East shaping up as ‘an amazing giant waterpark’

12 August 2014

The eastern suburbs could become ‘an amazing giant waterpark playground’, says Rev Peter Beck one of the people behind Eastern Vision’s EVO::SPACE website.

This follows the announcement today of another water-based proposal for the lower Avon, a cable wakeboard park, now listed on the website for public comment.

“Cable wakeboarding uses an overheard cable system to tow riders at an adjustable speed over a body of water,” says Christchurch CablePark spokesman Mike Mullins who is promoting the proposal.

“The cable is driven by a quiet, environmentally friendly electric motor, the set up and operating costs are relatively cheap.”

A member of the Christchurch CablePark management team has had past experience in developing innovative home-grown Two-Tower cable systems, which tow riders through common cable park obstacles, including 'kickers' and 'sliders’ and are designed to cater to both beginners and advanced riders. A prototype has previously operated in Ashburton.

“The cable park will open up the sport to many who currently do not have the opportunity to ride due to lack of access to costly boats and equipment,” says Mullins.

“Currently, many experienced wakeboard and waterski enthusiasts from New Zealand travel overseas to ride cable systems for several months of the year, in order to practice their sport. They will now be able to do this at home.”

“When you put this proposal alongside the flatwater lake, white water course, wave garden, hot salt water pools and the replacement pool for QE2 and then add in the river, estuary and beaches all in a naturally restored environment, the east of Christchurch will be the envy of the world,” says Beck.

“Admittedly we still have to work through water quality and technical feasibility issues and source funding, but these are not insurmountable hurdles and are certainly worth exploring in earnest in my opinion.”

The website address is http://evospace.co.nz.

Upcoming EVO::SPACE workshops and drop-in sessions are:

6:30pm, Thursday 14 August, Rolleston Community Centre

2pm, Friday 15 August, Eastgate

2pm, Saturday 16 August, Mt Pleasant Yacht Club

This programme is funded by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust: “Tomorrow starts here”.

ENDS

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