Water amusement system and method

US 20020082097A1
Filed: 09/11/2001
Published: 06/27/2002
Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2000
Status: Active Grant

First Claim

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1. A water transportation system, comprising:

at least two channels, wherein the channels are configured to convey a participant by water flowing through the channels during use; and

at least two stations, wherein the stations are coupled to the channels, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a first direction during use, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a second direction during use, and wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

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Abstract

A water transportation system and method are described, generally related to water amusement attractions and rides. Further, the disclosure generally relates to water-powered rides and to a system and method in which participants may be actively involved in a water attraction. This transportation system comprises at least two water stations and at least one water channel connecting the at least two water stations for the purpose of conveying participants between the at least two water stations. In addition, the water transportation system may include conveyor belt systems and water locks configured to convey participants from a first source of water to a second source of water which may or may not be at a different elevation.

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678 Claims

1. A water transportation system, comprising:
- at least two channels, wherein the channels are configured to convey a participant by water flowing through the channels during use; and
  
  at least two stations, wherein the stations are coupled to the channels, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a first direction during use, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a second direction during use, and wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 138)
- - 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion;
      
      a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
      
      a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel at the first portion and is transferred out of the channel at the second portion in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion.
  - 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that friction between a participant and the angled channel segment is reduced.
  - 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that a flowing body of water is obtained during, and wherein the flowing body of water has a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use.
  - 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water ride, the water ride comprising an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the outlet end is coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the water ride comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of said water ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the outlet end of the water ride and enters the portion of the channel such that the body of flowing water produces a flow of water within the portion of the channel.
  - 6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion; and
      
      at least one water inlet disposed within the channel;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel via the water inlet at a rate such that a current of water is produced flowing from first portion toward the second portion during use.
  - 7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, and wherein each of the water jets is configured to produce a water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a walkway, and wherein a segment of the portion of the channel is at substantially the same height as a portion of the walkway such that a participant walks from the walkway into the water within the channel during use.
  - 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a stairway, wherein the stairway is configured such that a participant walks along the stairway into the water within the channel.
  - 10. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with a water ride of a water station, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a channel wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride.
  - 11. The system of claim 1, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of one of the channels while riding in a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a docking station coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, the docking station configured to receive and inhibit movement of floatation devices to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 12. The system of claim 1, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of one of the channels while riding on a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a conveyor system coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, the conveyor system configured to receive and inhibit movement of the floatation device to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
  - 14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
      
      a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels further comprises a conveyor belt system for transporting a vehicle or a participant from a body of water at a lower elevation to a body of water at a higher elevation, wherein a speed of the conveyor belt system and the speed of water flowing though the channel during use are substantially equal.
  - 16. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels further comprises a conveyor belt system for transporting a vehicle or a participant from a body of water at a lower elevation to a body of water at a higher elevation.
  - 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of one of the channels comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use.
  - 18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a wave of water propagating through a portion of the channel.
  - 19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel, and wherein the portion of the channel comprises a beach area that is oriented with respect to the channel such that the surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel produces a wave propagating toward the beach area.
  - 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of one of the channels comprises an obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction at least partially inhibits the flow of water through the channel during use, and wherein the obstruction is configured to such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.
  - 21. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the channels comprises a plurality of controllable obstructions positioned on a bottom surface of the channels, wherein the obstructions are configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstructions are positioned such that when the obstructions are in the raised position, a substantial amount of water in the channel is contained within the channel by the obstructions.
  - 22. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel during use.
  - 23. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels, and wherein the channel comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, and wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use, and wherein the system further comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 24. The system of claim 1, further comprising a containment pool coupled to a low elevation point of at least one of the channels, wherein water from the channels is collected in the containment pool when the flow of water through the channel is inhibited.
  - 25. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from a water source into the at least one channel during use.
  - 26. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - a water input source coupled to the channels, wherein the water input source is configured to provide a variable flow of water to the channel from a water source;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the water flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to signal the water input source to vary the flow of water to the channel in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 27. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a control signal, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the controllable obstruction, wherein the controller is configured to produce a signal to vary the position of the controllable obstruction in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 28. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to at least one additional stations;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 29. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to at least one additional stations;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the water station, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the occupancy of the water station, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a signal for the movable member in response to the occupancy of the water station.
  - 30. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 31. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a participant flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channels during use.
  - 32. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the same channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 33. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a participant flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channels during use.
  - 34. The system of claim 1, further comprising a spiral transport device coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the spiral transport device is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 35. The system of claim 1, further comprising a water wheel coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the water wheel is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel, water traveling along the channel, or both participants and water traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 36. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the channels comprises:
    - an obstruction positioned within a portion of the channel;
      
      a first pump configured to remove water from a portion of the channel upstream from the obstruction and re-inject the removed water into the channel at a position upstream from the removal point, wherein the velocity of the reinjected water is substantially greater than the velocity of the water traveling through a portion of the channel upstream from the position at which the water is re-injected into the channel.
  - 37. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with a water ride of a water station, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a channel wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises at least one water input device located along a potion of the floating queue line, wherein the water input device is configured to be operated intermittently to direct a stream of water at a participant such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a desired time.
  - 38. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a first and second channel, and wherein the system further comprises a conduit coupling the first channel to the second channel, wherein the conduit is configured to allow participants to move between the first and second channels.
  - 39. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the water stations comprises a water ride, and wherein the water ride is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 40. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water slide, and wherein the water slide is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 41. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a river water ride, and wherein the river water ride is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 42. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises an interactive water fountain system.
  - 43. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a swimming pool, and wherein the swimming pool is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 44. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water amusement park, and wherein a portion of the water amusement park is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 45. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is configured to convey participants across a body of water.
  - 46. The system of claim 1, wherein the participant is floating on a floatation device.
  - 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising placing the participant on a floatation device.
  - 50. The method of claim 48, further comprising detecting when one or more participants are within the first or second channels.
  - 51. The method of claim 48, further comprising detecting when a participant is obstructing the first or second channels.
  - 52. The method of claim 48, further comprising detecting the speed of the existing current in the first or second channels.
  - 53. The method of claim 48, further comprising directing a participant through the first and second channels with an existing current.
  - 54. The method of claim 48, further comprising generating a current of water moving from the first or second channel toward the first or second station;
    - and positioning the participant within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the water amusement ride.
  - 55. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a conveyor belt system, and wherein the conveyor belt system comprises:
    - a belt, wherein the belt is coupled to a first portion of the channel and a second portion of the channel;
      
      a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use.
  - 56. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a water lock system, and wherein the water lock system is coupled to a first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first and second portions of the channel;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first portion of the channel and the chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second portion of the channel and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use.
  - 57. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channel comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion;
      
      a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
      
      a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
      
      the method further comprising transferring water into the channel at the first portion and transferring water out of the channel at the second portion in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion.
  - 58. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      the method further comprising transferring a predetermined amount of water into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that friction between a participant and the angled channel segment is reduced, and transferring the participant from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end.
  - 59. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the channels comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion; and
      
      at least one water inlet disposed within the channel;
      
      the method further comprising transferring water into the channel via the water inlet at a rate such that a current of water is produced flowing from first portion toward the second portion.
  - 60. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, the method further comprising producing a water stream with the water jets, the produced water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 61. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of the channel with a water amusement ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue channel, and wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the queue channel, the method further comprising transferring the participant from the channel to the water amusement ride via the floating queue line, wherein the participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water amusement ride.
  - 62. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a docking station coupled to at least a portion of the channel, the docking station configured to receive and inhibit movement of floatation devices, the method further comprising placing the participants on a flotation device and transferring the participants from the docking station to the channel.
  - 63. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels further comprises a conveyor belt system, the method further comprising transporting a vehicle or a participant from a portion of the channel at a lower elevation to a portion of the channel at a higher elevation with the conveyor belt system.
  - 64. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising positioning the obstruction in the raised position to inhibit the flow of water through the channel.
  - 65. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a wave generator, the method comprising producing a wave of water propagating through a portion of the channel with the wave generator.
  - 66. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises an obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, the method further comprising at least partially inhibiting the flow of water through the channel with the obstruction, wherein the obstruction is configured such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.
  - 67. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, the method further comprising collecting water overflowing from the channel with the overflow pool.
  - 68. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel and a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising raising the obstruction into the raised position to substantially inhibit the flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool.
  - 69. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel and a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising lowering the obstruction into the lowered position to allow substantially uninhibited flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool.
  - 70. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a containment pool, and wherein the containment pool is coupled to a low elevation point of the channel, the method further comprising collecting water in the containment pool when the flow of water through the channel is inhibited.
  - 71. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a pump is coupled to the channel and a water source, the method further comprising pumping water from the water source into the channel.
  - 72. The method of claim 48, wherein a water input source and a water flow sensor are coupled to at least one of the first or second channels, and wherein a controller is coupled to the water input source and the water flow sensor, the method further comprising:
    - determining the flow rate of water detected by the water flow sensor with the controller;
      
      sending a control signal from the controller to the water input source in response to the detected water flow rate; and
      
      varying the flow of water to the channel with the water input source in response to the control signal.
  - 73. The method of claim 48, wherein a controllable obstruction is positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the first or second channels, and wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a control signal, and wherein a water flow sensor is coupled to the channel, and wherein a controller is coupled to the water flow sensor, the method further comprising:
    - monitoring a flow rate of water through the channels with the water flow sensor;
      
      generating a control signal with the controller in response to the monitored flow rate;
      
      sending the generated control signal to the controllable obstruction; and
      
      varying the position of the controllable obstruction in response to the received control signal.
  - 74. The method of claim 48, wherein a conduit is coupled to the first channel and a water amusement ride, and wherein movable members are positioned proximate to the intersection of the channel and the conduit, the method further comprising:
    - positioning the movable member in a first position to direct participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and positioning the movable member into a second position to direct participants along the conduit toward the water amusement ride while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 75. The method of claim 48, wherein a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a spiral transport device coupled to the channel, the method further comprising transporting participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel with the spiral transport device.
  - 76. The method of claim 48, wherein a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises a water wheel coupled to the channel, the method further comprising transporting participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel with the water wheel.
  - 77. The method of claim 48, wherein a portion of at least one of the first or second channels comprises an obstruction positioned within the channel and a first pump configured to remove water from a portion of the channel upstream from the obstruction and re-inject the removed water into the channel at a position upstream from the removal point, the method further comprising injecting water into the channel such that the velocity of the reinjected water is substantially greater than the velocity of the water traveling through a portion of the channel upstream from the position at which the water is re-injected into the channel.
  - 78. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first or second channels is configured to convey participants across a body of water.
  - 79. The method of claim 48, further comprising placing the participant on a floatation device.
  - 138. The method of claim 48, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises an obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, the method further comprising at least partially inhibiting the flow of water through the channel with the obstruction, and wherein the obstruction is configured such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.

47. A water transportation system, comprising:
- a channel configured to convey a participant by water flowing through the channel during use; and
  
  at least two stations, wherein the channel is coupled to the water stations such that participants travel between stations through a first portion of the channel in a first direction during use, and wherein the channel is further configured such that participants travel between stations through a second portion of the channel in a second direction during use, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.

48. A method for conveying a participant between a first station and a second station, wherein the first and second stations are coupled to each other by a first channel and a second channel, comprising:
- transferring the participant from a first water station to a first channel;
  
  conveying the participant through the first channel in a first direction;
  
  transferring the participant from the first channel to the second water station;
  
  transferring the participant from the second water station to the second channel;
  
  conveying the participant through the second channel in a second direction, wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction; and
  
  transferring the person from the second channel to the first station.

80. A method for conveying a participant between a two water stations, wherein the two water stations are coupled to each other by a channel, comprising:
- transferring the participant from a water station to a channel;
  
  conveying the participant through the channel;
  
  transferring the participant from the channel to the water station.

81. A water transportation system, comprising a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel during use, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is coupled to an entry part of the water amusement ride and an exit point of the same water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to carry a participant from the exit point to the entry point during use.
- View Dependent Claims (82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318)
- - 82. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion;
      
      a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
      
      a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel at the first portion and is transferred out of the channel at the second portion in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion.
  - 83. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that friction between a participant and the angled channel segment is reduced.
  - 84. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel additionally comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that a flowing body of water is obtained during, and wherein the flowing body of water has a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use.
  - 85. The system of claim 81, wherein the water ride comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water ride and enters a portion of the channel such that the body of flowing water produces a flow of water within the portion of the channel.
  - 86. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion; and
      
      at least one water inlet disposed within the channel;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel via the water inlet at a rate such that a current of water is produced flowing from first portion toward the second portion during use.
  - 87. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, and wherein each of the water jets is configured to produce a water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 88. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel is coupled to a walkway, and wherein a segment of the portion of the channel is at substantially the same height as a portion of the walkway such that a participant walks from the walkway into the water within the channel during use.
  - 89. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel is coupled to a stairway, wherein the stairway is configured such that a participant walks along the stairway into the water within the channel.
  - 90. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of the channel with the water ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue line channel wherein the queue line channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the queue line channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride.
  - 91. The system of claim 81, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of the channel while riding in a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a docking station coupled to at least a portion of the channel, the docking station configured to receive and inhibit movement of floatation devices to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 92. The system of claim 81, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of the channel while riding on a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a conveyor system coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, the conveyor system configured to receive and inhibit movement of the floatation device to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 93. The system of claim 81, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the channel, the first and second portions of the channel being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first portion of the channel and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second portion of the channel and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
  - 94. The system of claim 81, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the channel, the first and second portions of the channel being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first portion of the channel and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second portion of the channel and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
      
      a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 95. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel further comprises a conveyor belt system for transporting a vehicle or a participant from a portion of the channel at a lower elevation to a portion of the channel at a higher elevation.
  - 96. The system of claim 81, wherein the at least a portion of the channel comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use.
  - 97. The system of claim 81, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a wave of water propagating through the portion of the channel.
  - 98. The system of claim 81, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel, and wherein the portion of the channel comprises a beach area that is oriented with respect to the channel such that the surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel produces a wave propagating toward the beach area.
  - 99. The system of claim 81, wherein the at least a portion of the channel comprises an obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction at least partially inhibits the flow of water through the channel during use, and wherein the obstruction is configured to such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.
  - 100. The system of claim 81, wherein the channel comprises a plurality of controllable obstructions positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, wherein the obstructions are configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstructions are positioned such that when the obstructions are in the raised position, a substantial amount of water in the channel is contained within the channel by the obstructions.
  - 101. The system of claim 81, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel during use.
  - 102. The system of claim 81, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, and wherein the channel comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, and wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use.
  - 103. The system of claim 81, further comprising a containment pool coupled to a low elevation point of the channel, wherein water from the channel is collected in the containment pool when the flow of water through the channel is inhibited.
  - 104. The system of claim 81, further comprising a pump coupled to the channel, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from a water source into the channel during use.
  - 105. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - a water input source coupled to the channel, wherein the water input source is configured to provide a variable flow of water to the channel from a water source;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channel, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channel during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the water flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to signal the water input source to vary the flow of water to the channel in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 106. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a control signal, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channel, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channel during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the controllable obstruction, wherein the controller is configured to produce a signal to vary the position of the controllable obstruction in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 107. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein the conduit couples the channels to at least one additional water ride;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 108. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein the conduit couples the channel to at least one additional water ride;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to a control signal, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the water ride, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the occupancy of the water ride, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the occupancy of the water ride.
  - 109. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein the conduit couples the channel to an additional channel, wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water ride;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 110. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein the conduit couples the channel to an additional channel, wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water ride;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a participant flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channels during use.
  - 111. The system of claim 81, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein the conduit couples a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the same channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit at the first and second portions of the channel, wherein each of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein each of the movable members, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein each of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 112. The system of claim 81, further comprising a spiral transport device coupled to a portion of the channel, wherein the spiral transport device is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 113. The system of claim 81, further comprising a water wheel coupled to a portion of the channel, wherein the water wheel is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel, water traveling along the channel, or both participants and water traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 114. The system of claim 81, wherein the channel comprises:
    - an obstruction positioned within a portion of the channel;
      
      a first pump configured to remove water from a portion of the channel upstream from the obstruction and re-inject the removed water into the channel at a position upstream from the removal point, wherein the velocity of the reinjected water is substantially greater than the velocity of the water traveling through a portion of the channel upstream from the position at which the water is re-injected into the channel.
  - 115. The system of claim 81, wherein at least a portion of the channel is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with the water ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue line channel, wherein the queue line channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the queue line channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises at least one water input device located along a potion of the floating queue line, wherein the water input device is configured to be operated intermittently to direct a stream of water at a participant such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a desired time.
  - 116. The system of claim 81, wherein the water ride comprises a water slide.
  - 117. The system of claim 81, wherein the participant is floating on a floatation device.
  - 119. The method of claim 118, further comprising placing the participant on a floatation device.
  - 120. The method of claim 118, further comprising detecting when one or more participants are within the channel.
  - 121. The method of claim 118, further comprising detecting when a participant is obstructing the channel.
  - 122. The method of claim 118, further comprising detecting the speed of the existing current in the channel.
  - 123. The method of claim 118, further comprising directing a participant through the channel with an existing current.
  - 124. The method of claim 118, wherein transferring the participant from the channel to the water amusement ride comprises generating a current of water flowing from the channel toward the water amusement ride and positioning the participant within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the water amusement ride.
  - 125. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises a conveyor belt system, and wherein the conveyor belt system comprises:
    - a belt, wherein the belt is coupled to a first portion of the channel and a second portion of the channel;
      
      a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use.
  - 126. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises a water lock system, and wherein the water lock system is coupled to a first portion of the channel and the second portion of the channel, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first and second portions of the channel;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first portion of the channel and the chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second portion of the channel and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use.
  - 127. The method of claim 118, wherein a portion of the channel comprises a conveyor belt system, the conveyor belt system comprising:
    - a belt, wherein the belt is coupled to a first portion of the channel and to a second portion of the channel;
      
      a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use.
  - 128. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion;
      
      a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
      
      a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
      
      the method further comprising transferring water into the channel at the first portion and transferring water out of the channel at the second portion in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion.
  - 129. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      the method further comprising transferring a predetermined amount of water into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that friction between a participant and the angled channel segment is reduced.
  - 130. The method of claim 118, wherein a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      the method comprising transferring a predetermined amount of water into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that a flowing body of water is obtained, and wherein the flowing body of water has a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use.
  - 131. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion; and
      
      at least one water inlet disposed within the channel;
      
      the method further comprising transferring water into the channel via the water inlet at a rate such that a current of water is produced flowing from first portion toward the second portion.
  - 132. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, the method further comprising producing a water stream with the water jets, the produced water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 133. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of the channel with the water amusement ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue channel, and wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the queue channel, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water amusement ride.
  - 134. The method of claim 118, further comprising conveying the participants through at least a portion of the channel on a floatation device, and wherein the channel comprises a docking station coupled to at least a portion of the channel, the docking station configured to receive and inhibit movement of floatation devices, the method further comprising placing the participants on a flotation device and transferring the participants from the docking station to the channel.
  - 135. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of the channel further comprises a conveyor belt system, the method further comprising transporting a vehicle or a participant from a portion of the channel at a lower elevation to a portion of the channel at a higher elevation with the conveyor belt system.
  - 136. The method of claim 118, wherein the at least a portion of the channel comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising positioning the obstruction in the raised position to inhibit the flow of water through the channel.
  - 137. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of the channels, the method comprising producing a wave of water propagating through a portion of the channel with the wave generator.
  - 139. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel further comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, the method further comprising collecting water overflowing from the channel with the overflow pool.
  - 140. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel and a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising raising the obstruction into the raised position to substantially inhibit the flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool.
  - 141. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel and a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, the method further comprising lowering the obstruction into the lowered position to allow substantially uninhibited flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool.
  - 142. The method of claim 118, wherein a containment pool is coupled to a low elevation point of the channel, the method further comprising collecting water in the containment pool when the flow of water through the channel is inhibited.
  - 143. The method of claim 118, wherein a pump is coupled to the channel and a water source, the method further comprising pumping water from a water source into the channel.
  - 144. The method of claim 118, wherein a water input source and a water flow sensor are coupled to the channel, and wherein a controller is coupled to the water input source and the water flow sensor, the method further comprising:
    - determining the flow rate of water detected by the water flow sensor with the controller;
      
      sending a control signal from the controller to the water input source in response to the detected water flow rate; and
      
      varying the flow of water to the channel with the water input source in response to the control signal.
  - 145. The method of claim 118, wherein a controllable obstruction is positioned on a bottom surface of the channel, and wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a control signal, and wherein a water flow sensor is coupled to the channel, and wherein a controller is coupled to the water flow sensor, the method further comprising:
    - monitoring a flow rate of water through the channels with the water flow sensor;
      
      generating a control signal with the controller in response to the monitored flow rate;
      
      sending the generated control signal to the controllable obstruction; and
      
      varying the position of the controllable obstruction in response to the received control signal.
  - 146. The method of claim 118, wherein a conduit is coupled to the channel and an additional water ride, and wherein movable members are positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, the method further comprising:
    - positioning the movable member into a first position to direct participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and positioning the movable member into a second position to direct participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 147. The system of claim 118, wherein a conduit is coupled to the channel and an additional channel wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water ride, and wherein movable members are positioned proximate to the intersection of the channel and the conduit, the method further comprising positioning the movable members into a first position to direct participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and positioning the movable member into a second position to direct participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 148. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises a spiral transport device coupled to at least one of the channels, the method further comprising transporting participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel with the spiral transport device.
  - 149. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises a water wheel coupled to at least one of the channels, the method further comprising transporting participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel with the water wheel.
  - 150. The method of claim 118, wherein the channel comprises an obstruction positioned within a portion of the channel and a first pump configured to remove water from a portion of the channel upstream from the obstruction and re-inject the removed water into the channel at a position upstream from the removal point, the method further comprising injecting water into the channel such that the velocity of the reinjected water is substantially greater than the velocity of the water traveling through a portion of the channel upstream from the position at which the water is re-injected into the channel.
  - 151. The method of claim 118, wherein a floating queue line couples a portion of the channel with the water amusement ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue channel wherein the queue channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the queue channel, the method further comprising transferring the participant from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride.
  - 152. The method of claim 118, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is configured to convey participants across a body of water.
  - 153. The method of claim 118, further comprising placing the participant on a floatation device.
  - 155. The system of claim 154, wherein the bottom of the channel is sloped in a direction perpendicular to the direction of water flow.
  - 156. The system of claim 154, wherein the top of the channel is at least partially covered.
  - 157. The system of claim 154, further comprising at least one floatation device configured to be coupled to the substantially horizontal channel such that the substantially horizontal channel, when in use, will float on a body of water such that the top of the channel remains above the level of the surface of the body of water.
  - 158. The system of claim 154, further comprising at least one support member configured to couple to and position the channel at a desired elevation above ground.
  - 159. The system of claim 154, further comprising at least one support member configured to couple to and position the channel at a desired elevation above ground, and wherein the support member is additionally configured to contain a volume of water.
  - 160. The system of claim 154, wherein the channel is configured to hold enough water to produce a depth of about 3 feet.
  - 161. The system of claim 154, wherein the channel is made of surface-treated concrete.
  - 162. The system of claim 154, wherein the channel is made of fiberglass.
  - 163. The system of claim 154, wherein the channel is made of Plexiglas.
  - 164. The system of claim 154, wherein the water outlet comprises a substantially downward angled channel section coupled to the horizontal channel at the second portion, wherein the channel is positioned such that water flowing into the channel at the water inlet is transferred through the horizontal channel to the substantially downward angled channel during use.
  - 165. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion;
      
      wherein the second portion of the channel is coupled to the first portion of the additional channel, and wherein water enters the first portion of the channel and exits the second portion of the channel in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion of the channel during use, and water enters the first portion of the additional channel and exits the second portion of the additional channel in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion of the second channel during use.
  - 166. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion;
      
      wherein the second portion of the channel is coupled to the first portion of the additional channel, and wherein water enters the first portion of the channel and exits the second portion of the channel in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion of the channel during use, and water enters the first portion of the additional channel and exits the second portion of the additional channel in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion of the additional channel during use, and wherein water exiting the channel flows directly into the additional channel such that the participant is transferred from the channel to the additional channel during use.
  - 167. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion; and
      
      a substantially angled channel coupling the channel to the additional channel;
      
      wherein the second portion of the channel is coupled to the first portion of the additional channel by the angled channel, and wherein the angled channel serves as the water outlet for the channel and the water inlet for the additional channel.
  - 168. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion, and wherein the channel and additional channel are positioned alongside each other;
      
      a conduit configured to transfer water between the channel and the additional channel;
      
      wherein the conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the channel to the first portion of the additional channel.
  - 169. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion, and wherein the channel and the additional channel are positioned alongside each other;
      
      a first conduit configured to transfer water from the channel to the additional channel;
      
      a second conduit configured to transfer water from the additional channel to the channel;
      
      wherein the first conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the channel to the first portion of the additional channel, and wherein the second conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the additional channel to the first portion of the channel.
  - 170. The system of claim 154, further comprising:
    - an additional substantially horizontal channel coupled to the channel, wherein the additional substantially horizontal channel comprises a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion, and wherein the channels are positioned alongside each other;
      
      a conduit configured to transfer water between the channel and the additional channel; and
      
      a pump positioned along the conduit, wherein the pump is configured to pump water through the conduit. wherein the conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the channel to the first portion of the additional channel.
  - 171. The system of claim 154, wherein the channel is coupled to a water ride, and wherein water from the water ride enters the channel at the water inlet.
  - 172. The system of claim 154, wherein the water inlet is operable in response to a received control signal to vary the flow of water into the channel, and further comprising a water monitoring device coupled to the channel, and a controller coupled to the water monitoring device and the water inlet, wherein the water monitoring device is configured to monitor a flow rate of water traveling through the channel, a depth of water flowing through the channel, or both the flow rate and depth of water flowing through the channel, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal to vary the flow of water into the channel.
  - 177. The system of claim 176, further comprising at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to deliver streams of water toward the participants as the participants pass through the channel.
  - 178. The system of claim 176, further comprising at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to be operated intermittently to direct a stream of water at a participant such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at predetermined time intervals.
  - 179. The system of claim 176, further comprising a plurality of water input devices located along a portion of the channel, wherein a portion of the water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the water ride during use, and wherein the remaining water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the body of water.
  - 180. The system of claim 176, further comprising a plurality of water input devices located along a portion of the channel, wherein a portion of the water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the water ride during use, and wherein the remaining water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the body of water, and wherein the water input devices are configured to operate such that the participants are transferred through the channel at a predetermined rate.
  - 181. The system of claim 176, further comprising at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to deliver streams of water toward the participants as the participants pass through the channel, and wherein the water input device is configured to be operated such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which participants enter the channel from the body of water.
  - 182. The system of claim 176, further comprising at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to be operated intermittently to direct a stream of water at the participants such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which participants enter the channel from the body of water.
  - 183. The system of claim 176, further comprising a plurality of water input devices located along a portion of the channel, wherein a portion of the water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the water ride during use, and wherein the remaining water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the body of water, and wherein the water input devices are configured to direct streams of water at the participants such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which participants enter the channel from the body of water.
  - 184. The system of claim 176, further comprising:
    - at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to direct streams of water toward the participants as the participants travel through the channel during use;
      
      a participant flow rate monitor coupled to the channel, wherein the participant flow rate monitor is configured to monitor the rate at which participants enter the channel, enter the water ride, and/or the rate at which the participants travel through the channel; and
      
      a controller coupled to the participant flow rate monitor and the water input device, wherein the controller is configured to vary the flow of water from the water input device to control the flow rate of the participants through the channel in response to the monitored participant flow rate.
  - 185. The system of claim 176, further comprising:
    - at least one water input device located along a portion of the channel, wherein the water input device is configured to direct intermittent streams of water toward the participants as the participants travel through the channel during use;
      
      a participant flow rate monitor coupled to the channel, wherein the participant flow rate monitor is configured to monitor the rate at which participants enter the channel, enter the water ride, and/or the rate at which the participants travel through the channel; and
      
      a controller coupled to the participant flow rate monitor and the water input device, wherein the controller is configured to vary the length of the intermittent streams of water produced by the water input device to control the flow rate of the participants through the channel in response to the monitored participant flow rate.
  - 186. The system of claim 176, further comprising:
    - a plurality of water input devices located along a portion of the channel, wherein a first portion of the water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the water ride during use, and wherein a second portion of the water input devices are configured to direct water toward the participants such that the participants are moved toward the body of water a participant flow rate monitor coupled to the channel, wherein the participant flow rate monitor is configured to monitor the rate at which participants enter the channel, enter the water ride, and/or the rate at which the participants travel through the channel; and
      
      a controller coupled to the participant flow rate monitor and the water input device, wherein the controller is configured the first portion of the water input devices or the second portion of the water input devices to control the flow rate of the participants through the channel in response to the monitored participant flow rate.
  - 187. The system of claim 176, further comprising a conveyor system coupling the channel to the water ride.
  - 188. The system of claim 176, wherein at least a portion of the channel comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, and wherein each of the water jets is configured to produce a water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 189. The system of claim 176, wherein the body of water comprises a pool positioned at an exit of the water ride, wherein the channel is configured to convey the participants from the exit of the water ride to the entrance of the water ride.
  - 190. The system of claim 176, wherein the body of water comprises a conduit coupled to a plurality of water rides.
  - 192. The system of claim 191, wherein a portion of the belt extends below the surface of the water.
  - 193. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt comprises a series of interlocking plates.
  - 194. The system of claim 191, wherein a current in the first source of water moves a participant in a direction towards the belt.
  - 195. The system of claim 191, wherein a current in the second source of water moves a participant in a direction away from the belt.
  - 196. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is at a different elevation than the second source of water.
  - 197. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is at a lower elevation than the second source of water.
  - 198. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is at a higher elevation than the second source of water.
  - 199. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is a body of water.
  - 200. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is a pool.
  - 201. The system of claim 191, wherein the second source of water is a body of water.
  - 202. The system of claim 191, wherein the second source of water is a pool.
  - 203. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is a channel.
  - 204. The system of claim 191, wherein the first source of water is a slide.
  - 205. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt comprises a material and design to inhibit the participant from moving in a direction opposite that of the direction the belt is moving.
  - 206. The system of claim 191, further comprising a protective device is positioned to cover the outer edges of the belt, wherein the participants are inhibited from accessing the belt movement system by the protective device.
  - 207. The system of claim 191, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt.
  - 208. The system of claim 191, further comprising a plurality of detection devices positioned at a predefined height above the belt.
  - 209. The system of claim 191, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to produce a detection signal when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt, and wherein the detection device is electronically coupled to the belt movement system such that the belt movement system is deactivated in response to a received detection signal.
  - 210. The system of claim 191, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt.
  - 211. The system of claim 191, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt.
  - 212. The system of claim 191, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 213. The system of claim 191, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt.
  - 214. The system of claim 191, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 215. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially angled in a downward direction from the apex toward the second source of water.
  - 216. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a channel, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the channel and from the channel to the second source of water during use.
  - 217. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a slide, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the slide and from the slide to the second source of water during use.
  - 218. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a system of rollers, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the system of rollers and from the system of rollers to the second source of water during use.
  - 219. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a second conveyor belt, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the second conveyor belt and from the second conveyor belt to the second source of water during use.
  - 220. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially horizontal from the apex toward the second source of water, and wherein the system further comprises a carryover arm configured to facilitate movement of a rider from the upslope of the conveyor to the apex.
  - 221. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt comprises a width such that only a single participant enters the system at the same time during use.
  - 222. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt comprises a width such that at least two participants enter the system at the same time during use.
  - 223. The system of claim 191, further comprising at least one floating queue line positioned within the first source of water upstream from the belt, wherein the floating queue line is configured to position the participants in a predetermined configuration prior to moving onto the belt during use.
  - 224. The system of claim 191, wherein the conveyor belt speed is between about one foot per second and about five feet per second.
  - 225. The system of claim 191, wherein the angle of ascent of the conveyor belt does not exceed 18%.
  - 226. The system of claim 191, further comprising a tension unit coupled to the belt, wherein the tension unit is configured to vary the tension of the belt against a roller.
  - 227. The system of claim 191, further comprising a barrier positioned on each side of the belt, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit participants from leaving the belt as the participants are conveyed along the belt.
  - 228. The system of claim 191, further comprising a plurality of barrier position along the belt, wherein the barriers are configured to define channels along the belt, and wherein participants move along the belt within the defined channels during use.
  - 229. The system of claim 191, further comprising a lateral transfer system coupled to the belt, wherein the lateral transfer system is configured to move a floatation device from a position substantially adjacent to the belt onto the belt.
  - 230. The system of claim 191, wherein the participant is riding on a floatation device.
  - 231. The system of claim 191, wherein the belt movement system comprises:
    - at least two rollers, wherein the belt is coupled to the rollers such that rotation of the rollers causes the belt to move around the rollers during use; and
      
      a power supply coupled to at least one of the rollers, wherein the power supply is configured to supply a rotational force to at least one of the rollers during use.
  - 233. The system of claim 232, further comprising a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt.
  - 234. The system of claim 232, further comprising:
    - a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt; and
      
      a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the belt movement system and the water flow sensor.
  - 235. The system of claim 232, further comprising:
    - a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt; and
      
      a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the belt movement system and the water flow sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to produce a control signal for the belt movement system, and wherein the belt movement system is configured to move the belt in response to the control signal.
  - 236. The system of claim 232, wherein a portion of the belt extends below the surface of the water.
  - 237. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt comprises a series of interlocking plates.
  - 238. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is at a different elevation than the second source of water.
  - 239. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is at a lower elevation than the second source of water.
  - 240. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is at a higher elevation than the second source of water.
  - 241. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is a body of water.
  - 242. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is a pool.
  - 243. The system of claim 232, wherein the second source of water is a body of water.
  - 244. The system of claim 232, wherein the second source of water is a pool.
  - 245. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is a channel.
  - 246. The system of claim 232, wherein the first source of water is a slide.
  - 247. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt comprises a material and design to inhibit the participant from moving in a direction opposite that of the direction the belt is moving.
  - 248. The system of claim 232, wherein a protective device is positioned to cover the outer edges of the belt, wherein the participants are inhibited from accessing the belt movement system by the protective device.
  - 249. The system of claim 232, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt.
  - 250. The system of claim 232, further comprising a plurality of detection devices positioned at a predefined height above the belt.
  - 251. The system of claim 232, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to produce a detection signal when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt, and wherein the detection device is electronically coupled to the belt movement system such that the belt movement system is deactivated in response to a received detection signal.
  - 252. The system of claim 232, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt.
  - 253. The system of claim 232, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt.
  - 254. The system of claim 232, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water so as not to inhibit a current in the water directing a participant onto the belt.
  - 255. The system of claim 232, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt.
  - 256. The system of claim 232, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 257. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially angled in a downward direction from the apex toward the second source of water.
  - 258. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a channel, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the channel and from the channel to the second source of water during use.
  - 259. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a slide, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the slide and from the slide to the second source of water during use.
  - 260. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a system of rollers, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the system of rollers and from the system of rollers to the second source of water during use.
  - 261. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a second conveyor belt, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the second conveyor belt and from the second conveyor belt to the second source of water during use.
  - 262. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially horizontal from the apex toward the second source of water, and wherein the system further comprises a carryover arm configured to facilitate movement of a rider from the upslope of the conveyor to the apex.
  - 263. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt comprises a width such that only a single participant enters the system at the same time during use.
  - 264. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt comprises a width such that at least two participants enter the system at the same time during use.
  - 265. The system of claim 232, further comprising at least one floating queue line positioned within the first source of water upstream from the belt, wherein the floating queue line is configured to position the participants in a predetermined configuration prior to moving onto the belt during use.
  - 266. The system of claim 232, wherein the conveyor belt speed is between about one foot per second and about five feet per second.
  - 267. The system of claim 232, wherein the angle of ascent of the conveyor belt does not exceed 18%.
  - 268. The system of claim 232, further comprising a tension unit coupled to the belt, wherein the tension unit is configured to vary the tension of the belt against a roller.
  - 269. The system of claim 232, further comprising a barrier positioned on each side of the belt, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit participants from leaving the belt as the participants are conveyed along the belt.
  - 270. The system of claim 232, further comprising a plurality of barrier position along the belt, wherein the barriers are configured to define channels along the belt, and wherein participants move along the belt within the defined channels during use.
  - 271. The system of claim 232, further comprising a lateral transfer system coupled to the belt, wherein the lateral transfer system is configured to move a floatation device from a position substantially adjacent to the belt onto the belt.
  - 272. The system of claim 232, wherein the participant is riding on a floatation device.
  - 273. The system of claim 232, wherein the belt movement system comprises:
    - at least two rollers, wherein the belt is coupled to the rollers such that rotation of the rollers causes the belt to move around the rollers during use; and
      
      a power supply coupled to at least one of the rollers, wherein the power supply is configured to supply a rotational force to at least one of the rollers during use.
  - 275. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt movement system is configured to move the belt at a speed during use such that the rate at which participants enter the system is substantially equal to the rate at which participants exit the system.
  - 276. The method of claim 274, wherein the second source of water is a water ride.
  - 277. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt comprises a series of interlocking plates.
  - 278. The method of claim 274, wherein the second source of water is a water ride, and wherein belt movement system is configured to move the belt at a speed during use such that the rate at which participants enter the system is substantially equal to the rate at which participants enter the water ride.
  - 279. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt.
  - 280. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises:
    - a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt; and
      
      a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the belt movement system and the water flow sensor.
  - 281. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises:
    - a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt; and
      
      a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the belt movement system and the water flow sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to produce a control signal for the belt movement system, and wherein the belt movement system is configured to move the belt in response to the control signal.
  - 282. The method of claim 274, wherein a portion of the belt extends below the surface of the water.
  - 283. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is at a different elevation than the second source of water.
  - 284. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is at a lower elevation than the second source of water.
  - 285. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is at a higher elevation than the second source of water.
  - 286. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is a body of water.
  - 287. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is a pool.
  - 288. The method of claim 274, wherein the second source of water is a body of water.
  - 289. The method of claim 274, wherein the second source of water is a pool.
  - 290. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is a channel.
  - 291. The method of claim 274, wherein the first source of water is a slide.
  - 292. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt comprises a material and design to inhibit the participant from moving in a direction opposite that of the direction the belt is moving.
  - 293. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a protective device positioned to cover a space around the outer edges of the belt, wherein the participants are prevented from accessing the space.
  - 294. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt.
  - 295. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a plurality of detection devices positioned at a predefined height above the belt.
  - 296. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to produce a detection signal when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt, and wherein the detection device is electronically coupled to the belt movement system such that the belt movement system is deactivated in response to a received detection signal.
  - 297. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt.
  - 298. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt.
  - 299. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 300. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt.
  - 301. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 302. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially angled in a downward direction from the apex toward the second source of water.
  - 303. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a channel, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the channel and from the channel to the second source of water during use.
  - 304. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a slide, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the slide and from the slide to the second source of water during use.
  - 305. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a system of rollers, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the system of rollers and from the system of rollers to the second source of water during use.
  - 306. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a second conveyor belt, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the second conveyor belt and from the second conveyor belt to the second source of water during use.
  - 307. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially horizontal from the apex toward the second source of water, and wherein the system further comprises a carryover arm configured to facilitate movement of a rider from the upslope of the conveyor to the apex.
  - 308. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt comprises a width such that only a single participant enters the system at the same time during use.
  - 309. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt comprises a width such that at least two participants enter the system at the same time during use.
  - 310. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises at least one floating queue line positioned within the first source of water upstream from the belt, wherein the floating queue line is configured to position the participants in a predetermined configuration prior to moving onto the belt during use.
  - 311. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt speed is between about one foot per second and about five feet per second.
  - 312. The method of claim 274, wherein the angle of ascent of the conveyor belt does not exceed 18%.
  - 313. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a tension unit coupled to the belt, wherein the tension unit is configured to vary the tension of the belt against a roller.
  - 314. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a barrier positioned on each side of the belt, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit participants from leaving the belt as the participants are conveyed along the belt.
  - 315. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a plurality of barrier position along the belt, wherein the barriers are configured to define channels along the belt, and wherein participants move along the belt within the defined channels during use.
  - 316. The method of claim 274, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a lateral transfer system coupled to the belt, wherein the lateral transfer system is configured to move a floatation device from a position substantially adjacent to the belt onto the belt.
  - 317. The method of claim 274, wherein the participant is riding on a floatation device.
  - 318. The method of claim 274, wherein the belt movement system comprises:
    - at least two rollers, wherein the belt is coupled to the rollers such that rotation of the rollers causes the belt to move around the rollers during use; and
      
      a power supply coupled to at least one of the rollers, wherein the power supply is configured to supply a rotational force to at least one of the rollers during use.

118. A method for conveying a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through a channel during use, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is coupled to an entry part of the water amusement ride and an exit point of the same water amusement ride, comprising:
- transferring the participant from the channel to the entry part of the water amusement ride;
  
  conveying the participant through the water amusement ride;
  
  transferring the participant from the exit point of the water amusement ride to the channel.

154. A system for transporting a participant, comprising:
- at least one substantially horizontal channel comprising a first portion and a second portion;
  
  a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
  
  a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
  
  wherein the water inlet is configured to transfer water into the first portion of the channel in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion during use.

173. A method of transporting a participant using water, comprising:
- positioning the participant within a first portion of a substantially horizontal channel;
  
  transferring water into the channel at the first portion of the channel wherein the water flows from the first portion of the channel toward a second portion of the channel, and wherein the participant is transferred from a first portion of the channel toward the second portion of the channel by the flow of water.

174. A water transportation system, comprising:
- a first and a second substantially horizontal channel, each channel comprising a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion, wherein each channel is configured to contain a sufficient amount of water to allow the participant to float within the channels; and
  
  a first station coupled to the first and second channels, and a second station coupled to the first and second channels, and wherein the first channels is configured to transfer a participant between the first and second station in a first direction during use, and wherein the second channel is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a second direction during use, and wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction.

175. A water transportation system, comprising:
- at least two channels, wherein the channels are configured to convey a participant by water flowing through the channels during use;
  
  at least two stations, wherein the stations are coupled to the channels, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a first direction during use, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a second direction during use, and wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction; and
  
  a conveyor belt system coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conveyor belt system is configured to coupled a low elevation portion of the channel to a higher elevation portion of the channel, wherein the conveyor belt system comprises;
  
  a belt;
  
  wherein the belt is coupled to the low elevation channel of water and to the higher elevation channel of water; and
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use.

176. A system for conveying participants from a body of water to a water ride, comprising:
- a channel coupling the body of water to an entrance of the water ride, and wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow the participants to float within the channel during use, and wherein the channel is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in water while being transferred from the body of water along the channel to the water ride.

191. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water comprising:
- a belt;
  
  wherein the belt is coupled to the first source of water and to the second source of water;
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use;
  
  a water flow sensor coupled to the first source of water, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor the water flow rate of the first source of water proximate the belt; and
  
  a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the belt movement system and the water flow sensor;
  
  wherein the controller is configured to produce a control signal for the belt movement system, and wherein the belt movement system is configured to move the belt in response to the control signal.

232. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water comprising:
- a belt;
  
  wherein the belt is coupled to the first source of water and to the second source of water;
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use.

274. A method of operating a conveyor belt system to transport a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water comprising:
- providing a conveyor belt system, the conveyer belt system comprising;
  
  a belt;
  
  wherein the belt is coupled to the first source of water and to the second source of water; and
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use;
  
  transferring participants from the first source of water onto the belt;
  
  operating the belt movement system such that the participants are transferred from the first source of water to the second source of water.

319. A system for conveying a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water comprising:
- a belt;
  
  wherein the belt is coupled to the first source of water and to the second source of water; and
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use;
  
  a water inlet at a first portion and a water outlet at a second portion, wherein each source of water is configured to contain a sufficient amount of water to allow the participant to float within the sources of water;
  
  a first conduit configured to transfer water from the first source of water to the second source of water;
  
  a second conduit configured to transfer water from the second source of water to the first source of water;
  
  wherein the first conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the first source of water to the first portion of the second source of water, and wherein the second conduit is configured to transfer water from the second portion of the second source of water to the first portion of the first source of water.
- View Dependent Claims (320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422)
- - 320. The system of claim 319, wherein the water inlet and water outlet of the second source of water create a current in the water moving a participant away from the belt.
  - 321. The system of claim 319, wherein the water inlet and water outlet of the first source of water create a current in the water moving a participant towards the belt.
  - 322. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt comprises a series of interlocking plates.
  - 323. The system of claim 319, further comprising a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use.
  - 324. The system of claim 319, further comprising a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use;
    - wherein the first water control system comprises a valve configured to control flow of water through the first conduit.
  - 325. The system of claim 319, further comprising:
    - a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, wherein the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control flow of water through the first conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water between the first source of water and the second source of water during use.
  - 326. The system of claim 319, further comprising a second water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use.
  - 327. The system of claim 319, further comprising a second water control system positioned along the second conduit, the second water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the second conduit during use;
    - wherein the second water control system comprises a valve configured to control flow of water through the second conduit.
  - 328. The system of claim 319, further comprising:
    - a second water control system positioned along the first conduit, wherein the second water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the second conduit during use;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control flow of water through the second conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water between the second source of water and the first source of water during use.
  - 329. The system of claim 319, wherein a portion of the belt extends below the surface of the water.
  - 330. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is at a different elevation than the second source of water.
  - 331. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is at a lower elevation than the second source of water.
  - 332. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is at a higher elevation than the second source of water.
  - 333. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is a body of water.
  - 334. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is a pool.
  - 335. The system of claim 319, wherein the second source of water is a body of water.
  - 336. The system of claim 319, wherein the second source of water is a pool.
  - 337. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is a channel.
  - 338. The system of claim 319, wherein the first source of water is a slide.
  - 339. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt comprises a material and design to inhibit the participant from moving in a direction opposite that of the direction the belt is moving.
  - 340. The system of claim 319, further comprising a protective device is positioned to cover the outer edges of the belt, wherein the participants are inhibited from accessing the belt movement system by the protective device.
  - 341. The system of claim 319, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt.
  - 342. The system of claim 319, further comprising a plurality of detection devices positioned at a predefined height above the belt.
  - 343. The system of claim 319, further comprising a detection device positioned above the belt movement system, wherein the detection device is configured to produce a detection signal when a participant is in a position above a predetermined height above the belt, and wherein the detection device is electronically coupled to the belt movement system such that the belt movement system is deactivated in response to a received detection signal.
  - 344. The system of claim 319, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt.
  - 345. The system of claim 319, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt.
  - 346. The system of claim 319, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 347. The system of claim 319, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt.
  - 348. The system of claim 319, further comprising a deflector plate positioned below the water, wherein the deflector plate is positioned to inhibit the participant from moving to a position below the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.
  - 349. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially angled in a downward direction from the apex toward the second source of water.
  - 350. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a channel, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the channel and from the channel to the second source of water during use.
  - 351. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a slide, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the slide and from the slide to the second source of water during use.
  - 352. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a system of rollers, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the system of rollers and from the system of rollers to the second source of water during use.
  - 353. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt does not extend past at an apex at a position between the first source of water and the second source of water, and wherein the apex is coupled to the second source of water by a second conveyor belt, and wherein the participant is transferred from the first source of water to the belt, from the belt to the second conveyor belt and from the second conveyor belt to the second source of water during use.
  - 354. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt is configured such that the belt reaches an apex at a position between an input end of the belt and an exit end of the belt, wherein the belt is substantially angled in an upward direction from the first source of water toward the apex, and wherein the belt is substantially horizontal from the apex toward the second source of water, and wherein the system further comprises a carryover arm configured to facilitate movement of a rider from the upslope of the conveyor to the apex.
  - 355. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt comprises a width such that only a single participant enters the system at the same time during use.
  - 356. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt comprises a width such that at least two participants enter the system at the same time during use.
  - 357. The system of claim 319, further comprising at least one floating queue line positioned within the first source of water upstream from the belt, wherein the floating queue line is configured to position the participants in a predetermined configuration prior to moving onto the belt during use.
  - 358. The system of claim 319, wherein the conveyor belt speed is between about one foot per second and about five feet per second.
  - 359. The system of claim 319, wherein the angle of ascent of the conveyor belt does not exceed 18%.
  - 360. The system of claim 319, further comprising a tension unit coupled to the belt, wherein the tension unit is configured to vary the tension of the belt against a roller.
  - 361. The system of claim 319, further comprising a barrier positioned on each side of the belt, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit participants from leaving the belt as the participants are conveyed along the belt.
  - 362. The system of claim 319, further comprising a plurality of barrier position along the belt, wherein the barriers are configured to define channels along the belt, and wherein participants move along the belt within the defined channels during use.
  - 363. The system of claim 319, further comprising a lateral transfer system coupled to the belt, wherein the lateral transfer system is configured to move a floatation device from a position substantially adjacent to the belt onto the belt.
  - 364. The system of claim 319, wherein the participant is riding on a floatation device.
  - 365. The system of claim 319, wherein the belt movement system comprises:
    - at least two rollers, wherein the belt is coupled to the rollers such that rotation of the rollers causes the belt to move around the rollers during use; and
      
      a power supply coupled to at least one of the rollers, wherein the power supply is configured to supply a rotational force to at least one of the rollers during use.
  - 367. The system of claim 366, wherein the first source of water comprises a first water inlet at a first portion and a first water outlet at a second portion.
  - 368. The system of claim 366, wherein the water ride comprises a second water inlet at a first portion and a second water outlet at a second portion.
  - 369. The system of claim 366, wherein the second source of water comprises a third water inlet at a first portion and a third water outlet at a second portion.
  - 370. The system of claim 366, wherein the first source of water comprises a sufficient amount of water to allow the participant to float.
  - 371. The system of claim 366, wherein the second source of water comprises a sufficient amount of water to allow the participant to float.
  - 372. The system of claim 366, wherein the first water inlet and first water outlet of the first source of water create a hydraulic gradient in the water moving a participant towards the belt.
  - 373. The system of claim 366, wherein the first source of water comprises a first water outlet coupled to the first conduit such that water enters the first conduit via the first water outlet of the first source of water.
  - 374. The system of claim 366, wherein the water ride comprises a second water inlet coupled to the first conduit such that water exits the first conduit via the second water inlet of the water ride.
  - 375. The system of claim 366, wherein the water ride comprises a second water outlet at a second portion such that water enters the second source of water via the second water outlet of the water ride.
  - 376. The system of claim 366, wherein the water ride comprises a second water outlet at a second portion such that water enters the second source of water via the second water outlet of the water ride, and wherein the second water outlet is the endpoint of the water ride.
  - 377. The system of claim 366, wherein the water ride is the third conduit.
  - 378. The system of claim 366, wherein the second source of water comprises a second water outlet coupled to the second conduit such that water enters the second conduit via the second water outlet of the second source of water.
  - 379. The system of claim 366, wherein the first source of water comprises a first water inlet coupled to the second conduit such that water exits the second conduit via the first water inlet of the first source of water.
  - 380. The system of claim 366, further comprising a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use.
  - 381. The system of claim 366, further comprising a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use;
    - wherein the first water control system comprises a valve configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit.
  - 382. The system of claim 366, further comprising:
    - a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, wherein the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control flow of water through the first conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water between the first source of water and the water ride during use.
  - 384. The system of claim 383, wherein the chamber has a shape that resembles a figure selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a circle, a star, a regular polyhedron, a trapezoid, an ellipse, a U-shape, an L-shape, a Y-shape, a tube, or a figure eight, when seen from an overhead view.
  - 385. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 386. The system of claim 383, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 387. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 388. The system of claim 383, further comprising a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 389. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use; and
      
      a water jet coupled to the bottom member, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 390. The system of claim 383, further comprising a plurality of water jets coupled to the chamber.
  - 391. The system of claim 383, further comprising a water jet coupled to the chamber, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 392. The system of claim 383, wherein the first and second movable members are configured to move vertically into a portion of the wall when moving from a closed position to an open position.
  - 393. The system of claim 383, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, wherein the water permeable barrier assists in controlling an overflow of water, and wherein the water permeable barrier inhibits a participant from leaving the chamber when the first and second moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 394. The system of claim 383, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and wherein the water permeable barrier is positioned within the moveable members when in an open position, and wherein the water permeable barrier moves vertically out of the moveable members when the moveable members move from an open position to a closed position.
  - 395. The system of claim 383, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 396. The system of claim 383, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 397. The system of claim 383, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 398. The system of claim 383, further comprising a channel coupled to the chamber and one or more water permeable grates coupled to the channel, wherein the water permeable grate is positioned to allow an existing current in the water to continue uninhibited by the water lock system directing a participant into the chamber.
  - 399. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member is substantially water permeable such that water in the chamber moves freely through the bottom member as the bottom member is moved within the chamber during use.
  - 400. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein a distance between the bottom member and the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially constant during use.
  - 401. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water.
  - 402. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber.
  - 403. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall and a floatation member, the bottom member wall encircling the bottom member and extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water, the floatation member being positioned upon the bottom member wall at a location proximate the upper surface of the water.
  - 404. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber, the bottom member comprising;
      
      a wall, wherein the bottom member wall encircles the bottom member and extends from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water; and
      
      a floatation member being positioned upon the bottom member wall at a location proximate the upper surface of the water;
      
      a substantially vertical first ladder coupled to the bottom member wall and a substantially vertical second ladder coupled to the wall of the chamber, wherein the first and second ladders are substantially aligned.
  - 405. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water, wherein the bottom member wall is configured to inhibit the person from moving to a position below the bottom member.
  - 406. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a locking system coupling the bottom member to the inner surface of the chamber wall, wherein the locking system is configured to inhibit the bottom member from sinking when water is released from the chamber.
  - 407. The system of claim 383, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a locking system coupling the bottom member to the inner surface of the chamber wall, wherein the locking system is configured to inhibit the bottom member from sinking when water is released from the chamber, and wherein the locking system is a racheted locking system.
  - 408. The system of claim 383, wherein the first movable member further comprises a first locking system coupling the first movable member to the wall of the chamber, and the second movable member further comprises a second locking system coupling the second movable member to the wall of the chamber, wherein the first locking system is configured to inhibit the first movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the first movable member, and the second locking system is configured to inhibit the second movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the second movable member.
  - 409. The system of claim 383, wherein the first movable member further comprises a first locking system coupling the first movable member to the wall of the chamber, and the second movable member further comprises a second locking system coupling the second movable member to the wall of the chamber, wherein the first locking system is configured to inhibit the first movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the first movable member, and the second locking system is configured to inhibit the second movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the second movable member, and wherein the first and second locking systems are ratcheted locking systems.
  - 410. The system of claim 383, wherein the first movable member further comprises a first locking system coupling the first movable member to the wall of the chamber, and the second movable member further comprises a second locking system coupling the second movable member to the wall of the chamber, wherein the first locking system is configured to inhibit the first movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the first movable member, and the second locking system is configured to inhibit the second movable member from sinking when water is introduced into the second movable member, and wherein the first and second locking systems are piston and cylinder systems, and the wall of the chamber further comprises a first and a second receptacle, such that when the first movable member is in a closed position and the first piston is operated to extend the first piston, the first piston extends into the first receptacle and inhibits the first movable member from moving, and when the second movable member is in a closed position and the second piston is operated to extend the second piston, the second piston extends into the second receptacle and inhibits the second movable member from moving.
  - 411. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the water conduit during use; and
      
      at least a second water conduit and the bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the nozzle, and the first water control system is additionally configured to control the flow of water through the at least second water conduit.
  - 412. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, wherein the first water control system comprises a valve configured to control flow of water through the first water conduit.
  - 413. The system of claim 383, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first water conduit is configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use.
  - 414. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first water conduit is configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, wherein the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the water conduit during use, the first water control system comprising;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit, and a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water between the first body of water and the second body of water during use.
  - 415. The system of claim 383, wherein the gas is compressed air.
  - 416. The system of claim 383, wherein the first gas control system comprises a first valve configured to control the flow of gas through the first gas conduit and a second valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the first movable member during use, and the second gas control system comprises a first valve configured to control the flow of gas through the second gas conduit and a second valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the second movable member during use.
  - 417. The system of claim 383, wherein the first gas control system further comprises a first source of compressed air, and the first gas conduit is further coupled to the first compressed air source, and wherein the first gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the first compressed air source to the first movable member during use;
    - and further wherein the second gas control system further comprises second source of compressed air, and the second gas conduit is further coupled to the second compressed air source, and wherein the second gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the second compressed air source to the second movable member during use.
  - 418. The system of claim 383, wherein the first gas control system further comprises a first source of compressed air, and the first gas conduit is further coupled to the first compressed air source, and wherein the first gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the first compressed air source to the first movable member during use;
    - and further wherein the second gas control system further comprises second source of compressed air, and the second gas conduit is further coupled to the second compressed air source, and wherein the second gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the second compressed air source to the second movable member during use, and wherein the first and second compressed air sources are the same air source.
  - 419. The system of claim 383, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the first gas control system, the second gas control system, and the first water control system, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the first gas control system, the second gas control system, and the first water control system during use.
  - 420. The system of claim 383, wherein the person is riding a floatation device, and wherein the system is configured to convey the person and the floatation device without the person dismounting from the floatation device.
  - 421. The system of claim 383, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall and additional conduits coupled to the additional members for conducting a gas to the additional members, and wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber.
  - 422. The system of claim 383, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall and additional conduits coupled to the additional members for conducting a gas to the additional members, and wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber, and wherein the additional movable members are formed at different vertical positions along the chamber.

366. A water amusement system comprising:
- a belt, wherein the belt is coupled to a first source of water and to a second source of water;
  
  a belt movement system, configured to move the belt in a loop during use;
  
  a water ride coupled to the second source of water;
  
  a first conduit configured to transfer water from the first source of water to the water ride; and
  
  a second conduit configured to transfer water from the second source of water to the first source of water;
  
  a third conduit configured to transfer water from the water ride to the second source of water.

383. A water lock system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a first gas conduit coupled to the first movable member and a second gas conduit coupled to the second movable member for introducing a gas into the members during use;
  
  a first gas control system positioned along the first gas conduit, the first gas control system being configured to control the flow of gas through the first gas conduit during use; and
  
  a second gas control system positioned along the second gas conduit, the second gas control system being configured to control the flow of gas through the second gas conduit during use.

423. A system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevation levels, comprising:
- a first chamber for holding water, the first chamber being coupled to the first body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the first chamber, the first movable member positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use, the first movable member being configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second chamber coupled to the second body of water and the first chamber such that an outer surface of a portion of the first chamber wall forms a portion of the inner surface of a second chamber wall;
  
  a second movable member formed in the portion of the first chamber wall dividing the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the second movable member is configured to allow the person and water to move between the first chamber and the second chamber when the second movable member is open and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first chamber and the second chamber when the second movable member is closed, the second movable member being configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a third movable member formed in the wall of the second chamber, the third movable member positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the second chamber when the third movable member is open and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber when the third movable member is closed, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a first gas conduit coupled to the first movable member, a second gas conduit coupled to the second movable member, and a third gas conduit coupled to the third movable member for introducing a gas into the members during use; and
  
  a first gas control system configured to control the flow of gas through the first, second, and third gas conduits during use.
- View Dependent Claims (424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517)
- - 424. The system of claim 423, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber have a shape that resembles a figure selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a circle, a star, a regular polyhedron, a trapezoid, an ellipse or a figure eight, when seen from an overhead view.
  - 425. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 426. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the second chamber during use.
  - 427. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 428. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 429. The system of claim 423, wherein the first and second chambers have different shapes.
  - 430. The system of claim 423, further comprising a plurality of first bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 431. The system of claim 423, further comprising a plurality of second bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 432. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water; and
      
      a water jet coupled to the first bottom member, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 433. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water; and
      
      a water jet coupled to the second bottom member, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 434. The system of claim 423, further comprising a plurality of water jets coupled to the chamber.
  - 435. The system of claim 423, further comprising a water jet coupled to the chamber, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 436. The system of claim 423, wherein the first, second, and third movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, wherein the water permeable barrier assists in controlling an overflow of water, and wherein the water permeable barrier inhibits a participant from leaving the chamber when the first, second, and third moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 437. The system of claim 423, wherein the first, second, and third movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, wherein the water permeable barrier is positioned within the moveable members when in an open position, and wherein the water permeable barrier moves vertically out of the moveable members when the moveable members move from an open position to a closed position.
  - 438. The system of claim 423, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 439. The system of claim 423, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 440. The system of claim 423, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 441. The system of claim 423, further comprising a channel coupled to the chamber and one or more water permeable grates coupled to the channel, wherein the water permeable grate is positioned to allow an existing current in the water to continue uninhibited by the water lock system directing a participant into the chamber.
  - 442. The system of claim 423, wherein the first and second movable members are configured to move vertically into a portion of the first chamber wall when moving from a closed position to an open position, and wherein the third movable member is configured to move vertically into a portion of the second chamber wall when moving from a closed position to an open position.
  - 443. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member is substantially water permeable such that water in the first chamber moves freely through the first bottom member as the first bottom member is moved within the first chamber during use.
  - 444. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member is substantially water permeable such that water in the second chamber moves freely through the second bottom member as the second bottom member is moved within the second chamber during use.
  - 445. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member comprises a wall extending from the first bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the first chamber.
  - 446. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member comprises a wall extending from the second bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the second chamber.
  - 447. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member is configured to float within the chamber.
  - 448. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member is configured to float within the chamber.
  - 449. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member comprises a first wall and a first floatation member, the first wall extending from the first bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the first chamber, the first floatation member being positioned upon the first wall at a location near the upper surface of the water in the first chamber.
  - 450. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member comprises a second wall and a second floatation member, the second wall extending from the second bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the second chamber, the second floatation member being positioned upon the second wall at a location near the upper surface of the water in the second chamber.
  - 451. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member comprises a first wall extending from the first bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the first chamber, and wherein the first wall is coupled to the first bottom member such that the first wall inhibits the person from moving to a position below the first bottom member.
  - 452. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member comprises a second wall extending from the second bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water in the second chamber, and wherein the second wall is coupled to the second bottom member such that the second wall inhibits the person from moving to a position below the second bottom member.
  - 453. The system of claim 423, further comprising a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the first bottom member comprises a first racheted locking system coupling the first bottom member to the inner surface of the first chamber wall, and wherein the first racheted locking system is configured to inhibit the first bottom member from sinking when water is released from the first chamber.
  - 454. The system of claim 423, further comprising a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the second bottom member comprises a second racheted locking system coupling the second bottom member to the inner surface of the second chamber walls, and wherein the second racheted locking system is configured to inhibit the second bottom member from sinking when water is released from the second chamber.
  - 455. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water;
      
      a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      at least a second water conduit, wherein the first bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, the at least second water conduit coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle, and wherein the first water control system is additionally configured to control the flow of water through the at least second water conduit.
  - 456. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water;
      
      a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      at least a third water conduit, wherein the second bottom member defines at least a second nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, the at least third water conduit coupled to the at least second nozzle for conducting water to the at least second nozzle, and wherein the first water control system is additionally configured to control the flow of water through the at least third water conduit.
  - 457. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first water conduit is further configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use.
  - 458. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first water conduit is further configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, the first water control system comprising;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water through the first water conduit between the first body of water and the second body of water during use.
  - 459. The system of claim 423, wherein the gas is compressed air.
  - 460. The system of claim 423, wherein the first gas control system comprises:
    - a first valve configured to control the flow of gas through the first gas conduit;
      
      a second valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the first movable member during use;
      
      a third valve configured to control the flow of gas through the second gas conduit;
      
      a fourth valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the second movable member during use;
      
      a fifth valve configured to control the flow of gas through the third gas conduit; and
      
      a sixth valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the third movable member during use.
  - 461. The system of claim 423, wherein the first gas control system further comprises:
    - a first valve configured to control the flow of gas through the first gas conduit;
      
      a second valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the first movable member during use;
      
      a third valve configured to control the flow of gas through the second gas conduit;
      
      a fourth valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the second movable member during use;
      
      a fifth valve configured to control the flow of gas through the third gas conduit;
      
      a sixth valve configured to control the flow of gas out of the third movable member during use; and
      
      a source of compressed air, and the first, second, and third gas conduits are further coupled to the compressed air source, and wherein the first gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the compressed air source to the first movable member during use, and the second gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the compressed air source to the second movable member during use, and the third gas conduit is configured to transfer compressed air from the compressed air source to the third movable member during use.
  - 462. The system of claim 423, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the first gas control system and the first water control system, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the first gas control system and the first water control system during use.
  - 463. The system of claim 423, wherein the person is riding a floatation device, and wherein the system is configured to convey the person and the floatation device without the person dismounting from the floatation device.
  - 464. The system of claim 423, further comprising additional movable members formed in the walls of the chambers, wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chambers to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber.
  - 465. The system of claim 423, further comprising additional movable members formed in the walls of the chambers, wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chambers to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber, and wherein the additional movable members are formed at different vertical positions along the chambers.
  - 467. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 468. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 469. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 470. The method of claim 466, further comprising altering the level of water within the chamber such that an upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water prior to transferring the person from the first body of water to the lock system.
  - 471. The method of claim 466, further comprising placing the person on a floatation device prior to transferring the person to the chamber.
  - 472. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 473. The method of claim 466, wherein opening the first and second movable members comprises moving the moveable members vertically into a portion of the wall.
  - 474. The method of claim 466, further comprising inhibiting a participant from leaving the chamber when the moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 475. The method of claim 466, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier.
  - 476. The method of claim 466, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier within the moveable members when the moveable members are in an open position, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier into a position out of the moveable members when the moveable members are moved from an open position to a closed position.
  - 477. The method of claim 466, further comprising detecting when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 478. The method of claim 466, further comprising detecting when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 479. The method of claim 466, further comprising detecting when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 480. The method of claim 466, further comprising directing a participant into the chamber with an existing current.
  - 481. The method of claim 466, wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises generating a current of water flowing from the first body of water toward the water lock system and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the chamber of the water lock system.
  - 482. The method of claim 466, wherein transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the chamber of the water lock system.
  - 483. The method of claim 466, wherein transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the chamber of the water lock system, and wherein generating a current comprises filling the chamber with water while the second movable member is open.
  - 484. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water;
      
      a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      at least a second water conduit and the bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle, and wherein the first water control system is additionally configured to control a flow of water through the at least second water conduit, and wherein generating a current in the chamber comprises directing a flow of water through the at least second water conduit.
  - 485. The method of claim 466, wherein the first movable member is configured to move vertically into a portion of the chamber wall, and wherein the second movable member is configured to move vertically into a portion of the chamber wall during use, and wherein closing the first movable member comprises moving the first movable member out of the chamber wall, and wherein opening the second movable member comprises moving the second movable member into the chamber wall.
  - 486. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the second body of water, and wherein altering the level of water in the chamber comprises transferring water between the second body of water and the chamber through the first water conduit.
  - 487. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and is configured to transfer water between the first body of water and the second body of water.
  - 488. The method of claim 466, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, the first water control system comprising;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of water through the first water conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water along the first water conduit;
      
      wherein the first water conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and is configured to transfer water between the first body of water and the second body of water.
  - 489. The method of claim 466, further comprising altering the level of the water in the chamber until the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water subsequent to transferring the person to the second body of water.
  - 490. The method of claim 466, wherein the first movable member defines at least a first opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the first movable member, and wherein the second movable member defines at least a second opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the second movable member;
    - and wherein the first gas control system comprises a first valve configured to control a flow of gas through the first gas conduit and a second valve configured to control a flow of gas out of the first movable member, and a third valve configured to control a flow of gas through the second gas conduit and a fourth valve configured to control a flow of gas out of the second movable member; and
      
      wherein opening the first movable member comprises allowing gas to leave the first movable member through the second valve and allowing water to enter the first movable member through the at least first opening until the buoyancy of the first member is such that it sinks until it reaches an open position, and closing the first movable member comprises closing the second valve, conducting gas through the first valve into the first movable member, the gas forcing the water out of the at least first opening until the buoyancy of the first movable member is such that it rises until it reaches a closed position; and
      
      wherein opening the second movable member comprises allowing gas to leave the second movable member through the fourth valve and allowing water to enter the second movable member through the at least second opening until the buoyancy of the second member is such that it sinks until it reaches an open position, and closing the second movable member comprises closing the fourth valve, conducting gas through the third valve into the second movable member, the gas forcing the water out of the at least second opening until the buoyancy of the second movable member is such that it rises until it reaches a closed position.
  - 492. The method of claim 491, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the first chamber during use.
  - 493. The method of claim 491, wherein the water lock system further comprises a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the second chamber during use.
  - 494. The method of claim 491, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 495. The method of claim 491, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 496. The method of claim 491, further comprising altering the level of water in the first chamber such that an upper surface of the water in the first chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water prior to transferring the person from the first body of water to the lock system.
  - 497. The method of claim 491, further comprising placing the person on a floatation device prior to transferring the person to the first chamber.
  - 498. The method of claim 491, wherein the water lock system further comprises a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 499. The method of claim 491, wherein opening the movable members comprises moving the moveable members vertically into a portion of the wall.
  - 500. The method of claim 491, further comprising inhibiting a participant from leaving the chamber when the moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 501. The method of claim 491, wherein movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier.
  - 502. The method of claim 491, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier within the moveable members when the moveable members are in an open position, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier into a position out of the moveable members when the moveable members are moved from an open position to a closed position.
  - 503. The method of claim 491, further comprising detecting when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 504. The method of claim 491, further comprising detecting when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 505. The method of claim 491, further comprising detecting when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 506. The method of claim 491, further comprising directing a participant into the chamber with an existing current.
  - 507. The method of claim 491, wherein altering the level of water in the first chamber comprises transferring water from the second chamber to the first chamber through the second movable member and transferring water from the first chamber to the first body of water through the first movable member, and wherein altering the level of water in the second chamber comprises transferring water from the second body of water to the second chamber through the third movable member and transferring water from the second chamber to the first chamber through the second movable member.
  - 508. The method of claim 491, further comprising altering the level of water in the first chamber while altering the level of water in the second chamber.
  - 509. The method of claim 491, further comprising altering the level of the water in the first chamber until the upper surface of the water in the first chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water subsequent to transferring the person to the second chamber.
  - 510. The method of claim 491, further comprising altering the level of the water in the first chamber until the upper surface of the water in the first chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water subsequent to transferring the person to the second chamber, and further comprising altering the level of the water in the second chamber until the upper surface of the water in the second chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first chamber subsequent to transferring the person to the second body of water.
  - 511. The method of claim 491, wherein transferring the person from the first chamber to the second chamber comprises generating a current of water flowing from the first chamber toward the second chamber and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second chamber.
  - 512. The method of claim 491, wherein transferring the person from the first chamber to the second chamber comprises generating a current of water flowing from the first chamber toward the second chamber and positioning the person within the current of water, and wherein the current of water carries the person into the second chamber, and wherein generating a current comprises filling the first chamber with water while the second movable member is open.
  - 513. The method of claim 491, wherein the lock system further comprises a first bottom member positioned within the first chamber and at least a second water conduit and the first bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, wherein the first bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the first chamber during use, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle during use, and wherein transferring the person from the first chamber to the second chamber comprises generating a current of water flowing from the first chamber toward the second chamber and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second chamber, and further wherein generating a current comprises directing a flow of water through the at least second water conduit to the at least first nozzle.
  - 514. The method of claim 491, wherein transferring the person from the second chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the second chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water.
  - 515. The method of claim 491, wherein transferring the person from the second chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the second chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water, and further wherein generating a current comprises filling the second chamber with water while the third movable member is open.
  - 516. The method of claim 491, wherein the lock system further comprises a second bottom member positioned within the second chamber and at least a second water conduit and the second bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, wherein the second bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the second chamber during use, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle during use, and wherein transferring the person from the second chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the second chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water, and further wherein generating a current comprises directing a flow of water through the at least second water conduit to the at least first nozzle.
  - 517. The method of claim 491, wherein the first movable member defines at least a first opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the first movable member, and the second movable member defines at least a second opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the second movable member, and the third movable member defines at least a third opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the third movable member;
    - and wherein the first gas control system comprises a first valve configured to control a flow of gas through the first gas conduit and a second valve configured to control a flow of gas out of the first movable member, and a third valve configured to control a flow of gas through the second gas conduit and a fourth valve configured to control a flow of gas out of the second movable member, and a fifth valve configured to control a flow of gas through the third gas conduit and a sixth valve configured to control a flow of gas out of the third movable member; and
      
      wherein opening the first movable member comprises allowing gas to leave the first movable member through the second valve and allowing water to enter the first movable member through the at least first opening until the buoyancy of the first member is such that it sinks until it reaches an open position, and closing the first movable member comprises closing the second valve, conducting gas through the first valve into the first movable member, the gas forcing the water out of the at least first opening until the buoyancy of the first movable member is such that it rises until it reaches a closed position;
      
      wherein opening the second movable member comprises allowing gas to leave the second movable member through the fourth valve and allowing water to enter the second movable member through the at least second opening until the buoyancy of the second member is such that it sinks until it reaches an open position, and closing the second movable member comprises closing the fourth valve, conducting gas through the third valve into the second movable member, the gas forcing the water out of the at least second opening until the buoyancy of the second movable member is such that it rises until it reaches a closed position; and
      
      wherein opening the third movable member comprises allowing gas to leave the third movable member through the sixth valve and allowing water to enter the third movable member through the at least third opening until the buoyancy of the third member is such that it sinks until it reaches an open position, and closing the third movable member comprises closing the sixth valve, conducting gas through the fifth valve into the third movable member, the gas forcing the water out of the at least third opening until the buoyancy of the third movable member is such that it rises until it reaches a closed position.

466. A method for transferring a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- transferring the person from the first body of water into a water lock system, the water lock system comprising;
  
  a chamber for holding water coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a first gas conduit coupled to the first movable member and a second gas conduit coupled to the second movable member for introducing a gas into the members during use; and
  
  a first gas control system configured to control the flow of gas through the first and second gas conduits during use; and
  
  wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises moving the person from the first body of water into the chamber through the first movable member;
  
  closing the first movable member;
  
  altering the level of water within the chamber with water such that the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the second body of water;
  
  transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water through the second movable member; and
  
  closing the second movable member.

491. A method for transferring a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational heights, comprising:
- transferring the person from the first body of water into a water lock system, the water lock system comprising;
  
  a first chamber coupled to the first body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the first chamber, the first movable member positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed, wherein the member is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second chamber coupled to the second body of water and the first chamber, wherein an outer surface of a portion of the first chamber wall forms a portion of the inner surface of a second chamber wall;
  
  a second movable member formed in the portion of the first chamber wall dividing the first chamber from the second chamber, wherein the second movable member is configured to allow the person and water to move between the first chamber and the second chamber when the second movable member is open and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first chamber and the second chamber when the second movable member is closed, and wherein the member is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a third movable member formed in the wall of the second chamber, the third movable member positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second chamber and the second body of water when the third movable member is open and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second chamber and the second body of water when the third movable member is close, and wherein the member is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a first gas conduit coupled to the first movable member, a second gas conduit coupled to the second movable member, and a third gas conduit coupled to the third movable member, such that the first, second, and third gas conduits may conduct a gas to the first, second, and third movable members respectively; and
  
  a first gas control system configured to control the flow of gas through the first, second, and third gas conduits;
  
  wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises moving the person from the first body of water into the first chamber through the first movable member;
  
  closing the first movable member;
  
  altering the level of water in the first chamber such that the upper surface of the water in the first chamber is substantially equal the upper surface of the water in the second chamber;
  
  transferring the person from the first chamber to the second chamber through the second movable member;
  
  closing the second movable member;
  
  altering the level of water in the second chamber such that the upper surface of the water in the second chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the second body of water;
  
  transferring the person from the second chamber to the second body of water through the third movable member; and
  
  closing the third movable member.

518. A water lock system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use, and configured such that it is operated by varying a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second conduit coupled to the first movable member and a third conduit coupled to the second movable member for introducing water into the members and for removing water from the members during use; and
  
  , a second water control system coupled to the second conduit and a third water control system coupled to the third conduit, the second and third water control systems being configured to control a flow of water through the second and third conduits during use.
- View Dependent Claims (519, 520, 521)
- - 519. The system of claim 518, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 520. The system of claim 518, further comprising a first conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 521. The system of claim 518, further comprising a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control a flow of water through the first conduit during use.

522. A water lock system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use;
  
  a first cylinder coupled to the first movable member, wherein the first cylinder is configured to move the first movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the first cylinder is further configured to move the first movable member from a closed position to an open position;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use;
  
  a second cylinder coupled to the second movable member, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move the second movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the second cylinder is further configured to move the second movable member from a closed position to an open position.
- View Dependent Claims (523, 524, 525)
- - 523. The system of claim 522, wherein the cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder.
  - 524. The system of claim 522, wherein the cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder.
  - 525. The system of claim 522, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.

526. An amusement park system, comprising:
- a water ride, wherein the water ride is configured to convey a person from an upper body of water to a lower body of water; and
  
  a water lock system, the water lock system comprising;
  
  a chamber for holding water coupled to the lower body of water and the upper body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water from the first body of water to enter the chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from the first body of water from entering the chamber when the first movable member is closed during use, and wherein the movable member is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water from the chamber to enter the second body of water when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from the chamber from entering the second body of water when the second movable member is closed during use, and wherein the movable member is operated by varying a volume of gas and a volume of water contained within the member;
  
  a first gas conduit coupled to the first movable member and a second gas conduit coupled to the second movable member, the first and second gas conduits configured to conduct gas to the first and second movable members respectively; and
  
  a first gas control system configured to control a flow of gas through the first and second gas conduits during use.
- View Dependent Claims (527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619)
- - 527. The system of claim 526, wherein the chamber has a shape that resembles a figure selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a circle, a star, a regular polyhedron, a trapezoid, an ellipse, a U-shape, a T-shape, an L-shape, a Y-shape or a figure eight, when seen from an overhead view.
  - 528. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 529. The system of claim 526, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 530. The system of claim 526, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 531. The system of claim 526, wherein the second movable member is formed in the wall at an elevation substantially higher than the first movable member.
  - 532. The system of claim 526, further comprising a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 533. The system of claim 526, further comprising a water jet coupled to the bottom member, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 534. The system of claim 526, further comprising a plurality of water jets coupled to the chamber.
  - 535. The system of claim 526, further comprising a water jet coupled to the chamber, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 536. The system of claim 526, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, wherein the water permeable barrier assists in controlling an overflow of water, and wherein the water permeable barrier inhibits a participant from leaving the chamber when the first and second moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 537. The system of claim 526, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and wherein the water permeable barrier is positioned within the moveable members when in an open position, and wherein the water permeable barrier moves vertically out of the moveable members when the moveable members move from an open position to a closed position.
  - 538. The system of claim 526, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 539. The system of claim 526, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 540. The system of claim 526, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 541. The system of claim 526, further comprising a channel coupled to the chamber and one or more water permeable grates coupled to the channel, wherein the water permeable grate is positioned to allow an existing current in the water to continue uninhibited by the water lock system directing a participant into the chamber.
  - 542. The system of claim 526, wherein the first and second movable members are configured to move vertically into a portion of the wall when moving from a closed position to an open position.
  - 543. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is substantially water permeable such that water in the chamber moves freely through the bottom member as the bottom member is moved within the chamber during use.
  - 544. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein a distance between the bottom member and the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially constant during use.
  - 545. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water.
  - 546. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber during use.
  - 547. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall and a floatation member, the bottom member wall encircling the bottom member and extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water, the floatation member being positioned upon the bottom member wall at a location proximate the upper surface of the water.
  - 548. The system of claim 526, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber during use;
      
      a substantially vertical first ladder coupled to the bottom member wall; and
      
      a substantially vertical second ladder coupled to the chamber wall, wherein the first and second ladder are substantially aligned.
  - 549. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a ratcheted locking system coupling the bottom member to the inner surface of the chamber wall, wherein the ratcheted locking system is configured to inhibit the bottom member from sinking when water is released from the chamber.
  - 550. The system of claim 526, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the system additionally comprises at least a second water conduit and the bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle during use.
  - 551. The system of claim 526, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, the water control system comprising;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of water through the conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water through the conduit during use.
  - 552. The system of claim 526, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the first gas control system and the first water control system, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the gas control system and the first water control system during use.
  - 553. The system of claim 526, wherein the person is riding a floatation device.
  - 554. The system of claim 526, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall, wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber.
  - 555. The system of claim 526, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall, wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber, and wherein the additional movable members are formed at different elevational levels.
  - 556. The system of claim 526, further comprising additional movable members and additional water rides, wherein the additional movable members are positioned adjacent to additional bodies of water, and wherein the additional bodies of water are coupled to the additional rides, and wherein the movable members allow the person to move from the chamber to the additional bodies of water.
  - 557. The system of claim 526, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall, wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber, and wherein the additional bodies of water are at different elevational levels.
  - 559. The system of claim 558, wherein the cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder.
  - 560. The system of claim 558, wherein the cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder.
  - 561. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 562. The system of claim 558, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 563. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 564. The system of claim 558, wherein the chamber has a shape that resembles a figure selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a circle, a star, a regular polyhedron, a trapezoid, an ellipse, a U-shape, an L-shape, a Y-shape, a tube, or a figure eight, when seen from an overhead view.
  - 565. The system of claim 558, further comprising a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 566. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water; and
      
      a water jet coupled to the bottom member, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 567. The system of claim 558, further comprising a plurality of water jets coupled to the chamber.
  - 568. The system of claim 558, further comprising a water jet coupled to the chamber, wherein the water jet assists the participant out of the chamber.
  - 569. The system of claim 558, wherein the first and second movable members are configured to move vertically into a portion of the wall when moving from a closed position to an open position.
  - 570. The system of claim 558, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and wherein the water permeable barrier assists in controlling an overflow of water, and wherein the water permeable barrier inhibits a participant from leaving the chamber when the first and second moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 571. The system of claim 558, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and wherein the water permeable barrier is positioned within the moveable members when in an open position, and wherein the water permeable barrier moves vertically out of the moveable members when the moveable members move from an open position to a closed position.
  - 572. The system of claim 558, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 573. The system of claim 558, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 574. The system of claim 558, further comprising a detection device coupled to the chamber, wherein the detection device is configured to detect when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 575. The system of claim 558, further comprising a channel coupled to the chamber and one or more water permeable grates coupled to the channel, wherein the water permeable grate is positioned to allow an existing current in the water to continue uninhibited by the water lock system directing a participant into the chamber.
  - 576. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is substantially water permeable such that water in the chamber moves freely through the bottom member as the bottom member is moved within the chamber during use.
  - 577. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein a distance between the bottom member and the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially constant during use.
  - 578. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water.
  - 579. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber.
  - 580. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber during use, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall and a floatation member, the bottom member wall encircling the bottom member and extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water, the floatation member being positioned upon the bottom member wall at a location proximate the upper surface of the water.
  - 581. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member is floating within the chamber during use;
      
      a substantially vertical first ladder coupled to the bottom member wall; and
      
      a substantially vertical second ladder coupled to the chamber wall, wherein the first and second ladder are substantially aligned.
  - 582. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a wall extending from the bottom member to a position above the upper surface of the water, wherein the bottom member wall is configured to inhibit the person from moving to a position below the bottom member.
  - 583. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a locking system coupling the bottom member to the inner surface of the chamber wall, wherein the locking system is configured to inhibit the bottom member from sinking when water is released from the chamber.
  - 584. The system of claim 558, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water, and wherein the bottom member comprises a locking system coupling the bottom member to the inner surface of the chamber wall, wherein the locking system is configured to inhibit the bottom member from sinking when water is released from the chamber, and wherein the locking system is a racheted locking system.
  - 585. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water;
      
      a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use;
      
      at least a second water conduit and the bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, and wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the nozzle, and the first water control system is additionally configured to control the flow of water through the at least second water conduit.
  - 586. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, and wherein the first water control system comprises a valve configured to control flow of water through the first conduit.
  - 587. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first conduit is configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 588. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and wherein the first conduit is configured to transfer water between the second body of water and the first body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, the first water control system comprising;
      
      a valve wherein the valve is configured to control flow of water through the first conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water between the first body of water and the second body of water during use.
  - 589. The system of claim 558, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the first moveable member, the second moveable member, and the first water control system, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the first moveable member, the second moveable member, and the first water control system during use.
  - 590. The system of claim 558, wherein the person is riding a floatation device, and wherein the system is configured to convey the person and the floatation device without the person dismounting from the floatation device.
  - 591. The system of claim 558, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall and additional conduits coupled to the additional members for conducting a gas to the additional members, and wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber.
  - 592. The system of claim 558, further comprising additional movable members formed in the wall and additional conduits coupled to the additional members for conducting a gas to the additional members, and wherein the additional movable members allow participants to enter and exit the chamber to and from additional bodies of water positioned adjacent the chamber, and wherein the additional movable members are formed at different vertical positions along the chamber.
  - 594. The method of claim 593, wherein the cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder.
  - 595. The method of claim 593, wherein the cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder.
  - 596. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 597. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 598. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 599. The method of claim 593, further comprising altering the level of water within the chamber such that an upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water prior to transferring the person from the first body of water to the lock system.
  - 600. The method of claim 593, further comprising placing the person on a floatation device prior to transferring the person to the chamber.
  - 601. The method of claim 593, further comprising a plurality of bottom members positioned parallel to one another within the chamber.
  - 602. The method of claim 593, wherein opening the first and second movable members comprises moving the moveable members vertically into a portion of the wall.
  - 603. The method of claim 593, further comprising inhibiting a participant from leaving the chamber when the moveable members are in a closed position.
  - 604. The method of claim 593, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier.
  - 605. The method of claim 593, wherein the first and second movable members further comprise a water permeable barrier, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier within the moveable members when the moveable members are in an open position, and further comprising positioning the water permeable barrier into a position out of the moveable members when the moveable members are moved from an open position to a closed position.
  - 606. The method of claim 593, further comprising detecting when one or more participants are within the chamber.
  - 607. The method of claim 593, further comprising detecting when a participant is obstructing the movement of the first or second moveable member.
  - 608. The method of claim 593, further comprising detecting when the first or second moveable member is in a closed position or in an open position.
  - 609. The method of claim 593, further comprising directing a participant into the chamber.
  - 610. The method of claim 593, wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises generating a current of water flowing from the first body of water toward the water lock system and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the chamber of the water lock system.
  - 611. The method of claim 593, wherein transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water.
  - 612. The method of claim 593, wherein transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water, and wherein generating a current comprises filling the chamber with water while the second movable member is open.
  - 613. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water;
      
      a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use;
      
      at least a second water conduit and the bottom member defines at least a first nozzle configured to direct a current of water upstream, wherein the at least second water conduit is coupled to the at least first nozzle for conducting water to the at least first nozzle, and wherein the first water control system is additionally configured to control a flow of water through the at least second water conduit; and
      
      wherein transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water comprises generating a current of water flowing from the chamber toward the second body of water and positioning the person within the current of water, wherein the current of water carries the person into the second body of water, and wherein generating a current comprises directing a flow of water through the at least second water conduit.
  - 614. The method of claim 593, wherein the first movable member is configured to move vertically into a portion of the chamber wall, and wherein the second movable member is configured to move vertically into a portion of the chamber wall during use, and wherein closing the first movable member comprises moving the first movable member out of the chamber wall, and wherein opening the second movable member comprises moving the second movable member into the chamber wall.
  - 615. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first conduit is further coupled to the second body of water, and wherein altering the level of water in the chamber comprises transferring water between the second body of water and the chamber through the first conduit.
  - 616. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and is configured to transfer water between the first body of water and the second body of water; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.
  - 617. The method of claim 593, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use, wherein the first conduit is further coupled to the first body of water, and is configured to transfer water between the first body of water and the second body of water; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use, the first water control system comprising;
      
      a valve, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of water through the first conduit; and
      
      a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water along the first conduit.
  - 618. The method of claim 593, further comprising altering the level of the water in the chamber until the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the first body of water subsequent to transferring the person to the second body of water.
  - 619. The method of claim 593, wherein the first movable member defines at least a first opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the first movable member, and wherein the second movable member defines at least a second opening configured to allow water to flow into and out of the second movable member.

558. A water lock system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use;
  
  a first cylinder coupled to the first movable member, wherein the first cylinder is configured to move the first movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the first cylinder is further configured to move the first movable member from a closed position to an open position;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use;
  
  a second cylinder coupled to the second movable member, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move the second movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the second cylinder is further configured to move the second movable member from a closed position to an open position.

593. A method for transferring a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- transferring the person from the first body of water into a water lock system, the water lock system comprising;
  
  a chamber for holding water coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a first movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use;
  
  a first cylinder coupled to the first movable member, wherein the first cylinder is configured to move the first movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the first cylinder is further configured to move the first movable member from a closed position to an open position;
  
  a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use;
  
  a second cylinder coupled to the second movable member, wherein the second cylinder is configured to move the second movable member from an open position to a closed position, and wherein the second cylinder is further configured to move the second movable member from a closed position to an open position. wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises moving the person from the first body of water into the chamber through the first movable member;
  
  closing the first movable member;
  
  altering the level of water within the chamber with water such that the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the second body of water;
  
  transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water through the second movable member; and
  
  closing the second movable member.

620. A water lock system for conveying a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- a vertically slidable chamber for holding water, configured to couple to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a cap configured to cover the top of the chamber;
  
  a first movable member formed in the cap, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use;
  
  a second movable member formed in the cap, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the second chamber wherein the second movable member is closed during use;
  
  a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use;
  
  a first conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use;
  
  a first water control system positioned along the first conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first conduit during use.
- View Dependent Claims (621, 622, 623, 624)
- - 621. The system of claim 620, further comprising additional chambers between the first and second bodies of water.
  - 622. The system of claim 620, further comprising a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 623. The system of claim 620, further comprising a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 624. The system of claim 620, further comprising:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.

625. A method for transferring a person from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevational levels, comprising:
- transferring the person from the first body of water into a water lock system, the water lock system comprising;
  
  a vertically slidable chamber for holding water configured to couple to the first body of water and the second body of water;
  
  a cap, configured to fit the top of the chamber;
  
  a first movable member formed in the cap, the first movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is closed during use;
  
  a second movable member formed in the cap, the second movable member being positioned to allow the person and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use and to prevent the person and water from moving between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is closed during use; and
  
  wherein transferring the person to the water lock system comprises moving the person from the first body of water into the chamber through the first movable member;
  
  closing the first movable member;
  
  vertically sliding the chamber up from the level of the first body of water to the second body of water, and altering the level of water within the chamber with water such that the upper surface of the water in the chamber is substantially equal to the upper surface of the water in the second body of water;
  
  transferring the person from the chamber to the second body of water through the second movable member; and
  
  closing the second movable member.
- View Dependent Claims (626, 627, 628)
- - 626. The method of claim 625, wherein the water lock system further comprises a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water.
  - 627. The method of claim 625, wherein the water lock system further comprises a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use.
  - 628. The method of claim 625, wherein the water lock system further comprises:
    - a first water conduit coupled to the second body of water for conducting water to the second body of water during use; and
      
      a first water control system positioned along the first water conduit, the first water control system being configured to control the flow of water through the first water conduit during use.

629. A water transportation system, comprising:
- at least two channels, wherein the channels are configured to convey a participant by water flowing through the channels during use;
  
  at least two stations, wherein the stations are coupled to the channels, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a first direction during use, and wherein at least one of the channels is configured to transfer a participant between stations in a second direction during use, and wherein the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction; and
  
  an obstruction positioned on the surface of one of the channel walls.
- View Dependent Claims (630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, 666, 667, 668, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 678)
- - 630. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction is controllable.
  - 631. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position.
  - 632. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel.
  - 633. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel.
  - 634. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use.
  - 635. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion;
      
      a water inlet positioned at the first portion; and
      
      a water outlet positioned at the second portion;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel at the first portion and is transferred out of the channel at the second portion in sufficient quantities to create a hydraulic gradient between the first portion and the second portion.
  - 636. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that friction between a participant and the angled channel segment is reduced.
  - 637. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels additionally comprises:
    - a substantially angled channel segment comprising a high elevation end and a low elevation end, wherein the angled channel segment is configured such that a participant moves in a direction from the upper elevation end toward the lower elevation end; and
      
      a water inlet at the high elevation end;
      
      wherein a predetermined amount of water is transferred into the angled channel segment at the high elevation end such that a flowing body of water is obtained during, and wherein the flowing body of water has a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use.
  - 638. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water ride, the water ride comprising an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the outlet end is coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the water ride comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of said water ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the outlet end of the water ride and enters the portion of the channel such that the body of flowing water produces a flow of water within the portion of the channel.
  - 639. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels comprises:
    - a substantially horizontal channel segment comprising a first portion and a second portion; and
      
      at least one water inlet disposed within the channel;
      
      wherein water is transferred into the channel via the water inlet at a rate such that a current of water is produced flowing from first portion toward the second portion during use.
  - 640. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels comprises a plurality of water jets spaced apart and positioned along the channel at predetermined locations, wherein the water jets are oriented tangentially with respect to the channel surface so as to contact a participant as a participant passes by each of the locations, and wherein each of the water jets is configured to produce a water stream having a predetermined velocity which is selectively greater, less than, or the same as the velocity of the participant at each of the water jet locations.
  - 641. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a walkway, and wherein a segment of the portion of the channel is at substantially the same height as a portion of the walkway such that a participant walks from the walkway into the water within the channel during use.
  - 642. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a stairway, wherein the stairway is configured such that a participant walks along the stairway into the water within the channel.
  - 643. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with a water ride of a water station, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a channel wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride.
  - 644. The system of claim 629, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of one of the channels while riding in a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a docking station coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, the docking station configured to receive and inhibit movement of floatation devices to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 645. The system of claim 629, wherein participants are conveyed through at least a portion of one of the channels while riding on a floatation device, and wherein the system further comprises a conveyor system coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, the conveyor system configured to receive and inhibit movement of the floatation device to allow participants to exit or enter the floatation device during use.
  - 646. The system of claim 629, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
  - 647. The system of claim 629, further comprising a water lock system for conveying a participant from a first body of water to a second body of water, the first and second bodies of water being at different elevation levels, the water lock system comprising:
    - a chamber for holding water, the chamber being coupled to the first body of water and the second body of water;
      
      a first movable member formed in a wall of the chamber, the first movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the first body of water and the first chamber when the first movable member is open during use;
      
      a second movable member formed in the wall of the chamber, the second movable member being positioned to allow the participant and water to move between the second body of water and the chamber when the second movable member is open during use;
      
      a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber during use.
  - 648. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels further comprises a conveyor belt system for transporting a vehicle or a participant from a body of water at a lower elevation to a body of water at a higher elevation, wherein a speed of the conveyor belt system and the speed of water flowing though the channel during use are substantially equal.
  - 649. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels further comprises a conveyor belt system for transporting a vehicle or a participant from a first source of water to a second source of water at a different elevation.
  - 650. The system of claim 629, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a wave of water propagating through a portion of the channel.
  - 651. The system of claim 629, further comprising a wave generator coupled to at least a portion of one of the channels, wherein the wave generator is configured to produce a surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel, and wherein the portion of the channel comprises a beach area that is oriented with respect to the channel such that the surge of water propagating through the portion of the channel produces a wave propagating toward the beach area.
  - 652. The system of claim 629, wherein the obstruction at least partially inhibits the flow of water through the channel during use, and wherein the obstruction is configured to such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.
  - 653. The system of claim 629, wherein each of the channels comprises a plurality of controllable obstructions positioned on a bottom surface of the channels, wherein the obstructions are configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstructions are positioned such that when the obstructions are in the raised position, a substantial amount of water in the channel is contained within the channel by the obstructions.
  - 654. The system of claim 629, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel during use.
  - 655. The system of claim 629, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels, and wherein the channel comprises a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of the channel between the overflow pool and the channel, and wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water from the channel to the overflow pool, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use, and wherein the system further comprises at least one overflow pool coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 656. The system of claim 629, further comprising a containment pool coupled to a low elevation point of at least one of the channels, wherein water from the channels is collected in the containment pool when the flow of water through the channel is inhibited.
  - 657. The system of claim 629, further comprising a pump coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from a water source into the at least one channel during use.
  - 658. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - a water input source coupled to the channels, wherein the water input source is configured to provide a variable flow of water to the channel from a water source;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the water flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to signal the water input source to vary the flow of water to the channel in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 659. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface of at least one of the channels, wherein the obstruction is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to a control signal, and wherein the obstruction in the raised position substantially inhibits the flow of water through the channel and wherein the obstruction in the lowered position allows substantially uninhibited flow of water through the channel, and wherein the obstruction is positionable in the raised position, the lowered position, or any position in between the raised position and the lowered position during use;
      
      a water flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the water input source and the controllable obstruction, wherein the controller is configured to produce a signal to vary the position of the controllable obstruction in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.
  - 660. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to at least one additional stations;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 661. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to at least one additional stations;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the water station, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the occupancy of the water station, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a signal for the movable member in response to the occupancy of the water station.
  - 662. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 663. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a participant flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channels during use.
  - 664. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the same channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.
  - 665. The system of claim 629, further comprising:
    - at least one conduit coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the conduit couples at least one of the channels to another channel;
      
      movable members positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein the movable member is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein the movable member, when positioned in the first position, directs participants along the channel while inhibiting participants from passing into the conduit, and wherein the movable member, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;
      
      a participant flow sensor coupled to the channels, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channels during use; and
      
      a controller coupled to the movable member and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for the movable member in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channels during use.
  - 666. The system of claim 629, further comprising a spiral transport device coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the spiral transport device is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 667. The system of claim 629, further comprising a water wheel coupled to at least one of the channels, wherein the water wheel is configured to transport participants traveling along the channel, water traveling along the channel, or both participants and water traveling along the channel from a low elevation portion of the channel to a high elevation portion of the channel or from a high elevation portion of the channel to a low elevation portion of the channel.
  - 668. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the channels comprises:
    - an obstruction positioned within a portion of the channel;
      
      a first pump configured to remove water from a portion of the channel upstream from the obstruction and re-inject the removed water into the channel at a position upstream from the removal point, wherein the velocity of the reinjected water is substantially greater than the velocity of the water traveling through a portion of the channel upstream from the position at which the water is re-injected into the channel.
  - 669. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is coupled to a floating queue line, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with a water ride of a water station, and wherein the floating queue line comprises a channel wherein the channel is configured to hold water at a depth sufficient to allow a participant to float within the channel during use, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water ride such that a participant remains in the water while being transferred from the channel along the floating queue line to the water ride, and wherein the floating queue line comprises at least one water input device located along a potion of the floating queue line, wherein the water input device is configured to be operated intermittently to direct a stream of water at a participant such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a desired time.
  - 670. The system of claim 629, wherein the system comprises a first and second channel, and wherein the system further comprises a conduit coupling the first channel to the second channel, wherein the conduit is configured to allow participants to move between the first and second channels.
  - 671. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the water stations comprises a water ride, and wherein the water ride is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 672. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water slide, and wherein the water slide is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 673. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a river water ride, and wherein the river water ride is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 674. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises an interactive water fountain system.
  - 675. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a swimming pool, and wherein the swimming pool is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 676. The system of claim 629, wherein at least one of the stations comprises a water amusement park, and wherein a portion of the water amusement park is coupled to at least one of the channels.
  - 677. The system of claim 629, wherein at least a portion of one of the channels is configured to convey participants across a body of water.
  - 678. The system of claim 629, wherein the participant is floating on a floatation device.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
Water Ride Concepts Incorporated
Original Assignee
NBGS International Incorporated
Inventors
Schooley, John, Henry, Jeffrey W.

Granted Patent

US 7,285,053 B2
Time in Patent Office

Days
Field of Search
US Class Current

472/117
CPC Class Codes

A63G 21/18 Water-chutes

A63G 3/02 with floating seats

Water amusement system and method

First Claim

2 Assignments

0 Petitions

Accused Products

Abstract

96 Citations

678 Claims

Specification

Solutions

Use Cases

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Water amusement system and method

First Claim

2 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

0 Petitions

Subscription Required

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

96 Citations

678 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links