Waterslides are not a sideline, a fluke, or a by-product to Splashtech, Inc. In the tubular waterslide industry, Splashtech, Inc. is the originator and industry leader, having engineered, manufactured, and installed a great many open and tubular waterslide flumes worldwide. Splashtech, Inc. indeed offers a full line of open flume slides in many sizes and configurations.

The know-how necessary to design and manufacture the ultimate aquatic experience began long before waterslides emerged to their current popularity. Kay Ruggles, current consultant, began working with fiberglass in the 1950's as an engineer involved in the fabrication of fiberglass Corvette bodies, boats, rocket components, aerial tram gondolas, synthetic marble and granite vanity tops, bathtubs and shower stalls, rapid- transit coaches, modular furniture, and a host of other fiberglass products, all of which preceded his engineering of the waterslides. During these many years, Mr. Ruggles received numerous industry awards for his plastic and fiberglass product designs. In 1979, Kay turned his full attention to tubular waterslides, developing them into the premiere waterslides in the Industry through the entity of Design Works, Inc., a predecessor entity of Splashtech, Inc. Then in 1982, others joined the team to head up the sales department and oversee many other business functions. Together, they have built quite an operation.

From a commercial standpoint, the waterslide industry began in approximately 1973. These forerunners of Splashtech's flumes were open-flume or U-shaped designs which depended upon a rambling hillside for form and function. These concrete structures had hard, rough riding surfaces which necessitated the use of a riding mat to prevent scrapes, bruises, and cuts.

New materials were sought to provide a smoother riding surface, and concrete was replaced with fiberglass. The same basic U-shape which had been carved out of a hillside was now formed on fiberglass molds, resulting in a greatly improved riding surface. For the most part, however, these slide sections were poorly designed, and when bolted together, they created alignment problems. Mats were still required to protect riders from bumps and scrapes.

With hundreds of open slides operating successfully around the country, the current team realized the potential for a perfected product and introduced its first slide in 1979. The creation of a tubular slide with total enclosure enhanced safety and created year-round recreation. The need for mats was eliminated by close dimensional tolerances and hand-fiberglass lamination (which created a mirror-like interior finish). Structural steel supports and the inherent rigidity of the tube reduced the dependence upon nature for slide form and enhanced the excitement.

To maintain a strong position, there was a continued commitment to create new aquatic products. The "Black Hole" speed slide as well as a full-line of aquatic products was introduced in 1985. Then, in 1988, a full line of open-flume products was added, with continuing products and developments through the years. Years of experience have enabled Splashtech, Inc. to determine the fine line between thrill and danger; and, with every new innovation, Splashtech, Inc. creates exciting, safe, affordable aquatic fun for the entire family.