Aquatic sports are an enjoyment for many, but for 12-year-old Praewa Pongpojwatee, the real attraction lies in the fact that they give her a sense of self-worth and a sense of freedom.
“I love being in and on the water. The expanse of empty space on the water gives me a feeling of being free that I really enjoy,” Praewa said.
Her family usually spends vacations at the beach, either in Pattaya or Hua Hin, where she swims, surfs, snorkels, as well as takes a few lessons in other aquatic sports. But when at home in Bangkok, Praewa enjoys activities at Bung Nong Bon Aquatics Centre.
“Going through water — the natural environment that we are not familiar with is an experience that is hard to compare. Ending up close to the beach is so exciting. But when I survive a session, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment,” she said.
Children and the public can practice a variety of aquatics sports at Bung Nong Bon Aquatics Centre in Bangkok. Pattanapong Hirunard
She said trying out the activities at the centre where she attended a training programme delivered by professional trainers gave her confidence.
Located in Prawet district, the 644-rai centre was initially set up in 1983 to serve as a water-retention area to receive floodwater in the eastern part of the city.
The Department of Drainage and Sewerage is responsible for managing water at the centre.
In 2006, it was upgraded to become an aquatic sports centre with the installation of facilities and equipment, making it the first such recreational facility set up by City Hall.
It was to serve as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 60th anniversary celebration of the king’s accession to the throne, according to Teerachai Boonsri, Senior Sports Development Officer at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department who also serves as the centre’s chief.
Sailing is one of the King’s favourite sports. He won a gold medal for sailing in the 4th Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1967, together with Princess Ubolratana with whom he tied for points. He has also sailed the Gulf of Thailand from Hua Hin to Toey Harbour in Sattahip, covering 60 nautical miles in a 14-hour journey on the Vega 1, an OK Class dinghy which he built.
Incorporating three spacious marshlands, the centre is open for public use and is particularly geared toward students, with around 200 members using its facilities and equipment every day. That number doubles at weekends and on public holidays, according to Mr Teerachai.
“The centre brings people together who share common interests,” he said.
The aquatic centre offers pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, sculls and windsurfing. It is equipped with facilities and sports equipment that are of international standard and the membership fee — 10 baht per annum for children and 40 baht for adults — is affordable, he said.
“We want to help students develop their sporting potential and help them be healthy and happy. On top of that, we want to build equality of opportunities among students and encourage them to have a sense of fairness and their own sense of value and self-esteem, he said adding that equipment and facilities for water sports are limited in schools.
So far, the centre has promoted its services among students to urge them to use its facilities and equipment, according to Mr Teerachai.
One of the special things about the centre is that members will be coached in various sports by skilled trainers, mostly national aquatic sports athletes or former athletes.
“So, we have a glimpse of what it takes to be an athlete who represents the country. An opportunity to rub shoulders with a national athlete is quite an experience,” Praewa, a Mathayom 1 student of Nawaminthrachinuthit Triamudomsuksanomklao School, said.
Sailing is the most popular sport among members, sport development officer Kritthaya Niamchanwet said, adding that the walker bay boats are great for kids or beginners, while the Laser is a fast sailboat used for racing.
She said the centre is equipped with a wide variety of equipment for amateurs and more seasoned enthusiasts, but admitted much of it is old yet well maintained.
The centre now has 10 walker bay boats, five laser sailing craft, 10 one-seat kayaks, eight double-seat kayaks, four three-seat kayaks, three single sculls, three double sculls, 15 windsurf boards and eight rowing machines.
The centre fulfills basic requirements for aquatic sports, Ms Kritthaya said, adding that seven life guards are stationed in three locations to ensure health and safety requirements are met.
“We have strict safety standards. Trainers will check to see whether members are physically fit enough before allowing them to take part in a sport,” she said, adding the centre has had a clean safety record during since opening. Members are required to wear lifejackets and strictly follow their trainers’ instructions. Activities are banned on windy days.
Praewa’s mother, Pathum Kamlung, admitted safety was her main concern although her daughter has acquired basic swimming skills.
“We were concerned about her safety when tried surfing in the sea. Little advice was offered. She acquired skills and knows how to survive in the water after attending proper training programmes at the centre. We now feel more at ease,” Ms Pathum said.
At training sessions, Praewa was taught to understand the potential hazards involved in sporting activities and to be more conscious about safety.
“We have to keep alert and take note of warnings,” said Praewa who is learning to sail a boat.
The centre also offers a range of outdoor sports, including basketball, sepak takraw and floating futsal.
There is an outdoor space which is equipped with sports equipment for the elderly.
The centre also features a 4-km two-way separated bike lane for recreation and exercise purposes.
There are also separated bike lanes in other areas of the centre, according to Mr Teerachai.
He said the centre took advantage of the areas around the edge of the marshland by setting up bike lanes, allowing cyclists to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
The main drawback was that there was no option to borrow bicycles at the centre.
However, this service is set to launch on Monday, according Mr Teerachai.
The bike lanes cater to all people; people who are not members are also allowed to use the lanes, said Mr Teerachai.
The centre is located in Soi Chalerm Phrakiet 43 and is open from 8.30am to 7.30pm Mondays through Saturdays, and from 10.30am and 7.30pm on Sundays and holidays.
Parking is available for more than 100 vehicles.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.