The Great White Roller Coaster, Wildwood, New Jersey, USA

© John Van Decker/Alam

The Great White

Today we’re waiting in line at Morey’s Piers in New Jersey in the United States for our ride on The Great White. A hybrid wooden and steel roller coaster, it’s been in operation since 1996 and reaches its highest point 34 metres above the ground. Roller coaster enthusiasts say the ride’s descent under the pier shortly after the start is one of its highlights. A portion of the ride also journeys out over the nearby beach.

Roller coasters have transformed since their early days beginning in the 17th century as Russian sled rides. Eventually called Russian Mountains, those original rides were just tall, wooden ramps covered in ice. When the concept reached the much warmer France, the sleds were on wooden rollers, hence the name roller coasters. By 1919, roller coasters had entered their golden age with fully formed rides all over the world. The desire to experience greater heights and faster drops means there’s no limit when it comes to their design.