‘Big Wave Racer’ hits Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

JACKSON — Six Flags Hurricane Harbor marks the official first day of summer by celebrating the grand opening of its newest slide complex, Big Wave Racer, in support of New Jersey’s “Stronger Than the Storm” campaign. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to aid in the rebuilding of area businesses impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

The ride’s grand opening celebration kicked off at 11 a.m. Mayors, town officials and families representing six shore towns impacted by Hurricane Sandy―Belmar, Lavallette, Keyport, Point Pleasant, Sea Bright and Union Beach―will take to the slides in a friendly competition. All six towns received a donation of $1,000 dollars, with another $1,000 donation being awarded during the competition. Families will also receive a Six Flags prize package.

“This is our way of helping to get the word out that the Jersey Shore is back in business,” said John Fitzgerald, park president.

“Partnering with Six Flags Great Adventure to get the word out that they, too, are indeed open for business is a great thing,” said Robert Hilton, executive director for the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Funding has been quite tight since the storm. All donations help us run the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, which continues to promote the businesses that are open in our region.”

Big Wave Racer sends riders barreling head-first down six lanes on aero-dynamically-designed water toboggans. After climbing four stories, they rocket down twisting, enclosed tubes and upon seeing daylight, plunge down several steep drops stretching 1,800 feet before crossing the finish line.

“Big Wave Racer is a thrilling experience that allows you to plummet face first, which is what our guests have been asking for,” Fitzgerald said. “It complements our already incredible portfolio of slides and demonstrates our commitment to our guests by delivering the best water park experience in the Northeast.”

Big Wave Racer is the eighth slide complex at Hurricane Harbor, pushing the number of thrill slides to more than 25. A new beach and dozens of lounge chairs were added to the area surrounding the new slide complex. The elaborately-themed, 45-acre park also features a million-gallon wave pool, a half-mile lazy river and a large children’s water playground.

For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharbornj.