Loup-Garou is a 2001 Wooden Coaster by Vekoma, residing at Walibi Belgium. This is one of only three wooden coasters ever built by Vekoma and one of only two still operating (the other being ThunderCoaster at TusenFryd). We've ridden both of their wooden coasters still in operation and one thing is for sure, they're very interesting products, having surprisingly strong layouts but very rough ride experiences.

The Vekoma Twister

Vekoma's wooden coasters are definitely more twisters than classic out-and-back layouts, perhaps most akin to some CCI woodies of the past. They are not quite as fast paced as most GCI's but they are definitely faster paced and more twisty than the big Intamin prefabs or most classic PTC woodies. Vekoma's execution of this particular coaster type is okay but the roughness is definitely a big downside. This is most likely due to several factors, but Loup-Garou being the only one still running Vekoma's own wooden coaster trains, could potentially also be one (not that ThunderCoaster, which has timberliners, runs any smoother though).

Not without Potential

Many people will heavily dislike this coaster given its rough ride experience and while we don't love Loup-Garou, its heavy vibrations or occasional jackhammering, we must admit that while riding it, you can really feel the potential it has. If it ever were to get a proper re-track that would fix its roughness, the layout and potential ride experience it's hiding is very good. Loup-Garou is decently paced, has good laterals and a few good moments of airtime as well. The general thrill level is actually quite high and the layout is exciting, unfortunately, you will most likely be riding rather defensively in order to not get slapped around too much.

Conclusion

Loup-Garou is a polarizing ride. It's a decently large wooden twister, with that classic wooden coaster feeling, solid pace, good laterals and a few really good moments of airtime but it's lacking in theming and its ride experience is very rough, enough to where it can be hard to fully enjoy this otherwise good layout. The potential is there, but the execution still leaves something to be desired.

All photos

Locking the restraints on F.L.Y…

Back