What are the two types of water slides? | WM INTERNATIONAL Guide

2025-04-11
This article breaks down the two main types of water slides—body slides and tube slides—explaining their designs, uses, and safety considerations for water park professionals.

What Are the Two Types of Water Slides?

Water slides are a cornerstone of any water park, offering thrilling experiences for guests. Understanding the two primary types—body slides and tube slides—helps professionals optimize safety, design, and guest satisfaction.

1. Body Slides

  • Definition: Riders descend directly on their backs or stomachs without a tube.
  • Design Features:
    • Smooth, steep slopes for high-speed descents.
    • Often include open flumes or enclosed tunnels.
  • Common Variations:
    • Mat slides (riders use a small mat for reduced friction).
    • Freefall slides (near-vertical drops for extreme thrills).
  • Safety Considerations:
    • Strict rider height/weight limits to prevent injury.
    • Proper water flow to minimize friction burns.

Source: World Waterpark Association (WWA) Safety Guidelines

2. Tube Slides

  • Definition: Riders sit in inflatable tubes (single or multi-person).
  • Design Features:
    • Wider flumes to accommodate tubes.
    • Gentler curves compared to body slides.
  • Common Variations:
    • Family raft slides (large tubes for groups).
    • Bowl or funnel slides (spiral into a splash pool).
  • Safety Considerations:
    • Tube weight limits must be enforced.
    • Proper spacing between riders to avoid collisions.

Source: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Body Slides Tube Slides
Rider Position Direct contact with slide Seated in a tube
Speed Faster Slower, more controlled
Capacity Single rider Single or group

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right slide type depends on park demographics, space, and desired guest experience. Both body and tube slides offer unique advantages—combining them strategically enhances a water park’s appeal.

For expert water park solutions, trust WM INTERNATIONAL—your partner in innovative aquatic attractions.

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Our design team has rich project experience in planning, landscape, architecture, structure, equipment and other fields. The team members include many senior experts at home and abroad to ensure that each project can combine the latest technology and design concepts in the industry to provide the best solutions.

What are the main contents of water park planning and design services?

We provide a full range of water park planning and design services, including site analysis, theme setting, facility layout, visitor flow design, safety and environmental protection design, etc. Our goal is to create a safe and entertaining water park through scientific planning and creative design to enhance the visitor experience.

Does WM International provide post-operation and maintenance support for the water park?

Yes, we not only provide design and construction services, but also provide operation and maintenance support for the water park. We can provide equipment maintenance, regular inspections and optimization suggestions according to customer needs to ensure the long-term efficient and safe operation of the park.

How to start working with WM International for water park project design?

You can contact us through our official website contact form or call our customer service team directly. We will conduct initial communication based on your needs, arrange project surveys and analysis, develop personalized design plans, and provide detailed service processes and quotations.

How long does it usually take for WM International's water park design projects to be completed?

The project cycle varies depending on the project size, design complexity and customer needs. Generally speaking, the complete planning and design process usually takes 2-6 months. We will confirm the schedule with the customer at the beginning of the project and ensure that the design work is completed on time.

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