What is the difference between a water slide and a water coaster?

A water slide and a water coaster differ primarily in design, mechanics, and rider experience.

Traditional water slides pump water to the top. Then, the water carries people down to the bottom. The water reduces friction, allowing riders to slip quickly down the slide. Water slides often feature twists and turns that make them even more exciting. People may travel on a mat, a tube or nothing at all between them and the slide’s surface.

Water coasters add even more fun. They combine the wet fun of water slides with the thrills of roller coasters. In addition to descents, they also feature ascents. On water coasters, riders don’t usually slide directly on a surface. Instead, they travel in large, custom-made rafts. These often look like large tubes.

Water coasters use three different types of technology. Some are powered by high-speed conveyor belts. Others use water jets to force the raft along its path. The newest water coasters feature linear induction motors. These create special moving magnetic fields to cause motion and carry rafts through the ride.