Shock Wave
Roller Coaster
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Tower |
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42" Height Requirement |
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Lapbar/Seatbelt Restraints |
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High Thrill |
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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 reaches a top speed of 60 miles per hour.
Shock Wave debuted during the park’s 1978 season.
Shock Wave is full of high-thrill airtime moments.
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’s life would be extended. The ride was closed and an extensive rehabilitation process took place on the ride's support and track structures.
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.
Each of Shock Wave’s trains holds up to 28 riders.
Shock Wave features two consecutive, high-thrill vertical loops.
Shock Wave pulls an impressive 5.9 Gs while completing its inversions.
Ride History
2016 - 2017
A virtual reality feature is added to Shock Wave.
The virtual reality feature returns to Shock Wave in 2017 with a mixed-reality concept.
2012
Shock Wave receives a paint job with neon green track and blue supports.
2008
Shock Wave undergoes an extensive rehab project to select areas of track and support columns.
2004
Shock Wave has to be retrenched due to severe flooding and is closed for 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.
Construction Updates
Follow along with ride construction, refurbishments, theming updates and fresh paint schemes.
Remaining track and support pieces from Tony Hawk’s Big Spin sit in the parking lot awaiting installation. Shock Wave track pieces also await installation after undergoing refurbishment.