By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Oak Mountain State Park is introducing a new way to beat the heat this summer with Flip Side Watersports’ new wakeboard cable park at Beaver Lake.

A cable, powered by a 15-horsepower electric engine, pulls wakeboard riders back and forth across Beaver Lake, allowing people to experience wakeboarding without being pulled by a motorboat.

“It’s the easiest way to learn to wakeboard,” Flip Side Watersports co-owner Josh White said noting the angle of the cable wire helps beginners “get up” on the wakeboard. “When you do get up, you don’t have to worry about the water coming off of the boat… or crossing over wakes.”

However, the cable park will not just be for beginners. There will be obstacles set up between the two towers, such as kickers and a funbox, allowing more experienced wakeboard riders to perform tricks while being pulled along the cable.

But, beginners should not be intimidated. White explained the obstacles are off to the side of the cable path and not in the way of beginner wakeboarders.

“Anyone can do it, there’s no skill level required and really no age limit,” White said, adding he has seen people from five to 75 years-old wakeboard on a cable. “It’s a broad-spectrum sport.”

Weather permitting, White said he hopes to open the cable park this weekend, June 14. The cable park will be open every day, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Flip Side Watersports will provide boards, life-vests and helmets. Anyone can sign up for passes to wakeboard, two hours costs $25, four hours is $35 and $45 for a whole day. Hour-long lessons with the “cable just for you” will also be available upon request, “just stop by and sign up,” White said.

More information about Flip Side Watersports can be found on its Facebook page, Facebook.com/flipsidewatersports.