Log flumes (colloquially known as "log rides") originally referred to a special construct used to transport lumber and logs down mountainous terrain to a sawmill by using flowing water. Today, however, the term is also used to refer to an amusement ride consisting of a water flume and artificial hollow logs or boats. Passengers sit in the logs, which are propelled along the flume by the flow of water.
The ride usually culminates with a rapid descent and splashdown into a body of water, and often more than one (normally the largest drop being just before the end). It provides people with an entertaining way to get wet and cool off on a hot summer day, with certain seating sections usually being splashed with more water for a more exciting and wet ride. Part of the excitement is the randomness of the water splashing onto riders.
Most log flumes require riders to be 36 inches or taller, not a very tall restriction due to the family-oriented nature of the attractions.
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History
The first log flume amusement ride is said to be the El Aserradero ("The Sawmill" in Spanish), built by amusement company Arrow Development (later known as Arrow Dynamics, and now part of S&S/Arrow) in 1963 at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas. The ride proved to be so popular, a second separate flume was opened in 1968. The designer, Bud Hurlbut, drew his inspiration from stories of lumberjacks riding logs down rivers. Another notable log flume is Splash Mountain at the Disney theme parks, based on characters in Song of the South. Log flumes are now a staple of many amusement parks.
Log flumes are a variant of the chutes rides that were popular in the United States in the early 20th Century, and that continue to be built today, usually called Shoot-the-Chutes. The chutes ride consists of a boat that slides down a long chute and splashes into a lake. The oldest existing ride of this type of is the Boat Chute, constructed in 1926 and 1927 located at Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park in Chattanooga Tennessee.[1]
Ride design
Some log flumes, such as Disney's Splash Mountain, consist of a single trough running in a continuous circuit through the middle of a show building with Audio-Animatronic scenes playing the left and right of the main flume.
Log flumes are generally out in the open. Enclosed flumes are sometimes referred to as river caves[dubious ] (such as the "Niagara Falls" flume ride in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Malaysia) to set them apart from typical log flumes. A notable exception is the "Log Chute" at Nickelodeon Universe.
To increase the probability of being soaked, the flume can be designed to be turbulent, or to run underneath waterfalls. Water cannons (typically coin-operated by passersby) aimed along the path are sometimes installed alongside the flume. Additionally, the exit path from the ride may cross over the flume, such that departing riders are drenched by the boat currently en route.
Partial list of log flume rides
See also
References
- ^ Lake Winnepesaukah. "The Boat Chute". http://www.lakewinnie.com/LWwebA/btcht.htm. Retrieved May 17, 2006.
- ^ Hersheypark Rides - Coal Cracker
- ^ a b Thrill Rides at Knoebels
- ^ Hersheypark Rides - Tidal Force
- ^ Thunder Creek Mountain - Dorney Park
- ^ Hersheypark Rides - Tiny Timbers
- ^ White Water Landing - Dorney Park
- ^ Rocky Hollow Log Ride (Dreamworld)
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