Adam Errington, Parks Bonifay and JD Webb took wakeboarding to a new level when they travelled to the Jujuy province in Argentina to wake at the Salinas Grandes salt mines at more than 3,500m above sea level. Check out the highlights of this unique event in this photostory.
Last weekend, six professional wakeboarders, including international stars Parks Bonifay and JD Webb, arrived at the Salinas Grandes, in the province of Jujuy, to participate in a competition held in a salt pool where the athletes were propelled by a car –instead of the commonly used winch – at 33km/h at a height of 3,500 metres.
“Wow…this is incredible” wakeboard world stars Bonifay, Webb and Errington said in unison when they saw themselves surrounded by the Salinas.
An implacable sun and a horizon surrounded by mountains gave an outstanding frame to a place that the athletes immediately headlined as “the middle of nowhere”.
An 80m x 6m pool – made by “coyas”, local aboriginals that live from working with the salt - was waiting for them to do the first wakeboard practice in such height together with local athletes Cutún Martín, Santiago Sequeiros and Tomas Karagozian.
Practice began, as the athletes tried to adapt themselves to the conditions, not only of the track but also the climate “it’s not easy … at this height everything is harder because there is not much oxygen, and the pool is narrow…we have to make very precise moves”, commented Cutún, 10 time Argentine Wakeboard Champion and designer of the track.
Very early the next day, the riders arrived at the Salinas. At 8.00 am free practice started, then the qualifiers and finally the competition.
The riders started doing three rides in groups of two and the winner – chosen by the four riders that acted as judges- passed on to the next round. Webb, Errington and Karagozian went on to the semifinals.
“This was something unique, impressive… wakeboarding in narrow pool of salt is really different… it feels weird…it was a big challenge because it is something new and you didn´t know what could happen…. I had a great time….I´m very happy”, commented Errington, winner of the competition.
After the competition, the riders were invited to participate of the “Pacha Mama” ritual. This ritual renders thanks to Mother Earth for all the things that it gives human kind. Afterwards they ate llama, goat and pork accompanied by the aboriginal community of the place and enjoyed local dances and rituals.
About the Salinas Grandes:
The salt mines are located in an area called Puna Jujeña in the department of Tumbaya and part of the province of Salta in a place called La Poma, the epicenter of the salt plain located at a height of 3.450 metres above sea level.
Due to the height, the Salinas Grandes is a place where the oxygen is scarce. There are adverse climatic conditions, a wide temperature range, and the salt mines, undisputed protagonist of an incredibly amazing landscape surrounded by mountains, were the only witnesses of this place.
About the competitors:
Parks Bonifay (USA): World wakeboard icon.
JD Webb (USA): Rail master.
Adam Errington (USA): Young talent.
Cutún Martin (ARG): 10 time Argentine champion.
Tomas Karagozian (ARG): New star Argentine rider, 2010/2011.
Santiago Sequeiros (ARG): Open Wakeboard Champion ECO Cup 2010/11
Photos © Gustavo Cherro for Red Bull Content Pool
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