Knott’s Plans Double-Barrel Roller Coaster

Surf’s up for roller coaster enthusiasts at Knott’s Berry Farm.

The theme park on Thursday unveiled plans for a new surf-inspired dual roller coaster called the Windjammer, which is set to debut around April as part of the park’s beach-themed Boardwalk area.

The $9-million-plus attraction is essentially two coasters built side by side to give riders the impression they are racing. The Windjammer will feature side-by-side loops, 60-foot drops and sharp turns around a lagoon to be constructed as part of the Boardwalk.

The Windjammer is Knott’s fourth major steel coaster and is intended to give the park a leg up with younger crowds. Knott’s new HammerHead thrill ride, which debuted this year on the Boardwalk, helped boost attendance over last year’s, according to Knott’s spokeswoman Dana Hammontree.

“Our teen crowd enjoyed that attraction this year and we would like to continue to offer more to them,” Hammontree said.

Tustin theme park consultant Jim Benedick doubts the Windjammer will allow Knott’s to go head to head with serious roller coaster parks such as Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. But he said the new ride will add excitement and help Knott’s expand its reach with young adults.

“Knott’s has a long way to go to compete in the coaster wars with the heavyweights,” Benedick said. “Still, they are showing the market that they can and will keep adding thrill attractions to their mix.”

Manufactured by Italian coaster specialist Zamperla, the Windjammer will be America’s first dual coaster constructed of steel. The Southland’s only other dual coaster is the wooden Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Knott’s also plans to construct a wooden walk around the Windjammer, as well as an extensive children’s play area filled with sand.