Ride safety issues I'm certain have become more restrictive...however.

I'm so curious about this and wonder if anyone else has a story to share,

Twenty Years ago or so, Myrtle Beach South Carolina...I had an outside stage Magic show under the Swamp Fox Roller Coaster for two seasons at the Grand Strand Amusement Park.

I learned to "Himalayan Hop" there.

I could juggle 3 balls at middle speed.
I stayed "safely" on the running boards and at full speed would wedge one foot securely against the inside wall of the seat and lean. It was a sensation that I still miss to this day.

At that time...there was an entire subculture of these "Himalayan Hoppers"...men and women who could jump onto the running boards of the Himalayan ride without using their hands and basically surf the ride while performing stunts. It was remarkable to watch...I cannot stress that enough. It was approaching theater.

Visiting out-of-town Hoppers would talk of the various Himalayans they had hopped, weather and temperature influences upon the ride speeds and their various accidents.

There were entire choreographed routines involving multiple "hoppers" with Rock music blasting and commentary from the DJ/Ride Boss. Boasting and challenges of "Hopping" the ride at full speeds were met with applause by not only the riders but by the crowds drawn to watch this high speed circular mirrorball ballet.

Both seasons an infamous fellow known only as "Smokey" would visit the park. He would arrive unannounced and unexpected. He would draw huge crowds of spectators as he balanced standing on the backs of the seats themselves...while seemingly ducking scenery supports on the back upward slope of the circle.

Hopping sent me to the emergency room only once. Being young and stupid I hopped the ride again later the same night with stitches in my leg...me the Magician trying to save face among the other real Hoppers and ride bosses. It worked.

It was an insane thing.
It was insanely beautiful.

There are some hoppers out in Coney Island.

As you probably already know, sadly, the Grand Strand park shut down a couple years ago. Now it's just a big, empty lot.

I read Grand Strand became "Family Kingdom" after Hurricane Hugo...and I assumed the Swamp Fox remained.

The Swamp Fox is a great coaster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPREQNVL2ok

I may be mistaken; Family Kingdom is still there. I thought Grand Strand was the park that used to be at Ocean and 9th, across from Ripley's.

For Coaster fans...I'm giving away a FREE Coaster! http://SpookyBook.com

You mean it? I've been wondering how I can put my beer down so the condensation doesn't leave a ring on my coffee table.

Spoiler alert!

You poop.

Sorry, I sharted.

Some old Scrapbook images



The "Hopping" was required to land on the running board at the higher speeds.