In the Far West section of PortAventura Park, visitors are treated to an exhilarating racing adventure with “Stampida,” one of the few dueling wooden roller coasters in the world. Since its opening in 1997, this attraction has thrilled both children and adults with its unpredictable finishes and exciting race dynamics.
A Duel on Wood: Stampida
Located in the heart of the Far West area of PortAventura Park, Stampida stands out as one of the park’s most remarkable attractions. This dueling wooden roller coaster offers a unique ride experience where two trains race against each other. What makes Stampida special is the fact that the winning train is only determined just before the end, keeping the tension high throughout the entire ride.
The roller coaster's backstory revolves around the constant rivalry between two fictional families, Connery and Cranberry, who decided to build a racetrack as part of a duel. Since its debut in 1997, Stampida has provided thrilling entertainment and remains a highlight in PortAventura Park's lineup.
Technical Mastery and Maintenance
Stampida is not just an attraction but a technical marvel. It was constructed using pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine, a particularly durable wood that is regularly maintained by Great Coaster International. This company is globally renowned for its expertise in building and maintaining wooden roller coasters.
One distinctive feature of this coaster is the different loading zones that existed when it first opened. Today, only the current loading zone remains, which replaced a former area that once featured an Indian teepee, now occupied by the Hysteria tent in Boothill.
The ride experience and excitement
Reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, Stampida races along its 953.1-meter track. The coaster, with a maximum height of 25.6 meters, is filled with tight curves, steep climbs and drops, and tunnels that heighten the racing experience. The attraction can be operated in two modes, but the parallel start mode is preferred to maintain the suspense until the very end.
Particularly appealing for families is that Stampida is accessible to children from a height of 1.2 meters, making it the first intense roller coaster in PortAventura Park that young visitors can ride.
Tomahawk: The Little Sister
Right next to Stampida is Tomahawk, another wooden roller coaster designed specifically for children. Standing at 14 meters tall, with a distinctive 180-degree curve integrated into Stampida's track layout, Tomahawk offers young adventurers an exciting introduction to roller coasters, where they can even wave to other passengers from the Wild West.
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