Loggers Leap

Loggers Leap was a log flume ride at Thorpe Park, UK. It was the tallest log flume in the UK. The ride permanently closed after the 2015 season.[1].

Loggers Leap
A log just after leaving the station
Thorpe Park Resort
AreaCanada Creek
Coordinates51.402173°N 0.51297°W / 51.402173; -0.51297
StatusClosed
Opening date1989 (1989)
Closing dateNovember 2015 (2015-11)
General statistics
TypeLog flume
ManufacturerMack Rides
Lift systemBelt lift
Height16 m (52 ft)
Length521 m (1,709 ft)
Speed32 km/h (20 mph)
Capacity1,200 riders per hour
Duration+/- 6 mins
G-force1.75
BoatsRiders are arranged in two rows (of 2 and 3 respectively) which totals 5 riders per boat.
Height Restriction1m & 1 – 1.3m must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
Virtual queue
Fastrack available

History

Logger's Leap opened in 1989 on the lake at the back of the park, along with a new themed area 'Canada Creek'. It was manufactured by Mack Rides. The attraction featured a 'country and Western' pop soundtrack including 5,6,7,8 by Steps, Cotton-Eyed Joe by Rednex, Southern Nights by Glen Campbell and 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.

The ride was the tallest log flume ride in the UK upon opening, although this was surpassed by "Nightmare Niagara" at American Adventure theme park near Derby. Following the closure of American Adventure, Loggers Leap regained its record.

The ride famously featured in press photographs of the Royal family with Princess Diana in 1993. A dedication plaque was erected next to the attraction following her death.

In 2013, the tunnel enclosing the first lift and drop was removed due to poor structural maintenance over time.

Loggers Leap did not open after the 2015 season and stood not operating. The park announced via social media that the ride was "under redevelopment". In February 2019, it was confirmed that Loggers Leap had permanently closed and ride parts were to be auctioned in May, however no auction ever took place.[2]

During Fright Nights 2019, the old station was used as the venue for a new scare maze, "Creek Freak Massacre". [3]

Ride experience

Riders queued up in one of five queues at the front of the station. Each Logger's Leap boat held up to five people - two in the front and three in the back.

Once the boat left the station it meandered towards a tunnel. The boat was then lifted up into the tunnel before descending the first drop in complete darkness. The boat exited the tunnel amongst woodland at the back of the park, where it crossed the main lake and made its way to the second lift hill. This hill, the biggest of the ride, featured a steep drop with a double dip. The boat descended the drop into a splashdown, then meandered back to the station across the edge of the lake.

Future

Thorpe Park initially claimed via social media that they're "hoping for it to make a splashback soon"[4], but since the closure have now stated that "situations can change and as plans develop they often move in different directions"[5].

The park also stated that "the area that Logger’s Leap once dominated will be forming part of our long term development plans."[6]

References
  1. Resort, THORPE PARK (20 February 2019). "It's with a heavy heart that we announce the time has come to say goodbye to a much loved ride here at Thorpe Park & what was the UK's tallest log flume, Logger's Leap. Fans of the ride will get the chance to own a piece of Logger's Leap memorabilia via an online auction in May.pic.twitter.com/N9cZyV79Kq". @THORPEPARK. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  2. Thorpe Park Mania (26 August 2017). "Princess Diana memorial plaque relocated into a newly planted out Loggers Leap boat in Old Town". @ThorpeParkMania. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNFP5VTW7oo
  4. Resort, THORPE PARK (9 January 2018). "Loggers is currently closed for redevelopment, we're hoping for it to make a splashback soon! #firstof2018". @THORPEPARK. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  5. "Will Loggers Leap be re-opening?". THORPE PARK Resort. An Island Like No Other. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  6. "Will Loggers Leap be re-opening?". THORPE PARK Resort. An Island Like No Other. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
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