Written by: Olivia Gear

For students interested in water sports, a long drive does not have to be a part of the equation.

The Valdosta Wake Compound sits about 12 minutes away from VSU and is considered to be one of Valdosta’s best-kept secrets because not many people know about it. Although the lake has been open for about a year, most of its clients come from cities outside of Lowndes County.

The VWC is a wakeboarding cable park that caters to a variety of water sports. There are two electric cables that pull wakeboards, water skis, wakeskates and other water activities, all without the use of a boat, which makes the park very eco-friendly. Visitors are also allowed to swim in the lake, barbecue and host other events on the property.

“The best time to come is during the week because less people are traveling from out of town,” Quin Silvernail, VWC employee and VSU alumni, said.

Wakeboarding, similar to snowboarding, involves a person’s feet being strapped to a board and that person flipping and spinning while in motion. Wakeskating, on the other hand, is more similar to skateboarding, which means it is possible for a person to do tricks such as flipping the board under his or her feet.

“Wakeboarding and wakeskating are really good workouts because you are using your core,” Silvernail said. “With it being so hot in Valdosta, it’s almost impossible to go outside and workout, but being on the water is so fun, and you don’t even notice that you’re working out.”

One major upcoming event that will be hosted at the VWC is the MotherLand Music Festival. The festival will feature local artists showcasing their talents and will be headlined by music artist 2Chainz. The festival is scheduled for Oct. 4 from noon to 11 p.m.

The WVC is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but hours will change as the weather gets cooler. Prices range according to the amount of time spent at the VWC. For example, an hour pass is $20 plus tax. Season passes are also available. The VWC is located off of exit 13, just south of Valdosta.

Follow the VWC on instagram  at @VALDOSTAWAKECOMPOUND