Wakeboarding Makes A Splash

Wakeboarding is similar to water skiing, although wakeboarders are towed at a slower speed - 18 to 24 kilometres an hour - and their cable is mounted higher, on a tower about two metres above the water. Instead of using skis, wakeboarders ride a single board, standing sideways as on a snowboard or skateboard.

Wakeboards, which can float, are 130 to 147 centimetres long and up to 45cm wide. That makes them shorter and wider than snowboards.

Wakeboarders can move outside the wake, then cut toward the wake to hit it and launch into the air. "Landing after a jump and not letting go of the cable is most difficult part," says Illing, who started wakeboarding last year and usually goes to the Taco Club, an extreme water sports facilities off Bang Na Trat highway, to catch the waves.

You don't have to take a course to wakeboard, says Jaluk Suthiprapa, an instructor and lifeguard with the Taco Club. "But the participant has to be above eight years old."

Jaluk has plenty of tips for new skiers to get the up and skiing fast. Maintaining balance is important.

"A fall can be very painful sometimes," says Preeti Dahuja, 24, a teacher at Harrow International School. "Hitting the water while speeding can make you feel like you landed on concrete. It's all about balance."

However, beginners don't have to worry about getting hurt, says Amnuay Prakobit, the manager of the Taco Club, although it's wise to watch out for other wakeboarders when skiing in crowded channels. Advanced riders, however, run the risk of knee injuries, Amnuay says, since they have a tendency to twist their knees when attempting stunts.

Wakeboarding strengthens the back, shoulders, arms and legs and provides a surprisingly good cardiovascular workout.

Thailand's hot weather precludes the need for wetsuits or nylon skins; shorts and T-shirts are all that's needed.

The Taco Club is off Bang Na Trat highway on Soi Wat Bangplee Yai. It's a 15-minute drive from Central City Bangna. The club is open from 12pm to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on holidays.

Admission is Bt200 for the first hour, Bt300 for two hours, Bt400 for three hours and Bt500 for whole day.

The club provides lifejackets and wakeboard rentals. For more information, call (02) 316-7810.By Sonam PhuntshoSpecial to The Nation