Buena Vista, California - Despite being predicted to open nearly three months ago, Knott’s Berry Farm’s Windseeker opened to the public officially on Friday, August 19th, 2011.

Windseeker is a modern take on the classic wave swinger, a staple at every amusement park – just without the waves. The ride’s carriage carries swings attached via metal arms around the tower as it travels up the 301 foot ride. At night, an LED light package swirls, mesmerizing both riders and onlookers.

Unfortunately for Knott’s, they are the last of the four Cedar Fair parks to open a Windseeker this season. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, and Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto, Ontario all opened their rides throughout late May and June.

This is the first season that the Mondial-made rides are being opened, as the ride was only just announced last February. All of the previously opened towers have experienced technical difficulties, which in turn actually caused more delays for Knott’s Windseeker, as Knott’s had to accommodate for the prototypes’ bugs as they were discovered at the other parks.

Additionally, the ride was originally intended to replace the Sky Cabin, a gyro observation tower with a scripted “K” at the top. The ride is apparently well loved, as it was deemed a landmark, thus forcing the plans for Windseeker to change. Instead of being on the Boardwalk, the last minute alteration moved the new tower to Fiesta Village where it replaced Fiesta BBQ Mexican Restaurant.

With a 52 inch minimum height requirement, the ride is certainly not aimed towards youngsters, nor the faint of heart! When there is nothing but a swing between the rider and the ground 300 feet below, this ride may not be the ultimate in thrill machines, but it will definitely put new meaning to the phrase, “don’t look down.”