I literally had no idea what to expect as I got close to Sallochy Bay on the east coast of Loch Lomond. I was heading over to join some of the usual suspects and some other new friends at the new Loch Lomond Wakeboard site for their first weekend of business. All I knew about the place so far was that it had a pretty sweet jetty and… well that was about it- the guy’s had been so secretive about it I was dying to go check it out.
As I drove out the other side of Balmaha things started to feel a little bit more remote, and the wee bays more and more tranquil. I spotted the LLWB van from the road and pulled down the dirt track to be greeted by a rustic boathouse overlooking a glassy Loch, and Raymondo firing up yet another epic barbeque.
Not long after I arrived Scottish Stu turned up to join Dave Knight and the family, Tom Lomax, Kenny O, budding filmer Snowie and a handful of others, all enjoying the slow pace of life that the idyllic loch-side haven seems to make impossible to avoid. The boat went in an out as folk dropped in to ride, and a pretty competitive ping-pong tournament got underway on the salvaged table!
After a fine LLWB barbeque a monster campfire came to life down on the beach drawing everyone around and went on into the night with chatting, guitar playing, plenty of Tennents and even a speech from land owner and proud LLWB advocate Kevin.
I emerged from the van the next morning to discover the keen kids were already out making the most of the buttery loch. I grabbed a coffee and a chat with Raymond before heading out in the new Mastercraft skate/beginner boat with Dave and Duffy. An excited Raymond shotgunned first set in order to christen his new boat! And what a boat it is- crisp but forgiving wakes that still have enough pop to for DK to throw his super smooth W2W 180’s; I miss skating behind the old jetski but this boat more than makes up!
After a spot of winching, and a 10 man mission to move a 30 foot static caravan the full length of a waterlogged field, sadly it was time to leave. I put my watch back on and time sped up to its normal pace as I headed back to the city, already planning my next trip over. I can only imagine what this place will be like when it’s fully set up- it’s already far more than just a wakeboard camp, it’s an escape, even if you’re only there for a few hours.
The guys are putting on some pretty sweet deals all the way through April to give you an excuse to get up there so give Raymond a shout on 07545561360 or check out www.LochLomondWakeboard.com for more info. And don’t forget Loch Stock will be there on 1st and 2nd May.
Happy days…
