Abstract: A sheet wave water attraction includes a buoyant structure adapted for floating on a naturally occurring body of water, a sheet wave generator mounted to the structure, and a wave-forming ramp on the structure cooperating with the wave generator for the formation of waves on the ramp. The wave generator has a water intake below a waterline on the structure. The intake is configured to draw water from the body of water adjacent the structure. The buoyant structure has a shallow draft, including the draft of a water intake for the wave generator whereby near-coastal off-shore positioning may be achieved for operationally positioning the water attraction close to shore.