Extreme Aerial Obstacles course officially opens in Oldsmar

Four months after Empower Adventures Tampa Bay launched its zipline course in Oldsmar, the companion Extreme Aerial Obstacles officially opened on Tuesday.

Oldsmar Vice Mayor Eric Seidel braves one of the suspension bridges at the Extreme Aerial Obstacles park at Mobbly Bayou Preserve on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016.

Oldsmar Vice Mayor Eric Seidel braves one of the suspension bridges at the Extreme Aerial Obstacles park at Mobbly Bayou Preserve on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016.

Four months after Empower Adventures Tampa Bay launched its zipline adventure course in Oldsmar, the companion Extreme Aerial Obstacles officially opened on Tuesday.

The new feature, located just south of the zipline course at Mobbly Bayou Preserve, features 10 challenging aerial elements, including poles, swings, logs and bridges.

Although the official unveiling was held this week, the park actually opened a few weeks ago, and it’s aim is to draw adventurous guests looking for something more challenging than just zipping down a line, according to EATB founder and president, Joe DeRing.

“We’ve worked hard to build the second component of our aerial adventure park here in Oldsmar, and we’re excited to open it today,”DeRing said.

Empower Adventures founder Joe DeRing a

Empower Adventures Tampa Bay founder Joe DeRing.

“The obstacles are all about giving people the opportunity to empower themselves, to overcome their fears and do something they didn’t think they could do. That’s really what it all about.”

Unlike the zipline unveiling, this intrepid reporter stayed on the ground for this new park’s big reveal.

Fortunately, Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis and Vice-Mayor Eric Seidel were on hand to serve as test subjects for the new aerial adventures.

And the pair of local legislators fared quite well, especially on some of the more harrowing features, including the “leap of faith” log climb and the “grapevine” suspended wire walk.

Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis and Vice Mayor Eric Seidel gives thumbs up from their perch atop one of the extreme aerial obstacles.

Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis and Vice Mayor Eric Seidel gives thumbs up from their perch atop one of the extreme aerial obstacles.

“That was a lot of fun,” Seidel, who managed the difficult task of perching atop the log climb after scaling it, said.

“It’s weird because in the back of your mind, you know it’s safe, but the challenge is to convince yourself and to work your way through it.”

“It makes the zipline look like a cake walk!” Bevis, who unlike Seidel did not attempt the log perch, said. “It really tests you.”

“The zipline is more of a ride, but this was definitely more of a test. I really thought it was awesome.”

DeRing said the twin parks allow for some creative packaging and pricing for those who are looking to see what the place is all about.

“We offer an “extreme zip tour” which is the zipline course plus the aerial obstacles for $89.00,” DeRing said, adding the package has been “a really popular offering.”

The Extreme Aerial Obstacles course is a companion to the nearby Zipline Adventure Park.

The Extreme Aerial Obstacles course is a companion to the nearby Zipline Adventure Park.

“And we also just started a sunset special, which gives you a taste of both experiences for half the price.”

DeRing said the combination of having both adventure parks located in a setting like the preserve is a match made in heaven for eco-tourists, family outings, team-building exercises, and those just looking to have some fun while conquering their fears.

“With the Extreme Aerial Obstacles combined with the existing zipline course here at Mobbly Bayou Preserve, we feel like we have the perfect mix of zipline and adventure parks,” he said.

“This rounds out a true outdoor canopy adventure experience that offers something for everyone.”

For more information on Empower Adventures Tampa Bay Zipline Park and the Extreme Aerial Obstacles course, visit zipontampabay.com.

Related content:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *