Drenched in sunshine, water and hopefully sunscreen, a lapping mist beads your body, chilling the refreshing breeze that at the same time makes your face cringe from the intensity. Many wakeboarders know this as the ultimate bliss.
The fearless thrill junkie seeking this satisfying combination of peace and on-the-edge action would be right at home at Texas Ski Ranch, the Texas Hill Country’s own wakeboard cable park.
Located just 10 miles south of San Marcos off of Interstate 35, Texas Ski Ranch features a wakeboard cable park, skateboard ramps, a trampoline complex and other smaller attractions. The 70-acre complex is also the host to many events such as Cablestock, a first stop on the World Wakeboard Association’s competition series.
Ronnie Baker, a Texas Ski Ranch manager said Texas Ski Ranch is almost like a second home to frequent riders.
“It’s not just a place where people come to board,” Baker said. “Many people spend hours on end just hanging out here.”
The unique feature of Texas Ski Ranch is its use of a complex pulley system that travels the circumference of the lake. Attached to this system are ropes that hang down for riders to hold onto. The pulley system then propels the rider forward, simulating the effect of a boat.
“The convenience (is the best part) about TSR,” frequent visitor Dan Anderson said. “You don’t need a boat, and you don’t need to know someone with a boat.”
The pulley system doesn’t precisely recreate the feeling of being pulled by the boat, due to the system being several dozen feet above the water. Many experienced riders use this unconventional upward pull to their advantage to get higher in the air during tricks.
Katie Berdict, a novice wakeboarder, said the atmosphere and helpful riders is what gives Texas Ski Ranch its unique characteristic.
“It’s just relaxing to be on the water,” Berdict said. “It’s my own sanctuary here.”
Spring Loaded, an indoor trampoline complex, is the newest addition to TSR Just over 4 months in operation; a family who completely financed the operation built the business inside a warehouse to add a fourth-season activity to the already successful cable park.
Blake Hess, the owner of Spring Loaded, said the entire operation started just as a family project.
“(The family) just decided to chip in to get this place going.” Hess said.
Hess said Spring Loaded has had successful business on the weekends thus far, but they are beginning to focus on attendance initiatives for the weekdays, like trampoline dodge ball tournaments.
Along with the numerous attractions offered, Texas Ski Ranch also boasts an impressive stock of water sports gear in their board shop. A restaurant called Wahoo’s Fish Taco is a recent edition to the complex, featuring a mixture of Mexican and Asian flavors.
On April 29, Texas Ski Ranch is hosting a promotional day for Liquid Force, a popular wakeboard company. Admission is free, and riders will be able to test out Liquid Force’s newest line of equipment.
