Water sports tourism activities roll in Ilocos Norte

(Photo: (c) Andy Arthur/Flickr)

LAOAG CITY – Water sports activities are keeping its peak in Ilocos Norte as the summer season nearly comes to an end.

At the Bislak river in Vintar, the largest municipality in the province, various water activities are being offered to visitors to quench their thirst for a unique summer getaway.

Located about eight kilometers or 15-minute drive from Laoag downtown, the vast of a 16×50-square meter dam has been attracting hundreds of tourists as the municipal government became more aggressive to promote its potential as another interesting hub in the province.

Nestled in the mountainous village of Barangay 10, Parparuroc, the dam primarily serves as the bloodline of farmers where they depend water supply of their farmlands. Going there is pleasing to the eyes as it is surrounded by vast rice fields, mountain ranges, valleys and water arteries connecting to nearby towns.

Before the development of the dam as a potential site for water sports activities, residents here attest of abundant catch of fresh water fish until it became scarce over time.

The Vintar dam is actually a part of the Bislak river which water flows from Cagayan Valley down to some parts of Vintar including Bacarra.

Over the years, its beauty seems to be neglected and forgotten. However, due to a renewed spirit to bring back its lost glory, the municipal tourism office together with a developmental team introduce a master plan for tourism development, hence, the Vintar dam now as an emerging hub for water sports enthusiasts.

With that, they came up with bunch of outdoor activities suited for a perfect get-away among adventurers.

The Kayam-Kayak, better known as Kayaking is one of the most popular activity offered at the dam. In kayaking, you are given the privilege to experience how it feels to paddle in the river. You can enjoy it by yourself or you can paddle with your friend since it is offered in single or double. The good thing about it is, it is offered in its lowest price pegged at PHP50 for single passenger or PHP75 for double.

Water biking and 4×4 river crossing are also offered at the dam. With these two different activities, you are given the chance to wander the river and have the chance to see the magnificent view of the mountains that surrounds the place. This gives you the chance to roam around the place while enjoying the heat of the sun kissing your skin.

For the more adventurous ones, water zorbing is also an option. In water zorbing, you are given a large inflatable sphere that allows you inside it to walk across the surface in a body of water. This offers a different thrill and experience to everyone.

Aside from the activities it offers, you can also find right in front of the dam the so-called “Umok ni Siwawer” (An eagle’s nest). This place serves as the heart of the dam because it is where the controller of the dam is located. The magnificent landscape offers a relaxing ambiance when you reach its view deck.

While promoting the dam’s tourism potential, the municipality does not only think about the benefits they could get out of the dam but also on how to preserve its natural beauty.

In fact, the municipality has a policy of accommodating only 100 persons per day to minimize garbage.

The municipality does not only secure the beauty of the place but as well as the security of the tourists that are paying a visit. The municipality also makes sure that there are steady life guards in case of emergency.

Vintar dam is indeed a place must visit. So, if you are searching for a place to spend your vacation, why not drop by the municipality of Vintar and experience the adventures the place has to offer and witness by your own eyes the beauty of the nature.