Stormforce 10 is a ride that recreates the story of a lifeboat rescue, launched in association with the RNLI. The ride is located at Drayton Manor Resort near Tamworth, Staffordshire, England.[1] The height and age restrictions are; 1.3m and 14+ to ride alone.[2]

Stormforce 10
Drayton Manor Resort
AreaAdventure Cove
StatusOperating
Cost£3,000,000
Opening date29 April 1999
ReplacedLog Flume
General statistics
TypeGrand Flume
ManufacturerBEAR GmbH
DesignerFarmer Studios
Lift systemThree conveyer lift hills
Height54 ft (16 m)
Length1,700 m (5,600 ft)
Speed65 km/h (40 mph)
Duration7 minutes
Restraint styleGrabrails
Height restriction130 cm (4 ft 3 in)

Following the Splash Canyon incident in 2017; more CCTV cameras, a new PA system, increased height and mandatory age restrictions were implemented. There is also a member of staff now permanently placed at the bottom of the second lift hill to ensure riders are following safety rules and not using recording equipment.

Ride experience

edit

The ride begins with the boat being sent into the launch area where a canopy closes behind. An animatronic lifeguard to the left of the boat shines a torch in his eyes and says "Hold on tight now! Here ya go!" as the boat tilts upwards. He will then push a lever which then sends the boat 10 ft into the water below, slightly soaking those in the front. (As of 2021 the canopy and animatronic lifeguard no longer work.) The boat then goes around a waterfall-like structure before climbing 9m up the next hill. At the top, the boat is placed on a turntable that sends it in to a backwards drop segment, which is notorious for drenching riders. The boat goes around a second turntable which turns the ride forwards again, and then goes through a themed tunnel before going back outside where the boat climbs a 60-foot hill. At the top, riders are given views of the whole park, before turning towards the lake where the final and largest drop occurs. The drop itself is a doubledrop, offering airtime and it gives a large splash then slowly climbs the last hill back into the station.

References

edit
  1. ^ Picksley, Dominic (31 May 2023). "New flume making a huge Splash at Drayton Manor's Thomas Land". Hull Live. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  2. ^ Drayton Manor. "Attraction Details". Drayton Manor. Retrieved 1 February 2024.