When most people think of Nona Adventure Park, they think of a fun place to go on a day off. The truth is, there is so much more to it. Nona Adventure Park is known for being the best spot to learn how to wakeboard. Since opening in March of 2019, Lake Nona locals have learned and advanced in a whole new sport. The weeks of Aug. 1-4 and Sept. 11-12, Nona Wake members competed in National and World Wakeboard Competitions at neighbor parks, Orlando WaterSports Complex (OWC) and Elite Cable Park (ECP). Many of the Nona Members did amazing and made the podium at these intense competitions. At the 2021 Nautique WWA (World Wake Association) Wake Park Nationals, Trent Stuckey (17), Isaic Claudio (13), Michael Kim (14), and Jeven Garcia (12) all won first place for their divisions. Coming in second place in their divisions: Jaden Garcia (16) and Michael D’amelio (11). In third place: Gavin Stuckey (15), Jake Kappler (23) and Nollan Vasconcelos (12). At the 2021 Nautique WWA Wake Park Worlds, Isaic Claudio, Jaden Garcia, Trent and Gavin Stuckey came in first place in their categories as well. In second place: Jake Kappler and Jeven Garcia. Placing third in their category: Preston Persichetti (11).

While wakeboarding is not a “team”-based sport, these athletes are still a team. After asking Jaden Garcia his favorite thing about the sport, he said, “My favorite part about wakeboarding is being with my friends, learning new tricks, and progressing together. Everyone helps each other improve.” Jaden started wakeboarding only two years ago at Nona Adventure Park. Jaden and his brother, Jeven, spend most of their days on the water practicing their skills. 

After asking the same question to another member, Michael Kim, his answer was, “My favorite part about wakeboarding is the thrill of learning something new. There is always a new trick to try or a new skill to learn.” We also asked Kim to describe Nona Adventure Park in one word, and his answer was, “Home.” 

Nona’s members have created friendships on the dock that will last a lifetime. They have built a community that truly feels like home for them. It is rare to see these kids spend days off from school and or go through the afternoons without practicing. The dedication and determination within these individuals is inspiring. 

Nona Adventure Park general manager Jeff Trudeau stated, “I am proud to be able to be a part of the team at NAP. We are here to provide an outlet for people to come and progress their creativity and competitive spirit. NAP is not just an adventure park, we are also the venue for water sports athletes to perfect their craft.” 

The next competition on the calendar is Nona Mini Jams on Oct. 10 at Nona Adventure Park. The athletes are currently starting to prepare their runs for this day. Trudeau encourages Lake Nona residents to come out to this event to see what the hype is all about. Nona Adventure Park is so proud of their members. Congratulations to Team Nona Wake for their big wins! We now have WWA National and World Wakeboard Champions in our Lake Nona community!