Just Some Reasons Why Wakeboarding In Thailand Is So Popular
Thailand is fast establishing itself as the premier wakeboarding destination in Asia. There are dozens of artificial and natural lakes that are used for wakeboarding. Even in the capitol, Bangkok there are 2 wakeboarding locations to choose from. Many islands are now catering for visitors who are looking for that little extra than bathing on a beach all day and offer wakeboarding lessons and boat trips.
Wakeboarding in Thailand is gaining in popularity quickly due to the relatively cheap cost, you can spend 2 hours wakeboarding in Bangkok and relax next to the lake for the remainder of the day for just 10 USD. Far cheaper than in Europe, the US or Australasia.
Bangkok offers Lake Taco, near the new airport which is situated in a pleasant environment and has a cheap restaurant serving delicious Thai food and beer / soft drinks. The lake itself is more suited to beginners with simple jumps and ramps for the more advanced. Lake Taco is usually quiet during weekdays and busier on weekends but always retains a relaxed social atmosphere. All equipment is provided, boards with the proper boots and bindings can be rented for a few dollars more.
Thai Wake Park caters for the more advanced wakeboarders. The artificial lake has an island in the middle to reduce choppiness and the ramps and jumps are for technical wakeboarders only. Competitions are held here annually and feature some of the best wakeboarders in Asia. All equipment can be hired at Thai Wake Park and unlike Lake Taco, helmets are a requirement. There is also a bar, restaurant and wakeboarding shop on site.
The largest wakeboarding lake in Thailand is in Chiang Rai, home to Planete Wakeboard resort. This resort offers wakeboarding via a cable pull system, or boat trips around the lake. The boats create huge wake for boarders to pull off some amazing stunts. This resort also invites wakeboarders from around the world to test out their skills and as a result as gained much notoriety. The resort is popular for stays of several days or more as comfortable bungalows are available and many other water activities can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Amongst the many islands off Thailand's coast, Phuket is perhaps the best to try out wakeboarding. For around $100 USD you can rent a boat for an hours wakeboarding time. Time in the water does not count and so this is good value for money. The East coast has several resorts offering wakeboarding tuition by qualified Western instructors, wakeboarding in Koh Phangnan is particularly well established.
Wakeboarding in Thailand is sure to continue it's upward trend in terms of popularity, not only amongst expats living in Thailand but amongst tourists too. Many visitors to Thailand have visited the country on more than one occasion and often seek out more adventurous activities to occupy their time. With blazingly hot days wakeboarding in Bangkok makes for a refreshing change to the tempo of life in the city and thus will continue to be popular for years to come.
