- "A Six Flags-innovated ride, the Congo Rapids takes guests on a white-water rafting adventure deep in the heart of the African jungle."
- ―Plaque[src]
Roaring Rapids (formerly Congo Rapids from 1991-2024) is an African-themed white water rapids ride located in Adventure Seaport at Six Flags Great Adventure. It opened in June 1981, and was manufactured by Intamin AG.
The ride was patterned after a man-made kayak slalom course built at Augsburg, Germany for the 1972 Summer Olympics. It was the second Intamin river rapids ride to be introduced at a Six Flags theme park following the original, Thunder River at AstroWorld.
History[]
Roaring Rapids (1981–1990)[]
On April 9, 1981, Six Flags Great Adventure announced Roaring Rapids, a $5 million whitewater rafting ride. The ride was announced at a presentation by whitewater kayak champions Eric Evans and Cathy Hearn. At the presentation, a film combined with tales from Evans and Hearn, gave the media their first impressions of what the ride would be like. Both kayakers endorsed the ride, saying that "the nearest thing to the actual whitewater river experience without traveling without traveling to shoot the rapids in Colorado or Utah." The ride opened in June 1981.
After Roaring Rapids's first season, many guests complained that it didn't actually get them very wet. In response to this, park spokesperson Robert Williams said, "This year, we intend to get everybody in the boat wet." The park spent a few hundred thousand dollars on improvements to the ride, which included new geysers in a tunnel that would ensure everyone gets wet.
In 1988, more changes were made to improve ride safety, including the addition of the attendant block advance buttons on the docks and life rings along the river.
Congo Rapids (1991–2024)[]
Roaring Rapids closed in 1990, to accommodate construction of Adventure Rivers. It reopened in 1991 as Congo Rapids, tying it into the theme of the new land as part of the Africa area.
Roaring Rapids 2.0 (2024-present)[]
In March 2024, it was announced Congo Rapids was returning to its original name for the park's 50th anniversary.[1]
Ride experience[]
The rafts are wet once you step in them; so watch out for your shoes. The ride takes you thru a river with themed scenery. There are sprinklers that spray on you. Depending on where you sit, you'll either get a little wet or very wet.
Gallery[]
To be added
References[]
See also[]
External links[]
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