WhiteWater West Industries, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, has announced the acquisition of WaveLoch’s FlowRider products. The deal – WhiteWater West’s third major acquisition in the past two years – includes FlowRider, FlowBarrel, FlowCurl, FlowRider Wave-in-a Box, and WaveOz. Wave Loch, based in La Jolla, Calif., will retain its FlowBarrel sheet-wave technology as well as the Wave House venue brand. “The acquisition will benefit waterpark owners by allowing developers and owners to deal with one company in selecting a wide range of rides and attractions,” said David Sangree, president of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hotel & Leisure Advisors, LLC. “Whitewater West now owns many of the top brands in the waterpark industry including the Master Blaster and now the FlowRider product mix. In addition they have a wide range of slides and other attractions. It will be easier to deal with one company in choosing various rides and getting them all to work together well.
According to Amusement Today, WhiteWater was previously the exclusive worldwide licensee of WaveLoch’s FlowRider business, and regarding the acquisition, President & CEO Geoff Chutter noted, “We are not only adding another original product to the WhiteWater portfolio but also adding the creative talents of another original waterpark pioneer to the family.”
The publication also noted that Aquatic Development Group will continue to exclusively market and manufacture FlowRider products for the U.S. and eastern Canadian market.
“Now, through Whitewater West’s acquisition of the Flowrider, along with other products and Lochtefeld’s creative talents, the Flowrider finally gets a worldwide sales and distribution system …” says Jeff Coy, president of JLC Hospitality Consulting based in Cave Creek, Ariz. “In my opinion, all parties benefit from this acquisition, especially waterpark owners worldwide, who will become more aware of these products and their WOW factor.”
Wave Loch founder, Tom Lochtefeld will focus on his surf pool business. A Wave Loch press release, issued one day after the news of the acquisition, announced the launch of a new Wave Loch SurfPool division. According to the release the design has taken more than a quarter-century to develop and there are already firm commitments to build some of the first SurfPools.
