blog: LIM Coasters

LIM Water Coasters

7 May 2026

LIM Water Coasters

LIM water coasters are among the most advanced types of water attractions in modern water parks. Companies such as ProSlide Technology have popularised this technology through their HydroMAGNETIC line. Below is an overview of what they are, how they work and why they stand out.

What is a LIM water coaster?

A LIM water coaster is a water slide that works much like a roller coaster:

• you do not only travel downhill, but also climb back uphill over hills.
• the upward propulsion is provided by Linear Induction Motors (LIM), an electromagnetic launch system.

This means the boat or raft is magnetically accelerated as it moves along the course. This allows the attraction to handle steep climbs and long layouts, much like a roller coaster.

How does it work technically?

Broadly speaking, the system consists of three components:

1. Magnets in the track –> Electromagnetic elements sit beneath the fibreglass water trough.

2. Metal plates or magnetic components in the boat –> The raft contains metal plates or magnetic components.

3. Electromagnetic force (LIM) –> When current passes through the coils, it creates a magnetic field that pushes the boat forward without physical contact.

Benefits of this system:

• higher speed
• steeper hills
• less mechanical wear (no conveyor belts)
• energy is used only when a boat passes.

Difference from other types of water coasters

Before LIM, other systems already existed:

• Conveyor belt / conveyor –> the boat is carried uphill on a conveyor belt.

• Single water jets such as Master Blaster –> jets of water push the boat uphill

• Multiple water jets such as Blast technology –> 2 double rows of water jets push the boat uphill.

LIM is more powerful (but also more expensive) and can handle longer and steeper climbs than water jets.

Well-known examples

One of the best-known LIM water coasters is at Universal’s Volcano Bay:

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster in Volcano Bay (Florida, USA)

• RiverRush at Dollywood’s Splash Country (USA)
• Mammoth and Wildebeest in Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Indiana, USA)

• Toothless’ Trickling Torpedo in DreamWorks Water Park (New Jersey, USA)
• Dawama and Falcon’s Falaj in Yas Waterworld (Abu Dhabi)
• Breakers Edge Water Coaster – Hersheypark (USA)
• Mega Storm in Everland Caribbean Bay (South Korea)

• HydroMAGNETIC LIM in Chimelong Waterpark (China)

To date, Europe does not yet have a LIM-powered water coaster.

Why choose LIM?

Water parks often choose LIM coasters because they:

often become the park’s signature attractions.

provide a roller coaster-like thrill in a water park

offer high capacity (up to 6 people per raft)

make long and complex layouts possible