How often do you board?
The boat is out most weekends in summer (depending on the weather), sometimes even on afternoons during the week. Keep an eye on the calendar to see when the next ride day is. The season usually goes from late September to late May, but if you're keen we'll go all year round.
Where do you usually ride?
We usually ride at Riverside Ski Park, at Cattai on the Hawkesbury River, 1 hour North-West of Sydney. The best way to get to Riverside from Uni is over the Harbour Bridge, and out the M2 and M7. The map below shows the quickest route from Uni.
If I don't have a car, how do I get there?
Usually the boat captain or other riders will be driving out and you can get a lift with them. When you call the boat captain to arrange to come out they will work out transport issues. If there aren't enough seats or the boat captain is driving from a different direction the alternative is catching the train. The closest train station (Mulgrave Station - Richmond Line) to the park is about 10kms away, so the boat captain can come back and pick you up from there after they drop off the first lot of people.
How much does it cost?
Our club is a non-profit organisation, design to provide University students with an inexpensive means of Wakeboarding behind an awesome boat with the latest equipment.
It costs $20 to join the club if you are a student (but if you sign up in O-Week you can join for $10, Half Price!!). It costs non students $40 to join our club. Then it costs $20 for a 15 minute ride (which is heaps of riding time)! This money covers our fuel expenses for the day. If we are riding at Riverside it also costs $7 for park entry which includes use of the facilities (toilets, showers, BBQ, etc).
This is an amazing price for such an expensive sport. Ski Schools around the area charge $200 per hour of riding, so you can see that we offer exceptional value for money for all you cash strapped uni students out there.
You must be a member of Sydney University Sports & Fitness (SUSF) to join our club. If you currently have gym membership or are a member of any other sporting club you would already have this (and you're Silver Membership Card). If you are not a SUSF member you will have to sign up, you can find out more here.
How many people come out riding?
We usually get between 6-10 people out on the boat on a weekend, but boat numbers depend on a number of things (whether it is during Semester, the weather, weekends or weekdays). All we need is three people (the driver, an observer and a rider) and we'll be out there!
What am I meant to bring?
The club has all the equipment necessary to get you up and gliding across the water. You may bring your own equipment if you wish.
All you need to bring is a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and cash to pay for park entry and riding time. You should also bring drinks and some lunch as the canteen at the park has closed down and the closest shops are 5kms away.
I haven't ridden much before, does that matter?
No, not at all. Our club caters for first time beginners up to seasoned professionals. All of our boat captains have years of experience in teaching riders and will get you up on top of the water and riding in no time!
Who is in charge of the club?
The club is ran by a group of dedicated individuals, also know as 'The Committee'. Their tireless voluntary efforts keep the club alive and kicking. We are always looking for new committee members so if you've boarded a few times and are keen to give something back please ask a committee member how you can get involved. Also turn up at our next general meeting (which will be advertised on the Calendar).
Do you do anything else other than board?
Our club exists to provide boarding for poor university students (and poor ex-uni students) but that doesn't mean we can't have other sorts of fun along the way. We organise weekend road trips and also other social events, like parties and pub crawls. Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events.
© 2010 Sydney Uni Waterski & Wakeboard - SUSF