Water-skiing, windsurfing and kite-surfing are just some of the many water-sports offered along the island’s coastline. But there’s only one official place to enjoy the complete wakeboard experience.
By Stephanie Marisa Lambrou
Even though wakeboarding arrived in Cyprus some years ago, the Saint Rafael Marina in Limassol is now officially the first city where you can have the original wakeboard, wakeskate and wakesurf experience with a wake boat - the Master Craft X2 wakeboard edition - which is designed for the sport.
Lessons can be taken by trained multi language instructors who are graduates of Florida State University at the Crest Watersports Center.
So what is wakeboarding? It’s similar to skateboarding and involves riding a wakeboard on wavy water behind a boat. The rider is towed at speeds between 29-38 kilometres per hour, depending on water conditions, the rider's weight, board size and most importantly personal preference and experience. By using manoeuvring techniques, the rider can move outside of the wake or cut rapidly in toward the wake as confidence and skill grows. And once the rider improves in the sport he or she can progress to trying out any number of impressive tricks. It is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping!
Wakesurfing is a variation of the above but where the rider surfs the boat's wake without being directly attached to the boat. The tricks and techniques and style are borrowed from surfing.
The main difference between wakeboarding and wakeskating is that on a wakeskate there are no bindings - creating a whole new list of challenges. There are two types of wakeskates - wood-based or composite material based. Wood gives a better feel, but the composite boards are slightly lighter. The surface of the board can also come in two varieties - grip tape or foam. Foam is a better choice for beginners, as it reduces the likelihood of serious scrapes. Wakeskates are also smaller than wakeboards. There exists a line of shoes designed specifically for wakeskating. They are similar to skateboard shoes, but are designed in such a way as to not retain water.
Wake Board tow €35.00
Wake Board lesson €70.00
St Raphael Hotel and Marina, Limassol.
For more information call 25635101 or 99302077