Water and wheels

Photo caption: Wakeboarding, for those who don't want to spend this summer in their lazy chair. The success of the Brussels roller parade, in which 40,000 people participated last year, is infectious. This summer, Huy, Hasselt, Bergen, Ghent, Koksijde, Namur, and Ostend are also organizing one weekly. In the capital itself, there will be roller-skating for no less than four months starting this week, on a twenty-kilometer course. Meeting every Friday evening at 8 p.m. on Poelaertplein, if the weather permits. Unless you feel like more adventurous water sports. Then there is Wake 'n Bake, a wakeboard event by Swatch and O'Neill in Antwerp and Lommel. There, experts give introductory lessons in the acrobatic water ski variant, although the movements are very similar to surfing and snowboarding. Because you need a boat and an open water surface, the sport is not very well known in our country. To let the general public get a taste of the activity, the organization provides boats, boards, and wetsuits. ,,We will demonstrate spectacular jumps," says co-organizer Kristof Sehmke. ,,But of course, the intention is not that the participants can do that too. In itself, the basics are not that difficult to master." By the way, as many women as men are expected at the event. After the action, you can satisfy your hunger with a large barbecue, and afterwards, deejays will provide a solid beach party on the shore. If you're still standing. (DDW) :: Wake 'n Bake, on June 19 in Antwerp, next to the Galgenweel, and June 26 in Lommel (waterski club Lommel Ski). Participation costs 28 euros. Info: www.wake-bake.be. For roller parades in Belgium: www.belgiumrollers.com.