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In the lead up to its opening on 12th December, management at the new Wet'n'Wild Sydney have released details of their 'The Surf Deck' wave machine.

The second, and largest, installation by Swimplex Aquatics of the Australian-developed Latitube standing surf wave simulator, The Surf Deck captures the rush, velocity and intensity of a barrelling wave.

While testing of the more than 40 slides, rides and attractions continues at the $120 million attraction, The Surf Deck is already getting acclaim for providing stand-up and bodyboard riders an unforgettable experience similar to heading down a giant ocean barrel in the safest possible environment without dangerous rips or drop-ins.

Unlike other simulators and wave pools, the Latitube pumps water through a self-draining ride surface to provide lift to the rider's board just like in the real surf.

Harnessing the energy of three 2,000 litres per second pumps, the Wet'n'Wild Sydney Latitube can change the shape and type of wave with a multitude of wave variations which cover abilities from five-year-olds upwards.

Wet'n'Wild Sydney General Manager Chris Warhurst expects that the pay per ride attraction will be a major boost for the waterpark, explaining "while we do have our wave pool, which is fantastic, The Surf Deck ramps up the thrills for wave riders and adds another dimension to our beach environment."

Warhurst paid tribute to The Latitube inventor Steve Kriticos, adding "Steve has worked on this design for the past five years at Swimplex's Coffs Harbour factory and has global patents.

"It's a great success story and their product is taking off around the world."

Commending Kriticos' invention, Warhurst continued "as an Australian company, we're proud to support an Australian entrepreneur with a product that was built, designed and manufactured in Australia."

Kriticos explained that the Latitube is suitable for any surfing ability, stating "it gives people a taste of the real thing ... (on the Latitube) a five-year-old kid can surf next to a surfing expert."

Swimplex Director Geoff Leaver commended Warhurst for having the vision to back the Australian developed surf wave simulator, stating "(when) he walked into our Coffs Harbour factory to see our prototype machine (he) instantly recognised its potential."

After a test ride on the Latitube Warhurst was sold and quickly concluded "I want this for our park".

Warhurst directed Kriticos to make fundamental changes to the Latitube that would make it a signature attraction to the park and the biggest and best standing wave simulator in the world, and the envy of all other parks.

As Leaver concludes "The Surf Deck achieves all of the expectations of the client. It will be Party Central."

Wet'n'Wild Sydney is also finalising installation of specialist sound and lighting equipment that will give the park an exciting 'After Dark' appeal. It means that on selected nights the park will remain open to 11pm allowing guests to enjoying a rocking good time complete with pulsing music and a light show designed by the same man who helped light up U2's spectacular concert performances for world tours.

Warhurst adds "Bruce Ramos is among the best creative directors anywhere and he will bring his magic to Wet'n'Wild Sydney. It will truly be a different park after dark and we think our guests will love it."

As part of the transformation special lighting and sound will be attached to tubes and structures to light up the park and complement the specially selected soundtrack to create a venue like no other.

Wet'n'Wild Sydney opens on 12th December.

Click here to contact Swimplex Aquatics via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

Images: The first LatiTube at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (top) and media interview Steve Kriticos at Wet'n'Wild Sydney.

3rd November 2013 - WET’N'WILD SYDNEY ANNOUNCES 12TH DECEMBER OPENING

26th September 2013 - SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE PRAISED BY OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST

19th June 2013 - WHITEWATER ANNOUNCES TWO MAJOR WATERSLIDE ATTRACTIONS FOR WET’N'WILD SYDNEY

17th June 2013 - SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE FINALLY OPENS

26th April 2013 - STAFF TRAINING BEGINS AT SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE’S LATITUBE SURF SIMULATOR

6th April 2011 - STANDING SURF WAVE SIMULATOR A REALITY

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