Right now there is about two feet of water in the basin. Of course I'm hoping it fills this year but who knows. In my mind I'm thinking a straight even surface would be the best way for them to get some speed even if part of that is over the shore. I guess at this point I don't understand all the different options. I was looking at the Tommy Docks and I wonder how it remains sturdy if it's just sitting on a sloped edge....plus those have to be removed over winter and honestly I don't want to have to take it out.