THREE sporty local siblings are taking the plunge in a bid to open Pembrokeshire’s first wakeboarding park.

Sarah, Mark and Stephanie Harris have already purchased a plot of land off the A4075 near Oakwood theme park and lodged a full planning application with Pembrokeshire County Council.

If successful, the Pembrokeshire Wake Park would be only the second facility of its kind in Wales.

Instead of being towed behind a boat, visitors would be propelled along straight line cables in a purpose-built lake. The system offers wakeboarding beginners fast progression and advanced riders, aided by floating features, would have the scope to perform tricks.

“We’re all really heavily in to our sport,” said Sarah. “Stephanie plays rugby for the Scarlets and Mark and I both wakeboard, so we got together and came up with a business that fits with our interests and skills.

“Also, when we were young, we virtually lived at Haverfordwest Gym Club. This made us want to give something back to the community, and create something young people would enjoy.”

The trio expect the development to cost in the region of £250,000, and view the state-of-the-art facility as a welcome addition to the current range of water-based activities on offer in the county.

So far their privately funded scheme, which would eventually create at least eight jobs, has had a great response from locals and nearby businesses.

If they get the go-ahead, the Harris family plan to open the park during daylight hours for seven days a week in peak months.

In addition to wakeboarding, Wake Park customers would be offered activities including open water swimming and stand up paddle boarding.

A clubhouse with a small shop and café would provide an indoor space for spectators and participants alike.

“We’re all very excited,” said Sarah. “It’s taken almost a year to get to this point, and now it’s all full steam ahead. Obviously we’re a bit nervous. It’s been a huge learning curve but we all want to have our own business and we’re confident this is a great opportunity.

“The Wake Park will be a safe, engaging, eco-minded and supportive environment that will naturally yield a strong community of water sports enthusiasts.”

If planning permission is granted, Pembrokeshire Wake Park could open for business by summer 2016.

To keep up-to-date on the development, search Facebook for Pembrokeshire Wake Park.