Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa has officially opened a massive new attraction called Riptide, a 10-story waterslide that park officials say is now the tallest waterslide in Arizona and throughout the Southwest.
The new attraction debuted with a special preview event on May 15, where hundreds of students from schools across Arizona were invited to test the ride before the park opened it to the public the following day. Officials described the event as a “soft opening” designed to introduce guests to the new thrill ride ahead of the busy summer season.
Riptide towers nearly 10 stories high and features a steep 65-foot drop filled with twists, loops, and high-speed turns. Riders accelerate to speeds of approximately 45 miles per hour before being launched up a nearly vertical wall and then sent plunging back downward.
According to Tony Jones, director of marketing for Golfland Sunsplash, the slide’s height alone has already intimidated some visitors before they even step onto the raft. Jones joked that several people have experienced the “walk of shame” after climbing to the top and realizing just how high the ride actually is.
Jones said Golfland employees were allowed to participate in early testing sessions before the public preview event. He described the ride as extremely fast and exciting, saying the experience delivers both speed and a powerful adrenaline rush.
The attraction is designed for groups of two to four riders traveling together on a raft. Park officials said riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. The ride also includes combined weight restrictions requiring rafts to carry at least 200 pounds but no more than 700 pounds total.
Students who previewed the attraction gave mixed reactions after riding it. According to Jones, some guests immediately declared they would never ride it again because of how intense it felt, while others called it the best waterslide they had ever experienced.
Golfland Sunsplash officials believe Riptide will become one of the park’s signature attractions as Arizona temperatures continue climbing into triple digits heading into summer. The park, located in Mesa, has long been one of the Valley’s most popular seasonal water destinations.
Riptide officially opened to the public on May 16, allowing visitors throughout Arizona to experience the towering new waterslide for themselves during the 2026 summer season.
Source: Fox10 Phoenix
