Inflatable Surfing Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A water or other amusement attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A cavity of the attraction is located underneath an upper surface, the upper surface configured to support a flow of water and at least one rider thereon. A volume of water is configured to be disposed within the cavity, the upper surface floating upon the volume of water while connected to at least one side wall, floor, and/or nozzle structure. A pump and nozzle assembly, positioned outside of the cavity, communicates with the water within the cavity for flowing a portion of the water over the upper surface. A drainage portion, adjacent to the upper surface, drains the flowing water back into the cavity for recirculation. Support components, such as a plurality of beams or an inflatable grid structure help maintain stability for the attraction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surfing attraction comprising,
 a nozzle for emitting a flow of water;   an inflatable ride surface adjacent to nozzle and including a pocket, the ride surface configured to receive the flow of water from the nozzle;   an inflatable supporting material positioned beneath the ride surface and configured to have a inclined slope when inflated;   an inflatable riser positioned beneath the supporting material and configured to be adjustably inflated for positioning of the ride surface with respect to the nozzle; and   a rigid element configured to engage with the pocket of the ride surface, wherein a position of the rigid element is adjustable for maintaining a location of the ride surface with respect to the nozzle.   
     
     
         2 . A surfing attraction comprising,
 a first inflatable ride surface section;   a second inflatable ride surface section positioned adjacent to the first inflatable ride surface section and forming a gap between the first inflatable ride surface section and the second inflatable ride surface section;   a protective sheet covering at least a portion of the first inflatable ride surface section and the second inflatable ride surface section; and   a filling element positioned within a gap.   
     
     
         3 . A surfing attraction comprising,
 a nozzle for emitting a flow of water;   a drainage section for draining the flow of water emitted by the nozzle, the drainage section including a grating having a texture for increasing turbidity of water flowing over the grating; and   a ride surface positioned between the nozzle and the drainage section,