Water Sports Facility

Abstract

Described are systems, devices and methods for providing a facility for water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding and the like in a controlled environment without the concomitant risks inherent in natural environments. Water is circulated by effluents from water pumps in an open air channel or pool and returned in a submerged closed channel. A participant controls velocity of water flowing from effluents and an amount of wake. Circulating water is rapidly decelerated by a second set of water pumps upon detecting participant falling or losing contact from a ski rope.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for providing desired water sports conditions to participants. Specifically, the invention relates to creating an environment with conditions similar to or matching those of an outdoor or natural setting such as a lake, river or other waterway suitable for practicing power-based water sports.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Generally, power-based water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, kneeboarding and other water sports involve being towed behind a boat, other motorized watercraft, vehicle or other means. Such vehicle typically operates at a relatively high speed—typically between about 10 and 36 miles per hour (about 15 to 56 km / hour). At such speed, a device (e.g. wakeboard) planes over the water surface with a participant wearing or riding the device.[0005]In many countries, power-based water sports have become an increasingly p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]This Summary introduces a non-exclusive selection of aspects or concepts about the present invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is the Summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Problems solved by technology

However, enjoyable participation in power-based water sports often involves many variables including several of which are outside the control of participants.

For example, when the surface of a lake becomes too rough for safe operation of a ski boat, it is generally not feasible or enjoyable to participate in waterskiing.

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