Roller Coasters and Body Size

SunnyLu3
SunnyLu3 Posts: 41
in Motivation and Support
I am planning a trip to Six Flags for next weekend. It will be the first time I've been to an amusement park since I was a teen. I've felt a little bit concerned lately about my size and riding roller coasters, and everyone I voice that concern to seems to think I'm silly for thinking I would ever be too large to ride a roller coaster safely, but I still feel I need something to set my mind at ease.

How big is too big to safely ride a roller coaster?

Replies

  • 4themoney
    4themoney Posts: 797 Member
    i was at king dominion in VA on monday, and sadly there were several people that either could not fit once they got to their turn, or they realized in line they wouldn't fit. i don't know HOW big they were, just that either they sat and the bar or harness wouldn't close and they had to get out, OR i would hear them say in line, " there is no way I'm going to fit in there."

    i guess it depends how big you are, and what the safety measures are on the rides. if it's a harness that needs to come down and lock or a lap bar that does something similar and it WON"T close, it's probably not the safest place for you. however, if it DOES lock, then I would think you would be fine!!!

    does that help at all? have you checked six flags website? i know a lot of the rides at Kings Dominion had weight limits, but they were really really high, like 600+ lbs.
  • MyOwnSunshine
    MyOwnSunshine Posts: 1,312 Member
    I think the main criteria is that you fit in the restraints properly. Someone who is 6'2" and weighs 275 pounds may fit, while someone who is 5'2" and weighs 275 pounds may not.

    I agree that you should check the park's website for more information.
  • anonniemouse
    anonniemouse Posts: 117 Member
    I don't know about an exact size. The last time I went to a Six Flags, although it's been a while, I know some of the rides had a "tester seat" you sat in to make sure you would fit.

    Back then the seat was near the end of the line, and I remember thinking 'It would suck to wait in line that long and then find out you couldn't ride.' I wondered why they didn't place it at the beginning of the line, so a person could test themselves before waiting. :huh:
  • annwyatt69
    annwyatt69 Posts: 727 Member
    Six Flags in Arlington, Texas recently had a woman fall to her death because the bar did not click and restrain her properly. Too small, too big, health issues...whatever the reason may be, caution needs to be used with these rides. If you don't hear that double or third click, get out, get off, don't risk it. Very sad that her son was on the ride with her when she fell out and he was screaming that she fell out and they could not stop the ride. It was already too late anyway. Whether it was her size, I do not know--did see her picture and she was not a "small" person. At any rate, I'm not getting on a roller coaster or any other amusement park ride any time soon.
  • SunnyLu3
    SunnyLu3 Posts: 41
    I guess I never even thought about it until I saw commentary about the Texas Giant incident that made me feel a little anxious. The Six Flags website does not post any specifics on maximum weight or size, only minimum heights. I suppose I could call them if I were terribly concerned. An internet search turned up a website for some other amusement park stating a maximum weight that was around 250 or 275 and a maximum waist size of 46".

    I guess I'll come clean and say I'm 205 lbs and have a 46" waist at my belly button (apple shaped) :/ Should I be remotely worried?
  • 4themoney
    4themoney Posts: 797 Member
    In my opinion, no. you have nothing to worry about :-) I am not an expert, but from what I saw on Monday you should be just fine!!!!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    If the restraints don't click, then it ain't safe. There are precautions they take to ensure safety.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • EHolstrom
    EHolstrom Posts: 2,563 Member
    I just went to an amusement park a month ago. I was about 275 when i went. The newer coaster i had no problem with. The REALLY old ones i was unable to go on(in all fairness those i consider "skinny" could barely fit on those either). My biggest problem was my hips. Not so much my waist which is my biggest section. No expert but based on your size i would say at six flags you should be able to go on most if not all the adult rides.
  • SunnyLu3
    SunnyLu3 Posts: 41
    I just went to an amusement park a month ago. I was about 275 when i went. The newer coaster i had no problem with. The REALLY old ones i was unable to go on(in all fairness those i consider "skinny" could barely fit on those either). My biggest problem was my hips. Not so much my waist which is my biggest section. No expert but based on your size i would say at six flags you should be able to go on most if not all the adult rides.

    Thank you. That is helpful.

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