Florida Guide > Other Activities
Water Sports in Central Florida
If you enjoy sport, are looking for some fun or have a special occasion whilst on vacation in Orlando, why not have a go at some water sports.
Sammy Duvall runs a Water Sport Centre from a ‘beach hut’ close by the Disney Contemporary Hotel, at 4600 North World Drive, using Disney’s waterways.
If you are wondering who is Sammy Duvall, he had an amazingly successful career in waterskiing, becoming a champion at just 17 years of age. He was six times world champion including two he won at Thorpe Park, near Heathrow Airport, England in 1981 and 1987. He now runs his Centre together with the help of other professional instructors.
At the centre you can try out parasailing, Personal Watercrafts (jet skis) as well as water skiing, wakeboarding and even knee boarding equipment.
If you have ever wanted an unusual view of the lakes at Disney then paragliding might be for you. It is an amazing experience as you soar into the air – at first feeling very strange - quite vulnerable. However, this soon changes to one of excitement and awe! But as you rise slowly it is so effortless. You won’t want to come down!
Para flights can be on your own or with a friend – riders must be over 5 years. Fliers must be at least 125lb and no more than 330lb – they will allow a lightweight 5 year old to be accompanied by another person meeting the minimum requirement. You can choose flights between 450 feet or 600 feet with prices starting at $95 for alone rides at 450 feet up to $185 for two riders at 600 feet. Flights operate 7 days a week every half hour. In the summer flights start at 9am with the last flight at 4. 30pm and during the winter season flights start a little later at 10am until 4. 30pm.
If you’ve not yet been convinced that parasailing is your ‘thing’ there are plenty more options!
There is waterskiing (single and slalom for the more advance), wakeboarding and knee boarding with lessons to help you get up and keep your balance! And if this isn’t for you there is tubing trips. These are great for those wishing to participate but with less confidence or balancing skills. Here you hold (or hang! ) on to large rings or tubes whilst a boat does the hard work pulling you along the surface of the water. Great fun, as you skim across the top of the water! The boats can take up to 5 people at one time and can last half or a whole hour with prices ranging from $80 - $155. If you have any minors in your group they can participate with parental/guardian’s agreement.
Personal watercrafts, often referred to as jet skis, might be something you’ve always wanted to try – or perhaps feel are more to your preference! These are available for rental from Walt Disney Worlds Contemporary Resort. There is a morning guided tour which gives ample opportunities to take photos, together with a natural Florida view of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon (my personal favourite as I love any opportunity to see ‘natural’ Florida) . The second is a Free Ride excursion that allows you freedom and fun in the private water craft area.
The Personal Watercrafts can hold up to 3 people with a combined weight of under 400lb. The driver of the jet ski must be over 16 years of age and bring photo ID with them. Minors (under the age of 18) must have an adult to give permission. The guided trip is an hour long and costs $125 for the Personal Water Craft whilst the Free Ride trip can be either a half hour ($75) or one hour ($125) per Personal Water Craft.
If you would like to find out more information, make a booking or check the latest prices phone (407)939-0754. Please ensure that your travel insurance includes cover for water sports – you may need to add this to your policy.
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