How steep are waterslides?

The simple rules are that the overall angle from top to bottom must not exceed 40 degrees. 35 degrees is more normal, 40 is a little steep. A drop slide can be as steep as 60 degrees at the top, but will need a much longer run out at the bottom to make the overall average angle stay within the 40 degree guideline.



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High-speed roller coasters are more dangerous than water slides. Children are more likely to be hurt in a Go-Kart than a water slide. Water rides account for 20% of amusement park and carnival injuries.

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Not to be morbid, and this isn't going to happen if you slightly exceed the weight limit, but if you go totally overboard the whole slide could break and you'll all get seriously injured or killed. A heavier group will keep more of their momentum through the turns and therefore more of their speed.

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Understanding slopes and gradients Less than 10% incline is considered slight and is the easiest to build on. Around 11-20% is considered moderate and gradients above 20% are considered “steep”.

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Around 11-20% is considered moderate and gradients above 20% are considered ?steep?.

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The Design of the Slides Water also plays a part in the design of the rides. Deeper water propels heavier riders along to keep them moving smoothly. Lighter riders get swept up in the water and go about the same speed as the water until they reach the bottom.

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Heavier people will have more friction force and may slide slower. If the slide is long enough, a heavier person's higher momentum may allow a higher average velocity. I remember when I was a little kid, I was so light that I couldn't even slide on some slides that the bigger kids had no problem with.

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But speed alone isn't what makes a ride exciting. Consider this: On the average waterslide, riders splash along at 20 to 30 miles per hour. But the average airplane flies 600 miles per hour.

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