Apparatus and method for generating a surfable wave

Abstract

An apparatus and method for generating a surfable hydraulic jump wave using a water flow directed along a main flow direction. The apparatus includes a wave generating section and a flow control system that divides the water flow into partial flows and adjusts height levels across a transverse direction relative to the main flow. Adjustable components such as valves, slides, or pumps dynamically modulate the transverse wave profile. Partition wall sections may be used to separate partial flows upstream of the wave generating section. The system enables formation of standing waves with varying height maxima, including wave profiles that translate laterally, diverge from a central region, or exhibit direction changes, thereby providing realistic and variable surfing conditions suitable for training and recreation.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 an apparatus body including a wave generating section and a flow system configured to direct a water flow in a main flow direction through the wave generating section; and   at least one controller operatively coupled to at least a portion of the water flow, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the height level of the water flow in a direction transverse to the main flow direction to generate a modifiable transverse wave profile.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flow system divides the water flow into at least two partial flows, and the controller is operatively coupled to at least one of an adjustable valve, a slide, or a pump configured to control a partial flow by adjusting flow delivery over time. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of partition wall sections configured to separate two or more partial flows from one another in at least a portion of the flow system upstream of the wave generating section. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the partition wall sections extend over at least a portion of a ramp-like acceleration section positioned upstream of the wave generating section, and wherein the ramp-like acceleration section is configured to accelerate the partial flows by gravity. 
     
     
         5 . A method of controlling a hydraulic jump wave to generate a surfable transverse wave profile, the method comprising:
 directing a water flow in a main flow direction through a wave generating section;   controlling at least a portion of the water flow to set different height levels across a direction transverse to the main flow direction; and   producing a modifiable transverse wave profile in the wave generating section.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein controlling the water flow comprises adjusting at least one valve, slide, or pump to vary delivery timing or flow rate of at least one partial flow. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising modifying the height levels over time to produce a transverse wave profile that includes at least one height maximum moving in the transverse direction. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising producing a plurality of height maxima moving concurrently in the same transverse direction. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising producing a plurality of height maxima that each originate from a central region and move outward in opposite directions. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising producing a single height maximum that originates from a central region and moves in a selected one of a leftward or rightward direction.