I also got the same problem, that val disappears when I try to do to one station (third station from the end of the line, the one after the land where you obtain orca kick).
Also, there is a problem with that orca kick, because I can't perform it anywhere else than in the place I have obtained it.
Yes, I play the web version. Yes, I love the game and think it's very well made. Yes, I enjoy the art.