Bahrain is set to become home to one of the fastest and most exciting waterparks in the region, and with rides that hurtle you down a 190-metre Masterblaster Rollercoaster there can only be one name for this new phenomenon – Wahooo!
The Wahooo! Waterpark will be making huge waves in more ways than one when it opens this summer as the main leisure attraction at Bahrain City Centre.
Not only is Wahooo! The Middle East’s first climate controlled indoor and outdoor waterpark, it is the region’s most imaginative aquatic playground covering 15,000 square metres on two-levels, with high octane rides and thrills promised both indoors and out.
As well as the afore mentioned Masterblaster Rollercoaster, there is plenty for adrenaline junkies to sample at Wahooo! The outdoor area features two major thrill rides – the first is a four-lane mat-racer slide, which shoots you down a 15-metre tall tower with a high-speed tube-enclosed descent.
The second – the highlight of the park – is a spectacular surfing machine, a wave producing sensation that can create a three metre high static, curling breaker. This state-of-the-art water sports pool will enable a perfect on-shore hang ten experience, and skilled users will be able to showcase their surfing talents, wowing the spectators and diners on the surrounding terraces.
But it’s not just thrill-seekers who will be well-catered for at Wahooo! The outdoor area also has a number of gentler slides, as well as smaller pools, and the surfing machine can also be set to slower speeds to provide the perfect platform for children and adults to practice bodyboarding.
For those not wanting any exertion at all, the outdoor area is a little slice of solar heaven, having been placed at the west end of the park to ensure long afternoons of sunshine.
Back under the roof, a large portion of which is translucent to allow for natural lighting, you can choose your personal level of aquatic activity. In addition to the frenetic Masterblaster ride, Wahooo! also features a giant U-shaped Sidewinder that plunges guests down one side and up the other in an oscillating up-and-down tube ride, gradually funnelling riders to the bottom.
Another pool recreates an indoor beach experience, generating waves nearly one metre high. Elsewhere, a huge tipping bucket dumps thousands of litres of water from above, while those who would prefer their water lapping softly underneath them, can float serenely down the lazy river.
Naturally adventurous children will immediately take to the multi-level rain fortress, complete with slides, and revel in both playing in the water fountains and squirting each other with cannons.
The ambience of Wahooo! is aimed at that of a modern four star tropical island resort, with the temperature in the indoor portion being kept at a constant 30 degrees centigrade. Separated by a wall of glass, both the indoor and outdoor areas will feature a mix of real and artificial sub-tropical plants to enhance the paradise theme, with the central focal point being a moored schooner.
The waterpark has been designed for guests to enjoy even if they have no intention of getting wet. Bridges and footpaths allow visitors, including those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs, to make a full circuit, and restaurant terraces and function rooms with panoramic views of the park’s attractions mean that those wanting to remain firmly on dry land can do so and still enjoy all the fun.
Wahooo! will provide a full range of amenities and services, including prayer rooms, and 5,700 car parking spaces for the anticipated crowds that will want to be a part of the island’s most exciting aquatic experience.
Every consideration has been taken into account. Forgotten your swimming goggles? Just pop into the Wave Pro retail store, a large outlet where swimming apparel and souvenir merchandise can be picked up. Left your towel at home? Towel hire is available from just outside the changing rooms. Want a permanent reminder of your fun day? Simply ask for your photo to be taken on one of the rides and slides, then collect it from the lobby area on your way home.
Even though the park is yet to open, the name of the waterpark is clearly an appropriate one. A recent competition launched in Bahrain asking people ‘What is Wahooo!?’ invited more than 6,000 entries, with many guessing the right answer.
The winner of the contest was Safa Jafar Salman who won gift vouchers worth BD 100 sponsored by Virgin Megastore at Bahrain City Centre.
