Flat bottom wave dimensions

Flat bottom channels can create a range of different waves. Below are pictures of the wave physical models and of the computer models of full sized waves. With a flow of 32 cms and drop of over 1 m, the full size waves are over 1m high from trough to peak and 8m wide. Wave size will vary based on drop, flow intensity, width, and tailwater elevation among other factors.

This article is part of Surf Anywhere sharing wave building knowledge to make river wave building easier and to improve wave quality. An overview of the research is at SurfAnywhere.ca/wave-research.

A-frame wave

The surfer silhouette on the bottom image is 1.85 m tall. Channel in computer model is 8 m wide.

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Oblique wave

The surfer silhouette on the bottom image is 1.85 m tall. Channel in computer model is 8 m wide.

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Bowl wave

The surfer silhouette on the bottom image is 1.85 m tall. Channel in computer model is 8 m wide.

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Perpendicular

The surfer silhouette on the bottom image is 1.85 m tall. Channel in computer model is 8 m wide.

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Attack kicker wave

The surfer silhouette on the bottom image is 1.85 m tall. Channel in computer model is 8 m wide.

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Table comparing wave dimensions

This table shows the dimensions of the different waves above.