World’s largest waterslide will open in Kansas City

Next month, Schlitterbahn’s newest attraction will tower over Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, Golden Gate Bridge

By Zia Kelly

This summer, the Kansas City waterpark, Schlitterbahn, is unveiling an exciting new waterslide that will attract thrillseekers everywhere.

Schlitterbahn will be home to the world’s largest waterslide, Verrückt, which will open to the public on May 23. Named after the German word for “insane,” the ride is anticipated to be a major Kansas City attraction.

The 17-story engineering feat broke the world record for waterslide height. It stands two stories taller than the previous record holder, the Brazilian waterslide called the Kilimanjaro.

After a 264 step climb to the top of the structure, the four-seater ride takes daring riders on a downward plunge in near-vertical chute that is enclosed by a net.

If the initial drop isn’t heart-stopping enough, riders are taken up and down another five-story hill, that, while less steep, extends the excitement of the ride.