Wakeboarding Definitely Seemed Easier Online
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Before school started, my friend Emma and I set a goal: to try a completely new sport, one where we knew we wouldn’t easily have the chance to experience back home in the U.S. While exploring the welcome week stations at the University of Sydney (USYD) Welcome Fest, the Wakeboarding team’s sign immediately caught our attention. Rather than trying to recruit people who were already familiar with watersports, the members were so excited to talk to everyone! When we walked over, they were so kind and inviting, and we had an opportunity to chat for a while.
Just a few weeks later, Emma and I signed up for the New Members Camp, completely unsure of what to expect, but full of excitement about this new experience! We spent a weekend trip at the Hawkesbury River with 8 other new members. Thankfully, 4 coaches helped us get the gear on and taught us how to stay standing on the water. I can confidently say that, amidst all the wipeouts, I would definitely do wakeboarding again! Almost all of us were able to stand up and edge out of the wake, and it was so fun! Everyone was all smiles between all the swimming, jokes, and cheering when someone got the hang of it.
We spent that entire weekend on the water and eating meals sporadically off the “barby” (a grill). Nights were spent playing games, and a few of us from the States taught everyone what s’mores are. Since we didn’t have the ingredients from back home, we used pink marshmallows, digestive biscuits, and Tim Tams. There are some photos below!
It was such a blessing and incredible experience to be immersed in God’s creation. I watched so many people find so much joy in the trees and in the water. Through this sport, I was able to build amazing connections with people all over the world studying at USYD!
If you’re planning to study abroad (or even if you’re on Hope’s campus), joining club sports is such a unique way to meet new people, try something new, and even take advantage of a student discount!!! I didn’t realize just how many discounts I could get from flashing my USYD student ID!
Quick tip for anyone planning to study at USYD: always bring your student ID. You can get over 50% off activities like wakeboarding, and even score around 20% off at some restaurants!
As much as I thought wakeboarding would be way easier than it turned out to be, I honestly wouldn’t trade my weekend for the world! If there’s one thing to take away from my post, it’s not to be afraid to try something new because you’ll make so many more great memories and meaningful connections than if you didn’t take that leap of faith!
Above is a photo of me wakeboarding on the river and a photo of my friend and me in front of the gorgeous sunset!!
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