Job Discussion Forums

[swagg]

Hi all

I'm due to head from the UK to Mexico within the next month and just wondered if anyone knows of anywhere (inland) that does wakeboarding. I've never been able to find anything on the Net apart from the coastal resorts but figure that Mexico's such a big place, there must be something on one of their huge lakes!?!

We're just seeing the first signs of Spring here in London (amazingly) and, although I'm dead chuffed about spending the summer in Central America, the thought of a summer without even a few sessions behind a boat would be a big shame...

So if anyone has any info I will be eternally indebted. Cheers.

R

[Guy Courchesne]

Huge lakes in Mexico? This place is about as dry as a bone my friend. Mind you, yes there are lakes about, but few. Chiapas has just about all of the them. There's also Laguna Chapala just south of Guadalajara, and Valley de Bravo in the State of Mexico. Outside of Acapulco, you have two brackish lagoons. Maybe there are lakes on the east coast?

Is wakeboarding to be pulled around by a motorboat? If so, you would probably find that in Acapulco, Guadalajara, and most certainly Valley de Bravo.

[swagg]

You have to remember I live in the UK. What I consider a lake you probably consider a pond, and what I consider a pond you consider a puddle... if you get my drift (I think that's right). But yes, I thought there was a big lake/pond/puddle south of Guadalajara that might be promising.

And yes wakeboarding is being dragged behind a speed boat - kinda like the waterskiing version of snowboarding.

I know most coastal resorts do it but it's usually pretty lame and depends on tides/conditions too much. So puddles are best

[Guy Courchesne]

Are you coming here to teach? Might be helpful to know what part of the country you plan to be. Distances are also greater here region ro region than in the UK. Valle de Bravo or Laguna Chapala would be closest if you are going to be anywhere in the central highlands.

[some waygug-in]

Wwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaakeeeboooooooooooaarding?????????////

Is that some kind of Irish funeral tradition, or a kind of apartment where you aren't allowed to sleep? or some combination of the two?


Seriously though, I doubt that you will find that kind of activity on most lakes in Mexico.

Let's see, the lake in Patzquaro (sp?) is navigable, but the only craft are the tour boats that take people back and forth to the island.

Chiapas has the big resevoir lake in the Sumidero canyon, but again I think the only boats there were tour boats. (I may be wrong though, perhaps I just wasn't in the right area)

Los Lagos de Montebello near Comitan are beautiful, but I don't recall seeing any type of motorized craft on them.

I didn't visit them all, so I can only speak of what I have seen.

There are lots of places I haven't seen in Mexico, so perhaps there is somewhere that does have your sport, but my guess is not likely.

Hope this helps

Cheers

[swagg]

Thanks for the help guys. Actually managed to stumble across a website last night for boarding on Lake Chapala so will look into it further.

I'm waiting on confirmation of a teaching position near Queretaro at the end of May, but will be in the country at the end of April so will spend some time in the Guadaljara area and just travelling around a bit.

Actually, while I've got your attention, I'll be flying into Mexico City on the 27th April and will prob spend a couple of nights in a hotel there until I get my bearings. If you know of anywhere half decent I'd be grateful, and if anyone has a meet around that time I'd always be up for a couple of beers.

As soon as I know about the Qrto job I'll have more of a plan, but if that falls through I may well see what's available in Guad.

Thanks again for the help

[Guy Courchesne]

We have a fig newton/taco party coming up in early May (right ladies?). Can add /beer to it?

I'm going home to Canada for a spell right around the same time...late April. If you are staying around DF send me an email...always good to meet new people.

If you are into hostels, there is the Hostal Cathedral, right in the Zocalo. Always lots of foreign wanderers there. There's also Hostel Cactus Friends in south central Del Valle. Tell them Guy from Teachers Latin America sent you and they might give you a discount (my org works with them a lot).

Going up in price, there's Hotel Canada in the Zocalo...not bad.

Watch out for "official" taxis at the airport. They try to nickel and dime you any chance they get, such as charging for extra bags that don't fit in the trunk.

[nothing180]

I went waterskiing in a lagoon on the coast in acapulco, the water was disgusting but it wuz the best time ever! Can't remember what it was called but I can try to find out. You could rent everything from these people, it was a good time.

[Guy Courchesne]

That sounds like Laguna Coyuca. I went for a ride on a lancha there...they are always quick to point out that Rambo II was filmed there. Had the best Huachinango (Red Snapper) a la diabla afterwards, straight from the sea and into me belly.

[Samantha]

Folks that live in the Ajijic/Lake Chapala area claim that Lake Chapala is quite dirty and has tons of lirio. In other words not pristine. That may not put you off but thought I would mention it since they say they would never venture into that lake. If you were to teach in Guadalajara you would be close to Lake Chapala.

Have a great time in Mexico!

[swagg]

THanks for all the tips. Have booked a few days in Ciudad de Mexico now so will see what happens from there. Still waiting for confirmation on the job but keeping fingers crossed.

So you'll no doubt here some more from me in a few weeks when I'm wandering aimlessly around Mexico trying to find my way home

Hasta luego