Wearing Waterproofs On Wet Rides

Nemesis Nick · Wearing Waterproofs On Wet Rides

As some of you are probably aware, I normally wear a cagoule and pair of leggings to avoid getting wet on log flumes and other wet rides, in order to avoid getting wet. Even on sunny days in the middle of summer!

One day last June, I was at Flambards. It was a lovely sunny day, and as I was about to go on their log flume, I put on my cagoule and leggings. A woman saw me, burst out laughing and said "That's cheating"!

Some people buy those disposable ponchos from a vending machine to go on a log flume (or similar) you may know the ones I mean (LITE MAC).

I've since mentioned this to another Club member, who agreed it's cheating to wear rain gear or a disposable poncho (from a vending machine) on a log flume (or similar) to avoid getting wet. Some even say the whole point of going on a log flume or similar is to get wet.

During SAW-Ted:The Trip at Thorpe Park last Saturday, I donned my cagoule and leggings to avoid getting wet whilst having two goes on Tidal Wave. A sign clearly says "You will get very wet on this ride". That may be fine if it's a really hot sunny day in July or August, but not late March. I know it was sunny last Saturday at Thorpe Park, and mild, but still cold compared to mid to high 20s we've sometimes had in recent years in high summer.

Is it cheating to wear rain gear or disposable ponchos on log flumes or other wet rides (e.g. Valhalla at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Rumba Rapids at Thorpe Park)? Cast your vote here. Air your points of view here.

So, the debate begins.

Coaster Toaster

It is cheating as the point of a wet ride is to get wet lol its part of the experience.

I personally dont really like water rides but ill do them if im in the mood for them.
As for getting a tad damp its all good fun as your not the only one whos wet so you dont look silly.

Coaster Police

Yes it's cheating, and in my opinion takes away half the enjoyment factor of the ride.

Case Study (and i'm sorry Nick if the detail isn't to a high standard)
========

Several years ago I made it my mission to sit on every seat of every ride at Alton Towers. This took an annual pass, alot of free time and a certain amount of dedication.

But to my point.... I allocated 2 half days over a weekend to do the River Rapids. The staff knew what I was up to and were very helpful in letting me wait on the platform and pick a boat I have not had (they are all numbered) so I managed to get a continual session doing this, and following one ride, waited for the next required boat to turn up, then got in it. In total there are over 30 boats (and usually anywhere above 25 in circulation at once).... BECAUSE I knew i was allocating the weekend to the rapids, I took my Gore-Tex waterproofs. And yes, they kept me dry, but I found myself sitting there wanting to get wet because I had them, and true to sods-law, i didn't.

Because I found myself not caring if i got wet or not, the whole point in the ride was removed, and it was just another ride, thus, as far as I am concerned, the point of a wet ride is to get wet. It's the uncertaintly, the waiting, the knowing you may get splashed, or drenched.... remove that, you've taken all the fun out of it.

So there you go. (I have to go for beer soon, and people's eyes probably hurt from the length of forum posts already today Laughing

so I will shut up now.

Smile

M

Death · Re: Wearing Waterproofs On Wet Rides

stevencaine

yes its cheating the whole point is too get wet

nemesis scribe

Rogue

It was true though, you didn't get wet Laughing

You got soaked instead Very Happy

stealth fan

Definatley cheating.
I do enjoy wet rides, and after all, it's only water, and, errrr, maybe the old chemical here and there Laughing

It does depend on weather sometimes though. Rides like Tidal Wave and Valhalla need a warm day really, but Log Flumes and Rapids I class as year round water rides.

c anderson

On a cold day I would never ride Vallhala as you just drown and freeze afterwards. On the USA trip when it is hot then into every water ride is a must.

USfriends

Ultimately it is up to each rider to decide what experience they want to get from the ride. If Nick wants to wear his "gear" or I want a poncho next time I get to Valhalla---we should be entitled because it's our fun to be "spoiled". In fact, I may splurge on a pair of goggles for the hot days when I can be talked onto a water ride because I worry about losing my contacts....

-Lisa (Pete probably has a very different opinion on this--who knows?!)

Paul H.

During the Koaster Krazy trip in 2008 a number of us got absoulutely drenched doing the wet rides in Hershey Park and despite the really high temperatures I did not get dry before we needed to leave the park so I changed into some dry clothes putting the wet ones in a plastic bag. When I got to the hotel I opened the bag and it stank of stagnant water which shows the problem with wet rides is that they do not use fresh drinking water but recycled water!

It can't be too healthy if you manage to get any in your mouth.

Anyway my point is...if it hot, ride the rides

If it is cold...go to the bar...beer is much better, and before anybody says it, I know there is water in beer but at least it is clean

drsarf

I guess it is cheating but I also find part of the fun is trying to keep dry. Not voted yet :\undecided.

bluea61

I think half the fun, as has been said, is trying not to get wet whilst riding. If you've got a poncho on it kinda spoils that for me. I think the fun is being able to laugh at people when they get wet and be laughed at when its you who gets wet!!

frosty

[quote="Paul H."]During the Koaster Krazy trip in 2008 a number of us got absoulutely drenched doing the wet rides in Hershey Park and despite the really high temperatures I did not get dry before we needed to leave the park/quote]
I thought that in the high temparatures we would dry very quickly, but that was not the case. 3 hours later I was still wet and had to consider storing my camera in my pockets!

Wearing Waterproofs On Wet Rides

Re: Wearing Waterproofs On Wet Rides