Watersports are nothing new in Cornwall; after all it is the celebrated home of the English National Surfing Championships and the British Stand Up Paddle Association National Championships. However, Siblyback Lake has just opened an entirely new form of wet fun ‐ the Cable Wakepark.
Wakeboarding in Cornwall
This new fun park is just outside Liskeard and aims to satisfy the growing demand for wakeboarding facilities in the Westcountry. The new cable system is just the latest in a range of watersports activities already available at the Lakeside Outdoor and Active Centre on Bodmin Moor. Now to add to the fun there is wakeboarding, towed on a cable in apparently the only clockwise system in the country. Well, Cornwall always does have to go one better, in my opinion!
The cable towing system is also ideal for kneeboarding and waterskiing. As well as offering professional tuition, SW Wakeboarding offers equipment hire and it welcomes groups celebrating birthdays, corporate outings, stag and hen parties.
Siblyback Lake
Surrounded by stunning scenery which makes the drive to the lake particularly pleasurable, Siblyback Lake Country Park is in a gorgeous unspoilt location. I love visiting at any time of year and taking a hike around the lake, but that is pretty tame to some of the other activities.
Rowing boats are popular with families in the summer. I also enjoy watching sailing dinghies as well as the flailing antics of beginner windsurfers out on the lake. Although you don't have to contend with tides or currents on the lake it can be choppy at times, so it's not as easy as some pros make it appear!
The lake is a regular training ground for adult racers on windsurfers and there are five members who train at Siblyback and compete at National and Olympic level. The new high-tech rigs can reach speeds of up to 25 knots and watching these skilled windsurfers is always an inspiration.
Things to do at Siblyback
Canoes are available from the Outdoor and Active Centre, or you can bring your own. Cycle hire is also onsite with a good range of mountain bikes for adults and children, with trailers and child seats for youngsters. The cycle route runs around the lake, a distance of about 3 ½ miles.
The only visitors expending less energy than me are usually the senior visitors who enjoy the view of the lake from the café over a light lunch or afternoon cuppa. Others enjoy a picnic in their cars on a breezy day. Flask mugs in hand, there's always something to watch from here. Siblyback is also popular for fishing and the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Permits are available from the watersports centre for angling and you can either fish from the shore or rent a small boat.
You can take a course in almost any watersport you fancy on the lake, either as a beginner or improver. There is also archery and a high ropes course. Swing through the air at 40 feet above the ground, tackling the obstacles and challenges.
Opening times vary for all these activities, depending upon the season and the weather. However, they are usually open from April to October on weekends and throughout the summer holidays, but you should check opening times before leaving home by calling 01579 346522, just in case.
If you want to stay in the Siblyback area, there are plenty of holiday cottages around Bodmin. Lanivet and St Tudy near St Breward with easy access to the lake. Not all holidays in Cornwall have to be on the beach!
Do you live near Siblyback Lake or have you ever visited? What did you do on your visit? Do you fancy trying the new cable wakeboarding experience? We'd love some on-the-ground feedback so feel free to share your personal experiences.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.