Nopuko Air Coaster Review, Lost Island Themepark Vekoma SLC | Avoid the Front Row!

Nopuko Air Coaster is the Vekoma SLC at Lost Island Themepark. This is the standard layout with a bonus helix at the end. This coaster originally operated as Cobra at Ratanga Junction in South Africa before being relocated to Iowa. It's fine in most rows, but heed my warning. Avoid the front row!
Video Credits
Cobra (WHAT TO DO)- • Cape Town - Ratanga Ju...
Background Music
Sport Trap Fitness Rock by Infraction [No Copyright Music] So Close- • Sport Trap Fitness Roc...

[@memesrct_official]

I think Lost Island theme park should close the front seats on Nopuko Air Coaster indefinitely in order for them to call up Vekoma to fix this pothole on the rollover inversion by retract it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I would be in favor of that.

[@UwePieper]

Maybe it‘s possible to remove the seats and make it a zero car. But I guess it‘d be better to look into it, because this moment will wear down the ride hardware. And it‘s too bad because the frontrow of SLCs is usually quite fun.

[@sparkjr2039]

I've heard by a ton of people the row two is the worst. The only thing with the front is that first inversion jolt.

[@pig-serpent830]

Was here a few weeks ago. I genuinely think riding this in the second row was more jolting than the car accidents I've been in.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Oh my!

[@bobbyresigliano2392]

Thank you for posting this, I was at Lost Island (for the first time) about 2 weeks before this video was released. I was unaware of this jolt. I was in the 2nd row. I was slammed around at the same spot. My back cracked very hard in multiple spots. I was shocked then very nervous for the rest of the ride. My shoulder hurt for the rest of the day as well. Advil was also necessary. I love the layout of the ride but I don't think I'll be riding it again, regardless of which row, until this is fixed.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Back doesn't have that slam. It's just the front rows.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

The colors are nice

[@hazza5999]

😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

They are.

[@vinewoodstar]

Oooooooohhhhhhhh my God, that roll over! Like HOW?! I can't even imagine or how that's even legal.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They really should do something about it.

[@ThePokemonPrincess]

I accept the front row challenge. Pray for me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's not worth it.

[@coastersandcosplays]

You need more than prayers... Lol you'll want to bring ibuprofen, and an ice pack

[@MattMcIrvin]

Based on my experience of rides we've both ridden, Canobie Coaster's tolerance for rough coasters is pretty high and when *he* warns you about something, you should probably pay attention.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The front row is atrocious.

[@brianschulz7833]

My only ride on this was in the front and, while it was definitely janky, the vest restraints made it tolerable for me-I kind of just laughed at how ridiculous the rollover was. Good fun, but I get why people would want to avoid it. If nothing else, that paint scheme is GORGEOUS! It looks great driving into the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The rollover was no laughing matter for me. It was excruciating.

[@OfficialSpinal]

Nopuko is the worst coaster I have ever ridden. That rough part on the roll is the most violent thing I have ever experienced. Out of all the coasters I have ridden it is the only one (other than X2) to rip my glasses off my face. If I didn't know better I would think that the coaster was falling apart! I'm glad to hear that they have started warning people about it, because on my visit last year there where no warnings.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Did you have a glasses strap too?

[@RockyandPeanut-ly2gy]

2:39 Wow. You can see the pothole on the off ride footage. That’s terrifying. Thank you for riding it for me 😊 Is this your favorite SLC?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's one of the better ones in back, but Great Nor'Easter is my favorite.

[@deezulboy]

When I was there in June I was talking to an employee for a few minutes over near Matugani. He had told me that he used to operate Nopuko and asked me how I liked it and when I mentioned the jolt he knew exactly what I was referring to, but at the same time he did seem very surprised and honestly a little concerned when i told him it was literally the worst jolt I had ever experienced on a coaster. But like you said I also told him other than the jolt the ride ran really well for an SLC. Now hearing they started closing off that front row I wonder if it was me along with other enthusiasts that helped them realize just how awful it really was because like you said, I don't think they understood what they were buying. I love this park though and hope so badly they make it!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they replace that section of track. It is fun otherwise.

[@sparkjr2039]

The front is not closed off. It has been worked on every year since opening. It is getting better each year. That jolt is the last issue. Hopefully it can be replaced.

[@blakerascon7745]

Vekoma SLCs are rough as hell. Adventureland, also in Iowa(my home state), should build a B&M Inverted Coaster that should be the tallest, longest, and fastest of its kind at their park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I want Adventureland to add an airtime centric ride, even better is if it also had a launch.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I think it rode better for you than it did for me. After the ride ops warned me about the front, I chose the back row, and it was so awful throughout the ride. That rollover was easily the worst part, but it had several other terrible moments. I was just too curious, so I then went again for row 3, and it was even worse. I was done. I'm glad I didn't do row 1.

[@CanobieCoaster]

What year did you ride it?

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

July 2023

[@eliasmertens9313]

If they retracked the rollover and the sidewinder, this would actually be a pretty awesome ride!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: The primary thing they did to improve the experience was purchasing two new trains from Vekoma. These replaced the old harnesses with vest restraints. Several older SLCs have done this and it makes a huge difference. Why did you say "a huge difference", if both the trains with over-the-shoulder restraints and the trains with vest restraints take the elements with the same speed and offer the same forces?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The vest restraints remove the headbanging.

[@stormingcoasters]

The footage at 3:30 looks like a glitch with how the train shakes on the rollover.

[@zack9777]

I think the roll over was position wrong during refreb

[@CanobieCoaster]

Possibly

[@madtownchris]

100% agree. There is something seriously wrong with that rollover.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes there is. I've heard some rumors, but nothing I want to post publicly.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Also, try Flight Deck at Canada's Wonderland. That Vekoma SLC also still has the over-the-shoulder restraints. What would you think? How would you compare that one to Batman the Ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain? Both are inverted coasters, one from B&M and one from Vekoma. Both are clones. Do you know their opening year? And both have over-the-shoulder restraints.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Batman is smoother, which is the biggest reason it is better.

[@mateoalvira3514]

I saw videos and POVs of the Vekoma SLC at Movie Park Germany, MP Xpress, which is now named Iron Claw. I think it still has the old trains with over-the-shoulder restraints. So what do you think and would you ride it again?

[@CanobieCoaster]

No, it is rough.

[@chrisogrady28]

When we say pothole, isn't what we actually mean: misaligned track piece joint ?

[@chasebingaman]

Thats what I'm wondering. Heard it on a wood ride and i believe that comes from the structure being much weaker

[@CanobieCoaster]

That probably is the cause.

[@GameToyLegoMan]

Part of the track broke on shipment and they replaced it and this is the result.

[@twistedphysics22]

The theme is welch's grape juice?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Same colors.

[@AG7-MTM]

Do you think it would be possible to use STC track and trains on the existing footers? This would be similar to how Python and Great NorEaster were redone, but much more signifigant (same layout, but different track and slight re-profiles)

[@KingKidKobra_]

Likely not, I feel like it would he possible, just not with the existing footers.

[@verybighomer]

Would you expect an additional advantage using STC track?

[@zanzabar4ky7]

I don't think the footers are a main part of the cost. If you need support and track why not go with something else. Maybe the new train is good? Or some one else would buy it?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The track type here can be smooth with their new manufacturing methods. See Great Nor'Easter.

[@CoastingThePlanet]

So if the front row is the 2nd worst SLC. . . which one do you consider the worst? 😂

[@KingKidKobra_]

I believe its Blue Tornado at Gardaland

[@CanobieCoaster]

Blue Tornado. That's the only one I've ridden with hard restraints.

[@ProfBAM2113]

Somehow, this was my first SLC when I rode row 3 or 4 last summer. Yes, the ride could use some more significant retracking. But it seems like their capital expenditure is focused on the RMC they've been teasing. And do they even have their carousel yet?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They do not have the carousel yet.

[@waldolahr9726]

You think that’s stopping suddenly? I know you’ve seen riddler SFNE’s ending, but great video as always

[@CanobieCoaster]

Riddler is definitely worse, but this is still an abrupt deceleration.

[@Coaster_Crash]

To be honest, I think I will like the SLCs. But for one moment only. The double roll inversion. That is one of the single most intense elements ever. But they have very good layouts. The only one I’ve done, though, is Flight Deck at Canada’s Wonderland.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like most SLCs with vests. Not a fan of Flight Deck.

[@Crisyllis27]

That rollover in the front, even towards the front, is the single worst moment I’ve ever experienced on a roller coaster! From my understanding, something must’ve happened to the track in the rollover section when they shipped the coaster to Iowa from the defunct Ratanga Junction theme park in South Africa. The sidewinder element in the front was pretty bad, too! Hopefully Lost Island can replace those janky sections of track in the near future! For now though, ride towards the back or the very back. Still a bit bumpy, but much more enjoyable and tolerable, thanks to the vest restraints!

[@CanobieCoaster]

The sidewinder was fine for me, but that rollover is inexcusable.

[@aMondayMorning]

0:10 oh my god you can see the ENTIRE train shake violently when it hits the pothole, that is a warcrime.

[@EastCoasters]

Funny thing about that janky element: it was actually replaced twice, and reprofiled many times after to try to get it right. We were with Vekoma engineers before the 2023 season started and they were puzzled as they couldnt get it profiled right. Still, it’s a beautiful ride to have 🤷🏻‍♂️🤌🏽

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yikes, odd they can't get it right given how new Vekoma coasters are smooth.

[@jacksonseyl5255]

Why is Lost Island either not having features active on some rides( like with Mura Fury), or not having rides operate at all? Do you think it's because of a lack of staff?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Possibly maintenance? We had a lot of stuff breakdown or have technical issues.

[@jacksonseyl5255]

@@CanobieCoaster Why do you think Lost Island is having such a big problem with maintenance?

[@DonkeyPopsicle]

Yikes, you can see that awful jank spot even on the zoomed out shots.

[@coasterblocks3420]

Sounds like it is the same model as Lethal Weapon/Arkham Asylum formerly at Movie World, which was my favourite coaster there.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That was removed before I got to that park.

[@GameToyLegoMan]

That moment is so violent it does ruin the entire ride. I did it twice. Back was a little better. I think they are going to have to do some work on it this offseason.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they retrack that rollover. Everything else is decent.

[@thomasroberts9937]

Yep, I rode it front row. My head smashed back into the headrest and it ruined the rest of the day with a huge headache. Bring advil!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ouch!

[@sparkjr2039]

I just lean forward and brace for it since I know it's there. Otherwise the front is fine.

[@mitchellries256]

If the park has to warn you about the front being rough, maybe that will be a message to the park that they have to do something to it during the upcoming off season.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I hope they finally do something about it.

[@SlimFury]

I've only been on 2 SLCs. I love the twisted mess of track on these rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The layout is good.

[@George_bonnaire]

I actually like these kind of coasters, I wish they built more with the helix

[@CanobieCoaster]

The helix is nice. Solid speed.

[@jtwoolley]

Hey Canobie, in the future can you say Oh My Gooodness or oh my gosh instead of omg

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can try.

[@sparkjr2039]

You say avoid the front row and that is where I will sit the couple times a year i ride this. Just be aware of that first inversion jolt and the rest is not terrible.

[@CanobieCoaster]

But that first inversion is so bad that it ruined the ride for me.

[@sparkjr2039]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah if you know it is coming you can prepare and it's fine.

[@2scared2ridehypers96]

Definitely preferred the back to the front put of my two rides. No contest. My least favorite coaster in Iowa and Missouri other than Screamin Eagle. Least favorite up front though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Back is actually enjoyable.

[@thrillridefreak8884]

You'd think it'd be the other way around. The front would be more smoother and the back would be more rough but here, it's the total opposite.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

That's because the zero car on Vekoma SLCs is in the back.

[@CanobieCoaster]

^ Good point on the zero car.

[@CoasterGuy95]

I know I said it in the comments of the pov, but i cannot still get over the jolt on the rollover. What’s up with recent coasters having jolts lol.

[@donovanw2150]

@@CoasterGuy95 this actually opened in 1998 but was relocated in 2022

[@tyhmasuomalainend9069]

this isn't recent

[@CoasterGuy95]

I know yall im joking around lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

This one is the worst of all.

[@ToneTitan]

Overall, this park looks well-maintained and themed. But Iowa, though?

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was worth the trek.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

What if instead of the roll over they put a giant loop. I know one slc in europe has a giant loop on it. People seem to enjoy it. Did vekoma do the refirb if not it really seems like any time somebody messes with vekoma track to make it better it just gets worse. If they retrack it i bet they will go with s&s since they do all the arrow repairs. But they really should go with vekoma. Even though it looks like arrow track it isnt. No other suspended coaster uses this design where the rails run on the inside. I feel bad for the owners of this park it seems like another year of slow buisness. They couldnt have 2 worse coasters as headlining attractions. One is rough and unreliable and the other is just plain unreliable and will be a money pit. It would have been far more wise for them to build 1 new rmc than 2 coasters that are almost 20 years old. I like slcs i think they are by far one of the best looking coasters in exsistance. But they cant cary a park as a headlining attraction especialy when another park full of modern rides isnt too far away. If i was them i would have waited to open the dark ride put the money tward a 20 mil rmc that would bring in crouds. Theme the mountain arround the coaster as the parks centerpiece. Imagine a mountain with a rmc raptor or hybrid going through and arround it. Track couldbbe bright orange like lava. It would have been awsome. I just wish the best for them. They put everything on the line to open that park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The rollover itself is a fine element if it were smooth. I want it retracked.

[@markrobinowitz8473]

No Puke Oh?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Is that how it is said?

[@coastersandcosplays]

The front row is definitely bad! But suffered through it to get the POV 😂🤣 gotta love doing dumb things for KZbin right? Haha

[@CanobieCoaster]

Even if it wasn't for KZbin, I was morbidly curious and had to see how it was so bad.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

The pro for the front is the view.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, but it comes at a cost.

[@jtwoolley]

DID YOU REVIEW THIS THANKS TO ME

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@zanzabar4ky7]

That looks like the kidney shot CGA grizzly had (has?) after the last major major retrack right before you hit the brakes.

[@CanobieCoaster]

CGA Grizzly has never given me issues. It's boring, not painful.

[@zanzabar4ky7]

@@CanobieCoaster it is my home park. I always thought it was a little rough but it was a wooden coaster. Took some one on it to show them it wasn't that bad in row 2 and never again. I would ride Kong over it

[@jtwoolley]

did i inspire you to review this

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had plans anyway.

[@matthewramirez4678]

69 views at the time of watching this, nice 😎

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@matthewramirez4678]

@@CanobieCoasterhehehehe

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

I didnt think it was that bad but I only rode in the back

[@CanobieCoaster]

Back is decent. Front is the issue.

[@Unfunny_things]

Not even joking, I rode in the front row on this and my head hurt for almost a week after. Right now it's by far my least favorite coaster.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a brutal moment.

[@mattyorshin]

Eew an slc

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's fine in most rows.

[@porcelainthunder2213]

No Puke o?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Maybe that's how you say it? Didn't hear any employees say the name.

[@sparkjr2039]

​@@CanobieCoaster really? They always say the name of the ride during their speal

[@hellfiregamersparadise7176]

pov:"i will not ride the front row until someting is done" me: do a digital dan but with this coaster in the front row

[@CanobieCoaster]

Do a what?

[@hellfiregamersparadise7176]

@@CanobieCoaster do a digital dan is when you ride a painful ride all day (HERO hero all day)

[@hellfiregamersparadise7176]

you can always put some1 you dont like in the front lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@ParkerSmith-wh3vv]

First

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@DrPepperone]

No puke? 🤢 Oh… 🤮

[@CanobieCoaster]

Is that how it is said?