Hydroplane sporting environment and devices and methods therefor

Abstract

The present invention provides hydroplaning equipment, such as boards, skis, bindings, boots and poles for use in connection with a hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.

1 . A hydroplane board comprising:
 a board member having a first end, a second end defining a length, a thickness, a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first end and the second end have a bend in the direction from the second surface towards the first surface; and,   a plurality of flexibility grooves disposed on the first surface, near the first end and generally perpendicular to the length.   
   
   
       2 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , further including a second plurality of grooves disposed adjacent the second end and generally perpendicular to the length. 
   
   
       3 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of grooves disposed on the second surface that are generally parallel to the length. 
   
   
       4 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end are parabolic in shape. 
   
   
       5 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of grooves disposed on the second surface, wherein a portion of the plurality of grooves are generally parallel to the length, and wherein the remaining portion of the plurality of grooves are parabolic along the length. 
   
   
       6 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a channel disposed on the second surface along a portion of the length. 
   
   
       7 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising binding mounting areas disposed on the first surface. 
   
   
       8 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first surface includes non-skid areas. 
   
   
       9 . The hydroplane board, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the board has an overall elliptical shape. 
   
   
       10 . A hydroplaning riding device for a rider to hydroplane upon a liquid surface, comprising:
 an elongated member having a first end, a second end defining a length, a thickness, a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first end and the second end have a bend in the direction from the second surface towards the first surface, wherein the second surface when in use is operably configured to hydroplane upon the liquid surface; and,   a plurality of grooves disposed on the second surface and being generally parallel to the length of the elongated member.   
   
   
       11 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the elongated member is a ski. 
   
   
       12 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of grooves are also disposed on the first surface, near the second end and generally perpendicular to the length. 
   
   
       13 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein a portion of the plurality of grooves are parabolic. 
   
   
       14 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising a channel disposed on the second surface along a portion of the length. 
   
   
       15 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising binding mounting areas disposed on the first surface. 
   
   
       16 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the first surface includes non-skid areas. 
   
   
       17 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the second surface includes a plurality of grooves and a channel disposed on the second surface and along a portion of the length. 
   
   
       18 . The hydroplaning riding device, as recited in  claim 10 , further including a width and an edge disposed along the width and a channel disposed along a portion of the edge. 
   
   
       19 . A binding device for use on a board to secure a rider to the board for use in a water hydroplane environment, comprising:
 a sole portion have a first end and a second end, which includes a plurality of fastener orifices;   two side portions attached to the sole portion;   a heel portion attached to the second end and the two side portions;   a calf portion rotatably attached to the heel portion;   a first securing member attached to the two side portions near the first end;   a second securing member attached to the two side portions near the heel portion;   a third securing member attached to the calf portion; and,   wherein the sole portion, two side portions, heel portion and calf portion include a plurality of orifices to reduce weight and when in use to allow the water to drain through out of the binding device.   
   
   
       20 . The binding device, as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the sole portion is rotatably connected to the board. 
   
   
       21 . A ski boot for in use in a water hydroplane environment, for locking into a ski binding, comprising:
 a shell member;   an insert to removably fit inside the shell member;   a toe end and a heel end, operably configured to engage the ski binding;   wherein the shell member includes a plurality of orifices to reduce weight and when in use allow the drainage of the water.   
   
   
       22 . The ski boot, as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the insert is neoprene.