wakeboarding

For some time now, wini has been talking about wakeboarding this and wakeboarding that. Initially could not comprehend what it was all about, more than the fact that it is a water sport. Slowly a little more clarity came by, and i realised that a speed boat pulls you, while you balance on a 'board' in water; guided sailing , can you say, without the sails, of course.
So, it was with a lot of curiosity i set out with wini and her friends, last sunday to Raffles place for an hour of wakeboarding. Raffles,used to be an exclusive place but after the meltdown of 1997, reluctantly threw open its facilites to the 'aam jan'.Hence it was that non members can avail of the facility of wakeboarding on an hourly basis. It is obvious that this club is abutting the sea.We tropped in and we meandered our way through the club and went to the waterfront.Their usual guide appeared after a bit of searching .We set off, me securely in the front of the boar, near the sailor and the rest at the rear, with the wind blowing against their faces and sea water splashing on them.It was a bumpy ride, as though there were pot holes in the water!
We went into the sea for a full 15 minutes.Just when i was wondering, the one hour is made up of half hour of sailing and only half hour of actual sport, we were told, that there was shooting practice by the army barracks nearby and he wanted to stay clear of it and was speeding away to shallow water near the next island.
There is a specific gear for this sport; there is the life jacket and there is a special shoe which goes and clicks on to the long board; there is a string which is attached to the boat and the other end has a clasp, which is held by the person on the board.The person jumps in the water and generally floats about while the boat starts to speed slowly; the wakeboarder slowly arises from a crouching position and at the right moment, stands up on the wakeboard, balancing all the while; riding the waves and weaving in and out of the 'waterpath' created a second ago by the boat. It was beautiful.Just like cyclists, you can balance with one hand or both.Must be quite a strain on the arms, shoulders as i could see.
Was tempted to try, but caution and 'wisdom' prevailed, and i stuck to being an active spectator.
Could see malaysia just a few hundred feet away. My handset could pick up messages sent by malaysian isp ; three of them in fact. But you need a visa to enter the land!
Back to the club, andheaded straight to the cafe;managed a vantage seat overlooking the sea; the crisp and golden brown french fries were the most perfect ones i have tasted; the 'chai' was also heavenly.