In the heart of Austria’s Tirol region lies Area 47, an adventure park that promises thrill-seekers a variety of daring attractions, including what is touted as one of Europe’s fastest water slides.
Known for reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, this slide delivers an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to face its steep descent.
However, a specific sign posted at the entrance warns women against participating, a restriction that recently caught the attention of a fearless visitor: Rhiannan Iffland.
Rhiannan, a decorated Australian high diver and seven-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion, is no stranger to taking on extreme challenges.
So, when the 33-year-old came across the ‘no women’ sign, her curiosity immediately spiked, and she became determined to see what lay beyond the restriction.
In a video she later posted on Instagram, Rhiannan is seen standing at the top of the slide, contemplating the descent as she remarks, “Apparently women are not supposed to do this slide.”
Ignoring the warning, Rhiannan hurtles down the water slide, her screams echoing with the thrill and rush of speed.
She later captioned her viral Instagram video with a carefree, “Here for a good time not a long time! Another YOLO moment.”
The footage quickly gained traction online, capturing the attention of viewers with mixed reactions to her defiant adventure.
Many viewers praised her adventurous spirit, admiring her daring choice, while others questioned the park’s reasoning for restricting female access to the slide.
Among the comments, some women shared their own extreme water slide experiences, underscoring the need for caution.
One follower humorously admitted, “I got the worst enema on that slide… you are brave, girl.”
Another shared an even more vivid memory: “Peed out half the swimming pool in the toilet from my butt. I literally couldn’t stand upright after it happened.”
As the viral video continued to stir debates online, Area 47 stepped forward to clarify the reason behind their safety policy and respond to accusations of sexism.
A spokesperson for the park explained that the restriction wasn’t a statement about women’s capabilities but rather a necessary precautionary measure.
“Initially, this particular slide was open to both women and men,” they clarified, explaining that a sharp rise in injuries among female visitors forced the park to reevaluate safety protocols.
The spokesperson further shared that after consulting with medical experts, authorities, and the slide’s manufacturers, the team ultimately opted to restrict access to male visitors instead of dismantling the popular slide entirely.
The park emphasized that its decision was rooted solely in safety concerns for female guests, as advised by health experts on the risks posed by such high-speed slides.
“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety and happiness of all our guests, regardless of gender,” they assured, while noting that Area 47 is an inclusive venue with nearly half of its team and over half of its management team being women.
Reflecting on her choice to ride the slide despite the warning, Rhiannan later clarified to news.com.au that her actions were not intended to disregard the safety guidelines.
“It was never my intent to mock the safety regulations of this water slide,” she shared, emphasizing that her role as a professional diver involves constant risk assessment.
“A person’s safety is paramount, and I am constantly weighing up any danger with my job. To suggest otherwise is wrong,” she added.
For Rhiannan, the ride down Austria’s notorious slide may have been an unforgettable thrill, but it has also ignited a larger conversation about risk, curiosity, and boundaries.
Feature Image Credit: (Tiktok/@rhiannaniffland)
