Hopkins Rides Acquired by WhiteWater West

Canada-based waterslide and water attractions manufacturer WhiteWater West from Richmond (British Columbia) announced in August that Hopkins Rides has joined the WhiteWater family of companies. Since 1980, Hopkins Rides from Florida has manufactured water-based rides for the amusement park sector. The company evolved from O.D. Hopkins who began installing ski lifts in the early 1960s. Some of Hopkins Rides' most popular attractions are the Log Flume Ride, Super Flume, Shoot the Chute, River Raft Ride as well as other water transportation systems. The company from Palm City will continue to operate under the same name. With the acquisition of Hopkins Rides WhiteWater now has 19 global offices. One of the last attractions installed by Hopkins Rides is Legoland California’s new Shoot the Chute water ride “Pirate Reef” opened this summer (see picture). (eap)