Located in the Kansas City area, Verrückt became the stuff of legends even before it opened. In April, The Guinness Book of World Records named the impressive new structure the world’s tallest water slide, surpassing a record previously held by Kilimanjaro at Aquas Quentes Country Club, in Rio de Janeiro. This technological marvel is the brainchild Jeff Henry, a visionary waterpark designer from the family that owns Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts. Not only is this a record breaking ride, but there isn’t anything like it in the world. 

Verruckt at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Kansas — Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts

“Jeff brings an imagination and passion to waterpark ride design that is unparalleled,” says Winter D. Prosapio, spokesperson for Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts. “He has both the vision and the drive to never be satisfied with just “good.” He pushes us to be great.  Jeff is why Schlitterbahn is considered a leader in the industry.”

It takes longer to reach the 30-foot-by 34-foot entry deck at Verrückt where guests are launched onto the slide, than it does to complete the ride. The beginning of the slide lies at the end of a 264-step spiral staircase, providing visitors with spectacular waterpark views along the way. Less than half a minute after the heart-pounding ride begins, guests will find themselves catching their collective breaths as this one-of-a-kind adventure ends.

Guest safety is paramount at Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts and Verrückt is no exception. Rigorous and exhaustive testing included asking riders of every weight and height configuration to help vet the experience before the 601-foot fiberglass slide opened to the public. Guests also share rafts for four people and a large net surrounds the ride.  

Verrückt isn’t for everyone and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City offers plenty of other terrific water experiences throughout the park. Visitors may want to skip this ride if they’re afraid of heights. In addition, individuals who experience vertigo may find this water slide – and walking up 264 steps – especially challenging. It’s also important to have a healthy back and neck in order to thoroughly enjoy Verrückt.

“People consider many factors when they travel, and you never know what is going to put them over the line in terms of visiting,” Prosapio says. “We know that everyone who visits – whether they ride or not - will talk about Verrückt. They will talk about someone else who rode, or the sound of the boats going down the slide, or how you could hear people shouting from clear across the park. And for those who ride, it’ll be the biggest adrenaline rush of their visit, without a doubt.”