Ramp multi adjustable kicker system – Concept design

This is a concept design for the ramp multi adjustable kicker system. This simple river wave design allows the creation of good waves when there are big changes in tailwater while minimizing costs. The river wave multi adjustable kicker system by Surf Anywhere is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License to encourage the creation of more good waves and can be used for no cost.

Compoments of the ramp multi adjustable kicker system

The diagram below shows the main components of a 15m wide ramp multi adjustable kicker system. This is a concept diagram so many details such as structural, mechanical, and hydraulic components are not included. The slope or ramp does not move but a different angle could be used because a wide range of slope angles will make waves.

Model of ramp multi adjustable kicker system

These are photos of the 1m wide physical model of the ramp multi adjustable kicker system.

Motion of the ramp multi adjustable kicker system

For the basic version, there are only two areas of motion.

To make waves at different tailwater levels, the sled moves up or down the ramp.

Maintaining wave quality when flow changes

Like any wave structure, the wave quality is significantly affected by the flow intensity over the wave structure. Flow intensity is the flow per unit of width. To maintain high wave quality under a variety of flows, the ramp can be narrowed or widened.

3D waves

This system can we configured to make 3D waves such as lefts, rights, bowls, and more. To achieve these shapes there needs to be multiple independent sleds.

 

Methods of movement

There are a few methods of movement for the ramp multi adjustable kicker system.

1. Manual when flow is off: ex. Unbolting, repositioning, rebolting, etc.
2. Mechanical when flow is on: ex. Cables and cranks, etc.
3. Hydraulic when flow is on: ex. hydraulic cylinders, hoses, etc.

Kayak waves and surf waves

This system can produce both good kayak waves and good surf waves. For kayak waves details, see the Kayak wave research report.