Dynamic reef, method of use, and shoreline erosion control system employing same

A method of dissipating energy in waves to reduce shoreline erosion, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a plurality of flotation collars about an axis of an elongated elastic member in a path of the waves;
• subjecting the plurality of flotation collars to wave action;
• and
• rotating each one of the plurality of flotation collars independently of each other and the elastic member upon impact of the waves against the plurality of flotation collars for the flotation collars to coact with each other when rotating;
• wherein turbulence and vortices are provided within the wave action to dissipate energy from the waves.

A system for dissipating energy from waves approaching a shoreline, the system comprising;

• a plurality of dynamic reefs, each one of the plurality of dynamic reefs comprising:
• an elongated elastic member;
• and
• a plurality of flotation collars rotatable about the elastic member, each flotation collar adapted for independent movement with respect to the elastic member and other of the plurality of flotation collars, the plurality of flotation collars coacting to dissipate wave energy;
• the plurality of dynamic reefs being arranged in an offset configuration with respect to the shoreline to maximize an amount of energy extracted from the waves.

A dynamic reef comprising:

• elastic tubing;
• a plurality of flotation collars independently rotatable about the elastic tubing;
• a plastic tube sized and shaped to fit over the elastic tubing and be disposed between the elastic tubing and the plurality of flotation collars;
• securing means for securing the plastic tube to the elastic tubing;
• a hub portion extending about the plastic tube;
• and
• a plurality of blades extending outward from the hub portion;
• wherein the plurality of flotation collars coact to dissipate wave energy.