WhiteWater’s IAAPA Expo 2024 Highlights: ISO 14001 Certification and Major Projects

Exciting Highlights from IAAPA Expo 2024

Orlando, FL – WhiteWater’s press conference at IAAPA Expo 2024 was a vibrant showcase of new initiatives, exhilarating products, and significant milestones. The company proudly announced its ISO 14001 certification, provided updates on key projects, shared insights into emerging trends, and celebrated CEO Geoff Chutter’s induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame.

ISO 14001 Certification and Impact Report

WhiteWater is thrilled to announce that it has achieved ISO 14001 certification, an internationally acknowledged standard for environmental management systems. This certification assures partners and clients that WhiteWater is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint. The current scope includes managing environmental risks linked to product development and design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, logistics, installation, and servicing from the head office, with plans for expansion in the coming years.

In addition, WhiteWater has released its inaugural Impact Report, which publicly outlines its environmental, social, supply chain, and governance activities, reflecting the company’s commitment to ethical business practices. As Geoff remarks, “How we do business is as important to us as what we make.” WhiteWater continues to create exceptional attractions globally for clients who are eager to push boundaries.

Yas Waterworld Expansion

Having partnered with Yas Waterworld since its inception, WhiteWater is excited to collaborate once again with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, for the most anticipated expansion project in the Middle East. Yas Waterworld is set to increase its guest capacity by 20% in 2025, introducing 18 new rides and 3.3 km (2 mi) of slide path—all designed by WhiteWater—bringing the total number of attractions to over 70. A standout feature will be the UAE’s tallest water slide—a Flatline Loop at 40 meters (131 feet) high—and a Shoot the Chute, the first water ride globally to be integrated into a water slide tower. This 20-seat amusement ride will extend the Legend of the Lost Pearl storyline, taking guests down a 15-meter (49-foot) plunge with a refreshing splash for both riders and onlookers.

With adventure around every corner, additional highlights for this expansion will include first-of-its-kind Master Blasters, the largest and longest Parallel Pursuit competition slides in the world, and a new kids’ area featuring the world’s first Mini Blaster Fusion slide.

A Groundbreaking Destination: Aquarabia Qiddiya City

In Saudi Arabia, work is progressing on one of the most ambitious entertainment projects globally—Aquarabia Water Theme Park at Qiddiya City, featuring 22 breathtaking rides and experiences, including five world record-breakers. This park is pioneering the integration of various venue types, offering the thrilling water slides and engaging aquatic play of a water park, the family water ride excitement of a theme park, and the vibrant atmosphere of a surf park. Designed to reflect local culture, the park comprises eight themed zones inspired by native wildlife and their natural habitats.

To ensure everyone can enjoy their time, Aquarabia will be the first in the world to feature not one but two dry rides within a water park. The 20-seat Shoot the Chute will take riders down a 35-degree drop into the biggest splash in the industry, while the Spinning Rapids Ride will provide guests in a 6-seat raft with the sensations of a water slide as they spiral down a winding flume from a height of 19.7 meters.

Another world first will be the integration of a surf park within a water theme park. With 32 caissons and customizable wave technology, Endless Surf will deliver the Kingdom’s first inland surf experience, creating waves that adapt to the surfers’ abilities, from beginners to professionals, and offering the potential to host world-class events.

“With so many varied attractions, one day will not be enough to enjoy and explore everything Aquarabia has to offer. Guests will return time and again, discovering something new with each visit,” stated WhiteWater’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East and India, Mike Rigby.

“This project is unlike anything seen before and will set a new benchmark for the global attractions industry. We are honoured to be the exclusive water slide supplier partnering with Qiddiya to create attractions for this extraordinary venue,” said Jamie Charlesworth, Managing Director for the Middle East and India. “With the extensive range of WhiteWater’s portfolio and expertise across slides, rides, and surf, it has been a pleasure to showcase so many of our products, providing diverse experiences in one incredible location.”

Americas Are Riding High

Latin America’s leisure sector is on the rise; developers are becoming increasingly active, particularly in hotels and resorts. WhiteWater is involved in several projects across discerning properties.

Families are a dominant force regionally, and Thermas dos Laranjais in Brazil will unveil a tower featuring two six-person raft rides, each combining three large iconic water slide elements, in 2025. Another significant project in Brazil will be the tallest water coaster in the world at Beach Park: a Master Blaster launching from a height of 27.9 meters (91.5 feet).

Additionally, the surf park movement is gaining momentum in Brazil. A prime example is Endless Surf Angra, which will become the largest surf pool in South America, set to open in 2026 at the exclusive Brasil Surfe Clube.

Alongside significant opportunities, the growth of the Latin American market emphasises sustainability, which WhiteWater is well-positioned to address through its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.

In the USA, notable project openings in 2025 include:

The world’s first Wall Runner, named “Rafter’s Rage,” at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Tennessee; it will introduce drifting sensations like never before, with lateral acceleration that enhances the zero-G experience.
Ohio’s first and only duelling water coaster, a Blaster Battle called “RiverRacers,” at Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park.
A beautifully themed Boomerango ride named “Dawn Breaker” at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions – Sandusky, Ohio, which will take riders from darkness to sunrise.

Equally important as the rides is the overall guest experience. WhiteWater’s attractions management platform, Vantage, is showcasing its appeal across various venue types. With existing implementations in water parks to personalise guest experiences and optimise operations, Vantage is now collaborating with San Antonio Zoo. A suite of products will enhance guest engagement and increase ROI, including SmartPay, SmartNotify, SmartControl, and SmartVue. Vantage’s flexible approach ensures that the system can integrate with a variety of third-party systems, providing adaptability for venue partners.

While indoor water parks are not a new concept, advancements in building systems, HVAC, and design concepts are driving renewed growth in this sector. The latest generation of indoor water parks features improved lighting, the option for retractable roofs or walls, and additional entertainment options, including areas designed for adults. Some of the latest projects, all featuring aquatic attractions supplied by WhiteWater, include:

The largest indoor water park in Michigan at Bavarian Inn, set to open this winter, featuring 20 new attractions, including the state’s first duelling water slides and a uniquely Bavarian-themed aquatic play structure.
Expansion at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in 2026, which will include a kids’ area and a family water slide complex featuring the world’s first covered Boomerango, extending outside the building.
Virginia’s largest indoor water park, covering 16,250 square meters (175,000 square feet), opening in 2026 at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions – Spotsylvania County.

The trend is also evident beyond North America, with WhiteWater supplying all water slides and aquatic play equipment for major projects such as:

Water World at Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort in China, the water park at the largest indoor ski hall in the world (opened 2024).
Aquapark Dalmatia in Croatia (opening this winter), featuring attractions for a new indoor water park to complement its renowned outdoor park.
Sportoase Sint Niklaas in Belgium (opening 2026), a sports complex funded through public and private partnerships with a focus on sustainability.

With WhiteWater having supported clients worldwide in bringing their ambitious visions to life and shaping aquatic entertainment over four decades, the company’s CEO was honoured with one of the industry’s highest accolades.

CEO Geoff Chutter Inducted into IAAPA Hall of Fame

At the “LEGENDS: A Hall of Fame Celebratory Affair” event on November 18, Geoff Chutter was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. Since founding WhiteWater in 1980, Geoff has significantly influenced the attractions industry, spanning water parks, theme parks, resorts, and surf spaces worldwide. He will also lend his extensive knowledge and business acumen to serve on the 2025 IAAPA Board of Directors.

“I’m truly humbled to be inducted into IAAPA’s Hall of Fame,” Geoff stated. “I see this as a reflection of the hard work of our teams across our six business units. My recent appointment to the IAAPA Board only reinforces this gratitude. I look forward to serving.”

As the year draws to a close, the recognition from the industry and the opportunity to celebrate with peers has been a highlight for WhiteWater as it anticipates another successful year ahead.