BOATLESS WATER SKIING
SO EASY, A 5-YEAR-OLD CAN DO IT

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Have you ever water skied without a boat? Many Ohioans can already answer “yes.” The same goes for wakeboarding, knee boarding and wake skating.  

Due to the tremendous demand for this new fangled watery fun, Wake Nation Cincinnati added a second lake for its second season, only this is the only one of its kind in the U.S. to employ a unique easy-start system. Dubbed the Practice Pond, it is specially designed to accommodate children as young as five-years-old as well as beginners at any age.  

The premiere Wake Nation lake is 12-acres surrounded by six towers that seamlessly manage a high-tech cable system suspended 35 feet overhead. This allows up to six riders to wakeboard, knee board or water ski simultaneously topping out at a maximum speed of 20 MPH. As soon as someone drops out – or wipes out – a new rider can splash in immediately.

The Practice Pond is different. It only allows one rider at a time at a slower speed. 

“The Practice Pond is a great addition to the entire Wake Nation experience,” said Wake Nation CEO Peter Kennedy. “Its main purpose is to teach kids and beginners how to properly get up on a wakeboard or water skis.” 

When a rider is preparing for a launch on the Practice Pond, the cable is not moving – unlike the main lake. When the rider is ready to go, a Wake Nation instructor starts the overhead cable system which gently pulls the rider onto the Practice Pond at a relatively slow speed. Wake Nation instructors provide coaching are able to instantly increase or decrease the speed of the ride as needed to create an ideal learning experience.  

“We know many of our customers have never wakeboarded before,” said Kennedy, “so we’re always searching for ways to make the learning process faster and easier. This new system is a great addition to our park.”  

Then, whenever a rider feels that they are ready, they can get radical on the big lake – as long as they are 10-years-old or older.  

Grab a ski rope and glide atop the water around a three-acre island. The pulley system is designed to allow complete freedom for wakeboarders, skiers and knee boarders to do just about anything they want while covering the 12-acre man-made lake.  

“If you are within 650 miles of Cincinnati, you won’t find anything like this,” said Mark Hecquet, Executive Director of the Butler County Visitors Bureau. “Gone are the noise, dangers and pollution of motorboats and in is the fun from novice to expert level navigating jumps and obstacles.” 

Cable wakeboarding is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the U.S. although only seven such parks currently exist. Beginners find it easy to learn and advance at their own pace. They can even sign-up for lessons.  

“Experienced wakeboarders find that it is easier than ever to get airborne,” said Hecquet. “There are plenty of grind rails, table tops and kickers for a good challenge.” 

No fear! There’s more than wakeboarding and water skiing going on at Wake Nation. It also invites riders to slalom and trick ski, among other things, making it just as popular to be a spectator as it is to ride. Intermediate to experienced riders can even sign-up to learn new tricks and jumps.  

Wake Nation offers free admission and parking for anyone to come and check it out. The complex includes a full concession stand, locker room and pro shop providing everything from wakeboards or water skates to wet suits and life vests. If you want to take a whirl around the lake for a couple hours, everything is provided for you – except a bathing suit – for $25. Wake Nation Cincinnati is located at 201 Joe Nuxhall Way at Joyce Park in Fairfield, Ohio. It is open daily from May 1 through October from 10am until dark.  

While you’re in the area, GET TO THE BC – www.GetToTheBC.com – and groove on over to EnterTRAINment Junction – the world’s largest train-theme family entertainment center, Museum of Ancient Sculpture at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park – the world’s first ancient sculpture museum, IKEA – the popular Swedish home furnishing retailer’s first store in Ohio, and the internationally renowned madcap grocer – Jungle Jim’s. The B.C. has many other attractions, lodging and restaurants. All of which are at www.GetToTheBC.com. Call 888-462-2282 for the official B.C. visitors guide.   

This is an excerpt from a 2010 edition of OhioTraveler