Slip ‘n Slide from Wham-O (1961)

Released in the early 1960s by Wham-O, the Slip ‘n Slide transformed an ordinary backyard into a summertime playground. Wham-O’s sensational advertising campaigns billed the water slide as “Magic” and a “New Amazing Invention!” that would have kids “scoot like seals” and “run and slide a mile!”

Slip ‘n Slide worked on both level and sloping lawns. Measuring approximately 25 feet long and 40 inches wide, it featured 100s of water jets running the full length of the plastic surface and a special lubricating compound moulded directly into the plastic. This allowed kids to “scoot like seals” and “run and slide a mile!”

Throwing caution to the wind, Wham-O offered a variety of suggested activities for Slip ‘n Sliders, including spins, rolls, tumbles, relay races, and even a game called “body bowl for points.”