Experience the Ultimate Wakeboarding Adventure at Wake Nation, the Tri-State Area’s Only Cable Wake Park with an Aqua Park
Wake Nation. Just the name of it sounds cool, right? This summer, my husband and I were invited down to explore Butler County – ya know, where the Donut Trail is? Weeks later, what I am still blown away by is everything they offer. From local food to sculpture parks to outdoor water sports, they have something for everyone.
Initially, they offered me skydiving via email, and I immediately agreed, being the adrenaline junkie. But a few days later, I changed my mind and informed them that my husband was not interested. The realistic and scared part of me took over. The person suggested wakeboarding instead, and the thrill-seeker in me said “YES!”, while the scared part freaked out. However, I couldn’t back out as I had already blamed my husband once. Moreover, I was curious to see my husband’s wakeboarding skills as he always talks about them. And let me tell you, he was pretty impressive!
In Fairfield, Wake Nation stands out as the sole cable wake park in the tri-state area, offering a unique opportunity for riders of all levels to enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, and wake skating on their 10-acre lake without the need for a boat. From novices to seasoned riders, Wake Nation caters to all and provides top-notch facilities and coaching to help everyone improve their skills. Additionally, Wake Nation features a floating Aqua Park, adding another layer of fun and excitement to the experience.
For anyone who has ever known someone who tried snowboarding once and never went back, Wake Nation is the place to ensure that doesn’t happen with wakeboarding and wakesurfing. With a top-notch wakeboard instruction program developed over several years, Wake Nation’s professional wakeboard coaches guide students of all ages and skill levels safely and in a fun environment. Whether starting with the basics or mastering advanced jumps, inverts, and spins, all it takes is a willingness to learn, and Wake Nation will handle the rest. With students ranging from 3 to 84 years old, Wake Nation welcomes anyone who wants to learn and have a great time doing it.
It’s worth noting that Wake Nation left us completely impressed, especially considering they are under new ownership and have exciting plans in store for the park. With the upcoming summer season, we have no doubt that it’s going to be the ultimate adventure destination and the place to be for thrill-seekers.
When we arrived, I didn’t have much knowledge about what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we would be wakeboarding using an overhead cable-pulley system instead of a traditional motor boat. What made it even more intriguing was the fact that the experienced instructor could control the speed and direction. As you’ll see, falling was inevitable and it definitely hurt. But with the instructor’s keen eye and quick reflexes, he would stop the pulley before the fall got too painful. It was reassuring to have someone watching over us and making sure we were safe while still having a great time.
When I first walked up, I got a bit nervous! My nerves were quickly settled when he told us this was the more advanced part. We would be on a smaller lake in the back.
After the tour, we started with some basic wakeboarding moves. The most crucial one was learning how to get up in the water. Our instructor, Steve Jones, who is not only the new owner but also a professional wakeboarder, was simply amazing. He was patient, knowledgeable, and passionate. Being around him took away 99% of my nerves. Steve has a unique way with people that makes them feel at ease and confident. He genuinely wants you to enjoy wakeboarding while feeling secure. His positive energy is truly contagious.
Once we finished the initial practice of getting up and learning some basics on wakeboarding, we proceeded to the next step of getting ready. We went inside to put on our gear, which included a helmet, board, and life jacket. At this point, I began to feel a mix of nerves and excitement, but also a little bit like a badass.
Once we were fully geared up, we made our way to the smaller lake where beginners start out. It’s the perfect spot to learn the basics and build confidence before moving on to the full-size cable on the larger lake. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel daunting at all, which was a relief because I was still a bit nervous at this point.
Stephen was the first to give it a try, and he seemed thrilled to show off his wakeboarding abilities!
And now, it was my turn. “I’m not nervous. I’m not nervous,” I repeated to myself, just like Stephen had before his turn. We began in the position we had practiced earlier, and surprisingly, it was far less daunting than it had seemed. With our excellent coach to guide us every step of the way, I felt confident and prepared. An added perk was the headset device connected to our helmets – just in case we forgot any of the moves we had learned, a coach was always available to guide us through the process.
Not to brag, but, I got up on the FIRST TRY.
Next thing I knew, I was going straight down – after all, the pulley system was being controlled by the experts at WakeNation. Steve, in particular, had an incredible knack for sensing when we were about to wipe out, and he expertly guided us to a gentle landing.
Don’t worry. I wasn’t defeated. I got back up again.
Even on the way back, I stayed up.
Until I fell down again.
Down…down…down…
Yep, my husband captured the entire fall….
Until the very end…..
I just realized that I forgot to include this epic fall from earlier today…
But, its okay because I got back up again because……
I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down I get knocked down, but I get up again You are never gonna keep me down -Chumbawamba
As I’ve mentioned multiple times before, the coaching at WakeNation was superb throughout my visit. Wakeboarding exceeded my expectations and I was thoroughly enthralled by the experience. I’m eagerly anticipating the future developments of this venue, as they have some exciting projects in the works. The only downside is that it’s not located in Columbus, but thankfully, it’s just a short drive away. Stay updated on their progress and news by following them on Facebook.
Our trip to WakeNation was nothing short of fantastic. As a first-timer, the staff patiently guided me through every step and made the experience incredibly enjoyable. If you’re searching for a fresh and thrilling activity, I highly recommend paying them a visit. Their website showcases all the thrilling adventures they have to offer!
ย
Discover more from Eat Play CBUS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
