The South Coast, with its sub-tropical weather, doesn’t really have a winter, which makes it the perfect all year-round holiday destination. And what’s more, the breathtakingly beautiful coastline with its vistas of Indian Ocean waves crashing onto long, unspoilt white beaches, is also home to Sun International’s only beachfront resort – the Wild Coast Sun.
A coastal holiday is about making a big splash and heading down to the water’s edge in swimming costumes, with towels in hand. Wild Coast Sun has many water activities, but none are as much fun as the Wild Waves Water Park that is open free to guests staying in the hotel. The water park welcomes all age groups with rides and pools for adults, children and toddlers. From adrenalin junkies to moderate thrill seekers, and those that like to gently cruise down the Lazy River or lounge around with a book (massages are even an option) – there really is something for everyone.
The 10000-m² water adventure park boasts six rides, plus has the Lazy River ride that snakes through the playground and a Kid’s Zone for small children. The rides in accordance to elevated heart rate are:
- Extreme – Aqua Loop and Boomerango.
- Moderate – Superbowl, Body Slides (two classic super tube rides) and the Mat Racer.
- Tame – The Lazy River and Kids Zone (for all ages)
A day at Wild Waves Water Park will easily see you rack up over 5,000 steps on your fitness watch with climbing all the stairs, running around the park, and splashing about in the water. When you are done swimming or want to escape the sun for a bit, there is a Spur on the Go and Surf Shack Bar for the hungry and thirsty as well as the Mangwanani Africa Kids Spa and The Surf Shack Shop.
Because the South Coast has an endless summer, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice as to when to book their stays. December and actual summer months are great but let’s not forget that April to October is also a fantastic time to visit as the humidity drops. For those planning to fit in a trip for the upcoming March school holidays or the Easter long weekend, Wild Coast Sun is a must. Wild Waves Water Park tips:
- All you need for a day of fun is sunblock and towels, bring your own or rent.
- Wild Coast Sun is going cashless and has started implementing this at the water park, because money and water don’t mix well.
- Lockers are available for you to keep your belongings safe.
- Get there early to secure your spot under a thatched umbrella – the park opens at 10h00.
- Don’t assume overcast days will be miserable, the park is less busy and queues for rides a breeze – only thunder and lightning closes down the park.
Ride descriptions
For the adrenalin junkies, begin with the innovative Boomerango, a two-person tube ride that, about 90-steps up, starts out tame with high-banking turns that rock you side to side before suddenly plunging you down a heart-pounding 17m drop – this is where you hear you and your partner scream for your lives.
The drop propels you up a near-vertical wall, which you are convinced you will overshoot (but obviously don’t), slowing to a stop before heading backwards, over a 2m hump, feeling a weightless surge before splashing into the pool.
Tip, sit up high on your tube to protect your bottom on the landing from the sudden descend.
Now that you have built up some courage, dare the Aqua Loop which is sure to take your breath away. You step into a capsule with a floor that disappears beneath you, were you plummet nearly 17m straight down, then arch upwards into a near virtual loop while G-forces pin you to the side as you slide up, over, and then down again before crashing into the splashdown lane. You’ll never ride another waterslide like it.
Tip, block your nose so you don’t get water up the wrong way because this ride is fast. Those brave enough to keep your eyes open, will feel water jets spray you in your face on your way down.
For those that prefer moderate rides, jump onto a single tube and go down the Superbowl, which imitates water going down a plug. The ride starts with some bends, releases you into the middle of an open ‘bowl’ where you whirl around and around towards the centre, before being ‘sucked’ down a final shoot into the splashdown pool below.
At the far corner of the park, two classic speed Body Slides provide the ecstasies of many twists and turns to make your tummy tickle – they are crowd-pleasing favourites delivering an ideal blend of excitement and fun for every age and adventure level.
You sit up in the blue open air super tube for the thrills of sliding through the curves of the ride, while you lie down in the orange closed super tube which catapults you down at a faster rate.
Tip, if you race down, the orange one is faster so whomever is going on the blue needs a few seconds head start.
For the competitive, the Mat Racer slide has three lanes – grab at mat, lie face down and race over the humps to the splashdown pool at the bottom.
Tip, push off with your feet for a faster start off.
As the name suggests, the Lazy River is tube ride that breezily takes you around the park and is suitable for all ages – grandparents and little ones included.
And the little ones will certainly not feel left out because they have their own Kids Zone water park complete with mini super tubes, slides and fountains, which will have them entertained, safely, for hours.
Wild Waves Water Park facilities include:
- A range of water rides and slides
- Change rooms and bathrooms
- Restaurants: Spur on the Go and Surf Shack Bar
- Mangwanani Africa Kids Spa
- Shops: The Surf Shack Shop
Lockers, umbrellas, towels and life jackets are also available for hire.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
