Stationary wave systems bring the thrill of surfing to water parks. Safe construction and operation is important for protecting water park users from dangerous accidents. A proposed new ASTM standard would provide a reference tool for both manufacturers and owners of standing wave systems. Currently there are no baseline safety parameters for these systems.

“Riding a sheet wave is an exhilarating experience," says ASTM member Marshall Myrman, leader of the FlowRider and Waves division of WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. “Since the participant is riding a 25 mile per hour (mph) sheet of water, there are certain issues that need to be addressed to ensure the safest experience possible, and that is what we are doing."

The proposed standard (WK31624, Practice for the Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction and Operation of Standing Wave Systems) addresses structural design requirements, identification markings and design responsibilities. Regulatory agencies will be able to use the standard as a tool for enforcement and laboratories will find it helpful for benchmark testing. Water parks will be able to indicate compliance with the standard, which could be useful to consumers.

This proposed standard is being developed by Subcommittee F24.70 on Water-Related Amusement Rides and Devices, part of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices.

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