Cory Moore
Marketing Director
Noah's Ark Waterpark & Raging Waters San Jose
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin & San Jose, California - both U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, May 2021
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I earned a B.A. in communications from San Francisco State, then moved to Manhattan where I entered a graduate program in sports, events & entertainment at NYU. While there, I worked for a company that developed attorneys’ conferences. Afterward, I moved on to work for Feld Entertainment, promoting live shows—including “Disney on Ice”—in 27 U.S. markets. After Feld, I joined the waterpark industry, where I get to continue fulfilling my passion for helping people have fun!
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
I have the typical park certifications—AED, First Aid, ServSafe. I also keep my PADI diving certifications active.
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Outdoor two consecutive years while I was the marketing director at Waterworld California (which is now Hurricane Harbor).
WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Kirk Smith at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom brought me on board in Northern California. I was excited to be part of the rebranding and major expansions, including Tava’s Jungleland and Dolphin Cove. The stellar team I worked with helped me fall in love with the industry!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Nothing feels better than bringing joy to our waterpark guests and knowing that I am part of a team that helps deliver good, clean, fun to people of all ages. I also love that a lot of people in this industry get their start right out of school and work their way up to leadership positions.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My father. He instilled in me a strong work ethic, while showing me that it’s important to enjoy what I do. My dad always reminds me that I will excel at my career if I work hard and love what I do.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Choosing a waterpark! There are so many great opportunities in our industry! For me, the adrenaline aspect of our industry plays to my strengths. During peak season, there is never a lull. The biggest challenge is understanding there is always something that needs attention and my work is never really done.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Even during the busiest times, I practice some form of self-care. I do Pilates and mindfulness exercises. It’s easy to stay motivated in our industry because there is always something new to promote and learn.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Working in the waterpark industry is not a job; it’s a lifestyle. You will make some of the best friends you could ever want. You will always have a new challenge and never ending surprises. Customers will lose things you can’t even imagine!
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
World Waterpark Magazine and
Advertising Age. I also read the newsletters from as many parks as possible. My favorite book is
Learning to Fly by Sam Keen. Sam took up flying trapeze as a hobby and wrote a book about fear, trust and learning to let go. It just so happens, I’m also a flying trapeze hobbyist!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Walking (or jogging on crazy days) through the park with the sun shining, seeing the water shimmer in the light and watching people having a blast.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
I have loved every minute of my career. But, if someone forced me to pick a second career, I’d run away and join the circus. Come to think of it, I already did that! I took up flying trapeze in my 30s. If I had a do-over, I’d start flying sooner and see where it takes me.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My first participation was the "World's Largest Swimming Lesson
™” event. Afterward, Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin appeared at my park event, taught swim lessons, signed autographs and gave TV interviews.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
My aviation experience. At Oakland International Airport, I received and parked up to 5 incoming private planes simultaneously. I escorted pilots, passengers, dogs and one friendly parrot to aircraft, and saw them off toward their destinations!