Wakeboarding in Cam Sur

Ronald James P. Panis, Staff Reporter, Oct 10, 2007

CAMARINES SUR — One word best describes the Provincial Capitol Complex in Cadlan, Pili at first: rustic.

Five minutes away by car or tricycle from the National Highway, it’s accessible via a wide, solitary road flanked by fields of green that stretches to kiss the sky in the horizon. Breaking its monotonous surrounding are occasional houses and a flurry of tricycles zipping by.

Visitors to the capitol are welcomed by well-manicured lawns, stone sculptures, and a huge building that resembles a mansion or villa.This sprawling complex is home to diverse flora.

As you stay around longer, you realize the Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol Complex is anything but rustic.

EXTREME MAKEOVER
Home to extreme sports, Camarines Sur is hosting the international wakeboarding festival. Professional wakeboarders, aficionados and amateurs from all over the world are touting the nearly two-year-old Provincial Capitol’s CamSur Watersports Complex or CWC as the latest and hottest place to be to enjoy this wet sport.

And these enthusiasts from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to this pristine province with tiny airport and a small runway, its residents
not generally aware of what wakeboarding is about.

“(The CWC) is Governor Luis Raymundo ‘L-Ray’ F. Villafuerte Jr.’s vision,” said Anna Marie Saenz, operations manager of the CWC. “Wakeboarding is something that Gov. Villafuerte is into. He likes the sport; it’s one of his hobbies and has researched about it a lot. And it is because he has a great passion for this sport that (the site) works.”

Making this six-hectare wake park a cut above the rest is its German-made six-point cable ski system that runs counter clockwise across the man-made lake. This cable system pulls the wakeboarder across an artificial body of water and over its ramps. The cable has speeds ranging from 20 km/h to 65 km/h.
Bolstering that are the world-class gear and equipment available and at reasonable rentals, Saenz said Villafuerte made sure the sport remains affordable especially to Bicolanos.

“He doesn’t want the idea of wakeboarding to become a sport of the rich (here),” she explained. “Villafuerte wants everyone (in Bicol) – from all walks of life – to realize that they can (easily go wakeboarding here).”

And with Bicol’s mostly sunny skies, breezy weather, and unfettered view of Mt. Isarog, utmost enjoyment is easily assured.

SUN-SOAKED, FUN-FILLED
Initially for wakeboarding, the CWC is also good for wakeskating, water skiing and kneeboarding, which is recommended for water sports beginners. Since wakeboarding is an extreme sport, Saenz pointed out that they put complete priority over one’s safety for both professionals and newbies.

Beginners are given brief but thorough lessons, reminders and restrictions (from using the obstacle courses), while trainers and lifeguards are stationed nearby.
“Foreigners find it amusing that of the cable parks in the world, we have lifeguards,” Saenz shared, noting how they also have a shuttle service for those who fall off on the other side of the lake, saving them from a half hour walk back to the dock.

A little farther is the clubhouse, known for its superb dishes. Along with the spa pavilions, the clubhouse offers a respite from the water and serves games of billiards and foosball. The club is also Internet accessible.

The CWC has an assortment of accommodations offering reasonable rates. Lodging is anywhere from the Villa del Ray Cabanas, to the luxury villas, to the complex’s Mansion Suites – all equipped with the essential amenities. A boat lake is expected to be completed in 2008.

INTERNATIONALLY THAN LOCALLY
Saenz said the number of visitors continues to grow and has become popular for conventions, parties, launches and even wedding receptions. An Austrian wakeboarding couple tied the knot here recently.

However, the bulk of the CWC visitors remain foreigners, mostly Europeans, getting away from the harsh winter. “We are still probably more well known internationally than locally,” Saenz observed.

Saenz mainly attributed this to the success of their promotional/instructional DVD documentary, “Statement” which was shot in CWC and distributed internationally. By word of mouth as well, since wakeboarders are a closely-knit family, CWC continues to reap fame in foreign lands.

Another major reason as well, she added, is that foreigners choose CWC to practice for upcoming competitions. Three major competitions are currently booked in the CWC – one of which is the 2nd National Wakeboarding Competition, scheduled at the end of this month. By July next year, CWC will be host to the 2008 Wake Park World Championships which is an international event in cooperation with the World Wakeboard Association (WWA) and the Asian Wakeboard Association (AWA). Saenz hinted that the governor wanted competitions like this as a “yearly” spectacle.

Recently, a beauty product company held its promo party here, with celebrities. Actor and wakeboarder Aga Muhlach even threw a birthday bash here, along with wife Charlene Gonzalez and other stars. Even local politicians like Sen. Loren Legarda and former Sen. Ralph Recto also tried this water sport.

“At the moment, CWC (has become) the startoff point where guests realize that ‘wow, there’s more to Bicol!” Saenz said.

All the more reason to Come South, Cam Sur.

Apache Land Appaloosa Club to hold Extreme Trail Trials Oct. 27

Apache Land Appaloosa Club will hold its Extreme Trail Trials Event on Saturday, Oct. 27. This is a challenging and fun event where horse and rider are judged on their relationship, skills, and precision as they negotiate such obstacles as a water crossing, steep climb, dragging a log and more on a working ranch in Benson.

Halloween costumes are encouraged for rider and horse! Cash prizes of $200, $100, and $50 will be awarded, plus additional payout for top youth and adult on an Appaloosa. All breeds are welcome. Check out some photos on the club's website at www.apachelandappaloosaclub.com.