INTERNATIONAL NEWS - Sliding through pools filled with sharks and dolphins, racing against your mates and getting the thrill of your life falling through a trap door, there is a water slide somewhere in the world to suit every water whim.
Some slides reach speeds of up to 65mph while others are water coasters that take us up as well as down in spectacular loop-the-loops.
With the summer sun shining and water on our minds, here are some of the biggest, fastest and finest water slides in the world.
DOLPHIN PLUNGE: Aquatica, Orlando, USA
The jewel in the crown of this SeaWorld water park in Orlando, Florida, features two side-by-side enclosed tubes that run through a pool of water before you reach the pool at the end. On its path you'll zoom by a pod of friendly black-and-white Commerson's Dolphins, who are renowned for their playfulness and aren't shy of having a race with you.
The jewel in the crown of this SeaWorld water park in Orlando, Florida, features two side-by-side enclosed tubes that run through a pool of water before you reach the pool at the end. On its path you'll zoom by a pod of friendly black-and-white Commerson's Dolphins, who are renowned for their playfulness and aren't shy of having a race with you.
JUMEIRAH SCEIRAH: Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai
This 395ft-long tandem slide begins with two guests crossing their arms and legs before a sudden 30ft drop through a trap door at a 70-degree angle. By the end of it, you're sliding at up to 50 miles per hour. It's all over in a matter of seconds but the bragging rights, given the racing element, can last a lifetime. A bonus for visitors is that after the 100ft climb to the top you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the entire park.
LEAP OF FAITH: Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Among nine very different slides at Atlantis, the Leap of Faith is by far the most exhilarating. It boasts a 60ft near-vertical drop from the top of a replica Mayan temple but that's not even the fun part. As the sliders speed down they go through a clear tube that goes through lagoon filled with a shiver of circling sharks.
Among nine very different slides at Atlantis, the Leap of Faith is by far the most exhilarating. It boasts a 60ft near-vertical drop from the top of a replica Mayan temple but that's not even the fun part. As the sliders speed down they go through a clear tube that goes through lagoon filled with a shiver of circling sharks.
ROYAL FLUSH: BSR Cable Park, in Waco, Texas
A viral video brought this slide to international acclaim - the tanned and toned young people starring no doubt didn't do it any harm. But the fact it has an exciting ski-jump like ending should impress as well. Unlike the video, proper paying visitors will have to don a lifejacket, and fair enough too given the height that can be achieved when sliding at speed.
Read more on the Daily Mail.
A viral video brought this slide to international acclaim - the tanned and toned young people starring no doubt didn't do it any harm. But the fact it has an exciting ski-jump like ending should impress as well. Unlike the video, proper paying visitors will have to don a lifejacket, and fair enough too given the height that can be achieved when sliding at speed.
Read more on the Daily Mail.
