The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Wakeboarding centre ready to make a splash in Dundee
Champion Scottish wakeboarder joins politicians and pupils at opener
Dundee’s brand new wakeboarding centre at City Quay has officially opened, with adventure sports enthusiasts expected to swarm to the city for highoctane water sport.
Foxlake Adventures, the company behind the centre, hosted an opening event yesterday at the City Quay site with MSPs and councillors attending.
Harris Academy pupils were given a free opportunity to get out on the water as well as catch a glimpse of world champion Scottish wakeboarder Blair Fraser.
At the end of April, the Dunbar-based outdoor activity company was given the green light to open the site by the city council as part of its waterfront development plan.
It was initially hoped the centre would be open for summer peak season but construction delays meant the launch was pushed back by around a month.
Foxlake chairman Malcolm Gillies said he “knew straight away” he wanted to set up in Dundee when he saw the site at City Quay.
He said: “When I saw it I just knew. It’s perfect.
“There are a few other similar wakeboarding sites in the UK such as in Manchester, Liverpool and London and this one is up there with them. We are delighted to be here.
“We felt it was important to get local children involved with what we’re doing here too because we want it to be open to all.”
The Victoria Docks base includes support accommodation, a harbour gangway, west harbour access pontoons and two separate towing cables for riders.
A spectator-orientated sport, large crowds are expected to visit the area to watch both learners and more advanced participants, particularly during competitions.
Foxlake director James Barbour said: “It is the fastest-growing water sport in the world and it only narrowly missed out on becoming an Olympic sport recently.
“We think it will be really popular here. One of the main aspects we are focusing on is trying to encourage kids to get involved too as we realise not everyone can afford to take up sports like this.”
One of the Harris Academy pupils, 17-year-old Jack Crerar, said: “I have never tried anything like this before. “It was really difficult but really fun. “I would say standing up was the hardest part of it. I would definitely try it again though.”
It is the fastestgrowing water sport in the world and it only narrowly missed out on becoming an Olympic sport recently. JAMES BARBOUR