"Inside a Giant Washing Machine".. A Horizon News Reporter Describes His Experience on One of the Longest Water Slides in Europe

Note from the editor: This article is by Afaq News producer Leroy Ah Ben. - I have always loved wild water slides, but it has been many years since my last visit to a water park. When I arrived at the "Land of Legends" water park in Antalya, I found myself staring at the towering "Dragonfly Tower" on the Turkish Riviera.

The tower didn't seem too intimidating when viewed from a distance, but it appeared taller the closer I got. The tower stands at 52 meters, which is roughly the height of a 16-story residential building.

The tower opened in May 2026 and is a major landmark in the new "Waterfly" area within the "Land of Legends," which is the largest amusement park in Turkey, located on the southwestern coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I was overwhelmed with tension as I began to climb, and when I reached the top, I felt my heart racing in my chest, not only from the effort of climbing but also from a sense of fear.

The tower features three slides, and I chose the most challenging and thrilling one, the super-fast "Emerald Blur" slide, which is 278 meters long. Inside a giant washer, the slide is characterized by its steep drop, to the extent that visitors must wear special back braces to protect themselves from injury when exposed to the high gravitational forces known as "G-forces."

When I reached the entrance of the slide, I realized that the most terrifying part was not the height, but the gate that opens suddenly. I stood inside the launch capsule waiting for the automated countdown, and here the worst possible scenario occurred: a false start.

The countdown stopped and then started again, which increased my feeling of fear. The journey takes about 56 seconds from the moment of launch until the impact with the water below, but time completely loses its meaning as you rush at incredible speed through one of the longest water slides in Europe.

For a split second, I felt like I was about to lose consciousness from the shock of the initial drop. When I regained my senses, I found myself tumbling inside what resembled a giant washing machine, spinning through twists and turns amidst a stunning mix of colors created by sunlight filtering through the mesmerizing patterns adorning the slide's exterior.

The experience was completely chaotic, as water surged forcefully towards my face while I screamed my way down. Excitement was not the first thing I felt when I reached the end; instead, I felt relief, followed by a sense of pride, and the thought crossed my mind that I wanted to repeat the experience.

Perhaps this is the most astonishing thing about the "Dragonfly Tower"; despite being a terrifying experience, it ignited my desire for more and awakened that child within me who is passionate about thrills.