• In the ‘Wake’ of time In the ‘Wake’ of time By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island There’s really nothing to describe the feeling of cruising on a wakeboard in Wailua River, with nothing to worry about, except
• In the ‘Wake’ of time
In the ‘Wake’ of time
By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island
There’s really nothing to describe the feeling of cruising on a wakeboard in Wailua River, with nothing to worry about, except those pesky kayakers, who seem to get in the way.
Well, for me, it’s going to take at least another day before I get to tell you exactly how that feels, because after numerous tries, the board was just not having it.
On Saturday, thanks to Dave Bender and Matt “Goodies” Goodale of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, I attempted to wakeboard for the very first time.
It looked easy, but after a couple of tries, I knew I would be in a for long afternoon.
I’ve kneeboarded before in the mainland and it seemed a lot easier to get up.
The water was a lot colder in Lake Stevens, Washington, and I think that’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to get up and start cruising above the ice-cold water, instead of being immersed in it.
But after witnessing Bender rise up on the board with ease, time and time again, I figured that it wouldn’t be long before I’d be riding the wake.
I was told, however, that it would take a little time before getting the hang of it.
And yes it did, to the tune of about 15 times.
However, what made it more frustrating was seeing numerous individuals, including a young woman cruise by with ease — and a big smile, as if I was a lab rat on a spinning wheel, with nowhere to go!
Both Goodale and Bender have been wakeboarding for awhile and they noted that once you get up, you’ll catch on quick.
They were very helpful and patient.
There was one time that I almost made it up, but at the last moment, the boat slowed down and I fell back into the water.
They mentioned that the cannon ball position was the easiest way to get up and start riding.
So I tried it and it only led to the same result — right back down with river water in my face.
Despite the frustration though, I still had a good time. I learned that not everything works out the first time.
Patience and perseverance are two things that you’ll need to become a good wake-boarder.
But wakeboarding is definitely fun to watch.
Bender nearly landed a 360 and it reminded me of the athletes who participated in the 2004 Tighe Wakeboarding Championships, held at Wailua River about a year ago.
The sparse local crowd that showed up, witnessed for the first time world-class wake-boarding on the island.
I had the great opportunity to shoot photos and catch the action from the ramp area.
And at least on Saturday, I think that it would’ve been better if I stayed on that perch.
