The Giant Dipper, which replaced the Thompson's Scenic Railway, took 47 days to build and opened on May 17, 1924, at a cost of $50,000.

With a height of 70 feet (21 m) and a speed of 55 miles per hour (89 km/h), it is one of the most popular wooden roller coasters in the world.

The Thompson's Scenic Railway was built on the site of the current Giant Dipper in 1908 as the longest roller coaster in the United States.

Cardiff and Walter Looff began negotiations to build a new ride to replace the Scenic Railway.

In January 1924, the permit to build the Giant Dipper was granted to Arthur Looff.

Demolition of the Scenic Railway began in January 1924 to make room for the Giant Dipper.

The emergency brake was applied, but the boy fell head first onto the track and was crushed by the roller coaster train.

[2] In the early 1970s, the Giant Dipper became the last "classic roller coaster" between Vancouver, British Columbia and San Diego, California.

[8] Since the Giant Dipper was one of the first roller coasters in existence when it opened, many people were concerned about the safety of the ride.

[2] Many people call the Giant Dipper the icon and crown jewel of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk[8] as well as one of the nation's most exciting roller coasters.

The ride also appeared in many television commercials and movies, including The Lost Boys, Sudden Impact, The Sting II, Bumblebee and Dangerous Minds.

[12][17] It is only one of two roller coasters to receive this designation, the other being the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park.

It won the award for its innovative track design, unusual curved station and for being one of the ten oldest operating coasters in the world and one of only three remaining examples of Frederick Church's work.