Mixing Water With Fire

July 27, 2014

Wakeboarders, water skiers, and wake skaters, it’s time to sell the boat. WakeFire Wakeboarding Park is open for business.

Brand new and based in Indian River, WakeFire is a park that features and electric cable system that takes the learning curve out for beginners, while letting experienced riders master extreme tricks, said Mike Florek, co-owner.

"It is easier to learn on because the pull is upward, and the water [on the pond] is always calm," said Florek, who grew up in Indian River. "It’s also easier than riding behind a boat, so it is less intimidating for beginners."

WATER WORLD

Two ponds – a beginner pond for first-timers and an advanced pond for those who wakeboard at the expert level – are outfitted with overhead cables.

An electric motor drives the cables to pull the riders via a towrope, a system that is far more reliable than dealing with waves and wakes on a lake, Florek said.

Pros even like to wakeboard at cable parks, he pointed out, because they can hone their skills in a controlled environment.

"The advanced pond has obstacles, much like at a snowboard terrain park," Florek said, for those who want even more challenge.

FLOATING FUN

A typical day at WakeFire finds plenty of wakeboarders catching air and pulling tricks and maneuvers like the Fashion Air, the Tantrum, the Batwing, and the Blind Pete, with 360-degree spins and rolls thrown in for good measure.

Wakeboarding is a fast sport that’s climbing equally fast in popularity, said Florek, who has competitions and demos with amateur and pro riders in the works.

"We are also working on expanding feature obstacles and our pro shop inventory," he said. "We are committed to making WakeFire a great experience for all."

BOARD POWER

Florek runs the park with Angie Florek, who was previously his wife. The two have gone their separate ways but still remain good friends, and they share a mission to make their park a sporting standout in the Indian River area.

Wakeboarding is a sport that is available to all ages and skill levels. But while it’s easy to learn, developing and mastering new tricks is all part of the challenge. The WakeFire park can actually help, as it allows both those starting out in the sport and experts to improve.

Mike Florek said that regardless of skill, the fun happens in trying something new.

"The fun is that no matter how good you are, there are always more skills you can expand on," he said.

WakeFire Wakeboarding Park is located on M-27 in Indian River just south of I-75 Exit 313. Open 11am-7pm, rates begin at $20 per person per hour; groups are $120 per hour including all rentals. Call (231) 818-8050, visit wakefirecable. com, or visit their Facebook page.