Oscillating Feature for Waterslide Attraction

This application claims priority to provisional patent application 63/571,435, entitled “OSCILLATING SLIDE AMUSEMENT WATER FEATURE”, filed Mar. 28, 2024, which is herein specifically incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This disclosure relates to an amusement attraction apparatus, and more specifically, to a water ride attraction operable to cause riders to oscillate within a feature of the water ride attraction.

Waterslide attractions typically provide riders with a thrilling experience of speed and lateral force upon the body as the riders slide on the attraction. A stream of water is commonly flowed along a flume from an entrance location to an exit location. A rider slides along the flume due to the stream of water, either with or without a ride vehicle, and experiences excitement as they travel from the entrance location to the exit location along with the flow of water.

In many instances, a waterslide may occupy a large area to create both a thrilling and drawn out experience for the riders. Some aspects of waterslides to increase a thrill experienced by the riders may include extending the waterslide beyond a linear path through a tube. In such approaches, the size of features that cause variations to the path that the riders experience while traversing the feature is often rather significant relative to the other aspects of the waterslide, which may limit installation locations and/or increase costs associated with such waterslides.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

Disclosed are various embodiments that relate to various configurations for applying oscillatory motion to riders of a waterslide attraction.

A waterslide attraction is disclosed and includes an entrance; an exit; and an oscillating feature disposed between the entrance and the exit, the oscillating feature operable to receive a rider through the entrance travelling in a first direction, oscillate the rider within the oscillating feature along an oscillating path substantially aligned with the first direction, and discharge the rider through the exit in a second direction offset from the first direction.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.

Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

Additionally, various attributes can be expressed as “substantially X”, “about X”, “approximately X”, etc. (e.g., “substantially vertical”, “about vertical”, “approximately vertical”, etc.). When such attributes are expressed, it should be understood that the attribute may not be exactly X (e.g., exactly vertical) but can fall within an operating tolerance capable of achieving the same result.

Waterslides are designed to create thrilling, exciting, and/or fun experiences for riders by transporting the riders from an elevated waterslide entrance to a waterslide exit. In at least some aspects of the present disclosure, a waterslide may include an oscillating feature disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, which may reduce an amount of space occupied by the waterslide. As such, a waterslide including the oscillating feature may be installed in smaller spaces relative to the prior approaches and/or may use less materials relative to the prior approaches due to the compact size. Alternatively, or additionally, the shape of the oscillating feature may facilitate riders oscillating within the oscillating feature, adding to the fun and thrill of the waterslide. The oscillating feature having a compact size may also enable the riders thereof to achieve higher angles of oscillation relative to the prior approaches (e.g., that include a larger feature) at the same speeds. Numerous examples of different oscillating feature geometries are provided herein.

illustrates a perspective view of an oscillating featurefor a waterslide, arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. The oscillating featurecan have a substantially toroid-like geometry but can lack the through hole normally present on a toroid. In other aspects, a hole may be formed through the oscillating feature, as described in further detail below. As illustrated, a rider of the waterslide may enter the oscillating featurealong an initial slide paththat may include a drop into the oscillating feature. As part of the drop into the oscillating feature, the rider may experience an increase in downward g-forces as the rider proceeds along the initial slide pathtoward a bottom of the oscillating feature. Due to the shape of the oscillating feature, the rider may continue through the oscillating featurealong the initial slide pathand begin to ascend up a back wall thereof (e.g., a wall disposed opposite of the entrance to the oscillating feature). The rider may continue up the back wall until a near-vertical orientation, which may cause a feeling of weightlessness to the rider, after which the rider may oscillate back toward the entrance of the oscillating featurecontinuing along the initial slide path. In such a configuration, the rider may oscillate a number of times within the oscillating feature, until the rider changes directions and exits the oscillating feature.

As illustrated, an exit of the oscillating featuremay be substantially perpendicular (or offset an amount from perpendicular) to a direction of travel of the rider at an opening leading into the entrance of the oscillating feature, and/or the exit of the oscillating featuremay be at or proximate to a bottom portion of the oscillating feature. As such, the rider having entered the oscillating featurevia the entrance may oscillate a number of times (e.g., two oscillations, three oscillations, four oscillations, etc.) along the initial slide pathwithin the oscillating featureuntil the rider slows enough to change directions (e.g., alter the path of the rider from the initial slide pathto an exit slide path, or in other words, from substantially parallel to the entrance to substantially parallel to the exit, wherein the exit may be about perpendicular to the entrance) and exit the oscillating feature.

The change of direction from the initial slide pathto the exit slide pathmay be caused in part by the geometry of the oscillating feature(e.g., the oscillating featuremay be tilted from vertical (90 degrees) such that the exit may point more in a direction of a ground (see)) and/or a flow of the water from the entrance to the exit. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the oscillating featuremay include one or more injectors operable to output water substantially parallel to the exit of the oscillating feature(e.g., along the exit slide path), which may contribute to the rider within the oscillating featurechanging directions from the initial slide pathto the exit slide pathand exiting the oscillating feature.

illustrates a rear view of an oscillating feature, which includes an illustration of the compact design of the oscillating feature. For example, as the oscillating featuremay remain compact in the substantially toroidal shape along the initial slide path (e.g., not expand like a spherical, conical, triangular, and/or other expanding shape), the rider may oscillate within the oscillating featurealong the initial slide path.also shows a geometry of a first section of an exit flumeas it branches off of oscillating feature. In particular,shows how the first section of exit flumehas a gradual downward curvaturethat guides a rider of oscillating featureout of oscillating featureand in to exit flume.

illustrates a perspective view of an example waterslide including an oscillating featureand exemplary inlet and outlet flumesand, respectively. As illustrated, a rider may slide down the waterslide to the entrance of oscillating featureand may enter the oscillating featureon the initial slide path. The rider may oscillate within oscillating featurein a direction substantially aligned with the initial slide path until the rider exits oscillating featurevia the exit flume, as described herein, and the rider proceeds along within the exit flume.

shows a top down view of an oscillating featureillustrating an intersection of an entrance flumewith oscillating featuresuch that a rider can be oriented in a first directionwhen entering oscillating feature.also shows how an exit flumeintersects with oscillating featuresuch that the rider when exiting the oscillating featurethrough the exit flumecan be oriented in a second direction. In this particular embodiment, first directionis oriented substantially orthogonally with respect to second direction.also shows how oscillating featurecan be oriented such that an oscillating slide pathof the rider is substantially aligned with the first direction. The portion of oscillating featuresupporting oscillating slide pathwill generally have a concave geometry that keeps the oscillations substantially aligned with directionwhen looking down on oscillating feature. This differs from a more spherically shaped oscillating feature in which a direction of oscillation can vary over the course of the time spent by a rider within the oscillating feature. In aspects wherein the oscillating featureis designed to support a rider without an inner tube, the oscillating featurecould have a width of between about 2-10 feet, and more specifically between about 2-5 feet, for example and without limitation. An oscillating featuredesigned to support a rider or riders on an inner tube or raft can have a width or diameter of between about 12-30 feet for example and without limitation. In some aspects, the oscillating featurecan define a width or diameter of about 17 feet when supporting one- or two-person inner tubes or three-person rafts, and the oscillating featurecan define a width or diameter of about 23 feet when supporting six-person rafts, for example and without limitation. In other aspects, the oscillating featurecan have any other suitable dimensions, and the dimensions recited above should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

shows a top down view of an oscillating featureillustrating an intersection of an entrance flumewith oscillating featuresuch that a rider can be oriented in a first directionwhen entering oscillating feature.also shows how an exit flumeintersects with oscillating featuresuch that the rider when exiting oscillating featurecan be oriented in a second direction. In this particular embodiment, first directionis offset from second direction. The offset shown inis about 45 degrees; however it should be appreciated this offset could vary between about 30 and 150 degrees depending on a desired configuration of a waterslide.also shows how an oscillating slide pathcan be aligned with direction. Oscillating slide pathcan generally have a concave geometry that remains generally aligned with directionwhen looking down on oscillating feature. This differs from a more spherically shaped oscillating feature in which a direction of oscillation can vary over the course of the time spent by a rider within the oscillating feature.

also shows how oscillating slide pathcan extend back in to entrance flume. This allows for a relatively small oscillating featureto establish a large amount of oscillation to improve an experience enjoyed by the rider. This amount of oscillation can be achieved by configuring entrance flumesuch that the rider achieves a large amount of velocity prior to entering oscillating feature. Once the rider enters oscillating featureand rides up a side of oscillating featureopposite entrance flume, the rider's potential energy is transformed back into kinetic energy that can carry the rider back out of oscillating featureand temporarily back into entrance flume.

As used herein, an oscillating feature may include a torus-like shape, but may include other non-circular or circular cross-sectional shapes (taken along a plane substantially parallel with the page) as well. For example,illustrate various oscillating features,that may include non-circular cross-sectional shapes (taken along the plane substantially parallel with the page). In some instances, changes to the cross-sectional shape of the oscillating feature (taken along either of the plane substantially parallel with the page or a plan substantially perpendicular to the page) may contribute to changes to vehicle/rider dynamics within the oscillating feature and/or changes to water flow within the oscillating feature. Some examples of non-circular cross-sections may include, but not be limited to, a flat-bottomed circular cross-section, a flat-bottomed V-shape cross-section, variations of an elliptic cross-section, and others.

Alternatively, or additionally, elliptical and/or logarithmic curves may be employed in conjunction with rounded polygons as illustrated in, with the oscillating featureofincluding a rounded triangular shape and the oscillating feature ofincluding a rounded square shape. In these and other embodiments, the oscillating feature may include any of the aforementioned shapes and/or cross-sections, and/or may include combinations of any of the shapes and/or cross-sections. In some embodiments, the curvature of the oscillating feature can be varied to provide a desired change in velocity that affects the amount or nature of oscillation. For example the gently rounded triangular geometry of the oscillating featureshown inallows the rider to transition from a curved oscillatory motion to a linear one providing for a more varied ride experience. Similarly, the rectangular geometry of the oscillating featureofallows the rider to transition rapidly to a near vertical orientation when oscillating near a back endof oscillating feature.

As illustrated in, the oscillating feature,,,,,,may include a solid exterior central portion. Alternatively, or additionally, any of the previously described oscillating features,,,,,,and/or other example aspects of the oscillating feature may include an aperture disposed in the middle thereof, which may include various implementations. For example, as illustrated in, the oscillating featuremay include an aperturethrough the middle thereof that may include an annular opening to an inner portion of the oscillating feature. As such, the annular opening to the inner portion may allow sounds from the riders to be heard and/or seen by bystanders around the waterslide. Alternatively, or additionally, the annular opening may allow additional light into the oscillating featurefor additional visibility for the riders. In some instances, the annular opening may include a translucent cover to allow light inside the oscillating featurewhile limiting debris and other objects from entering the oscillating feature. In some instances, the annular opening (and/or other exterior portions of the oscillating feature) may include clear windows to allow additional light and/or to allow spectators to view the riders within the inner portion of oscillating feature.

Alternatively, or additionally, as illustrated with oscillating featurein, an aperturemay be closed relative to the inner portion of the oscillating featureto reduce the amount of light within the oscillating feature, which may add to the thrill the rider experiences on the waterslide. In some instances, special effects may be added to the oscillating feature, such as lighting and/or sounds. For example, the oscillating featuremay include the aperturethat is closed relative to the inner portion and may include lighting on an inner surface of the oscillating featureto provide light to the rider within the oscillating feature.

In some instances, visual effects may be added to an aperture of the oscillating feature. For example, a windmill/turbine may be included in the aperture that may provide a visual effect to the spectators. Alternatively, or additionally, in instances in which lighting and/or sound effects are included in the oscillating feature, the windmill/turbine may be operable to generate electricity to run or contribute to operating the lighting and/or sound effects. This space within the oscillating feature can also be used to display information or project imagery to be viewed by a rider within the oscillating feature. For example, timing information or the rider's position relative to another rider on another slide path can be displayed to provide a more competitive aspect to the waterslide attraction.

An upper portion or ceiling of the oscillating feature may be non-rideable (e.g., the rider would not traverse the upper portion of the oscillating feature) which may allow for the upper portion to include various shapes and/or functionality harder to incorporate into the lower portion of the oscillating feature. For example, as illustrated in, an upper portion of oscillating feature may include decorative fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) componentsgiving oscillating featurea more fanciful appearance. In some embodiments, the FRP componentscan be formed from a material that provides less structural reinforcement than the material used to form a base or lower portion of the oscillating feature. In some configuration the use of different materials to form the upper portion can provide an oscillating feature with a lighter overall design. Alternatively, or additionally, the upper portion may include tensioned fabric over a framework, which may be visually similar to theembodiment, but may include less FRP than theembodiment.

In another example, as illustrated in, an oscillating featuremay include a cutout or channelin the upper portion that may support another slide or another oscillating feature crossing over the top of the oscillating featureparallel with the exit of the oscillating feature. In another example, the upper portion of the oscillating featuremay be operable to allow a second waterslide to cross over the top thereof parallel with the entrance of the oscillating feature(e.g., opposite the direction illustrated in).

In another example, an upper oscillating feature could be stacked directly atop a lower oscillating feature, or a lower portion of the upper oscillating feature could even protrude into an upper portion of the lower oscillating feature. Such a configuration could allow a rider of the lower oscillating feature to view oscillation of a rider within the upper oscillating feature in the event the upper oscillating feature is at least partially formed from transparent or translucent material(s) (such as transparent panels, for example).

In another example, and as depicted in, the upper portion may be removed/open, which may allow additional light into the inner portion of the oscillating feature and/or may facilitate additional interaction between the rider and spectators. Whileshows an oscillating featurewith an opening spanning an angleof about 150-160 degrees, it should be appreciated that the angular measure of the opening may be smaller or larger depending, for example and without limitation, on a speed of the rider entering the oscillating feature. For example, angles of between about 30 degrees and 180 degrees are also possible. In some embodiments, multiple openings could be arranged in the upper portion of oscillating featurein order to provide light within oscillating feature.

illustrates an oscillating featurewith a structural support(shown in dashed lines) that may be added to the oscillating featureto support various slides passing through the aperturethereof (seeas an example). As illustrated, structural support portionmay be positioned below oscillating featureand can include a yoke(shown in dashed lines) to support a slide through apertureof the oscillating feature. In instances in which a slide passes above the upper portion of the oscillating feature (e.g.,), similar supports may be added to the upper portion to support the additional slides. For example, structural supportcan be made of a different material than oscillating featureallowing it to suitably support any additional slides or other structures.

In some example aspects, the oscillating feature may include water management within the inner portion thereof which may contribute to controlling the rider/vehicle dynamics within the oscillating feature. For example, dewatering may occur in the entry transition and/or within the oscillating feature in the floor to avoid rider impacts with puddles or waves therein. Alternatively, or additionally, re-watering may be provided from pumps and/or redirected or recirculated water from previous dewatering, which may be used as part of the rider exiting the oscillating feature.

illustrate the rotation of oscillating featureabout an axissubstantially parallel to an exit(i.e., extending into the page in the present view) of the oscillating feature(e.g., substantially perpendicular to the axis of the entrance direction). Variations to the exit axismay provide variations to the amount of drop-in into the oscillating featurewith little to no changes to the parts of the oscillating feature. Such adjustments may vary the ride intensity and/or compatibility with varying entrance speeds into the oscillating feature. A first orientation of oscillating featureas shown inmay correspond to a standard configuration with a balanced drop and standard incoming speed. A second orientation of oscillating featureas shown incan have less drop than the configuration shown in, but may support a higher incoming speed. A third orientation of oscillating featureas shown incan establish an increased drop relative to, and may support a lower incoming speed.

illustrate the rotation of an oscillating featureabout an axissubstantially parallel to the entrance direction (i.e., extending into the page in the present view). Variations to the entrance axismay contribute to changes to the dynamics of the water flow through the oscillating featureand/or to the rider within the oscillating feature. For example, the oscillating featureofmay cause a slower exit of the rider from the oscillating featurerelative to the oscillating featureof, while the oscillating featureofmay cause a faster exit of the rider from the oscillating featurerelative to the oscillating featureof.

illustrate different oscillating feature variations.shows an oscillating featurethat can be configured to accommodate the passage of a rider without an inner tube with relatively smaller entrance and exit openingsand, respectively.shows an oscillating featurewith larger entrance and exit openingsand, respectively, which can be better suited for accommodating passage of a rider on an inner tube into and out of oscillating feature. The variations may blend the typically-circular flume into the complex shape of the oscillating feature,.also illustrates how the oscillating featurecan have a contoured exit opening.illustrate variations in the size of entrance openings,and exit openings,sized to connect with different entrance and exit flume sizes.

shows a cutaway view of an oscillating featureto illustrate in greater detail the portion of oscillating featurethat supports oscillation of the rider within oscillating feature. In particular, a portionof oscillating featurearranged near an entrance leading into oscillating featurecan have a concave geometry that helps to keep a rider centered and moving in a predefined direction of orientation within oscillating feature.also shows how a base portionof oscillating featurecan have a more flattened geometry that allows movement of a rider off of the portion of oscillating featurethat supports oscillation of the rider and out an exit (not depicted in) once the rider's velocity has slowed sufficiently to allow for a change in direction. Oscillating featurecan also include one or more water jets to help redirect and get riders moving out of oscillating featureonce a velocity of the rider slows below a threshold velocity. A curvature of the portion of oscillating featuredefining the oscillating path of the rider can change gradually to maintain the rider on a desired path without the rider experiencing a noticeable or jarring change.also illustrates how oscillating featurecould be attached with a large variety of different entrance and exit paths and that oscillating featurewould not necessarily be attached to entrance and exit flumes but could also be attached to open slides having a variety of widths and dimensions allowing for a greater amount of ride variation. For example, a relatively wide slide could be attached to and extend along a width of an open side of oscillating feature, thereby allowing a rider to leave oscillating featurein a variety of different locations.

illustrates a particular waterslide including a portion thereof configured to pass through an aperture of an oscillating featureincluded in the particular waterslide. As depicted, entrance flumepasses through the aperture defined by oscillating featureprior to delivering a rider into the entrance of oscillating feature. Alternatively, or additionally, an unrelated waterslide may be operable to pass through the aperture of the oscillating feature.

show how an oscillating feature can be incorporated into various other waterslides or attraction features.shows how in another embodiment, a queue linefor a water slide may pass through the aperture of an oscillating feature. In conjunction with an opening to the inner portion and/or windows into the inner portions, the queued riders may be able to view the rider within the oscillating featureas they are positioned within the aperture defined by oscillating feature. As part of the queueing line (or independently from the queueing line), the aperture may include a viewing platformto allow spectators to stand in the aperture and view/interact with the rider within the oscillating feature.

show a playgroundincorporating an oscillating feature. Oscillating featureis attached to and receives riders entering oscillating featurethrough an entrance flume. Riders are able to enter entrance flumeby climbing a series of stairsto reach waterslide entrance opening. The playgroundcan include a bridge or crawl tubeextending through an aperture defined by oscillating feature. In some embodiments, and as depicted in, bridgecan be formed from optically transparent material that allows a guest within a portion of bridgedisposed within the aperture of oscillating featureto view a rider disposed within oscillating featureprior to the rider leaving oscillating featurethrough exit flume. While a transparent tubeonly tall enough to accommodate a guest crawling therethrough is depicted, it should be appreciated that a larger oscillating featurecan accommodate a larger bridge or tube, allowing children or adults to walk through. In some embodiments, the bridge, tube, and/or oscillating featurecan include water jets configured to spray guests utilizing the bridge or tube.

shows another view from a different perspective of playgroundand how guests are able to ascend stairsto reach entrance flume.also shows how playgroundincludes a slidenot routed through oscillating feature. In some embodiments, slidecan be a waterslide and can be accessible by way of stairs. In other embodiments, slideis a conventional slide allowing for mixed use of playground.

shows a side view of playground, andshows a close-up view of tube. It should be appreciated that, while tubeis shown having a particular curved geometry, various bridge and tube geometries are possible and considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a flat tube or a bridge with an open top are also possible variations that could extend through the aperture of oscillating feature. Other configurations can include monkey bars or other playground attraction pathways that extend through the aperture of the oscillating feature.

illustrates a waterslide attractionthat includes a first waterslideand a second waterslide. In some embodiments, waterslide attractioncan include between three and ten waterslides that can be interconnected. Other aspects can include more or fewer waterslides. As depicted, waterslidecan extend through an aperture defined by an oscillating featureof waterslide. Waterslideextends through an aperture of oscillating featureof waterslide. As described, any other waterslide (that includes an oscillating feature or not) may be configured to pass through the aperture of any oscillating feature. Arranged in such a configuration as, multiple waterslides including the oscillating featuresandmay allow multiple riders to race one another and both experience the oscillating featuresoron their own respective waterslide.

illustrates a waterslide attractionthat includes waterslidesandthat are proximate to one another. Waterslidesandeach include two oscillating features. A first oscillating featureof waterslideis adjacent to and in side-by-side, abutting contact with a second oscillating featureof waterslide. In this way, riders entering oscillating featuresandenter their respective oscillating features,on a collision path until a back wall of the oscillating features,redirects them along an oscillating path. This can be particularly thrilling when the oscillating features,are formed of optically transparent or translucent materials. In some embodiments, a length of an entrance flumeis equivalent to and substantially the same length as a length of an entrance flumesuch that two riders having substantially the same characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.) would arrive at oscillating featuresandat about the same time. Various portions of the oscillating features,can abut one another. In some instances, the mirrored oscillating features,may be joined together and/or may share common parts. In some embodiments, oscillating featuresandcan be joined in a manner such that they provide reciprocal structural support.

In certain implementations, one or more acoustic tubes or channels can be established between oscillating featuresandsuch that riders within the oscillating features,can communicate. For example, one or more channels can extend between oscillating featuresandto improve the ability of riders to communicate effectively. In other embodiments, portions of the abutting oscillating features,may be open (e.g., either with transparent and/or semi-transparent windows or open air) to allow multiple riders to interact with one another while in their respective oscillating features,.

Waterslidesandfurther include oscillating featuresandrespectively. Oscillating featureis shown connected with oscillating featureby intermediary flume. Oscillating featureis shown connected with oscillating featureby intermediary flume. Oscillating featuresandare arranged in end-to-end abutting contact in an orientation such that exit flumesandexit their respective oscillating features,in opposing directions. Oscillating featuresandare arranged such that their respective oscillating slide paths are adjacent to one another and lie in first and second planes, respectively, that are oriented in a substantially parallel configuration. In some embodiments, one or more openings can extend between oscillating featuresand.