The annual Wet ‘n Wild excursion was a hit among students. The Student Activities Committee sold $10 tickets to Wet ‘n Wild waterpark, offered a free pizza lunch and transportation there and back. BYU-Hawaii students expressed their gratitude for the volunteers for watching their belongings, organizers for planning the event, and the opportunity to get a refreshing trip out of Laie.
“I decided to go because it was an amazing deal,” said Nathalie Trow-McDonald, a senior from Louisiana studying communications. “I didn’t have to pay for gas, lunch, or lockers. The ticket was a fraction of the cost. I probably wouldn’t have gone to Wet ‘n Wild for the normal cost of the ticket. It was a lot of fun, and it was different than how I usually spent my days off. I got to add some exhilaration to my week and laugh with friends. All while only getting a mild sunburn.”
Having never been to Wet ‘n Wild, Yenchen Lin, a sophomore from Taiwan studying social work, said she heard the park was a little boring compared to the water parks in Taiwan, but it turned out to be bigger than she imagined.
When Lin discovered the price was only $10 for entrance and free pizza for lunch, she said she thought, “Why not? I have not been to a waterpark for more than a year, and I heard it was a good place to have fun with friends other than at the beach. The rides were great. When my friends and I went on the ride called The Tornado, we screamed and laughed a lot because we [didn’t] know who would be going backwards at the end.
“I just wish they had started the buses on time,” Lin added.
Trow-McDonald shared the the same thought about the buses. She said, “I wish we would have left on time in the morning so we would have had more time in the park before it got crowded. Some mentioned wishing they could have stayed longer. Otherwise, I did not have any complaints.
“I am very thankful for all the volunteers who came all the way to Wet ‘n Wild and spent most of their time watching our bags and handing out pizza instead of enjoying the rides. I didn’t expect to have a whole pavilion to ourselves and have our bags supervised. That was an added bonus.They made it a great experience for us, and I’m sure it was a sacrifice for them to work while watching us have fun. So, mahalo to the student activities workers.”
Seasider activities specialist, Chelsea Medrano, a senior from Hawaii studying biomedical sciences, shared being from Hawaii, she has visited the waterpark many times growing up. According to Medrano, throughout the years, there’s been few name changes but they kept most of the rides.
She said, “I love waterparks and getting to take a trip there for work was just as sweet. Seasider Sports and Activities throws an event for the students to Wet 'n Wild every year. I'm glad I was able to be a part of making it happen this year.
“The work our Seasider Sports and Activities team has put in and see it pay off was amazing. I loved relaxing and seeing others unwind as well. It was a good day to take a break and get out of the daily grind. My favorite part was seeing everyone having fun! Summer is hot, people are working 40 hours, and majority of us live on-campus. It is hard to get out of the school mentality when you are always in Laie.”
One recommendation from Trow-McDonald to students is to “go and sign up early. Also, make sure to bring sunscreen and a set of dry clothes for the bus ride home for maximum comfort. Don’t think your feet are tougher than the concrete baking in the sun. Wear your shoes and maybe a waterproof watch so you are on time for pizza.”
Writer: Dani Castro