Standardization News

Stationary wave systems bring the thrill of surfing to water parks. A proposed new ASTM International standard - WK31624, Practice for the Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction and Operation of Standing Wave Systems - will provide a reference tool for safe construction and operation that will prove useful to both manufacturers and owners of standing wave 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. "Since the participant is riding a 25 mile per hour 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 will present such manufacturing guidelines as 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.

WK31624 is being developed by Subcommittee F24.70 on Water Related Amusement Rides and Devices, part of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices. Myrman welcomes all interested parties, particularly those representing standing wave manufacturers, to join in the development of WK31624.

CONTACT Technical Information: Marshall Myrman, WhiteWater West Industries • San Diego, Calif. • tel +1.760.845.4561 | ASTM Staff: Katerina Koperna • tel +1.610.832.9728 | Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 14-17 • October Committee Week • San Diego, Calif.