Water amusement system and method

• US 7,285,053 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2001
• Issued: 10/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Water Ride Concepts Incorporated
• Original Assignee: NBGS International Incorporated
• Inventors: Schooley, John, Henry, Jeffery W.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIEN T
• Application Number:
  US09/952,036
• Publication Number:
  US 20020082097A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,233 Days
• Field of Search: 472116-129, 104/69, 104/70
• US Class Current: 472/117
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 21/18 Water-chutes
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 3/02 with floating seats

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.

Claims

1. A water transportation system, comprising a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride, and 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.

2. The system of claim 1, 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.

3. The system of claim 1, 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 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.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

5. The system of claim 1, 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 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.

6. The system of claim 1, 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.

7. The system of claim 1, 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.

8. The system of claim 1, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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 , and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

9. The system of claim 1, 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.

10. The system of claim 1, 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 to convey the floatation device from one portion of the channel to another portion of the channel.

11. The system of claim 1, 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;

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.

12. The system of claim 1, 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;

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;

a bottom member positioned within the chamber, wherein the bottom member is positionable below the upper surface of water within the chamber.

13. The system of claim 1, 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.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein 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.

15. The system of claim 1, 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.

16. The system of claim 1, 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.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein 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 such that a standing wave is produced by the contact of the flowing water with the obstruction.

18. The system of claim 1, 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.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

20. The system of claim 1, 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.

21. The system of claim 1, 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.

22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump coupled to the channel, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from a water source into the channel.

23. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a water input source coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the water input source is configured to provide a variable flow of water to at least the portion of the channel from a water source;

a water flow sensor coupled to at least the portion of the channel, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through at least the portion of the channel; 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 at least the portion of the channel in response to the monitored flow rate of water through the channel.

24. The system of claim 1, 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;

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; 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.

25. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conduit coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein at least one of the conduits couples at least the portion of the channel to at least one additional water amusement ride;

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conduit coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein at least one of the conduits couples at least the portion of the channel to at least one water amusement ride;

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position in response to a control signal, and wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel;

a controller coupled to at least one of the movable members and the water amusement ride coupled to the conduit, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the occupancy of the water amusement ride coupled to the conduit, and wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for at least one of the movable members in response to the occupancy of the water amusement ride coupled to the conduit.

27. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conduit coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein at least one of the conduits couples at least the portion of the channel to an additional channel, wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water amusement ride;

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.

28. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conduit coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein at least one of the conduits couples at least the portion of the channel to an additional channel, wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water amusement ride;

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channels and the conduit, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position in response to control signals, wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, 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 at least the portion of the channel and the additional channel, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through at least the portion of the channel and the additional channel; and

a controller coupled to at least one of the movable members and the participant flow sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for at least one of the movable members in response to the flow rate of the participants through at least the portion of the channel and the additional channel.

29. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one conduit coupled to the channel, wherein at least one of the conduits couples a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the same channel;

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit at the first and second portions of the channel, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position, wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants along the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing along the channel.

30. The system of claim 1, 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.

31. The system of claim 1, 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.

32. The system of claim 1, 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.

33. The system of claim 1, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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, and wherein the floating queue line comprises at least one water input device located along a portion of the floating queue line, wherein the water input device is configured to direct a stream of water at a participant such that each participant is delivered to the beginning of the water amusement ride at a desired time.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises a water slide.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

36. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride;

a water input source coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the water input source is configured to provide a variable flow of water to at least a portion of the channel from a water source;

a water flow sensor coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the water flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of water through at least a portion of the channel; 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 at least a portion of the channel.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

38. The system of claim 36, 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 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.

39. The system of claim 36, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

40. The system of claim 36, 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.

41. The system of claim 36, 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.

42. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

43. The system of claim 36, 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.

44. The system of claim 36, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

45. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride;

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;

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; 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.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

47. The system of claim 45, 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 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 waterjet locations.

48. The system of claim 45, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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 , and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

49. The system of claim 45, 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.

50. The system of claim 45, 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.

51. The system of claim 45, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

52. The system of claim 45, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein at least one of the controllable obstructions positioned on a bottom surface of the channel is positioned between the overflow pool and the channel, 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.

53. The system of claim 45, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

54. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride;

at least one conduit coupled to the channel; and

at least one movable member positioned at the intersection of the channel and the conduit, wherein at least one of the movable members is movable into a first position and a second position, and wherein at least one 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 at least one of the movable members, when positioned in the second position, directs participants through the conduit while inhibiting participants from passing through the channel.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein the conduit couples the channel to at least one additional water ride.

56. The system of claim 54, wherein the conduit couples the channel to an additional channel, wherein the additional channel is coupled to at least one additional water ride.

57. The system of claim 54, wherein the conduit couples a first portion of the channel to a second portion of the same channel.

58. The system of claim 54, further comprising:

at least one participant flow sensor coupled to the channel and/or the conduit, wherein the participant flow sensor is configured to monitor a flow rate of participants through the channel and/or the conduit; and

a controller coupled to at least one of the movable members and at least one of the participant flow sensors, wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal for at least one of the movable members in response to the flow rate of the participants through the channel and/or the conduit.

59. The system of claim 54, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

60. The system of claim 54, 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 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.

61. The system of claim 54, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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 , and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

62. The system of claim 54, 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.

63. The system of claim 54, 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.

64. The system of claim 54, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

65. The system of claim 54, 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.

66. The system of claim 54, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

67. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride;

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, 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.

68. The system of claim 67, 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.

69. The system of claim 67, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

70. The system of claim 67, 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 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.

71. The system of claim 67, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

72. The system of claim 67, 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.

73. The system of claim 67, 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.

74. The system of claim 67, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

75. The system of claim 67, 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.

76. The system of claim 67, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

77. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride; and

a floating queue line coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the floating queue line couples the portion of one of the channels with at least one of the water rides, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to at least one of the water rides 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 portion of the floating queue line, wherein at least one of the Water input devices is configured to direct a stream of water at a participant such that the participant is delivered to the beginning of the water ride at a desired time.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein the floating queue line comprises a queue line channel, and 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.

79. The system of claim 77, wherein at least one of the water input devices is configured to be operated intermittently.

80. The system of claim 77, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

81. The system of claim 77, 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 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.

82. The system of claim 77, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

83. The system of claim 77, 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.

84. The system of claim 77, 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.

85. The system of claim 77, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

86. The system of claim 77, 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.

87. The system of claim 77, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

88. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride; and

a controllable obstruction positioned on a bottom surface at least a portion 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.

89. The system of claim 88, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

90. The system of claim 88, 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 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 waterjet locations.

91. The system of claim 88, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

92. The system of claim 88, 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.

93. The system of claim 88, 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.

94. The system of claim 88, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

95. The system of claim 88, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein at least one of the controllable obstructions positioned on a bottom surface of the channel is positioned between the overflow pool and the channel, 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.

96. The system of claim 88, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

97. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water .flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride; and

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.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

99. The system of claim 97, 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 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.

100. The system of claim 97, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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 , and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

101. The system of claim 97, 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.

102. The system of claim 97, 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.

103. The system of claim 97, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

104. The system of claim 97, 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.

105. The system of claim 97, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.

106. A water transportation system, comprising:

a channel configured to convey a participant within a water amusement park by water flowing through the channel, wherein the water amusement park comprises at least one water amusement ride, and wherein the channel is configured to transport a participant from an exit point or point subsequent to the exit point of at least one of the water amusement rides, to an entry point or point prior to the entry point of the same water amusement ride; and

a conveyor belt system coupled to at least a portion of the channel, wherein the conveyor belt system is configured to transport at least one participant on at least one inner tube from a lower elevation to a higher elevation.

107. The method of claim 106, 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, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants onto the belt.

108. The method of claim 106, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water, and wherein the deflector plate is permeable to water.

109. The method of claim 106, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a deflector plate positioned below the surface of the water, and wherein the deflector plate is substantially angled to guide participants off the belt.

110. The method of claim 106, wherein a portion of the belt extends below the surface of the water.

111. The method of claim 106, 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.

112. The method of claim 106, 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.

113. The method of claim 106, wherein the conveyor belt system further comprises a plurality of detection devices positioned at a predefined height above the belt.

114. The method of claim 106, 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 a belt movement system such that the belt movement system is deactivated in response to a received detection signal.

115. The system of claim 106, wherein at least one of the water amusement rides comprises at least one water releasing mechanism configured to inject water onto a surface of the water amusement ride such that a body of flowing water is produced on the surface of the water amusement ride, and wherein the body of flowing water exits the exit point of the water amusement 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.

116. The system of claim 106, 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 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.

117. The system of claim 106, 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 at least one of the water amusement rides, 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, and wherein the floating queue line is coupled to the water amusement 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.

118. The system of claim 106, 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.

119. The system of claim 106, 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.

120. The system of claim 106, further comprising at least one overflow pool coupled to the channel, wherein the overflow pool is configured to collect water overflowing from the channel.

121. The system of claim 106, 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.

122. The system of claim 106, wherein a participant is floating on a floatation device.