We are really excited to be introducing Wake on the Bay at Low Wood Bay Watersports this season.
Wake on the Bay is a new company operating out of Low Wood Bay and offering tuition in wakesurfing, this season's 'must try' water sport. Heading up this new venture, Edward Grey, tells us a bit about his passion for the sport, and why we should all have a go at this exhilarating activity …
Edward in wakesurfing action
When did you develop a passion for water sports?
I grew up learning to sail and race boats at the Royal Windermere Yacht Club as a child. This led into sailing with team GBR at Junior and Youth level, and opened up opportunities to race sailing dinghies across the UK, Europe, and as far as South Africa at National, European and World Championship level.
As I reached my late teens I became a dinghy sailing instructor. Summer seasons were spent at Low Wood Bay Watersports whilst at university. My skill set grew and I became Senior Sailing Instructor, and Water Skiing and Wakeboarding Instructor. My passion for all types of water sports grew from here, and I took this with me to Australia when I travelled after university.
Being in Australia, it was a no-brainer to learn to surf and I also continued sailing instruction. It was a thrill to coach the Southport School sailing team and take them on to win the Queensland State Championships, and then bronze at the Australian Schools National Championships.
Combining Surveying and Surfing
Returning to Low Wood Bay Watersports for my fourth summer season, I got the opportunity to work alongside the estates team at Low Wood Bay in the major redevelopment of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. This certainly put my Building Surveying degree to good use.
Refurbished Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
During this time, I kept my hand in yacht racing, and purchased my own Mastercraft sports boat. This has allowed me to progress my own wakesurfing abilities and teach my friends and family this fantastic sport.
Wakesurfing School
When Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa development was completed I found myself in the unique position of being able to run my own Wakesurfing School from the shores of Low Wood Bay. Wake on the Bay is an exciting opportunity to share my passion for this sport with others. With a wealth of watersports experience gathered from all over the world, I can put my own stamp on teaching this unique sport here at Low Wood Bay.
Tell us the Basics of the Sport
It requires a specialist wakesurfing boat, a tow rope and a short surfboard, about 1.5 m long. Safety is paramount, so participants always wear a buoyancy aid.
The surfer starts off in the water with two feet resting on the surfboard, and holding on to the tow rope attached to the boat. As the boat accelerates, the surfer comes to a standing position and follows the wake made by the boat. When comfortable in that position, the surfer discards the rope, and that’s when the fun begins. The boat generates a wake that mimics the ocean, and allows the surfer to work the wave. Eventually, you can learn different moves, jumps and tricks. Great fun!
How do we get started?
Beginners will definitely need a lesson to discover the right Wakesurfing techniques. You can book a book a 1 hour session for up to 2 people by telephoning Low Wood Watersports on 015394 39441. The sessions include wetsuits and buoyancy aids, so all you need is your swim gear and a towel.