A pro rider shows you how to catch big air
So this month I decided to venture into a new watersport that I have not tried. While looking through the list of sports that could satisfy my thirst as a water element guy, I managed to spot a rather interesting sport that will definitely tickle your fancy and enthusiasm. Wakeboarding, also known as waking within the surfer community is a relatively underground sport that has gained interest and popularity within the local folks over time. Before we get down to the delicious details of this sport, what exactly is wakeboarding? True enough, the name of this sport did not exactly reveal its true nature when I heard it for the first time. Think of it as a combination of surfing, water skiing and boating all put together. You are basically being pulled by a motor boat while holding on to a cable with a V-shaped handle. While the you are being towed behind the boat at around 18 to 24 miles per hour, you have to try to stand with the help of the boards buoyancy and your body’s balance.
Waking to the sunset literally Mesmerizing picture of the sunset hitting
the lake while a rider enjoys the breeze
Getting to know my way around the ropes
Trying to stand on my first try
Trying to smile with aching forearms
The first thing I was told to do was to rub soap into the wakeboard boots to ease my attempt to slide my feet in. I then had to step back slowly over the back of the boat with my feet were already in the boots and then allow myself to gently glide into the sea (actually fall in). The driver would then start the engine while you were a few feet away from the boat and the fun begins. The trick is to actually feel the tug of the boat and then slowly let the force pull you forward, thus enabling you to stand. From there, you would have to pull the right side of the handle to make the board face a two o’clock position while maintaining balance between the right and left side of the board. Of course, this was much easier said then done as I hit face flat onto the hard water surface (it gets harder as the boat goes faster) and had to recover by turning myself over and getting up again. After awhile though, I got used to it and finally managed to stay on the board and let the waves do their thing. It was certainly an enjoyable experience for me although I have to give a warning for all those interested in partaking this adventurous journey - be ready for sore forearms and a very painful lower back.
Carving up the lake with the board
Best time to wake would definitely be during sunset
Beautiful waves sculpted by the inboard boat
Big waves and big wind.
Now for all those interested to get there here are the details. There are only a limited number of places to get wakeboarding services in Penang unfortunately but the best value for money would be the water sports shed at Sunset Bistro. Drive all the way up to Batu Feringghi. Just after ParkRoyal Hotel, make a right turn into a tiny lane and there are parking bays at the end of the road. Get onto the beach and go right to find the water sport operators. They are friendly and all eager to take you for a good ride.
Article and Photography by Josh Tan