I wasn't able to take a leave from work during my birthday this year. I had to finished important papers and fulfill some commitments mid of May (which I will share the details to you soon) so I had to schedule my yearly self discovery activities by the month of June. Which happens to be a perfect month to celebrate two occasions - Our 6th year wedding anniversary and our daughter's 5th birthday.
So for this year, I planned to unlock two more from my bucket list. The first one is to learn and experience WAKE BOARDING...
June 16 - It was a sunny hot morning, when we drove to REPUBL1C Wake Park at Nuvali Calamba. We arrived fifteen minutes earlier than expected, so we took the opportunity to take some pictures at the lobby.
June 16 - It was a sunny hot morning, when we drove to REPUBL1C Wake Park at Nuvali Calamba. We arrived fifteen minutes earlier than expected, so we took the opportunity to take some pictures at the lobby.
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| Thinking why I am here? ehehehe nope... Excited most probably :) |
We then took our time to fill up an e-form at the registration area. Basic information will be asked and you will have to read the instructions, reminder and waiver very carefully before hitting the submit button. It would be best to comprehend every details written on the waiver.
The park operate on weekdays, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 pm, while on weekends they start at 8:30AM and closes at 10PM, extended hours during weekends to accommodate more guests.
After the registration, we proceeded next to the cashier area to pay for the hours of play and rentals of helmets and vest. The wake board is free for beginners to use. We availed the 1 hour Day ride pass at 250.00 Php/each. Deposited 800.00 Php/each for the vest and helmet rentals which was refundable after we returned both helmet and vest. So make sure to keep it safe with you all the time and return it to the cashier area before you leave the park.
On our way going to the changing room...
The park has two lakes. The small lake is basically perfect for beginners while the big one had obstacle courses for some advance and thrilling wake board experience.
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| The beginner's lake as I call it... |
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| Advance lake perfect for experience wake board riders. |
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| View from the Cafe area and the Big Lake |
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| The way going to the swimming pool coming from the Cafe |
We headed straight towards the north part and saw the open cabanas which we can use without additional fee. But be reminded that there is no lockers provided in the park, so guests is responsible for his/her personal belongings.
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| We occupy the lower cabana that can be seen at the beginner's dock area. |
It was still early and there were around 3 pairs of riders on queue, so we gave our pass to the instructors and joined them.
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| Okay, I am excited wake board for the first time, but the moment I grabbed that cable handle in my hands I started to get worried... hahahaha |
But there is nothing to worry really, since I am wearing my vest and my helmet and Kuya (I forgot the name) was very clear in giving instructions. These are the things that I remember
1. No pass, no ride. No helmet and vest no ride. Leave your footwear at the dock area.
2. Fall in line and wait for your turn.
3. When it is your time. Grab a wake board of your choice. Sit at the dock area and listen to your instructor very carefully. Ask question if you are not sure what to do next, they will entertain you.
4. Put your feet on the board position upward on the water. Grab the cable handle never the rope. Position yourself in the water first, do the squat position, maintain your the strength of your legs and once the machine accelerate move your dominant feet forward and maintain your feet position upward all throughout the ride. The weight should be at the back of your foot/ankle not on your upper body.
The moment I machine starts running, I started to panicked silently especially when it acceliarates. I forgot everything that Kuya taught me. The result - face palm on the waters. Toinks... it wasn't easy, especially when you started to panick you will definitely forget your focus. I was laughing at myself after the first try, but I really wanted to give good credit to the instructor by doing my best at the same time.
I fall many times but I was able to reached more than half of the lake. Willing to do my very best, I once forgot to release the rope while my wake board was left half a distance from my feet already. I was literally like flying out in the air without a wake board. Sumobra sa hashtag #KAPITLANG
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| You have to immediate grab for your board and swim out of the water to give way to the next rider. This was one of my graceful exit... hehehe |
It was never easy, but you can always try again and again. I just stopped when I started to feel the pressure on my legs and arms. It is physically tiring but fun. Also a group of experience riders came in line and they were teenagers. Nahiya ako para sa sarili ko hahahaha.... sobrang galing kasi nila and mind you they are all girls doing the one hand thing. The one hour ride was enough for me.... Hahahaha... But I really enjoyed my ride. At least I know and accepted (yes, agad - agad ang acceptance ko) that maybe I wake boarding is not for me but I can always do it again if I want to. (Never say never!) :)
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| Still happy and thankful that once in my life I was able to experience Wake boarding... hehehehe |
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| Our compulsory shot... hehehe But seriously, we did enjoy our time at the park. |
With regards to the park itself and on a first timer point of view, I can say that Nuvali wake park is a best place for beginner/ first timer like us. Majority, facilities are in good condition and well maintained. Though maybe they need to see how they can provide a better water supply at the shower area. The beginner's wake board (use for free) needs some replacement because it is totally worn out.
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| Photo ops with the board that are for sale... hehehehe this picture represents the #thingsIdofornothing I don't understand why my husband told me to be in front of this boards, I don't get it. HAHAHAHA |
Monday - Sunday
Weekdays: MON- THRS
08:30am - 05:30pm
Weekends: FRI- SUN
08:30am - 10:00pm
P.s. This is not a paid advertisement.