to the next level.
Let’s talk about those seats. What did they add to the ride? Were they comfortable?
Shane: For me, they provided a whole new type of airtime where you control when you get airtime. Yes, there are plenty of moments built to raise the seat and give that great floating sensation where your feet are off the ground, but you can jump whenever you want and give yourself a good pop. After the first few hills where I got to know how it worked, I started to stand up as the hills and twists were coming to add some extra inches to the airtime. It’s a crazy feeling having your feet off the ground during the airtime moments. As for comfort, the seat itself is comfortable, but the vest restraints were very hard on the shoulders. Hopefully as they get used more they will soften up.
Mike: The seats are definitely the highlight of the ride. Unlike B&M stand-up coasters, where the seats lock you into one standing position for the duration of the ride, the Pipeline seats give you a ~6-8 inch range of movement up and down from how you are initially standing. The result is that even the slightest element can end up lifting your seat and give you unexpected airtime. This also lets you control how much airtime you get during the ride, as Shane mentioned above. If you’re not a fan of airtime, you can drop your weight onto the seat to minimize how much airtime you get. If you’re a fan of airtime like me, you can jump into each element to give you enough pop to be able to kick your legs as you float back down. It’s an amazing experience.
As far as comfort goes, the seats are absolutely comfortable. With typical B&M stand-up coasters, I learned to slightly squat before the seats were locked in to give myself an inch or two of space while standing, lest I want to have the seats riding my crotch for the duration of the ride. Pipeline’s dynamic seats eliminate the need to do that. I also had no issues with the vest restraints. They certainly were more comfortable than the headbanging experience of the restraints on B&M stand-up coasters.
Is there a standout element on the ride?
Shane: We were only able to ride it once, so it’s tough to judge just yet, but besides the launched bunny hill, I would say the large twisted hill after the first overbank and before the inversion was my favorite. Since Pipeline is a launch coaster, there’s no traditional drop, but this hill gave the strongest airtime on the ride and served as a pretty great drop.
Mike: The launch was actually the most standout element of the ride for me. It was an experience completely unique to me, being the first launched stand-up surf coaster. The little bunny hill immediately after the launch gives you a pop of airtime and gives you a preview of what to expect during the rest of the ride. The airtime from the large twisted hill definitely is notable, though.
What was the theming like?
Shane: I would say it’s about on par with other SeaWorld coasters like Mako or Cheetah Hunt, but not on the level of Cobra’s Curse or Verbolten. I like the sandy beach area that the coaster is in, and there are some fun surfing references in the station and the area. The trains are incredible and really eye-catching, they make the ride stand out against the other coasters in the park with similar color schemes. There is a fountain/splashdown section that I really like, and adds a lot to the ride area.
Mike: It gives me a California beach/boardwalk vibe similar to The Boardwalk at Knott’s Berry Farm. Surf rock blasting from the speakers across the area adds to the beach ambience. The reopening of the walking path previously used for seasonal events gives plenty of intimate viewing opportunities for onlookers. There isn’t a lot of shade, so it can get hot pretty fast, especially during Florida summers. Thankfully, Flamecraft Bar is right around the corner for guests to grab a nice, cold beverage before riding. The ride gift shop also has a couple of Coke Freestyle machines next to it, so there are plenty of options for guests to stay cool.
Does this coaster help back SeaWorld’s claim as the Coaster Capital of Orlando?
Shane: I think so, it definitely provides a unique experience to the park while still using aspects already present at SeaWorld like B&M design, a launch, and a mid-range family appeal. I would like them to add one more truly thrilling standout to definitively claim that title, something like a Mack extreme spinner or a Gerstlauer dive/infinity coaster would be a great fit.
Mike: It definitely adds to the variety of coasters that SeaWorld Orlando offers. While none of the rides offer top-tier thrills like Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure, the park certainly has rides which rank amongst my favorite of their types. You have my second favorite flying coaster (after Tatsu) in Manta, one of my top-5 hypercoasters (Mako), my favorite floorless coaster (Kraken), one of my favorite Impulse-style launch coasters (Icebreaker), and my favorite stand-up surf coaster (Pipeline). The only thing missing from the park’s lineup is a good family coaster. My eight year old son has outgrown Super Grover’s Box Car Derby, and Icebreaker is a bit too intimidating for him. Who knows? Maybe SeaWorld has something up their sleeves in the near future…
Overall, was this a good addition for SeaWorld Orlando?
Shane: Absolutely. Like I said before, it fills out SeaWorld’s lineup while still being true to what park goers are used to, and the unique design will make this a must-ride for enthusiasts visiting Orlando. I can’t wait to get on again throughout the summer.
Mike: Of course! It adds a nice aesthetic as you walk towards the entrance of the park, and is located in a great area. Plus opening that section of the park again gives better access to Icebreaker and completes a circle of awesome coasters. It’s uniqueness will help draw lots of coaster enthusiasts to the park.
Pipeline opens to the public on May 27th. Pass member previews have been ongoing since May 12th. Have you gotten the chance yet to ride Pipeline? Feel free to let us know your thoughts!
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