Shock Wave

Tower

42" Height Requirement

Lapbar/Seatbelt Restraints

High Thrill

Flash Pass Attraction

Opened	April 22, 1978
Ride Type	Steel Looping Speedracer Coaster
Ride Height	116 Feet
Drop Height	110 Feet
Track Length	3,600 Feet
Top Speed	60 MPH
Inversions	2
G-Forces	5.9 G

Trains	2
Cars Per Train	7
Riders Per Car	4
Designer	Anton Schwarzkopf
Manufacturer	Schwarzkopf
Track Color	Neon Green
Support Color	Blue

Breaking Records, Double Loop Debate

When Shock Wave opened in 1978, it was coined by Six Flags as the tallest, longest, fastest double loop roller coaster in the world. During the 1990s, a statistic began to swarm around the theme park industry claiming that Shock Wave was the first roller coaster to feature consecutive loops. In 1977, Geauga Lake added Double Loop. The roller coaster was the first to feature two consecutive vertical loops.

Shock Wave travels down its first drop, seen from the ride’s main entrance

A look at Shock Wave from the Oil Derrick observation tower.

Shock Wave features two high-thrill inversions.

Shock Wave’s opening ceremony in 1978. Image: Six Flags Archives

Rehab for the Long Haul

In 2008, Six Flags Over Texas took action to ensure that Shock Wave would last for the long haul. The ride was closed and an extensive rehabilitation process took place on the ride's support and track structures to extend the attraction’s life.

Virtual Reality

In 2016, the Six Flags chain began to add virtual reality features to many of their attractions. Shock Wave at Six Flags Over Texas received the new feature during the summer and fall months. During summer months, the VR concept was known as New Revolution, themed to jet fighters. During Fright Fest, the VR experience shifted to Rage of the Gargoyles. In 2017, Galactic Attack debuted and introduced a mixed-reality concept.

Ride History

2017
- The virtual reality feature returns to Shock Wave with a mixed-reality concept.
2016
- A virtual reality feature is added to Shock Wave.
2012
- Shock Wave Receives a paint job with neon green track and blue supports.
2008
- Shock Wave undergoes an extensive rehab project to its track and supports.
2004
- Shock Wave is retrenched due to flooding and is closed most of the summer.
2001
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with neon green track and blue supports.
1996
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with dark blue track and red supports.
1992
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with white track and mustard yellow supports.
1985
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with silver track and dark blue supports.
1983
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with light blue track and supports.
1980
- Shock Wave receives a paint job with dark blue track and supports.