I Tried Three Of Singapore's Most Unique Workshops | Singapore Hour

Jetboarding, Glassblowing & DJing: A Singaporean Adventure

Key Concepts: Jetboarding (e-foiling), Glassblowing, DJing (Beatmatching, Equalisation, Transitioning), "Baby Steps Before Beast Mode", "Fake it Till You Make It", Tribe Watersports, Tombalek Workshop, Wild Pearl.

Jetboarding at Lazarus Island

The video begins with Marion, also known as Swizzy, attempting jetboarding – a motorised surfboard – for the first time at Lazarus Island with Tribe Watersports, Singapore’s first and only e-foil and jetboard school. Jetboards can reach speeds of up to 55 km/h, described as fast enough to “drive to Malaysia.”

The process involves starting on one’s belly, transitioning to a plank position, and then standing up while controlling the board with a handheld remote. Marion initially aims for a level 3 or 4 speed setting, emphasizing a gradual learning approach (“Baby steps before beast mode”). Key to success is maintaining a constant speed to sustain momentum.

Experienced riders can perform advanced maneuvers like carving turns, gliding above the water, and jumping waves. Lessons and board rentals are available through companies like Tribe Watersports, and boards can also be purchased for personal use. Marion describes the experience as similar to “snowboarding without the snow” and highly recommends it to water sports enthusiasts.

Glassblowing at Tombalek Workshop

Next, Marion explores glassblowing at Tombalek Workshop, Singapore’s only glass-melting furnace offering beginner-friendly classes. The furnace operates at approximately 1,200°C. The process involves gathering molten glass onto a pipe, constantly rotating it to maintain shape, and then blowing air into it to expand it.

Instructor Karen demonstrates the techniques, emphasizing the importance of speed and maintaining even pressure to create a flat base. Marion attempts to create a simple cup, learning to pivot the glass 45 degrees and use jacks (tools) to shape it. Despite a slightly “lopsided” and “wobbly” result, Marion is proud of her creation.

Tombalek Workshop also offers classes in furniture making and knife forging. The finished glass piece, still warm at around 180°C (cooling to 50°C before handling), represents a unique and personal creation.

DJing at Wild Pearl

The final segment features Marion learning the basics of DJing at Wild Pearl, a small, community-focused space in Ann Siang Hill. Ryan, a professional DJ (DJ Weatherman), guides her through the fundamentals.

The core concepts covered include:

• Beatmatching: Selecting songs with similar tempos to ensure a seamless mix.
• Equalisation (EQ): Adjusting the high, middle, and low frequencies of a song to shape its sound. Lowering the high frequencies emphasizes the bass.
• Transitioning: Fading one track out while bringing another in to maintain energy and flow.

Ryan explains that a good transition avoids silence or abrupt changes in sound. Marion attempts to mix two songs, receiving feedback that her initial transition lacked energy. She learns that even a slightly imperfect mix can be presented as intentional (“Fake it till you make it”). Ryan emphasizes that every DJ starts somewhere and that having fun is the most important aspect.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The video is structured around Marion’s attempts to learn three new skills. A recurring theme is the idea of starting small and gradually building confidence – encapsulated in the phrase “Baby steps before beast mode.” This approach is applied to each activity, from the initial speed setting on the jetboard to the basic techniques in glassblowing and DJing. The phrase “Fake it till you make it” provides a humorous counterpoint, acknowledging the inevitable challenges and imperfections in learning new skills.

The video highlights the diverse range of experiences available in Singapore, from water sports and artistic crafts to the vibrant music scene. Ultimately, the takeaway is that embracing new challenges and simply “giving it a go” can be incredibly rewarding, regardless of the outcome.

Notable Quotes

• “Fake it till you make it.” – Marion, used throughout the video to embrace imperfections.
• “Think of this as something you can pick up as a hobby.” – Regarding jetboarding.
• “Baby steps before beast mode.” – Repeated phrase emphasizing a gradual learning approach.
• “Every DJ starts somewhere.” – Ryan, DJ Weatherman, encouraging Marion.

Technical Terms

• E-foil: A surfboard with an underwater wing that lifts the rider above the water.
• Jetboard: A motorised surfboard.
• Beatmatching: Aligning the tempos of two songs for a smooth transition.
• Equalisation (EQ): Adjusting the frequency levels (high, mid, low) of a sound.
• Jacks: Tools used in glassblowing to shape the molten glass.
• Furnace: A high-temperature oven used to melt glass.