Method and apparatus for improved water rides by water injection and flume design

A water ride, wherein a user moves from a first location to a second location in a predetermined direction, comprising:

• a ride surface having a first channel adapted to receive and support said user;
• means for propelling water onto said first channel at a predetermined velocity;
• and
• a ride segment on said ride surface having a second channel located parallel and adjacent said first channel, and extending in a longitudinal direction with respect thereto, said second channel being adapted to receive the slower moving excess water overflowing from said first channel and onto said second channel.

A module for a water ride wherein a user rides in a sitting or prone position in a predetermined direction between a starting point and an ending point, the module comprising:

• a ride segment for receiving said user, said segment being positioned between said starting point and said ending point;
• a water injection nozzle located adjacent said ride segment;
• and
• water emanating from said nozzle and flowing upon said ride segment in said predetermined direction and at a predetermined velocity, said water contacting said user as said user passes over said ride segment, said water having flow characteristics sufficient to affect a change in the velocity at which said user travels over said segment.

A segment of a water ride for amusement parks, water parks, and the like for transporting a user in a predetermined direction from a first location to a second location, said segment comprising:

• a ride surface adapted to receive and support said user and having two ends;
• a connector on each end of said ride surface for connecting said ride surface to and between said first and second locations;
• and
• means for propelling a stream of water onto said ride surface, said means adapted so as to direct said stream at a predetermined velocity and substantially in said predetermined direction, said stream of water affecting said user and causing a transfer of momentum which affects the velocity of said user travelling on said ride surface, whereby said velocity of said user may be safely controlled on said ride surface.

A method of improving a water ride, comprising the steps of:

• providing a ride surface adapted to receive and support a user travelling thereon in a predetermined direction;
• propelling a stream of water onto said ride surface at a predetermined velocity and substantially in said predetermined direction;
• and
• causing said stream of water to contact said user to affect a transfer of momentum that effects the velocity of said user on said surface.

A method for improving a water ride wherein a user moves from a first location to a second location in a predetermined direction, comprising the steps of:

• providing a ride surface having a first channel adapted to receive and support said user;
• providing a means for propelling a stream of water onto said first channel at a predetermined velocity;
• and
• providing a ride segment on said ride surface having a second channel located parallel and adjacent said first channel and extending in a longitudinal direction with respect thereto, said second channel being adapted to receive excess water exiting and overflowing from said first channel, whereby the velocity of said stream of water and of said user travelling on said first channel is not substantially impeded by said exiting water.