WhiteWater Unveils Global Expansion at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025
During a press conference at IAAPA Expo Europe 2025, WhiteWater, the premier designer and manufacturer of water parks and attractions globally, revealed updates on its latest projects and products. These innovations, ranging from unique surf experiences to significant openings at resorts and cruise lines, highlight how WhiteWater is continually influencing the future of aquatic entertainment around the world.
Surf Destinations Growing Across the Globe
Surfing has been pivotal to WhiteWater’s expansion this year, with over four new Endless Surf projects announced. Paul Chutter, President of Endless Surf, reflected on this growth, stating: “It’s been an incredible year for us, with projects launching across three continents. What excites me most is how quickly surf is expanding, not only as a sport but as a lifestyle. Our technology is designed to meet that demand, giving operators the ability to deliver authentic, flexible, and scalable experiences that resonate with surfers everywhere.”
Upcoming inland surf pool projects powered by Endless Surf technology include:
- The Wave London
- The Point Surf Park in Fellsmere, Florida
- Shell Point Surf Club in Panama City Beach, Florida
- Cabo Real Surf Club, Mexico
FlowRider® has also had a successful year, with the Van der Valk Hotel Luxembourg-Arlon set to install a FlowSurf deep-flow river wave surf experience. Additionally, the Middle East will soon welcome the region’s first FlowRider Triple at Grand Hyatt Dubai later this year.
From Concept to Icon: The Projects That Defined 2025
The past year has demonstrated the transformative power of water-based attractions in turning resorts into full-scale destinations. Across Europe and the Middle East, numerous resorts have enhanced their offerings with aquatic amenities, including:
- Aqualantis at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort
- Grand Hyatt Dubai, UAE
- Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa in Jordan
However, the most ambitious development in the region occurred at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, where WhiteWater collaborated on an expansion that introduced 20 new attractions. Among these was the world’s first water ride—a Shoot the Chute—integrated into a water slide tower, merging storytelling and engineering to enhance the overall guest experience.
From Europe’s Tallest Slide to Global Firsts: A Look Ahead
Looking forward, WhiteWater continues to partner with leisure complexes and cruise lines to deliver next-generation attractions worldwide. In Drogheda, Ireland, Funtasia Theme Park will expand its Pirates Cove Waterpark with a Master Blaster and Parallel Pursuit, which are “highly anticipated by both our team and our guests,” according to Bernard McCormick, Director of Funtasia. “Adding rides to an existing indoor park is always a challenge, but that’s what makes this project exciting. Once complete, they’ll take Pirates Cove to the next level and give visitors even more reasons to return.”
In Belgium, the Sportoase swimming complex in Sint-Niklaas is set to open in February 2026, featuring Europe’s first water slide that combines interactive gaming with aquatic fun. Meanwhile, in Turkey, work is progressing at Land of Legends, where the water park is set to unveil a record-setting lineup of attractions, including what will be Europe’s tallest water slide upon completion.
On the seas, WhiteWater maintains close partnerships with leading cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship, Carnival Festivale, is scheduled to set sail in 2027, featuring six thrilling water slides and a splash pad. Concurrently, Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce the six-acre Great Tides Waterpark on its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, in 2026. With 19 slides and the Caribbean’s only four-person family raft ride, Great Tides is poised to redefine the private island experience.
New Products Making Their Global Debut
This year has been filled with firsts for WhiteWater, showcasing several innovations worldwide. At Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Tennessee, the debut of the Wall Runner introduced a new sensation to water slides: lateral drift. This ride employs two sweeping wall features that push rafts sideways while maintaining speed, providing riders with a controlled drift experience typically found on racetracks.
In Wisconsin Dells, the Covered Boomerango is set to open in 2026, revolutionising how indoor water parks utilise space. Its signature zero-G wall can now be enclosed and extended outside the building, allowing operators to save space while creating a striking visual icon that captures guests’ attention before they enter the park.
At Land of Legends in Turkey, the world’s first Helix Twist will debut next year. This ride combines thrill and optical illusion, utilising twisted geometry that builds anticipation from the moment guests see it, keeping riders guessing about its mechanics.
“We’ve always seen ourselves as partners, not just suppliers,” remarked Rainer Maelzer, President of WhiteWater ERA GmbH. “Every park has its own identity, and our job is to listen carefully and bring that to life. It’s in that collaboration that innovation happens. That’s the difference between delivering a slide and delivering an attraction that keeps guests coming back.”
Journalists can find more resources, including images related to this release, on the press page.
