Wake siblings splashing out on dream job
THREE siblings built a wakeboarding centre from scratch because they did not want to leave Wales to find work.
The Harris trio started with an empty field in the middle of Pembrokeshire.
But with little outside help they dug a lake and built a clubhouse by watching how-to videos on YouTube.
Mark, 25, dreamt up the idea three years ago while studying engineering at Swansea University, after seeing a similar park in Devon.
Former Cardiff Metropolitan student Sarah, 28, explained: “We really wanted to work in Wales but it can be difficult finding jobs. We all grew up in Pembrokeshire and the lifestyle is great down here so we didn’t want to move away, we wanted something we could do together.”
The siblings spent more than a year battling to get planning permission for the site, which is near Bluestone National Park Resort, before digging the lake and building the clubhouse through the cold winter months.
“It was daunting turning up to an empty field,” Mark said. “We brought in the local firm Locke Brothers to dig the lake and then we had to do everything from laying foundations and building the frame for the clubhouse to installing toilets and laying decking.
“There were loads of times when we thought it wouldn’t happen. I remember leaving the site with Sarah one day and thinking, ‘I just don’t know if we can do this’.”
But the team powered through to open two months ago. They now employ three people, and there are plans to take on more staff as the business grows.
“It was about bringing something that appeals to tourists and locals,” Stephanie said.
Pembrokeshire Wake Park punters hold on to a handle attached to a 100-metre-long cable that pulls them along the water on a board. More advanced wakeboarders can take on jumps and other obstacles.
Stephanie, 22, who studied at the University of Bath, added: “It’s great working with my brother and sister… although it can be challenging at times, I wouldn’t have chosen different business partners”.
Pembrokeshire Wake Park is only the second wakeboarding park in Wales, though the sport is growing quickly, with four parks opening in the UK this year alone.
The team offer a few different things at the park, including a high-octane inflatable ride and “SUP yoga”, which sees people stretch on large floating surfboards.
Mark said: “Wakeboarding is a sport that’s really accessible, last week we had a 72-year-old beginner, who was up and riding in his first 15-minute session and loved it!”