originally posted on 10/27/2025
All photos: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Saturday, September 6, 2025, marked the Pacific Southwest region’s second annual event at this waterpark in Irvine, California.
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A gorgeous SoCal day and our wonderful hosts, the management team at Wild Rivers, welcomed 30 ACEers of all ages for a delightful day of fun in the sun.
Bora Bora Boomerango.
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Acquaconda.
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The day started with attendees being checked in by a bubbly Jackie Edwards, the regional rep. A breakfast of pastries and muffins along with coffee and juice was served in a private picnic area of the park. Then it was off for preopening ERT on three of the park’s water slides, Bora Bora Boomerango, a massive family raft slide with a drop that rivals some roller coasters; Aquaconda, a huge, fast raft slide with fun tunnels with lighting effects; and Pelican Plunge, SoCal’s only water coaster (with a very surprising finale!).
Attendees relax and enjoy the water attractions and a space to chill out.
The Shaka Bay Wavepool was a popular attraction for attendees of all ages.
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During free time in the park, attendees were graciously provided with a reserved area with shaded cabanas for storing belongings, which was a very welcome benefit. Wild Rivers features 17 great water attractions with something for everyone. The Shaka Bay Wavepool and Castaway River were popular places to relax and enjoy the sunshine in between the thrilling rides on the park’s large collection of slides.
A delightful lunch buffet featured a generous bounty of street tacos, rice, beans and the park’s delicious Mexican street corn. Each attendee also received a Wild Rivers drink cup to enjoy beverage refills throughout the day. At the conclusion of lunch, park management surprised everyone with beautiful beach towels embroidered with the Wild Rivers logo. A generous gesture!
A Q&A with Eric Gieszl was an opportunity for attendees to hear from one of the owners of Wild Rivers.
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Next up was a Q&A session with Eric Gieszl, one of the park’s investors. Eric was very generous with his time — he even flew in from his home in Texas for this event. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed speaking with him and sharing his enthusiasm for the park, roller coasters and the amusement industry. A group photo followed. The remainder of the day was spent languishing in the SoCal sun, taking in all that the great waterpark has to offer.
Tom Cat Racers.
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Wild Rivers is an Orange County gem. It is one the finest privately owned waterparks in the nation. Susan Kruizinga, Eric Gieszl and the entire management team and staff run a top-notch attraction. When visiting Southern California and Orange County, plan a visit to this immaculate park with SoCal beach vibes, good food, lovely landscaping and friendly staff.
The ACE Pacific Southwest Region was grateful and is proud of the relationship that has been forged with the team at Wild Rivers. The region looks forward to hosting this event every year and growing the attendance! Join us next September for a day of fun in the sun.
— Don Palmer, ACE Pacific Southwest Assistant Regional Representative
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