While I’m travelling bound to Pampanga, I’m glaring at the
window while the bus is moving fast. I remember those times that I used to
travel once a month to explore and experience new places and activity respectively. I
am thankful to feel again the sensation of adrenaline rush of balancing in a board
while holding a cable connected in a towing machinery. Wake boarding in the
North and I’m refreshing my skills with this water sports for the second time around.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Cubao, locate bus terminal that has an access to Dau,
one would be Five Star Lines. Fare as of August 18, 2014 is 139 pesos. In Dau find
Caltex gas station, ride jeepney parallel to the said site with SM Clark
signage [minimum fare]. I’ve personally noticed the color coding of every
public utility jeepney in the area, beige body paintings with Friendship Gate
route would be followed after dropping off to SM. There’s two option going to
DecaWake Clark Cable Park, first transporting via tricycle fare is 40 pesos and second,
red colored jeepney with Angeles-Sapangbato direction is the last ride off to
the entrance gate of a developing subdivision, just walk a few meters and the
gigantic structure of the towing machine of the said sports complex will summon
enthusiast alike to do the balancing act.
TRIVIA:
DecaWake Clark Cable Park is actually constructed in Margot, Angeles
City Pampanga near the boundary of Freeport zone of Clark.
RATES AND SCHEDULE:
DecaWake Clark Cable Park is open Mondays to Sundays, 9:30
in the morning till 5:30 in the afternoon. Rates varies depending in the number
of hours staying inclusive of the usage of the equipment such as the board,
helmet and vest as well as there’s a 100 – 200 pesos differential in weekends
and holidays. See details below for further information.
TWO HOURS
|
FOUR HOURS
|
ALL DAY [ 8 HOURS]
|
|
WEEKDAYS
|
400
|
700
|
1000
|
WEEKENDS and HOLIDAY
|
500
|
800
|
1200
|
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| Packages |
THE STORY:
A long overdue plan with my friend, Benson to try
wake boarding in Deca. We both experienced the ambiance and the sports in
Republic [Nuvali, Laguna] separately. The perfect date was set and we’re so
excited to be towed and maneuver the board in the man-made water facility. From
time to time we’re sharing our thoughts, I do my research in locating and
knowing the availability of the site while Benson updates me of the participant
of this event.
 |
| All set |
Without further delay, we've changed clothes and headed
directly at the Beginners corner liked in Republic Water Park, there’s separate
course and location for Pro’s and Newbies. Rectangular shape spot and
semi-circular obstacle course for novice and elite respectively.
 |
| Cable Park | Pro's Division |
I’m quite nervous remembering the balancing stunt I've done in Republic a years back. Together with Benson we've asked the operator and his assistant what we should do to balance properly and lucky us to be accommodated since there's only us and another player during that time.
The friendly assistant shared to us a little trick in attaining
the so called proper balance in the wake board. As they shout the “go signal”
the player should be toes up to flip forward the board, in the professional
circle the technique is called “edging” , relax the arms and shoulder as the
towing machine pulls the player to the other side, all along the course as
novice bend the knees or somewhat in sitting position for stability.
I’m really persistent and I felt it too with Benson. We've
tried so hard to perform well and get the “balance” we don’t mind to be wiped
out, the more we failed to balance and stand, the more we determine to try all
over again. No pressure at all, since we have a day access to practice.
After several failures, we both managed to cross the
beginners spot, I whispered to myself “finally” with smile in my face.
The challenge now is how we will return back and forth. The
towing operator instructed us to maneuver the board outside the [white]
floating ball as we timely rotate the board in the opposite direction, wait
till the tension of the cable kicks, flip the wake board, relax, balance and
repeat.
Seems easy, returning back is a different story. For nth
times I flopped as well as Benson which only means were more energetic to
know-how the new technique presented to us.
I've succeeded to move away in the floating ball and turns
my board, my problem would be the gradual change of pulling of the machinery.
The attendant advised me to wait and just relax [always], it’s all about timing.
I can balance “Yes” incorporate the impromptu timing and repeat the cycle.
As I've listened attentively with his friendly reminder, I smoothly
balance and turns back and forth my board in the newbies’ corner. Childlike
feeling to be able to achieve stability and somehow familiarize with the said
water sports. A sense of immediate fulfillment in my part and I must say I’m
enjoying every failure and success with my board.
 |
| Artist design |
The place is really cozy, I must confess. They've incorporate the sports in the design with graffiti wall to accentuate the total vibe of the room with big sliding glass doors overlooking the whole area watching the spectacular stunts of the Pro.
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| Graffiti Wall |
 |
| My favorite shot! background is blurred! haha |
Right after our quick lunch, Benson dare me to do the elite course. Big “Yes” and challenge accepted.
Benson is really good! He managed to balance almost 100
meters from the starting line while I've attempted to do knee boarding for the
very first time. Funny though feels like horseback riding due to wrong body
position. After wiping out I was laughing by myself “it was a memorable
experience”.
 |
| The Author |
The cable operator told me to be ready and as he handed over
the cable rope I felt a different tension, much stronger compared with the
beginner’s machinery. Next thing I know I’m in the water, catching for my
breath. That was a blast, way difficult.
No one can stop me from learning. For nth I've failed but I’m
analyzing the moves I’m doing and combining it with my observation. I took all
my courage, focus in the board and cable and as the operator signals me to be
ready. I flip the board, relax and control the tension maintaining my balance
by frequently standing and bending. I’m progressing! I’m moving forward! I’m
speeding up! I’m far away in the holding area and as I near in the corner turning
left, the tension once again shift higher that cause me to lose control with my
wake board as I submerged in the water, an overwhelming sensation covers my
body! I made it!
The life guard shouted at me! He caught my attention. He told
me that I should bend my knees a little bit, transition my weight in the right
as I turn left, stay focus and always relax. I thanked him, keeping in mind his
pointers as I ran happily towards the starting point.
Benson and Reg congratulate me, all along we’re expecting my
attempt to be a bluffer. Again and again, I've practiced to shift my mass in
the other side as I turn, I surpassed almost three floating ball turning to the
other side of the pro loop when I lost my control with the cable. I set a new
record for myself and a big grin in my smiling face. I’m blessed.
Keeping in my mind to focus, I've tried again and few meters
from the starting area, I suddenly stopped and let go of the cord. I heard
concern voices as I grabbed my board saw in the fins the tangled rope of the
other cable. I said and made okay sign to the crowd. Thanked God I’m safe and
sound.
I took a quick rest, sit in the lodging area and grabbed my
camera to frame the cool feats of the pro, hoping to do the full loop. I know
for a fact that it will take few trainings but I will definitely return for
more action.
 |
| elite's in motion |
 |
| pro |
 |
| Till next time |
There’s separate shower and changing room both clean with
modern structure design. As I've finished to clean and changed clothes I
visited the reception nook to check some wake boarding stuff. I’m really
fascinated with this water sport that I wanted to return soon.
 |
| Inside the reception area |
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I
missed travelling, writing and taking pictures. This rare opportunity to try
different sports is really relaxing, a breath of fresh air from my daily
training. To be honest I enjoyed so much though my shoulders and legs feels the
pain of the whole day activity. I paid for excitement as a result I've acquired
new sets of skills to be honed the next time I’ll visit the water park. This is
just less than 2 hours ride from Metro Manila, experience yourself the thrill
in balancing. I prefer going in weekdays as expected weekends is always
crowded. Thanks for reading my post. It’s been a while, I know, but hoping to
have a new entry two weeks from now. I will explore new province soon and will
share my thoughts here. Again, thank you!
******* OTHER PHOTO *******
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| See you Soon |
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