Thoughts on the former Hunt's Pier Kamikaze

I'm seeking information on the former Hunt's Pier Kamikaze... perhaps a few around here can help me out...

For those of you who don't know (or don't remember), the Vekoma-designed custom five-inversion coaster was constructed at the ocean end of the "New Hunt's Pier" for the 1989 season (the same year that saw the Flyer coaster, mini Hot Rods, train, Jungle Cruise and Pirate Ship "Skua" rides bulldozed in the name of "progress.") The coaster only operated for a few seasons before the new owners of the pier either went backrupt or saw that the business just wasn't there, and the ride was sold to Six Flags, where it operates as the Ninja at Six Flags Over Georgia. It was an interesting design, as the sizable ride was squeezed into a very tight spot (about the size of a Vekoma SLC) and had a support structure which had to span an Intamin rapids ride that sat "on the beach." It was a design that I never got to experience, as the coaster was removed before I could work up the nerve to give it a shot (I was only 11 when the coaster was built.)

Does anyone have any ride experiences that they wish to share? Photos of the ride in operation or being constructed (or deconstructed, for that matter.) Any other interesting tidbits about the coaster? Since it was part of the Wildwood skyline for so few years, no one ever talks about it... it almost as if it was never there to begin with (even though some footers remain!)

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

I've always thought it interesting when looking at the supports on Ninja. You can tell where the rapids ride was at.

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Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I

The ride spanned the rapids ride and perhaps a few other things, maybe buildings that were there, but I'm not too sure. It makes the coaster appear even more twisted and mangled because there are steel tubes going every which way.

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

If you visit RCDB you can see some old pictures of the ride as Kamikaze at Hunt's Pier (or as they refer to Dinosaur Beach)

Never been to the Pier nor have I been to SFOG to experience this ride. Looks really cool though.

A lot of people give Ninja a bad rap but I absolutely love it. Ever notice how it is basically the same layout as an SLC? It is one of my favorite loopers to be sure. Much smoother then most Arrows.

It has some of the most extreme headchoppers out there.

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If given the choice I'd choose a hamburger over a hotdog anyday of the week.

Ninja seriously is not a bad ride. I really have not had a rough ride on it, but that brake run scareed the crap out of me the first time I rode it(it shakes).
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CBuzz member since 3/25/01.
Everyone has a photographic memory....some just don't have film.

I think people who complain about rides like Ninja are the same people who can't find anything good about Vekoma. Personally, I like most Vekoma rides, and Ninja is one of their best.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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I find nothing good about SLC's. Does that count? LOL

I do love Invertigos and Boomerangs though.

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If given the choice I'd choose a hamburger over a hotdog anyday of the week.

I thought that I was the only one that noticed the similarities between the Kamikaze/Ninja and the SLCs! I try to imagine how cool it would look if the Kamikaze was still in Wildwood, because the Great Nor'easter (SLC) would sit directly behind it on the next pier!

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

Nothing good about SLCs, Brent? Not even the layout? You just contradicted yourself, since you compared Ninja's layout to an SLC. ;)

I can understand not liking SLCs because of the trains, but the overall coaster kicks arse, IMO.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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Actually I originally had except the layout in my original post, but removed it at the last moment.

How good the layout is unfortunately cannot make up for the feeling of just getting chucked too and fro. The curves are anything but graceful. Besides the fact that every SLC I have ever rode are the worst crotch smashers on the face of the earth in the Heart Loop.

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If given the choice I'd choose a hamburger over a hotdog anyday of the week.

I'll agree that the layout of an SLC has some serious potential. Now if Vekoma could just figure out how to make a decent train for the rides... ;)

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Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I

I like SLCs... they have an interesting layout. I'd have no problem riding one over and over...

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

Indeed, MarimbaGuy87. Up until this year, I've had very few problems with headbanging while riding SLCs (SFA's Mind Eraser, specifically). However, my first ride on a different SLC, which happened to be T2 at SFKK, was one of the bumpiest, most head-slamming rides I've ever had on a steel coaster. I chalked it up to the fact that this was the first time in many years that I had ridden an SLC near the back of the train, as 19 times out of 20 I will ride in the front. Well, I wish that were the case, but after my front seat ride on Mind Eraser again last week, it seems that the coaster is just getting worse. The layout is so graceful, but the trains remind me of when I used to go off-roading in my Jeep. These things would be first-rate coasters with trains like B&M's.

Anyway, back to the topic...I've heard some people say that Ninja tends to be rougher in the front seat. My only ride on it was in the front, and while it was a little less than smooth, it certainly wasn't brutal. I definitely can't imagine it being silky-smooth in the back. Is this possible?

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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I understand that T2 is the worst of the SLCs out there in terms of bumpiness.

As far as the trains go, I wouldn't even say that the entire trains have to go... if Vekoma would come up with some kind of spring-loaded wheel assemblies like those on B&Ms and Intamins, it would make things a lot better.

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-Rob
A.C.E. member since 1990
Posting @ Coasterbuzz since 2000
E.C.C. member since 2002

I don't think T2 is nearly as bad as any of the others I have ridden. It is however significantly slower as the train is shorter I think this fact just prolongs the amount of slammage you get as you just tend to hang against the restraint.

T2 is the second SLC and the first in the US remeber, it's layout is also different from all of the other SLC's.

I have yet to experience a SLC that has not left me begging for mercy and swearing at it after I got off. The worst of all of these was SFA's Mind Eraser, simply horrific, but still not as bad as Iron Wolf.

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If given the choice I'd choose a hamburger over a hotdog anyday of the week.
*** This post was edited by MagnumForce 7/8/2003 4:18:27 PM ***

Rob -- I think the spring-loaded wheel assemblies would certainly be an improvement, but the ridiculous and unnecessary amount of padding on the restraints needs to be removed, as well.

Brent -- I did notice how slow T2's train executed the first two inversions. The hangtime was significant (and also responsible for nearly throwing out my back as it slammed into the back of the seat while exiting the element). What I do like about T2's layout as opposed to all the others is the extra foot-chopper on the first drop.

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-Mike B.
Son of Hulk
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Ever ridden Top Gun at PCW? I've been on quite a few SLC's, and absolutely detest Top Gun. I also didn't mind T2, I rode early in the day with only 1 other person on the train. When we pulled back in, I accepted their offer for a reride. I'm still surprised I took it, but it wasn't all that bad... :)

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Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I