Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Government of Canada says...

WE HAVE BEEN keeping a close eye on Thailand ever since we booked our tickets last month. In case you didn't know, there is an escalating political standoff between the people of Thailand and their government. For months now, Thai Red Shirts, as they are called, have been taking to the streets of Bangkok in protest of the current Prime Minister, who they claim as illegitimate; they are calling for his immediate resignation, and want new elections. Only recently (past 6 weeks or so) have these demonstrations turned violent with police, which has led the Thai Government to call in the military and to start cracking down on the wide spread demonstrations across Bangkok; they have even declared Marshall Law, and restricted civil liberties. So with that said, the Government of Canada has issued an official travel warning of "avoid all non-essential travel" to Thailand. Obviously we have been forced to rethink our plans for Thailand, and contemplate extending our stay here in the Phillies. I know. It's a win win situation, but a decision needs to be made non the less. Good news is that we can have our tickets to Thailand refunded if we decide not to go. My only concern about Thailand is not being able to live the full experience. I rather dislike restrictions, and distractions. What do you think?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

New Video! 04.28.10


Russian Games, and Scott Byerly @ the CWC from Johny Bonney on Vimeo.

THE LAST 2 DAYS have been truly surreal.  The like, godfather of wakeboarding, Scott Byerly, unexpectedly payed a visit to the CWC; the Gov didn't even know that he was coming. Turns out he was brought here by Nautiques and a Russian wakeboard clinic, currently going on here, to chill and ride for 2 days.  Whatever the reason, it was a definite treat to ride and chill with this true legend of the sport.  He is everything wakeboarding is, and should be.  But I cannot go without mentioning these crazy Russians who had invited Scott to come out in the first place.  They have been riding/partying non-stop for the last 2 days...check out this game they had us play last night, Russia vs. Team CWC. Shit got weird haha

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Filming in progress...

(C-box session, bird's eye view.)

Kelsey's Tiki Hut

TIKI HUTS are the CWC's cheapest accommodation at less than 20$ CDN/night.  They come with daily maid service, air conditioning, and a detached shared bathroom with multiple showers.  Everything you need really, and beats the average hostel without a doubt. Not to mention that you are just steps away from the lakeside; not exactly roughing it I'd say.
And check out the the back yard...(notice the mango tree to the right)

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Don't go chasing waterfalls...

TODAY we decided to take a break from riding, and explore our surroundings a little.  We knew we wanted to visit Consosep falls, but we just had to figure how to get there.  Renting a jeepney is the most economical way of doing this sort of day trip, and will run you about 2,000 pesos as a standard tourist price (50$ CDN).  So the more people you get chippin' in, the cheaper it is for everyone.  After rounding up two rather enthusiastic Enlgish boys (Luc and Dave), we approached a group of filipinos who Kelsey had made friends with earlier this morning.  This proved to be very convenient because when it came to negotiating a price for the jeepney, our filipinos friends got us a bargain at 1,500 pesos! haha  And with that settled, we were all on our way up and around Mount Isarog...

Friday, April 23, 2010

New Video!

SO WE FINALLY got around to filming something.  Unfortunately the light, nor the video quality really up to my standards, but I figured it's better than nothing.  The video is of Justin taking a quick set on one of CWC's newest obstacles...the step up.  Check it out "Justin and the CWC's Republic Step up"

Justin and the CWC's Republic Step UP from Johny Bonney on Vimeo.

The FLX: new possibilities.

MY NEW BOARD, the Liquid Force FLX 142, is breathing new life into my riding.  Although this board has NOT given me any jedi superpowers, riding the FLX has definitely changed the way I approach rail riding.  For the last three years, flex boards (like a snowboard) have made huge strides in becoming something legit, and worth riding.  My friend Didier was right: "les wakeboard dures s'ont finis" (translation: "flex is the shit"), and after seen him rip last summer, I couldn't agree more.  I just hope I will be able to do the board justice haha...OH! and thanks to Hubert @ Fokus, and Liquid Force for hookin' it up!


check it out at liquidforce.com

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Riding footy coming soon...

THIS EVENING we are gonna test Kelsey's waterproof HD camera.  We will do some follow shots, and see just how good the quality is...I'll be posting the results tonight. Stay tuned.

Bon appétit!

(grilled talapia, and pork w/veggies)
IF YOU'RE GONNA attempt to live like a local, you gotta be ready to eat like a local.  Filipino food may not look very appetizing, but man does it have flavour.  One way to stretch your budget here is to eat locally as much as possible.  Granted the CWC has some good food, it is expensive compared to what you can eat outside the complex. But when it comes to lunch, you don't have to venture far to have a cheap, authentic, and nutritious meal.  The Capitol is where the complex's workers go have lunch.  A meal here will run you no more than 2$ CDN, and comes with rice and your choice of two meat and/or fish dishes.  Open your mind, and open your mouth cause this food is damn good! Bon appétit!
(left: rice w/pork and sauce, right: chicken curry)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

My philly hood.


Just follow the stone brick road...

Monday, April 19, 2010

Chapter IV: Welcome back to the CWC!

BIENVENUE au 4e session des Philippines!  The beautiful mountain in the background you see is Mt. Isarog, which happens to be an ancient volcanoe now dormant.  
I guess this would be a good time to introduce our travelling partner Kelsey Chiappa (Ottawa, ON).  Back in January she committed to coming with us, and now well, here she is.  It's probably also worth mentioning that we are down two soldiers this time around.  Kent Baltare was unable to attend this year's trip because he is in Vacouver; apperently still suffering the effects of an Olympic hangover; as for our friend Jordan Sien, he had an unfortunate accident while riding in Florida back in February.  The poor kid snapped his femur after doing a heelside front roll.  Our thoughts are with the kid as we wish him a full and speedy recovery.  Stay strong brother.

Chapter III: Manila to Naga and the CWC.

AFTER LANDING in Manila saturday night, we had only 7 hours between our final flight to Naga City at 6:45 am Sunday morning.  So we figured we would save a few pesos, and setup camp in the airport.  After gaining a few hours of sleep, it was finally time to check in.  After 3 flights, it was all but routine: passports, boarding passes, security, gate numbers etc...Right.  After going through security, Justin and I decided to grab a coffee.  Apparently this coffee was so good that we completely loss track of time, and showed up a little late to our departure gate only to found out that the plane was gone. We missed our f*cking flight!! Luckily there was another plane leaving at 9:05.  So another 1,500 pesos, and we would be on our way...finally. 

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Chapter II: Ottawa to Chicago to Tokyo to Manila.

SO WE TOOK off from Ottawa at 6:55 am on April 16th, and arrived in Manila Saturday night April 17th at approx 10:30 pm local time.  The flights were good for the most part.  But man it would be hard to imagine travelling without a personal screen on the back of each seat with the ability to control what you wanna watch, when you wanna watch it. (I think I watched 4 movies)  We were pretty fortunate to have these luxuries, cause our next flight reminded us that it wasn't always so cozy.  Thank you to Japan Airlines for getting us to Manila safe, sound, and with ALL our luggage. "Niiiice!!"
And FYI, did you know...The first trans-pacific flight was something like 75 years ago, and took off from San Francisco to the Philippines.  It took 6 and half days to complete the trip. And to think we did it in 16 hours...that's pretty cool.






Mmmm...nothing like some authentic Japanese green tea in Tokyo after a 12 hr and 27 min flight.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Chapter I: Timmins to Ottawa.



ALTHOUGH we have over 30 hrs of flying ahead of us, the longest part will be making it from Timmins ON to Ottawa ON.  8hrs south east by car.  Hopefully the 'ol honda will get us there, and LB didn't sell us a lemon.  Best 300$ Justin has ever spent!  Bon voyage!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Packing on a shoestring.

WAKEBOARD: CHECK. Shorts: check.  Helmet: check.  Life vest: check. Sunscreen: check.  Passport: check! Next stop: Philippines...

Thursday, April 8, 2010

CWC Flashback

What keeps me going back to the CWC? This year will be my 4th trip in 4 years to the Philippines; oddly it will be the first time my bro, Justin, and I travel there together. (We once crossed paths there after leaving Australia, and were able to spend a few days riding before he went home.) But I'll be honest, and admit that I'm having some mixed emotions about going. I think it's normal to feel a little "nervously excited". I mean, the place is far and you've gotta be ready for anything, all the while expecting nothing. Just be present, and live the moment. 
Check out these video highlights from last year's trip...http://www.vimeo.com/6156116

Season Opener: Philippines and Thailand.

Philippines
April 18th-May 7th
Camsur Watersports Complex
Naga City, Camarines Sur PHI
www.cwcwake.com 

Thailand
May 8th-May16th
Thai Wake Park (TWP)
Bangkok, Thailand
www.thaiwakepark.com






While I'm always excited to visit the CWC, I love the idea of visiting Thailand's newest and sickest cable park! New terrain, with some pretty unique obstacles like this fresh new wall ride.