Cable wake park set to open June 29

A concept drawing shows what the Whiplash Cable Wake Park will look like in Phase II, scheduled to open in 2013.

by Dave Preston

The Okanagan’s newest adventure park opens at the end of June and it will feature water and wakeboards without the need for boats.

Construction on Whiplash Cable Wake Park and Marina has been ongoing and the new facility is set to open June 29, according to a company press release.

Okanagan media will get a glimpse of the facility Thursday and have an opportunity to try out the cable park.

The park is located next to the William R. Bennett Bridge, on the foreshore of Westbank First Nation’s IR 10. It will feature wakeboarding, wake skating, water skiing and knee boarding.

“The compliment of wakeboarding within this central park-like environment will be a natural destination for many people and their families this summer,” said Conrad Wiker, CEO of Whiplash.  “Cable parks have been providing the world with an environmentally-friendly way to enjoy outdoor water sports for over 50 years.”

“A cable wake park will provide a new and exciting opportunity for the youth and families of the Okanagan,” said Chief Robert Louie. “Westbank First Nation is proud to support this project and all concepts that help to build strong and healthy communities.”

Backgrounder

• A cable system allows participants to enjoy towed watersports without a boat. It can tow nearly anything a boat can including wakeboards, wake skates, water-skis, kneeboards and more.
• Originally developed in the 1950s, today there are over 215 cableways in operation across five continents. Combined, these systems have pulled riders over 100 million miles through the water.
• At a park, an aerial cableway tows riders in a continuous circuit through the water – mirroring the experience of being towed behind a boat.
• Tower of steel lattice construction are strategically placed around the edge of a lake or cove and hold two parallel running cables up to 10-meters (32 feet) above the water similar to a snow resort T-bar chairlift.
• The ropes hook to carriers that will pick up and drop the ropes at the starting dock, where the cable operator controls the system. Riders wait their turn holding onto a handle, and as an empty carrier passes, it hooks the rope and gently pulls the rider off the dock and onto the lake. The feeling is comparable to being pulled up out of the water by a boat but much more controlled.
• Beginners simply circle the lake and/or back and forth and enjoy the ride. More advanced riders can hit rails or ramps that are similar to those in snowboarding parks.
• Phase 1 cable systems for this year are booked similar to golf tee times.  Riders can decide to book the beginner or advanced cable, but anyone can ride both.
• Cables can be booked for 30 min. – 60 min. sessions, and can be booked for corporate events as well.
• A group of three or four can all ride in a session for about $20-$25 each.   Lessons, rentals and a full service pro-shop will also be available.
• Phase II involving our full sized cable will allow for seasons passes and other booking options.