There are hundreds of activities to take part in on St. Maarten/St-Martin. For those of us that are lucky enough to live here, your days off can be filled with the things most people only get to try on their vacations. For me one thing I have always wanted to do in my free time was wakeboarding.
After several attempts with friends, and even professional companies on island, I hadn’t succeeded in anything other than being dragged around at the back of the boat unable to stand. As a Dive Instructor and Boat Captain, not being able to master this water activity was frustrating to say the least.
I decided maybe wakeboarding wasn’t for me. Then I met the crew at Love Watersports. They welcomed our group onto the boat with smiles and a relaxed manner. On board they were quick to ask what our experiences were and offered to help me try the sport out one more time.
The tips I received from Axelle Bissonetti and Quentin Sucheyre made an immediate and significant difference as I stood up straight away and was able to enjoy my time being pulled behind the boat and learning to steer and travel over the wake. They truly wanted to help everyone enjoy the experience and were very patient with the beginners and gave time for the more advanced students to practice tricks.
Between their top-notch service, low cost rates, and excellent location in Grand Case; I have found a company that I will visit over and over again. After their total devastation in Hurricane Irma, it is fortunate that this company has remained loyal to the island and re-opened once again on St-Martin.
The Love Company originated in France as a restaurant and wedding dress boutique, before it came to the island opening a hotel on the French side. With the island hotel came the idea for a watersports company.
“Love Watersports was born, just under the Love Hotel, around five years ago. But then, you know the story, Irma in 2017. As the hotel was closed the watersports was too. Quentin worked there only one month before the hurricane as an employee, he decided to buy the company along with his friend Simon. We came back together in 2018 to run the business. We decided to re-open in Grand Case, as our main location, to remember that the Love Company’s heart is there,” said Bissonetti. Now the company operates as an affiliate of the Ti’Wake Company.
Apparently, Quentin and Axelle see plenty of people that have tried to learn the same way I did- unsuccessfully.
“For sure you can ride behind your friend’s boat or a jet ski for some people. But the safety rules will not necessarily be respected. With an instructor, you will receive personal coaching, tailored lessons, a lot of tips for you to succeed, adapted speed and wake, and use quality equipment with a real watersports boat. We have very low rates so you can practice safely without spending too much money!”
The crew modifies their tips, driving, and location to best suit each guest on board, and are happy to work with beginner and advanced students. The most important thing for you to remember your first time is that you will fall, but they will tell you how to improve before you try again.
“Beginners will have to keep in mind that it's an extreme sport (even if kids do wakeboard perfectly as well), so they need to be in good physical condition. Students also have to remember that they can fall off (that’s normal) but don’t give up. You don't have to be afraid of this activity or being in the water, the instructor is always here for you. Everything is safe,” advises Bissonetti.
Part of the reason the company re-opened in Grand Case is that the setting is such a good one for the sport. The area is protected from wind most of the time and has very little seaweed. After your session you have lots of beach restaurants to choose from to relax and enjoy some well-earned food and drinks.
For Bissonetti the most important factor for anyone trying the sport is to be safe, “Accidents can happen really fast with a non-professional. A professional will prevent from that, and, if something does happen, your instructor will know how to react. The safety rules, like operating more than 300meters from the coasts (not to hit a swimmer or a turtle) don't be close to the boats, never go in a part of the natural reserve. We have a defined area to enjoy the activity, which might not be the case with an ‘amateur’. But, no worries... Quentin will be as cool as your friends!”
To book your session with the crew contact Love Watersports at their Facebook page to make your reservation today!
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