SeaWorld San Diego Opening 'Fastest Straddle Coaster On West Coast'

SAN DIEGO, CA — Arctic Rescue, the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast, is set to open Friday at SeaWorld San Diego.

Arctic Rescue takes riders on a chilly adventure as they race through the arctic climate to help animals in danger. The family-friendly multi-launch coaster features snowmobile-style seats that allow for an immersive ride experience across the track's turns and banks.

The Arctic-inspired coaster, which has a 48-inch height requirement, features three launches, each faster than the last, at 34, 38 and 40 miles per hour, according to the theme park. The coaster glides up heights as tall as 30 feet along the 2,800 feet of track.

"Arctic Rescue adds a new, family-friendly thrill to the park that we're sure guests will enjoy for years to come," said Jim Lake, park president of SeaWorld San Diego.

"We're excited to bring the tallest, longest straddle coaster on the West Coast to San Diego and provide new, lifelong family memories for our guests," he added. "With every innovation in the park, we push our mission forward of educating guests about marine mammals while providing them unique thrills and excitement they can’t find anywhere else."

SeaWorld San Diego partnered with nonprofit rescue and research facility Alaska SeaLife Center for the opening of Arctic Rescue, which is located alongside the Wild Arctic exhibit at SeaWorld.

Riders will learn more about Alaska's wildlife and the need for conservation as they wait to board the coaster. After the coaster, riders are encouraged to walk through the Wild Arctic exhibit to see ringed seals, beluga whales and walruses, including Mitik, a walrus that was rescued in 2012 off the coast of Alaska and rehabilitated by the Alaska SeaLife Center before finding a permanent home at SeaWorld.

"The Alaska SeaLife Center is excited to expand our partnership with SeaWorld. For many years, SeaWorld has been a devoted supporter of the Center's Wildlife Response program," said Tara L. Riemer, president and CEO of the Alaska SeaLife Center. "SeaWorld has assisted the center with incredible animal rescues including Mitik the walrus and Tyonek the beluga whale. This new collaboration will enhance our mission to share Arctic rescue and conservation stories with the public, especially SeaWorld San Diego visitors."