US20090151064A1

US20090151064A1 - Apparatus and method for wave pool with double v-shaped reef

Info

Publication number: US20090151064A1
Application number: US12/337,354
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Mladick; Richard Carnahan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-17
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: WO2009079605A1

Abstract

Aspects of the invention provide a wave pool including at least one double V-shaped reef. The double V-shaped reef can include an inclined slope traversing the reef from the tip of the V-shape to the open end of the V-shape. In a round wave pool, a wave generating system can be provided within the center of the pool. The wave generating system can discharge water in a vertically upward motion to form a ring-shaped wave. The ring-shaped waves can propagate from proximate the center of the wave pool outward toward the edge thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/007,954 filed on Dec. 17, 2007 and entitled Apparatus and Method for Wave Pool With Double V-Shaped Reef, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Wave pools and water rides often use conventional wave generators to produce waves. The design of a wave pool is a very important factor in the production of waves. It is difficult to configure a wave pool to provide desirable waves, i.e., waves that are suitable for use in water sports such as surfing, body surfing, kayaking, and skiing. Even at the best natural beaches, perfect waves are rare. This is because the quality of the waves depends upon many factors, such as environmental conditions, such as tides, wind, and off shore storms.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods provide a wave pool including at least one double V-shaped reef. The double V-shaped reef can include an inclined slope traversing the reef from the tip of a first or outer V-shaped reef, e.g., the deeper end, to the open end of a second or inner V-shape, e.g., the more shallow end. The first V-shaped reef can create larger waves that can re-form in a deeper portion. The re-formed waves can break again into smaller waves across the second V-shaped reef.
Some aspects of the invention provide a round wave pool with a wave generating system provided within the center of the pool. The wave generating system can discharge the water volume of the wave in a vertically upward motion. The wave generating system can make generally ring-shaped waves that can move from proximate the center of the round wave pool outwardly toward the edge of the wave pool. Various configurations of double V-shaped reefs can be used to create waves in the round wave pool.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a wave pool with a double V-shaped reef according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is side cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

FIG. 3 is an end cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is another end cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the wave pool of FIG. 1 including depth dimensions according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a wave pool according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a wave pool including drains and return piping according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a top schematic view of a water ride including multiple reefs in a generally circular configuration according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a water ride including multiple reefs in a generally circular configuration according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 10 is another top view of the water ride of FIG. 9 including depth dimensions according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a wave pool with a double V-shaped reef according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the wave pool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a wave pool that is configured as substantially one half of the wave pool of FIG. 11, according to an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any aspects of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other aspects and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
FIG. 1 shows a wave generating system 10 positioned within a wave pool 11 including a pool wall 12 and a pool floor 13. The pool floor 13 can include several contours over which the waves from the wave generating system 10 can flow (for example, as the waves move from left to right across the page of FIG. 1). The pool floor 13 can include a first reef toe-elevation contour 14, a first reef mid-elevation contour 16, and a first reef apex-elevation contour 18. The pool floor 13 can also include an arrowhead plateau contour 20, a second reef toe contour 24, and a second reef mid-elevation contour 26. In addition, the pool floor 13 can include two separate island toe contours 22, two separate island mid-contours 28 and two separate apex island contours 30.
Once the waves flow past the shallow ends 31 of the pool wall 12, the water can be returned to the wave generating system 10. The pool floor 13 can include two separate return inverts 32 that lead to a water return basin 34. The return water can flow out to a perimeter 36 of the wave pool 11 and over two separate return plateaus 38 adjacent to the pool walls 12. The pool floor 13 can also include a pool floor invert elevation 40 between the pool walls 12 and adjacent to the wave generating system 10. Finally, the pool floor 13 can include a perimeter apex contour 42 adjacent to the perimeter 36 of the wave pool 11.
FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the wave pool 11 along which the waves travel from the back of the wave pool 11 to the perimeter 36 and a beach area 44 (if one is included) adjacent to the perimeter 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the waves will travel from the wave generating system 10 up an incline to the arrowhead plateau contour 20, to the second reef toe contour 24, and to the second reef mid-elevation contour 26. Before reaching the perimeter apex contour 42, most if not all of the water will have been directed toward the return inverts 32 and the water return basin 34.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are two cross-sectional views over which the waves will travel as they move from the back of the wave pool 11 to the perimeter 36. FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken closer to the wave generating system 10 than the cross-section of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the waves can travel over the pool floor invert elevation 40, the first reef toe elevation contour 14, and the first reef mid-elevation contour 16, while remaining inside the pool walls 12. After flowing past the shallow ends 31 of the pool walls 12 (as shown in FIG. 1), the return water can flow past the cross-section of FIG. 4 within the return inverts 32 and over the return plateaus 38, while being contained by the perimeter apex contour 42 adjacent to the perimeter 36.
FIG. 3 shows the pool floor 13 downstream from the cross-section of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the waves can travel over the first reef mid-elevation contour 16, the arrowhead plateau contour 20, and the two separate island toe contours 22, while remaining inside the pool walls 12. After flowing past the shallow ends 31 of the pool walls 12 (as shown in FIG. 1), the return water can flow past the cross-section of FIG. 3 within the return inverts 32 and over a portion of the second reef mid-elevation contour 26, while being contained by the perimeter apex contour 42 adjacent to the perimeter 36.
FIG. 5 shows the wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-4, including dimensions and ratios according to one aspect of the invention.
The wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-5 is intended to simulate perfect or near-perfect point break barreling waves within a body of water. The waves can form within the body of water by barreling and peeling in a right hand direction and in a left hand direction simultaneously. In other words, the double V-shaped reef shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 produce multiple directional barreling waves to facilitate multiple wave riders simultaneously. The waves can also be suitable for tube riding. The wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-5 can maintain a barreling wave as the wave propagates down the length of the reef in order to allow a wave rider to ride within the wave form tube substantially the entire length of the reef.
The wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-5 can include a double V-shaped reef configuration to produce plunging waves with the same point break barreling characteristics even when different sizes of wave forms are traversing over the reef. The double V-shaped reef configuration can be used to make the wave forms break and plunge over a first “outside” V-shaped reef (e.g., the first reef 14, 16, 18), then re-form in a trough deep water area (e.g., the arrowhead plateau contour 20) between the double V-shape, then break and plunge a second time over a second “inside” V-shaped reef (e.g., the second reef 24, 26) before the wave forms reach the perimeter 36 and/or the beach area 44. The deep arrowhead plateau contour 20 can be positioned in between the double V-shaped reefs in order to cause the wave front to re-form and break a second time onto the second reef 24, 26. A larger wave can break on the first reef 14, 16, 18 and smaller waves can break on the second reef 24, 26 after re-forming between the two reefs. The double V-shaped reef can have an inclined slope that traverses the first and second reefs from the tips of the V-shapes to the open ends of the V-shapes, as shown in FIG. 2. The wave pool 11 can include deep water return channels (e.g., the return inverts 32) along the outside edge of the outer V reef incline slope (e.g., the outside edge of the first reef 14, 16, 18) in order to prevent the wave from breaking within the return channels.
One or both of the first reef 14, 16, 18 and the second reef 24, 26 can include a defined tip or elongated over-extended tip. The over-extended tip can act as a multi-hinge point on the reef. The over-extended tip can include an acute angle. The over-extended tip can result in easier access for the wave rider into the wave pool 11.
In some aspects, the wave generating system 10 can produce different wave heights and speeds over the double V-shaped reefs. For example, the wave height and/or speed can be controlled by the wave generating equipment. That is, more water can be provide for greater wave height and more power, e.g., pressurized air, can be used to provide more speed and/or wave height.
In some aspects, the wave pool 11 can include an infinity wave catch edge (e.g., between the perimeter apex contour 42 and the perimeter 36) around the outside walls of the wave pool 11. The infinity edge can be substantially lower from the pool wall 12 of the wave pool 11, allowing the pool wall 12 to have a height to account for the wave form being produce. The infinity edge can calm (or remove the energy from) the wave after the wave form travels through the wave pool 11. The infinity wave catch edge can also be in the form of a negative edge in order to reduce chop in the wave pool 11. In some aspects, the wave pool 11 can include artificial kelp to reduce chop. The infinity wave catch edge can be a lower portion of a wall that functions as a weir over which water from a wave pours.
The depth measurement for FIGS. 5 and 6 are in inches. The horizontal measurements are in feet.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a wave pool 111 according to an alternative aspect of the invention. Similar to the wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-5, the wave pool 111, as shown in FIG. 6, includes a first reef 114, a deep wave re-forming area 120, and a second reef 124. Larger waves can break across the first reef 114, the waves can re-form within the deep wave re-forming area 120, and smaller waves can break across the second reef 124. As shown in FIG. 7, the wave pool 111 can include de-watering grates 150 within a pool floor 113 and return piping 152 running under the pool floor 113 back to the wave generating system 110.
FIGS. 8-10 show a wave pool 211 according to another alternative aspect of the invention. The wave pool 211 can be substantially round with an output 260 of a wave generating system 210 at its center and two or more V-shaped reefs 262 positioned around the circumference of the wave pool 211. The wave pool 211 can also have other suitable shapes, such as oval and semi-circular, depending upon the position and number of V-shaped reefs 262.
Regardless of whether V-shaped reefs 262 are included or the number of V-shaped reefs 262 included in the wave pool 211, a suitable wave generating system 210 can be used to push water vertically upward from the center of the wave pool 211 and through the output 260. In some aspects, the wave generating system 210 can use compressed air to push water vertically upward. Regardless of the type of wave generating system 210 used, water can be pushed vertically upward from below the wave pool 211 through the output 260 in order to begin propagating a wave from the center of the wave pool 211 (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 8). In some aspects, water can be pushed vertically upward from below the wave pool 211 in a relatively quick, repeated fashion in order to create successive rings of waves beginning at the center of the wave pool 211 and propagating outward as the rings become increasingly larger.
The resulting rings of waves can be used with a suitable type of pool floor and/or configurations of reefs. As shown in FIG. 8, in one aspect, the wave pool 211 can include several V-shaped reefs 262 positioned radially from the center of the wave pool 211. As the rings of waves travel outward, the rings can break into two waves for each V-shaped reef 262. As shown in FIG. 8, ten waves can be created for ten wave riders across the five V-shaped reefs 262 in the wave pool 211.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the wave pool 211 can include several of the double V-shaped reefs shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5 (FIG. 9 includes the numbering from FIGS. 1-5). For example, each one of five double V-shaped reefs 262 can be substantially similar to the wave pool 11 of FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 10 shows the wave pool 211 of FIG. 9 including dimensions and ratios according to one aspect of the invention.
In some aspects, the round wave pool 211 can include drains around the outside edge of the wave pool 211 to facilitate catching and stopping the wave form and returning the water volume within the wave form back to the center of the wave pool 211. Suitable piping can be connected to the drains running under the pool floor in order to discharge and return the water back to the center of the wave pool 211. Deep water return channels having an incline slope from the deep end of the wave pool 211 toward the shallow end of the wave pool 211 can be used, in some aspects.
In other aspects, less than five V-shaped reefs 262 can be used. For example, a semi-circular wave pool can include two or three V-shaped reefs. A wave pool can have a somewhat circular shape and can include three or four V-shaped reefs. In each of these configurations, a beach area can be positioned outside of the wave pool, rather than in the interior of the wave pool. This can allow restaurants and retail establishments to be positioned near the beach area of the wave pool.
The wave pool can simulate a perfect point break barreling wave within a body of water, to make the wave forms within said body of water to barrel and peel in a right hand and left hand direction simultaneously creating waves suitable for tube riding. Further more to maintain a perfect barreling wave as the wave propagates down the entire length of the reef to facilitate a wave rider being able to ride within the wave form tube the “entire length” of the reef. A double V-shaped reef configuration can produce similar plunging wave results when deferent sizes in wave forms traversing over the reef are produced, to maintain the same point break barreling characteristics. A reef which produces multiple directional barreling waves to facilitate multiple wave riders simultaneously. A double V reef configuration as to making the wave forms break and plunge over the first “outside” V shape reef then re-forming in the trough deep water area in between the Double V then breaking and plunging a second time over a second “inside” V shape Reef before the wave form reach's the beach.
FIG. 11 shows an aspect of a wave pool wherein the angles in the reef create a variety of different wave breaking characteristics on the same wave, or during a wave rider's ride. For instance the elongated nose H of the reef 1101 can cause the wave to break gently or slowly, allowing surfers to easily catch and drop-in on the wave before the wave accelerates through subsequent steeper, faster sections (I-M).
As shown in FIG. 11, reef angle points A indicate places in the reef 1101 where the reef bends or changes direction. A grate B provides an outlet for water and facilitates return of the water to wave generation equipment E.
An island C can be formed in the wave pool. The island C, in cooperation with the grate B that generally surrounds the island C and in cooperation with the reef 1101, can cause waves made by wave generation equipment E to split into two portions. One portion can move downwardly and to the left and the other portion can move downwardly and to the right.
A channel D can be formed between the reef 1101 and the raised pool wall G. The channel can be deeper that other portions of the wave pool. The raised pool wall G can facilitate the formation of an infinity edge, if desired.
A beach F can be disposed after the grate B at the end of the wave pool that is opposite the wave generation equipment E. The beach F can be a sandy beach. The grate B at the end of the wave pool can be configured to drain substantially all of the water that passes thereover. alternatively, the grate B at the end of the wave pool can be configured to allow some water to wash upon the beach F. The grate B can omitted at some portion of the beach F to allow waves to wash upon those portions of the beach F. Any desired combination of such full drainage, partial drainage, and no drainage can be provide by the grate B or lack thereof at any desired portions of the beach F.
In operation, wave generation equipment E makes a wave. The wave passes over the reef 1101 as it moves away from the wave generation equipment E (downwardly as shown in FIG. 11). The wave tends to break at or proximate reef 1101. The angles A give the reef 1101 a shape that causes the wave to break in a desirable manner that is well suited for water sport activities, such as surfing. Water from the wave drains through grates B from which the water travels back (such as via pumping) to the wave generation equipment E.
A variation on the double V-reef concept is for the reef to comprise a series of compound curves instead of the straight reef sections with defined angle points as shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 11 also shows another aspect for surfing wave pool reefs, e.g., a surfing wave pool reef that angles backward in excess of 90 degrees from it's point of origin. This is shown by section of the reef in FIG. 11. This is a significant improvement over previous reefs as it allows a wave that is bending, or has been influenced by refraction, to continue peeling. It also concentrates the remaining energy in the wave by forcing it to break very quickly. This is highly desirable in the sport of surfing as smaller waves frequently lack power and are only ideal if they have very specific breaking characteristics.
Another aspect is the variable slope on both the front and back of the reef. Whereas the elongated nose of the reef (H) may have a gentle slope (13:1-28:1) on its face to allow for a slower take-off, the slopes on the sides of the reef vary to assist in defining the breaking characteristics of the wave and the depth of the outer channel (D). For instance after a slope of 15:1 on the face of the elongated nose of the reef (H), Section I could have a slope as steep as 7:1 to create a different wave riding experience.
The same holds true for the inner channel (N) and the back of the reef, but for different reasons. The slope on the back of the reef affects several important wave characteristics, but primarily, how the wave will behave after it has broken initially. A steep slope on the back of the reef, combined with adequate water depth in the inner channel (N), increases the depth of the water and allows the wave to re-form into a swell that can then be acted upon by a second reef (slope) such as that on the front and sides of the island (C) or along the beach (F). This subsequent break can then be ridden again by a second, different wave rider. This added capacity is highly desirable in a dedicated surfing pool, however presents some challenges when using the pool for dual surfing and public recreational activities. The main difficulty being the limited slopes allowed by the commercial swimming pool code. The commercial swimming pool code typically limits a slope within a pool to a maximum steepness of 10:1. The effect of this shallower slope, however, is not altogether undesirable. The shallower slopes not only meet code, but provide extra power to the initial wave break by forcing the shoulder of the wave to stand up more vertically.
Another aspect is the increasing depth of both the reef and adjacent channels. While the top of the reef may be flat horizontally, or across the pool, both the reef and inner and outer channels increase in depth as they approach the beach.
The island is an optional design consideration. While islands within wave pools are not novel, the position, function, and shape of this island may be original art. The pool will function without it, however, the island provides several benefits over a continuous water surface. First and most importantly, the grate around the island provides for additional current, chop, and reflection mitigation. Second, the island provides a barrier from the power of the larger waves creating a sheltered swimming area behind it (O). Third, the island creates a notable recreational element. It is important to note that there are an almost unlimited number of variations on this island concept. For instance, the island could actually be constructed as a peninsula attaching to the beach, or any other shape, including asymmetrical. The island could have a profile that would allow waves to wash over the island, only partially blocking the waves. The originality of this particular island is its positioning within the center of the V-Reef, and the infinity edge and grate combination.
FIGS. 12-17 show cross-sections taken through FIG. 11, as indicated.
FIGS. 12-14 show the use of infinity edges and pressurized water jets. An infinity edge can be formed around the perimeter of the entire pool and islands for the purposes of establishing and maintaining a constant water depth and mitigating surface waves, reflections, and surges. (cross-sections 1 and 2) Variations of this concept would include a flat, recessed, or declined grate on the backside of the infinity edge in lieu of an inclined grate. In addition, it would be easy to devise a system that would allow the infinity edge to be raised or lowered to increase/decrease the depth of water on top of the reef. This would affect the breaking characteristics of the waves.
In addition to the infinity edge, pressurized water jets have been placed in the outer channel to force water upward and to break up additional currents in the pool. These currents tend to be most pronounced at the deepest points in the channels throughout the pool. To the best of our knowledge this is a unique concept. The jets could also be placed along the front or back of the reef, could vary in angle, trajectory, and velocity, and could be used to create mitigating effects much in the same way that noise canceling head phones eliminate sound. The jets could also be used to eliminate surface chop and to force water over the infinity edge.
FIGS. 15-17 are sections taken along lines 6-8 for FIG. 11. FIGS. 15-17 show bottom contours of the pool of FIG. 11.
The wave pool can have an extended neck, e.g., a neck that is longer than that shown in FIG. 11. Contemporary wave pools have a short “neck” or rectangular end. This is because they are trying to dissipate and spread wave energy quickly across the pool. When converting to a surfing pool, however, this is obviously undesirable. By elongating the neck of the pool, you give the surfers time to see the wave coming, position themselves properly, and then catch the wave before slowly spreading the wave's energy in a controlled fashion.
FIG. 18 shows the surfing wave pool and double V-reef split in half and reduced in size to minimize its footprint for various commercial applications.
The floor or bottom of the wave pool can be ribbed, cratered, pocked, rippled or otherwise uneven or non-flat. The use of such an uneven bottom can mitigate surface turbulence and provide a more calm wave pool.
The slope of the bottom of the pool can change along the path of a wave. For example, the bottom of the wave pool can become more steep as the wave travels further in the wave pool. Such a contour of the bottom of the pool can enhance the steepness of a wave. Examples of such slopes are shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6.
A wave pool, such as a round wave pool comprising a plurality of double V-shaped wave pools, can have an infinity edge surrounding all or a portion thereof. An infinity edge can be at a periphery of the pool. An infinity edge can also be at an island of the wave pool. For example, an infinity edge can generally surround an island of the wave pool.
The term infinity edge as used herein can refer to a feature of a pool that produces a visual effect of water extending to the horizon, vanishing, or extending to “infinity”. This effect can be provided by allowing the water to flow over a wall or weir. The term infinity edge can be synonymous with negative edge, zero edge, disappearing edge, or vanishing edge.
Generally, the edge of the pool can terminate at a wall or weir that is approximately one-quarter to two inches lower than the required median pool water level, for example.
Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wave pool comprising a double V-shaped reef.

2. A wave pool comprising a double V-shaped reef, the double V-shaped reef comprising an first V-shaped reef and an second V-shaped reef configured such that waves move over the first V-shaped reef first and move over the second V-shaped reef second.

3. The wave pool as recited in claim 2, further comprising an inclined slope extending along the reef from a deeper portion of the wave pool proximate a tip of the double V-shaped reef to a more shallow portion of the wave pool proximate an open end of the double V-shaped reef.

4. The wave pool as recited in claim 2, further comprising a deep water return channel disposed along an outside edge of the outer V-shaped reef and configured so as to inhibit waves from breaking within a channel.

5. The wave pool as recited in claim 2, further comprising a deep arrowhead channel disposed between the first V-shaped reef and the second V-shaped reef and configured so as to cause a wave to break and re-form a second time at the second V-shaped reef.

6. The wave pool as recited in claim 2, further comprising a wave generating system to configured to produce a wave that moves over the first V-shaped reef and the second V-shaped reef.

7. The wave pool as recited in claim 2, further comprising a wave generating system configured to produce waves having differing heights and speeds.

8. A wave pool comprising a circular array of double V-shaped reefs.

9. A generally round shaped wave pool comprising a plurality of double V-shaped inclined reefs.

10. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of double V-shaped inclined reefs comprises two double V-shaped inclined reefs.

11. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of double V-shaped inclined reefs comprises three double V-shaped inclined reefs.

12. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of double V-shaped inclined reefs comprises four double V-shaped inclined reefs.

13. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, wherein the plurality of double V-shaped inclined reefs comprises five double V-shaped inclined reefs.

14. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, further comprising a drain disposed around an outside edge of the wave pool and configured to facilitate catching and stopping waves and returning the water of the wave back to a center of the pool.

15. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, further comprising a drain and piping connected to the drain, the piping running under the pool floor and being configured to returning water back to the center of the round wave pool

16. The wave pool as recited in claim 9, further comprising a deep water return channel having an inclined slope from the deep end of the pool towards the shallow end of the pool.

17. A wave pool comprising a generally round pool and a wave generating system disposed proximate a center of the round wave pool.

18. The wave pool as recited in claim 17, wherein the wave generating system is configured to discharge water upwardly.

19. A wave pool comprising a wave generating system configured to make ring-shaped wave that move generally from proximate a center of the wave pool outwardly toward the an edge of the wave pool.

20. A wave pool comprising a generally round pool and a plurality of drains disposed around a periphery of the pool and configured to facilitate catching and stopping waves and to facilitate returning water back to proximate the center of the pool.

21. The wave pool as recited in claim 20, further comprising piping connected to the drains and extending under the pool floor, the piping returning the water back to proximate the center of the wave pool.

22. The wave pool as recited in claim 20, further comprising a deep water return channel having an incline slope from the deep end of the pool toward the shallow end of the pool.

23. A wave pool comprising a pool, a wall at a periphery of the pool, and an infinity wave catch edge at the wall.

24. The wave pool as recited in claim 23, wherein the infinity wave catch edge is substantially lower than another edge of the wave pool, thus allowing the pool wall to have height that can accommodate waves produced by a wave generator.

25. The wave pool as recited in claim 23, wherein the infinity wave catch edge is configured to calm the wave pool after the wave travels through the pool.

26. An apparatus comprising a double V-shaped reef having an inclined slope traversing the reef from a tip of the V-shape to an open end of the V-shape of the reef.

27. A device comprising a reef having a double V-shape.

28. The device as recited in claim 27, further comprising a deep water return channel disposed along an outside edge of an outer reef of the double V-shape reef and having an inclined slope configured to inhibit a wave from breaking within channel.

29. The device as recited in claim 27, further comprising an arrowhead channel disposed between two double V-shaped incline slope reefs and configured so as to cause waves to re-form and break a second time onto an inside reef of the double V-reef.

30. The device as recited in claim 27, further comprising a V-shape reef having an elongated tip.

31. A wave generating system comprising a double V-shaped reef and a wave generator configured to make waves of various different heights and speeds over the double V-shaped reef.

32. A wave pool comprising a wall and an infinity wave catch edge formed substantially along the wall.

33. The wave pool as recited in claim 32, wherein the infinity edge is substantially lower that an edge of the wave pool.

34. The wave pool as recited in claim 32, wherein the infinity edge is configured so as to tend to calm the wave pool after a wave travels through the wave pool.

35. A wave pool comprising an outer channel and pressurized water jets disposed at the outer channel and configured to force water upward so as to tend to break up currents in the wave pool.

36. The wave pool as recited in claim 35 further comprising an infinity edge.

37. A wave pool comprising a bottom that is uneven.

38. The wave pool as recited in claim 37, wherein the bottom is at least one of ribbed, cratered, pocked, or rippled.

39. A wave pool comprising a bottom wherein the bottom changes slope along a path of a wave so as to tend to maintain a steep face of the wave.

40. The wave pool as recited in claim 39, wherein the bottom of the wave pool becomes more steep as the wave travels further in the wave pool.

41. A wave pool comprising a plurality of double V-shaped wave pools and an infinity edge generally surrounding the wave pool.

42. The wave pool as recited in claim 41, wherein the infinity edge is at a periphery of the wave pool.

43. The wave pool as recited in claim 41, further comprising an island and an infinity edge generally surrounding the island.

44. The wave pool as recited in claim 41, wherein the plurality of double V-shaped wave pools define a round wave pool.