Florida Skiing?

T

The 86

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Where is best to slalom in Florida? I am a recreational competitive slalom skier from Buffalo NY and want to get some freshwater skiing in March. Where can I rent a boat and ski some glass?
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Re: Florida Skiing?

depends on where you want to go in Florida. Fresh water, or Salt Water?

lived in Bradenton Florida for two years. only once was there no wind and water glass calm. that was at 5am sometime in November. most of the time I would settle for 6"-12" chop. Best place I found in the area was Palma Sola Bay. Too much boat traffic everywhere else.

I have tried the leeward side of a few of the islands, however have to watch the charts and ever moving sand bars.
 
sasto

sasto

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Re: Florida Skiing?

There is a ski park south of West Palm Beach near Fort Lauderdale. For the life of me, I don't remember the name. There are several in the state that are the cable type. Also give Winter Haven a try. You could rent a boat in the Chain of Lakes, and even watch the Cypress Gardens Ski Show from your boat.

Have Fun!
 
T

The 86

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Re: Florida Skiing?

Cool, yeah I am looking for the fresh water near the end of March.

That chain of lakes looked pretty cool but I was having a difficult time finding places that rent ski boats, they all seem to have pontoon and center counsel boats. What would be ideal would to be able to rent a real ski boat, but any run-about would do.

Have you ever used the cable? How is it?

Thanks for the info!
 
sasto

sasto

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Re: Florida Skiing?

The 86 said:
.

Have you ever used the cable? How is it?

Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...

I thought the cable was a great thing. I'm no professional, by any means, but my friends were that took me. They loved it too. Not only a slalom course...but they had ramps also. The price is right.

I have some old friends in Winter Haven and will contact them for info on a well equiped ski boat. Cribber is from that area. Maybe he will chime in. You can pull your boat right up to an observation point and be close to the ski show at Cypress Gardens. I really enjoyed the clown show. Those guys can really ski!

I lived there for a couple years and really enjoyed the lakes. There are several joined together by canals. After a long day on the water you can pull into a few watering holes for a bite to eat. Heck.....one place has/had a drive thru for your boat!
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

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Re: Florida Skiing?

There are little waterski training center ponds all over the place in FL if you want someone to pull and coach you. My father in law goes down for a couple weeks every year and works on his skiing. Apparently FL water is "softer" than northern water, has a different feel to it.
 
T

The 86

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Re: Florida Skiing?

sasto said:
I thought the cable was a great thing. I'm no professional, by any means, but my friends were that took me. They loved it too. Not only a slalom course...but they had ramps also. The price is right.

I have some old friends in Winter Haven and will contact them for info on a well equiped ski boat. Cribber is from that area. Maybe he will chime in. You can pull your boat right up to an observation point and be close to the ski show at Cypress Gardens. I really enjoyed the clown show. Those guys can really ski!

I lived there for a couple years and really enjoyed the lakes. There are several joined together by canals. After a long day on the water you can pull into a few watering holes for a bite to eat. Heck.....one place has/had a drive thru for your boat!
Click to expand...

Wow, good information. So I found a few parks, Ski Rixen USA on East Coast and Ski McCormick on West Coast of FL. McCormick has a cable lake and a boat lake, but the cable is much less expensive.

Good information so far, Water is Softer? Interesting haha

Yeah any other ideas and information will definitely make this a better trip. Thanks again
 
Scott Danforth

Scott Danforth

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Re: Florida Skiing?

oldjeep said:
Apparently FL water is "softer" than northern water, has a different feel to it.
Click to expand...

that is just the pesticide and herbicide run-off from everyone's lawns
 
T

TilliamWe

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Re: Florida Skiing?

86, my parents live in the town next to Winter haven. My mom sent me this note:

"Water level is low, don't know if you can get out of Lake Shipp. Water show is part of Legoland. don't know schedule at all. Go to website.
Marine Supply rents boats. And you can ski on Lake Roy. they have boats and teach waterskiing. try to find a website for lake roy skiing in winter haven. Don't have Marine Supply's phone number but you should be able to find it on super pages and they can probably answer all your questions.
Love ya,
mom"

Marine Supply's number is 863-293-1156

I have been to Legoland's website and it is silent on the water ski show.

Best of luck to you.
 
T

The 86

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Re: Florida Skiing?

Cool! I will definitely check this out.

I think I'm going to stay away from the cable, just doesn't seem right. But I will for sure check out this Lake Roy and see whats up.

Appreciate the info!
 
T

The 86

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Re: Florida Skiing?

Hey everyone, appreciate the insight.

So I have booked the trip. My friend has some family in Sebring. So we are going to get a boat delivered to Lake Jackson for a few days and ski there. Looks to be pretty decent. Then we are going to Sebring International for the Mobil 1 race!

If anyone is going to be around Lake Jackson a few days before patty's day and wants to shred let me know!
 
R

riverbarron

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Re: Florida Skiing?

The harris chain of lakes in central fl., tavares, mount dora area is good.i ski there every chance i get. As far as gators, all fresh water lakes in fl have em. Just stay off the shoreline.
 
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