Ripsaw (Alton Towers)

Ripsaw was a Top Spin ride at Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England. It opened in 1997 and closed at the end of 2015.

History
The ride opened on 15 March, 1997 alongside The Blade (originally the pirate ship), which replaced Thunder Looper - a Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop. The theming installed on and around the ride resembled that of heavy duty machinery, with the main centerpiece of a ride being a large twist drill bit located above the riders.

Ripsaw was closed in the 2015 season due to the park's long-term plan. It was replaced by Forbidden Sweep, a small carnival game, for the 2016 season and then was replaced by the temporary ride, Funk ‘n’ Fly.

In February 2024, Alton Towers submitted a planning application for a new 60 ft tall ride in the Forbidden Valley, dubbed 'Project Ocean', on the site previously occupied by Funk ‘n’ Fly (originally occupied by Ripsaw). This prompted speculation from enthusiasts about this new ride being a 'revival' of Ripsaw. Planning permission was approved in April 2024, and construction began in May 2024.

Ride experience
Riders sat in a 20 seat wide, two tier gondola rotated by a pair of robotic arms and allowed to freely pivot. Riders were also suspended above jets of water at one point and were lowered towards it, similar to Rameses Revenge located in Chessington World of Adventures Resort. The ride was located in the Forbidden Valley section of the park adjacent to Nemesis.