WhiteWater’s Mat Blaster waterslide and its Smart Blast energy-saving technology for waterparks were recently recognized with International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA’s) Brass Ring Awards in the waterpark ride/attractions and technology categories.
The Mat Blaster combines mat racing with the thrill of an uphill water coaster. On the initial drop, riders plunge headfirst down a 4-m (13-ft) drop into a valley before climbing two hills that lead into a 360-degree loop.
“WhiteWater has been making the Master Blaster for decades, and now we’ve combined it with the engaging sensation of a mat ride to create a brand new attraction,” says Sean Hinton, WhiteWater’s president of waterparks and attractions division.
The first Mat Blaster has been in operation since June 2016 at Yinji Xinmi Waterpark in China.
The Smart Blast system is designed to save waterparks money when operating the Mat Blaster or
Master Blaster. These rides are traditionally powered by advanced water propulsion technology to propel riders up steep inclines and multiple twists and turns, which typically consumes a lot of power.
Smart Blast uses variable frequency drives (VFDs) and a proprietary control algorithm to dynamically adjust pump speeds while the ride is in operation. This reduces power consumption by only ramping up the motor speed when it is needed to drive riders uphill. It also reduces the wear and tear on the mechanical equipment and as the motor is not constantly running at a set speed.
