A few years ago, I hitched across Canada and ended up at a bachelor party at a cottage in Muskoka. The fellas there were wakeboarding, so being a good sport I gave it a go. I was a dismal failure (i.e. I couldn’t even stand on the board). Naturally, I haven’t been too keen to get back on a wakeboard since then. But when Gillian told me that Nova Scotia was home to a Cable WakeBoard park, I couldn’t resist trying a second go.
Scotia Sessions (@ScotiaSessions) is located in Nine Mile River, about 45 minutes outside of Halifax. It was the perfect day to be on the water, and the Scotia Sessions site was even warmer than in the city (a common occurrence we’re told).
Michael and Darcy of Scotia Sessions took their background in board sports, combined it with their love of Nova Scotian summers and came up with Atlantic Canada’s only wakeboard and waterski cable park. A cable system is where you are pulled back and forth on a cable rather than behind a boat. Scotia Sessions park is complete with a barrel and a rail to please the more advanced riders.
The cable, as it turns out, is way easier than wakeboarding behind a motor boat. After two failed attempts I was up, tearing down the park, one-handing the handlebar, cutting back and forth, turning and even trying a few ollies.
Gillian took a little longer to get the hang of it, but after five minutes she was up and gliding back and forth over the water, as well.
Watch me fly and Gillian fall (over, and over, and over again) in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKovpKlFkpc
Michael and Darcy had a few goes on the wake skate, which is more like a skateboard because you’re not strapped into the board, just standing on top of it. They made it look easy, and I could see how addictive this could as they pulled 180s behind their backs and ollied the barrel.
This year, Scotia Sessions switched up their rental structure to make it easier to accomodate everyone from those who just want to give it a try to those who want to hold a private party with their friends. Based on our experience, an hour-long session would be more than enough time for a group of 6 or 7 riders, especially if you are a beginner.
Drop-in’s are welcome, though it is always good to call before you head out as they sometimes close due to the weather. Private sessions have to be booked in advance. There is a campsite next door if you want to over night it (there’s a golf course there, too). They even have a BBQ if you want to make a day of it, you just have to bring your own propane tank.
This place is ideal for a double date, a bachelor party kick-off, or just for getting a bunch of friends together to enjoy the sun and have a blast. We had so much fun that we’re already planning our next trip up, this time with picnic supplies and a group of friends. See the directions below and get ready to rip it up!
Prices:
One Session with rental: $20 plus tax
Half Day Pass with rental: $35 plus tax
Day Pass with rental: $45 plus tax
1 week pass with rental: $100 plus tax
1 month pass with rental: $300 plus tax
(All prices are $5 – $25 cheaper if you don’t need gear)
Private Sessions:
1 Hour Cable Rental: $80 plus tax
Private Half Day Cable Rental (4 hours): $375 plus tax
No limit on riders, only available before noon. Must be booked in advance.
Book your spot: (902) 877-5477
How to Get There:
-take Highway 102 to exit 8 (Elmsdale)
-take Left on 214 W towards Nine Mile River (6.4 km)
-take Left at stop sign on 14 W (3.5 km)
-take Left on Renfrew Rd (1.6 km)
-take Left on Easy St and follow signs
Season/Hours:
Late May to October
Monday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: http://www.scotiasessions.com/
Follow our adventures live:
@GillianWesleyNS
@DrewMooreNS
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