ROAD TRIP: Catch the wave upgrade at water park

FEDERAL HEIGHTS • A new wave has arrived at Water World, the mega water park north of Denver.

You may have visited before and bobbed around in the two wave pools. But this season, the park's water technology wizards have upgraded the large Thunder Bay wave pool so that it generates bigger, more oceanlike waves that you can actually body surf.

The good news: It makes Thunder Bay more like a ride. Catch the wave right and you become a projectile zooming through the surf. And the waves come in quick succession, so, like in the real ocean, you can catch a ride, swim back and catch another and another.

The bad news: Human projectiles can be hazardous, both to others and the projectile. (Just ask somebody who's played a human canonball.) This new Thunder Bay is not recommended for very young children or those with poor swimming abilities. Also be aware that the more crowded the pool, the more hazardous it can be.

Water World also has expanded its lower Funhouse area with a new pool, tube slide and little lazy river, all perfect for younger kids.

For those at Water World with serious money to spend, the park has added dozens of fancy new resort-style cabanas, which you can rent for only $99 to $199 per day.

IF YOU GO

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Directions: Take Interstate 25 north, exit at 84th Avenue (Exit 219). Turn west on 84th Avenue, then right on Pecos Street. The parking lot is four blocks up on the left.
Admission: $28.95-$33.95, with discounts for seniors and half-day tickets.
Contact: waterworldcolorado.com or 1-303-427-7873