Ladies Day - Busting some Moves at a Cairns Water Park

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May 1

So here I was ‘cruising’ the Cairns Wake Park, upright, on a wakeboard and feeling like I had finally got the concept – ‘cause no trip to the ‘Lake’ (Tinaroo) had ever got me to this point. And then the corner came!! And trust me, it’s all about the corners at the Cable Ski Park…….

Up to this point I was feeling pretty damn confident. Impressed that it was my only my fourth go (the first few were on a kneeboard) and I was already feeling like I was getting a handle on this wakeboarding thing – cause I can definitely tell you that it hasn’t been this way for me the last few years on our family holiday’s to Lake Tinaroo.

Granted, there’s a huge difference between being towed behind by a tiny tinny, trying to start off in deep water and having a bunch of friends cheering you on (and shouting a hundred different tips on how to get up).

**James giving me instructions on how to get round the corners**

For one thing, it was a dry start, complete with clear concise instructions (thanks James ), the water was calm (no boat wake here to contend with) and the speed was smooth (at least it was on the straight). The aim was just to nail a lap - well it was in my case !

I was feeling extremely confident. I did, after all, manage to complete a lap or 2 on the kneeboard. And I was amazed at how easy it was (once you work out those corners of course). The water was ‘oh so smooth’ and the speed was nice and consistent, and much slower than what I’ve experienced behind a boat.

**Nailed it!!! Seriously happy with my kneeboarding effort.**

AND I can honestly say that I’ve never found kneeboarding on the ‘Lake’ pleasant – more of a terrifying “OMG, is this ever going to end”. You know, the kind of feeling you get when you are on one of those show rides the kids insist you join them on.

Anyway, back to the wakeboard. I wish I could tell you that it took me two attempts and I was cruisin’ like a Pro BUT sadly no…..I did have video evidence that showed exactly what went down at the Cairns Wake Park BUT unfortunately I’ve lost [destroyed] it all.

**Getting upright on the wakeboard was so much easier at the Wake Park!!**

For me getting up on the wakeboard was sweet (a major hassle when I’m on the lake cause I just can’t seem to do it) and staying upright on the straights was surprisingly easy. BUT, just when I thought things were getting a bit boring, the corners arrive, and trust me it’s all about the corners at the Wake Park.

There is definitely a skill to lining yourself up prior to a corner so the feeling isn’t like being pulled around at warp speed into space, or in my case, straight into the water. Yes, I’m afraid to say that the corners were definitely my 'downfall' on the wake board.

So despite a few ‘classic’ fails (and face-plants) I have to say that on my FINAL attempt at wakeboarding I did feel that I ‘got it’ and that things were coming together and if I had had enough energy to continue I really do believe that I ‘could’ have conquered a lap……..I’ll just have to find out next time……..

**I found Ladies Day very chilled and very friendly at the Wake Park**

Ultimately, this is what I really liked about Ladies Day at the Cairns Wake Park:

It wasn’t busy (there were only a handful of people around)
It didn’t feel competitive in any way
Everybody was super encouraging
The water was calm
The girls that were doing the laps were truly inspirational (they were also doing jumps which was way off my ‘to do’ list)
The very friendly (and very chilled) staff

**The girls at Ladies Day are all super encouraging and friendly - Image by Cairns Wake Park**

For me, it was definitely worth doing the kneeboarding prior just to get a feel for the way the cable works around the corners, and the pull you will be experiencing. It also helped build my confidence for the wakeboarding.

And the good news is that if you don’t ‘nail’ the lap you get to see a lot of nature out on the lake. On my long walks back from the spots were I was unceremoniously dumped I spotted wallabies grazing and plenty of waterbirds.

PLUS you get that pleasant ‘burn’ feeling in your body for the rest of the morning (granted mine was mainly caused from walking whilst carrying a wake board) – and all this was before lunchtime on a Saturday.

Good Things to Know:

Ladies Day happens on the first Saturday of every month at 9.30am (unless otherwise announced).
The session goes for an hour before the lake is opened up to everybody else.
There is a quick 5-minute safety video to watch if it’s your first visit.
Helmet, PFD (buoyancy jacket) and a board are supplied.
There is coffee and refreshments available BUT you are welcome to bring your own supplies (no glass bottles or alcohol) and there is also a BBQ available for use (FOC).
If you want to get some GoPro footage make sure your camera has a float attached – apparently there is a stash of GoPros sitting at the bottom of the lake – don’t let yours be one of them!

Have you ever visited a Cable Ski Park before? Who wants to give wakeboarding a go at this Cairns Water Park?

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I received a complimentary session BUT all views and opinions in this article are my own.

If you would like more info on the Cairns Wake Park Click HERE.

If you would like to read about other Activities on offer at the Cairns Wake Park Click HERE - Cairns Aqua Park.

Breaking NEWS: Are you keen to give the Ladies Day at the Cairns Wake Park a go? I’m offering a FREE session via my AdventureMumma Facebook page – all you have to do is comment on WHY you think you deserve a session at the Wake Park (or TAG a friend who you think would be keen). The winner will be drawn in the last week of May 2015.UPDATED: The winner of this activity was Soregin Ruby Elias. CONGRATS!!