Splashing out in a big wave! (From Western Telegraph)

Splashing out in a big wave!

WALES premier theme park - Oakwood - is this week launching a new £1.7 million wet n wild white-knuckle water ride, the first of its type in Europe.

Hydro - or Waters Revenge - is being billed as the tallest, steepest, wettest water ride in Europe and it looks certain to create a big splash when it opens this Saturday.

The white-water ride is 40 feet taller than Oakwoods award-winning wooden rollercoaster Megafobia and just 34 feet shorter than Niagara Falls at its lowest point!

Riders are winched 121 foot high in a 24 seater boat, which - when released - accelerates around a 180 degree descending curve at a G-force of four.

The boat drops 111 feet down a near vertical chute at about 50 mph into a one million gallon plunge pool, creating a wave 45 feet tall at top speed - higher than a stack of ten cars.

The Hydro experience lasts two-and-a-half minutes and it is expected that up to 600 people per hour will be able to enjoy the voyage of discovery.

Said Oakwood managing director Paddy McNamara: Have you ever wondered what it is like to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Now you can find out at Oakwood!

Hydro is built by a Swiss ride manufacturer and there is a special observation bridge in front of the wave formation for spectators photo opportunities!