Tampa Area? Moving soon.. need info..

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

So, I just got orders to MacDill AFB, FL will be moving to the Tampa Area at the end of the summer...

Where does everyone board at? Bay?, Local lakes? There is so much water, I guess I'm not sure where to start... Laughing

We are used to having lakes within 30 min or so from the house. Anything like that in the area? Do most folks store their boats, or keep em at home? I assume you can boat year round which will be new to us!

Whats the commute like in the area?

Any help from locals would be appreciated, as I research and learn about the area. Thanks!

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

Bummer man! I was looking forward to meeting you and hanging out when we move to OKC. When are you moving exactly?

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

We won't be moving till September Okie, so we will deffinetly be doin' some boardin' this summer! Cool

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

USAF_C6, North Tampa and Odessa are where all of the lakes are at. No one really rides the ocean. The real estate is at an all time low and there are great deals to buy or rent. Here is a list of lakes off the top of my head:
Magdalene
Keystone
Carrol
Whitetrout
Egypt
Anna
Alice
Crenshaw
Josephine
Crystal
Thonotosassa
Pretty
Padgett
Hiawatha
Frances
Fern

These are all the lakes off the top of my head that are good for riding. There are a million other "lakes" in the area but are most likely ponds that apartment complexes are located on.
Here is a list of all of the lakes in Hillsborough County:
http://florida.hometownlocator.com/features/physical.cfm?class=lake&scfips=12057&startrow=1

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

I live on lake magdalene and I don't know your price range, but there are condos on the lake at a great price called the Sailwinds. Some are directly on the lake but all have lake access and our water level is the highest it has been in years so no problem dropping your boat at the ramp at all. It is actually the best ramp to use on the lake if you know someone with a key to it.

ky1e · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2693

USAF_C6, i didn't even get past the rest of your post before I started typing. Most people keep their boats on their dock, otherwise just keep them on the trailer in their driveway/side of house/garage. Pretty much with the highway system in Tampa, you can live as far out as Plant City which is passed Lake Thonotosassa and make the commute to McDill in under 45 minutes. There is no such thing as winterizing your boats in Tampa, although this winter it might have been a good idea Laughing

. Keep us posted with places you find and I will tell you whether or not the distance is too far or the lake is good for riding. There are TONS of wakeboarders in Tampa and you will not have any problems finding a pull. We also just got a cable at McCormick's ski school which has pretty much become the cable of choice for all cable riders from orlando to tampa to anywhere. They also have a 220 team that is sacked out if you want a pull on that, and their pro shop is stocked with all the new LF gear, but they also have HIGH QUALITY rentals so you really don't need to bring anything if you don't want to hurt your board. They also rent helmets and vests so pretty much all you need to do is show up and you will be ready for a high quality shred session.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

USAF_C6,

We should be in OKC somewhere in June or July. Y'all are also welcome to come up our way earlier.

Sounds like you're already getting some good info.

GnarShredd · Posted: Mar 08, 2010 10:10 am Post subject:

I live in St. Pete and take weekly trips to the cable park on weekends.

I can't really give advice as far as boating goes though as I've only really ever ridden cable. I also have a winch if you ever want to give that a shot (I still haven't taken it to the beach and really want to sometime).

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

Bixter · Newbie Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 5

I live in st pete. pretty far from the lakes up north. so I keep my boat in a high and dry on tierra verde and wakeboard on the intercoastal. not the ideal spot, but i keep my boat for more than just wakeboarding and like to have the gulf access.

GnarShredd · Posted: Mar 10, 2010 6:32 am Post subject:

BTW, if anyone in the area wants to winch the beach once it warms up a bit more, let me know. I still have yet to do that. Free pulls!!!!!

Bixter · Newbie Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 5

I'd love to try the winch sometime. I'm curious what its like. Seems like a fun thing to have, but I'd like to try one before I bought one.

GnarShredd · Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:24 am Post subject:

Once the gulf warms up a bit (and if there's no wind to kite in) shoot me a PM and I'll give you guys my # so we can hit up the beach sometime.

Bixter · Newbie Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 5

Sounds good. And I'm happy to give you a pull if you're interested in riding the bay/intercoatal behind an i/o with a tower.