7 Must-Know Secrets About Thundering Surf Water Park: The New Era Under Fantasy Island's Owners
Planning a visit to the Jersey Shore this season? As of late December 2025, the iconic Thundering Surf Water Park in Beach Haven, New Jersey, is entering an exciting new chapter, promising a refreshed experience for visitors. This beloved Long Beach Island (LBI) staple, a fixture since 1977, recently changed hands, and the new ownership is set to enhance its legacy as one of America’s longest-running waterparks. Here is a deep dive into everything you need to know about the park's attractions, its rich history, and the major changes that have just taken place.
The park remains a premier destination for families seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat, offering a unique blend of thrilling water slides and calmer, family-friendly activities. The merger with a nearby entertainment giant has sparked new interest and promises exciting developments for the upcoming season, making it a must-visit spot on the Jersey Shore.
The Wainwright Family Acquisition: A New Era for a Jersey Shore Icon
The biggest and most significant piece of news surrounding Thundering Surf Water Park is its recent acquisition. After decades of operation, the park has been purchased by the Wainwright Family, who are the proud owners of the neighboring Fantasy Island Amusement Park. This move unites two of Beach Haven's most popular entertainment venues under a single, experienced ownership group.
A Union of Beach Haven Entertainment
The Wainwright Family’s acquisition of Thundering Surf Water Park and Adventure Golf is a strategic step that consolidates the area's top attractions. This new ownership promises a seamless experience for visitors who frequent both parks, potentially leading to combination passes, shared promotions, and an overall enhanced entertainment district in Beach Haven, NJ.
Brian Wainwright, CEO of Fantasy Island Amusement Park, expressed excitement about welcoming Thundering Surf into their family of businesses, recognizing the water park's history and its importance to the Long Beach Island community. This transition marks a commitment to preserving the park's classic charm while investing in its future.
Thundering Surf Water Park: Quick Biography & History
- Location: 300 Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, New Jersey 08008.
- Founders: Chris and Julie Mesanko.
- Year Founded: 1977.
- Original Attractions: Began with four simple concrete water slides.
- Current Status: Fully operational and celebrating a successful 2025 season (as of late 2025 search results).
- Current Ownership: The Wainwright Family, owners of Fantasy Island Amusement Park.
- Claim to Fame: One of the longest-running waterparks in America.
7 Thrilling Attractions That Define Thundering Surf Water Park
Thundering Surf has continually evolved since its 1977 founding, adding new attractions and undergoing renovations to keep the experience fresh and exciting for every generation. Today, the park is a modern, full-service water adventure destination.
1. The Signature Water Slides
The park features six giant waterslides, each offering a different thrill level. These slides are the heart of the park, providing high-speed twists, turns, and drops that are perfect for adrenaline junkies. The variety ensures that both younger children and seasoned thrill-seekers find their perfect ride.
2. The Flowhouse: Simulated Surfing Experience
One of the park’s most unique and modern attractions is the Flowhouse. This feature allows guests to experience the excitement of simulated surfing, or "flow boarding" and "boogie boarding," without having to brave the ocean waves. It’s a challenging and fun activity that draws a crowd and provides a great photo opportunity.
3. The Lazy Crazy River
For those looking for a more relaxing, yet still engaging, experience, the Lazy Crazy River is the perfect spot. Unlike a traditional lazy river, this attraction is spiced up with interactive water play activities both in and out of the river.
4. Surprise Mega Water Blasters
Adding to the "Crazy" in the Lazy Crazy River, the course features surprise mega water blasters. These unexpected bursts of water ensure that even the most relaxed floaters get a refreshing—and surprising—splash, making the ride a memorable, interactive experience for all ages.
5. High-Speed Mat Racers
A favorite for competitive guests, the high-speed mat racers allow friends and family to challenge each other down parallel lanes. Lying head-first on a mat, racers twist and turn their way to the bottom, vying for the fastest time in a thrilling, side-by-side dash.
6. Thundering Surf Adventure Golf
The fun isn't just limited to the water. Thundering Surf also features Adventure Golf, a family-friendly mini-golf attraction. With two full courses available, it’s a great way to dry off and work on your putting skills, adding a complete land-and-water entertainment package to your visit.
7. Dedicated Calmer Adventures
Beyond the high-speed thrills, the park is designed to accommodate younger children and those preferring a gentler pace. There are dedicated areas and slides that offer calmer adventures, ensuring that toddlers and preschoolers can safely enjoy the waterpark atmosphere with their families.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Essential Tips
Being prepared is key to maximizing your fun at this Beach Haven gem. The park operates seasonally, typically opening for the summer months and closing after Labor Day, though specific dates and hours can vary year-to-year.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Thundering Surf Water Park offers flexible ticketing options to suit different schedules and budgets. One popular option is the 3-Hour Waterpark Pass, which is ideal for a quick visit or for combining with other activities on Long Beach Island.
- Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye out for off-season deals, such as the "Holiday Sale" mentioned in late 2025, which can offer significant savings on passes for the upcoming season.
- Verify Before You Go: As with any seasonal attraction, it is always recommended to contact the park directly or check their official website for the most current admission prices and any potential package deals with Fantasy Island Amusement Park.
Operating Hours and Best Times to Visit
Operating hours are typically based on the summer calendar, with the park generally open between 10 am and 5 pm on peak days. However, hours can change based on the day of the week, weather, and the time of the season. To ensure a smooth visit, always confirm the park’s schedule for your specific date.
Expert Tip: Visiting during the week or opting for the later afternoon session (depending on the ticket type) can often result in shorter lines and a more relaxed experience, especially during the busy months of July and August.
Topical Authority: LBI's Entertainment Hub
The combination of Thundering Surf Water Park and Fantasy Island Amusement Park solidifies this corner of Beach Haven as the ultimate family entertainment hub on Long Beach Island. The proximity of the two parks means visitors can easily spend a full day enjoying both the water slides and the classic amusement rides, making the most of their Jersey Shore vacation. This centralized location, paired with the park’s long history dating back to 1977, makes it a true cornerstone of LBI's summer culture.
Whether you're a local who remembers the original concrete slides or a first-time visitor to the Jersey Shore, Thundering Surf Water Park offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern aquatic fun. With the new ownership promising continued investment, the future of this iconic LBI water park looks brighter and more thrilling than ever.
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