Kai Meyer tests out the five different areas of the lazy river system at Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort in Corpus Christi. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
My family recently took an end-of-summer “staycation” at Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort in Corpus Christi.
I thought it was closed because all you can really see from the road are two rides that look deserted. But after I walked in, I realized there's a lot more to Schlitterbahn.
[image id="28002"] Kai Meyer rides the Bahn Blaster, a roller coaster on water with tubes rather than rails. Meyer called it ‘incredibly thrilling’ in his report on what it’s like to stay at Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort in Corpus Christi. Photo by Carrie Robertson Mey
THRILL RIDES
Only two rides were open, but I had fun on the ones that were, especially the incredibly thrilling Bahn Blaster. It's just like a roller coaster, but you’re on a tube riding water rather than rails. Some of the bigger rides were damaged by Hurricane Harvey last year and have not yet reopened, which could be one of the reasons the park looks closed when you’re driving by.
A lazy river system delivers you to almost any part of the park via tubes. The mile of constantly moving water goes from calm to rapids but never stops.
In one area a giant loop called Torrent River has a wave machine that makes waves so strong they're able to go around the entire loop. Torrent River waves are different from Gulf waves because if you gulp down Schlitterbahn water on accident, it tastes like chlorine. In the ocean, when you gulp water, it tastes salty, obviously.
At the beach, waves are unpredictable. Some days, the waves are really small, and other days, they can be taller than you. Waves at Schlitterbahn are all the same size, so they are easier to catch and ride.
[image id="28001"] With no shoreline in sight, an experienced surfer such as Kai Meyer could stay on the Boogie Bahn all afternoon — except for the line of other park visitors waiting for their turns. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
BOOGIE BAHN
This surfing ride shoots out 50,000 gallons of high-powered water a minute across a soft, rubber surface shaped like a wave. It’s a lot like The Shredder at Hurricane Alley. The goal is to stay on the wave without getting washed off. When you’re boogie-boarding in the Gulf, time on the board is limited because the shore is coming to stop you. When you’re on the Boogie Bahn, you could get an infinite ride if other people weren’t waiting in line.
[image id="28006"] An overview of Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort in Corpus Christi, where Kai Meyer recently spent an August weekend trying out the open rides and floating on the mile-long lazy river system. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
THE RESORT PART
Staycations are easier than vacations because you don't have to go very far to start having fun. Driving up and seeing the hotel was like a scene out of a Disney cartoon. Staying at the Schlitterbahn resort made us feel like VIPs.
On the way there, I had been reading a book in the car as my mom drove erratically, so I got carsick and barfed right at the resort entrance. Still, the employees greeted us nicely (as they cleaned up after me). They helped us get our luggage up to our room, which had two fluffy beds. The back of our room had some big windows and a door that leads to a patio and the park. We went straight out onto the patio and took in the view of the giant river system.
[image id="28000"] It might look like a regular water park wristband, but it also opens your hotel door and can be used to buy souvenirs and refreshments if you’re a guest of the resort. Everything is charged to your hotel room. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast P
HIGH TECH WRISTBANDS
We each got two wristbands: one for the park, one for our room. The one for our room was the most interesting because it wasn't just a wristband. It had circuitry and a transmitter embedded in it, so, to get into our room, all I had to do was wave my wrist in front of the door lock. You can also buy things with your wristband in the park, and they charge it to your room.
After a long day of enjoying ourselves in the water park, we went back to the room and relaxed, ate some grapes and cheese, drank some sodas and water, and watched TV. It's really nice to have the room where it is because the water park is just down two flights of stairs. It's kind of like going to a ski resort and staying right on the slopes.
[image id="28004"] Don't forget your goggles! Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
TOURIST TIPS
I would suggest bringing goggles on your visit to the river park because, in some areas, you don't need a tube, and it's really fun to just swim underwater.
If you ever get lost, go with the flow of the water and let the river take you. Eventually, you'll find yourself near the hotel.
[image id="28005"] Kai Meyer and his father, Pete, enjoyed a stay at Schlitterbahn Riverpark and Resort in Corpus Christi in August 2018. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer/Third Coast Photo
SMOOTH-RIDE GOODBYES
When it was time to go home, the Schlitterbahn staff helped us get our bags to the car. The front desk manager was nice and friendly. She was glad I was feeling better.
We had two cars, so I decided to go with my dad in hopes of a smooth ride home.
It's hard to believe I had never been to Schlitterbahn before even though it's only 24 miles (30 minutes) away from my house. Now, I want to go back!
