In June 2025, I traveled to Iloilo to attend a seminar. During our stay, I searched for something exciting to do—something I hadn’t tried before. There were plenty of recommendations online: wall climbing, hiking, ATV rides, ziplining… But one stood out to me the most—wakeboarding at Deca Wakeboard Park Iloilo. It was conveniently near our accommodation, so I decided to give it a go.
Deca Wakepark is a premier cable wakeboarding facility nestled within Deca Homes Pavia Resorts and Residences, in Barangay Pandac, Pavia. It features a full-circuit overhead cable system, similar to its sister parks in Clark and Davao. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, the park offers a thrilling run across a man-made lake with calm, glassy waters. The best part? It’s budget-friendly too! See the pricing below:
I was lucky to visit on a weekday, so I had the entire park to myself. I highly recommend going on a weekday as weekends tend to be crowded. More people mean less time on the water and less personalized guidance.
I arrived around 1:30 PM and proceeded to register and settle the payment. I chose the 2-hour wakeboarding session. Afterward, I headed to their gear room where I was fitted with a helmet, life vest, and a board. A short orientation followed, covering safety procedures, body positions, and what to expect out there on the lake.
As a beginner, my first concern was the depth of the lake. I can’t swim well, so I asked—just to ease my mind. They said it’s around 6 feet deep. Deep enough to fully submerge me if I fell. I also half-joked about crocodiles—thankfully, they assured me there were only koi fish!
They started me off with the kneeboard. This board allows you to ride on your knees—great for warming up. The instructor demonstrated the correct posture and taught me how to control the board. The lake’s circumference is about 600 meters, so it’s a long, scenic loop.
Nervous but determined, I gave it a shot. As soon as the cable pulled me forward, I held on tight. I managed to pass the first obstacle, but halfway through, I lost balance and grip. The sudden force from the cable pulled hard, and next thing I knew, I was tumbling into the water. That was my first wipeout—but I was proud I got halfway.
The real struggle began when I had to swim back to the shore. Since I couldn’t swim properly and the steps were spaced far apart, it took me a good 10 minutes to get out of the water. The lake’s banks are slippery and muddy, and I regretted not bringing slippers. So here’s a tip: tie a pair of slippers to your life vest! The walk back barefoot was filled with thorns and burning-hot tarps.
I gave the kneeboard a few more tries, but no full loops. I drank more lake water than I’d like to admit. Then I moved on to the real deal—the wakeboard.
Unlike the kneeboard, the wakeboard straps your feet in, and you start in a crouched position. The key advice: don’t resist the cable and don’t let it drag you either—find your balance. I tried to follow the instructions, but I couldn’t get far. I kept falling into the lake—again and again. At one point, the instructor joked that I might learn how to swim faster than I’d learn to ride!
Eventually, I gave in to exhaustion. I rinsed off at their shower facilities and sat down with a cold drink. My arms and shoulders felt like jelly.
But despite all the falling, water gulping, and sore muscles—I had an amazing time. It was tough, but fun. I faced my fear of deep water, laughed at my own wipeouts, and pushed myself to try something new.
The next day, I felt the consequences: aching shoulders, stiff arms, and sore muscles in places I didn’t even know existed. Even turning a doorknob or brushing my hair felt like a mini workout. But that’s part of the thrill. It was absolutely worth it.
Would I do it again? Without a doubt.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
🧠 Before You Go
- Book on weekdays – To avoid long queues and fully enjoy the ride, go on a weekday when it’s less crowded. You’ll get more practice time and personal guidance from instructors.
- Choose the right package – If you’re a beginner, the 2-hour session is just right. It gives you enough time to try both kneeboarding and wakeboarding without getting overly exhausted.
- Bring essentials – Don’t forget to pack:
- A pair of slippers (tie them to your life vest when riding)
- Extra clothes
- Towel
- Drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof pouch for valuables (optional)
🏄 During the Activity
- Listen to the orientation – The basic techniques and safety guidelines they teach you matter. Take them seriously—they’ll help you ride better and avoid injury.
- Don’t panic if you fall – Falling is normal (and inevitable!) especially for first-timers. You’re wearing a life vest, so float, breathe, and slowly swim toward the edge.
- Take breaks – Wakeboarding is physically demanding. Rest when needed and stay hydrated.
🛑 Aftercare & Safety Tips
- Expect sore muscles – Your shoulders and arms will feel the strain the next day. Stretch after the activity to reduce body pain.
- Shower after – The lake water can be murky and mossy, so rinse off thoroughly to avoid skin irritation.
- Be honest about your limits – If you have injuries (like knee problems), inform the staff so they can assist or advise you properly.
