A splash hit with everyone!

Wahooo! is creating waves of excitement across the island as it opens its door to thrill-seekers wishing to splash out on a brand new adventure in the kingdom.

The indoor-outdoor attraction has 11 rides of varying thrill factors spread over an area of 15,000 square metres.

It is the first climate controlled water park in the region promising 30 degrees temperature all year round.

A wall of glass separates the indoor and outdoor area which is dotted with different lounging areas complete with subtropical real and artificial plants.

Staff and lifeguards span the entire area keeping a vigilant eye on the operation. Apart from holding swimming and safety certificates, in-house safety training has been organised for Wahooo! staff members.

"Our lifeguards have tried all the rides several times to be able to answer every question about them and instruct people on how to safely use them," the official added.

A highlight of Wahooo! is the spectacular Flow Rider surfing machine which creates a three-metre high static curling breaker and the Wahooo! team is on hand to instruct people how to ride it safely.

Inside the water park is the Wave Pool that has a wave height of metre aiming to recreate an indoor beach experience.

The Rain Fortress is another family attraction and thousands of litres of water are tipped over visitors from huge buckets.

"The size of Wahooo! is just perfect. The Master Blaster ride is brilliant and really different. If I had one suggestion to make it would be to introduce more rides in the outside area for the younger children. Otherwise it's an ideal family attraction," said Vicky Lord, 40, a resident of Saar and mother of six-year-old, Sophia.

Even the changing rooms are an adventure! They boast state-of-the-art body dryers. The hi-tech machines make water evaporate while infrared lamps warm the skin.

Entrance to the water park costs BD9.5 for anyone over 1.2 metres tall and for those less than 1.2 metres in height, tickets are priced at BD6. Toddlers below three years-of-age can come in for BD3. The waterpark will be open from 10am until 10pm. For more information visit www.wahooo.com.bh

GulfWeekly recommends the top attractions

GulfWeekly staff, their families and friends tested the rides and delivered their verdict on their park's attractions.

Various levels of Squirtle - Wahooo!'s turtle mascot - have been awarded to the rides.

One Squirtle means the attraction is a damp squid and five Squirtles means it must not be missed on a visit to Bahrain City Centre.

The Sidewinder is a giant u-shaped ride that plunges the rider out of the chute and from side-to-side on a tube. Anoop Prakash, 29, a finance and administration coordinator, said: "It's scary especially at the start.

"It is very steep."

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Water squirts out from colourful pipes in the Todds Pool and creates a pleasant play area for toddlers. Charlotte Axtell, six, said: "It is very nice. I like the water splashing out from different sides and falling on me."

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Michael Feeney, 15, thought the Black Hole ride was fast and mysterious because of the dark.

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Master Blaster Roller Coaster has jaw-dropping descents and is one of the highlights of Wahooo! Saif Salman, 11, said: "The speed was fantastic. I spun around many times on the tube and didn't know where I was going.

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The four-lane Mat Racer juts out from the side of the shopping mall with its red and blue tubes. Kate Milne, 10, said: "I lost my mat in the middle of the ride but despite that it was a nice curly drop. It looks scary, especially the tubes jutting out and up from the building but the ride itself is not too bad."

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The Lagoon Pool and Gangslides is a gentle ride that can be done with groups of friends.

Imogen Szecowka, 10, said: "You go down and then you come into a pool. Then you go into another slide. The second slide is a little faster and I like it because I can go on it with a friend."

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The yellow and green slides of Splish Splash in the corner of Wahooo! are just perfect for a moderate level of thrill and adventure. Sophia Lord, six, said: "It is good fun for my age. Quite nice and gentle!"

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The Lazy River meanders underneath four rides in the park and provides a perfect break from the thrill and excitement of Wahooo! Gopal Nambiar, 47, Sports Editor of GulfWeekly said: "It is a great relaxing ride especially after a hectic day." VERDICT: