Any great amusement park has some serious coasters for the ultimate thrill.Roller coasters can be fun, but they can also be frightening for a lot of people.Picking the right seat, learning about safety features, trying out all the types of coasters, and many other steps can help you learn how to ride a roller coaster.
Step 1: Start small.
If this is your first time on a coaster, or if you've been scared before, look for the smaller coasters.Don't be afraid to ask someone who works at the park which roller coaster would be best for a beginner if you look at their website ahead of time.For young riders, amusement parks often have kid-oriented coasters that give you thrill but are designed for kids.If riding the child coasters isn't an option, most parks have a range of coaster sizes so you can find one that fits you.
Step 2: The riders are on the coaster.
It is possible to get a good idea of what the ride will be like by looking at the coaster's structure, watching a couple trains go through the circuit, and listening to the riders.If the track has multiple big drops, loops, corkscrews, or other features that scare you, then maybe you shouldn't ride that particular coaster.Try to find one with the right intensity.If you are with your friends, ask if they have ridden specific coasters.You can ask the people coming off the ride what it was like.
Step 3: Take a seat in the test seat.
There is a model of a seat at the entrance to roller coasters.Before you ride the coaster for the first time, you should try out the test seat to make sure you are comfortable.Once the ride is fully in motion, you will most likely not be comfortable in the test seat.
Step 4: Take a seat in the middle of the train.
You have to decide what part of the train you want to sit in when you ride a specific roller coaster.Some parts of the train may not be right for you, even if the coaster is a good fit.The middle is the best spot to sit if you are new to riding.It may seem comforting in theory, but sitting in the front can be frightening for first time riders.The back of the train is where the highest speed goes down hills.
Step 5: It's nice to be back on the ground.
Once you have finished the ride, your body will need some time to adjust to being back on the ground.Take a moment to appreciate the calm of walking again.If your heart is racing from the ride, you can take some slow breaths.It's a good idea to talk to a friend about what it was like.
Step 6: Seek new coasters.
Think about what coasters you have ridden before and look for ones similar to that.New coasters with the same intensity will increase your enjoyment.You can even use a coaster directory to explore if you move up to a more intense steel coaster.The type of seat the coaster has is something to watch out for.Are your feet dangling?Are you standing up?You can see a lot by the track and seats.If you can see it go upside down, go fast or see huge drops, it's time to consider if you're ready.Most mid-size to large parks have steel coasters that are more moderate but don't go upside down.
Step 7: Change how you ride.
If you have only been riding for a while, you may have spent most of that time holding onto the lap bar or harness.If this is an option, take the step of letting go and raising those hands for the whole ride.If you keep your eyes open, you can see all the different views along the way.People tend to scream on roller coasters.It can be fun to let go of any fear you may have during the ride.
Step 8: Take a seat in a new location.
If you want to try a seat that you've never sat in before, try choosing one that is open.You can change the ride if you sit in a new spot.You can see things before everyone else by sitting in the front.For a rougher ride, sit in the back.Pick a direction you haven't faced before, because some coasters have forward and backward facing seats.
Step 9: New styles can be found.
There are almost endless ways in which roller coasters are designed, specifically about the types of seats and how you are positioned during the ride.It is similar to riding a coaster for the first time.If you've never ridden a standing coaster, you should go to a park that has one.Have you never ridden one where you are hanging from the seat and facing the ground?You will feel like you are in the air.Is it possible to ride a bike that launches you at top speed or one that faces backwards?
Step 10: Take one step at a time.
If you are near the beginning of your roller coaster riding career, you don't have to become an all out adrenaline junkie in one trip.Try a new coaster or seat location and see if you like it.You don't have to tackle the entire park at once.
Step 11: You should learn about safety standards.
It is true that people have been killed and injured on roller coasters, but most of the time they are due to people breaking riding rules at the park.The odds of a fatal injury on a ride at an amusement park are calculated by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.It's one in 750 million.There are safety standards parks have to follow.More people are affected by car accidents than by roller coaster accidents.Before you go to the amusement park, you could plan which coasters to ride and research the safety features and track record of those coasters.Safety information should be included on park websites.
Step 12: You can read about how roller coasters work.
Understanding the design of the structure and the physics at work can be reassuring.You can learn about how the train is attached to the track and how it works during the ride.Most roller coasters have rollers on top of the track and on the bottom side to make the ride safer.The benefit of learning about coasters is that it will be less mysterious to you once you know some of the physical aspects.
Step 13: Roller coasters have a history.
You could be reassured by learning about the history of roller coasters, such as when the first one in American was built.The earliest coasters were constructed using older techniques.The implementation of computers that control and monitor roller coasters from the beginning to the end was one of the greatest safety improvements.A number of safety features were designed with rider safety in mind.There is a lot of information on the website of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.