OWC Tips for me?

I am finally getting to take a trip to Orlando and ride at the OWC. I am set up for lessons on the boat lake as well as on the cable park. Any advice on hitting rails for the first time and making the most of the riding there?

I do have an indo board and have been practicing.

Just relax and have fun

The rails will be fast if you've never hit one before.

Try to get the most out of it

Don't be scared to hit any of the rails because it looks 'tall', or 'out of your league'. All the rails are as beginner friendly as they get!

If you've never ridden cable before, really anticipate the change in direction. That was the hardest thing I had to get used to! Be prepared to be as sore as you ever have been after riding. I went in May, and rode mainly the big cable (the one with fewer obstacles/rails) and had a good time. And I got to land a HS 180 off of the little jump in there.

The smaller slider park the cable moves much faster (or at least it feels like its much faster) than the smaller park, so the corners come up quicker, and the sliders slide much faster than the rail's I've hit snowboarding.

The on-site food isn't great, so bring a sandwich/cooler if you are going to spend most of the day there, or just leave and come back if you have your own equipment.

overall, super friendly cable ops and other staff make this a MUST DO!!!

When you fall on the sliders and kickers, swim out of the way before taking your board off so other people can hit the obstacles. Blocking a slider is a fast way not to make friends at odub

In general the larger cable runs 28kph and the small cable runs 32kph. Bring a semi-beater board if you plan to hit the sliders as it may get scraped or slightly cracked. Molded fins are the best as metal is not allowed and larger fins will not make sliding easy. And bring your helmet, even a cheap skate helmet will do.

The cable is easier for beginners riding goofy. So if you are regular you should try practicing riding switch. You don't need to ride switch all the time but it will come in handy part of the time.

Normally I might see you out there but last Sunday I jammed my knee on a stiff legged landing off the A-Frame. It swelled up like a grapefruit, and I couldn't walk on it for two days. Nothing broken in the x-ray and it's starting to get better so I hope to be back out maybe by the end of the month if I take it easy on the jumps.

there is this thing that goes around above you. Follow that.

Hey Ill probably see you out there...Im usually there every day but my advice would be hit the table top first because its just your basic and simple slider which will really help you get a feel for hitting one while at the same time not very intimidating. When you hit it and first come up on it make sure you use your knees to absorb the up ramp onto the table top, otherwise youll hit it and go into the air and land on the table top which isnt the easiest to land on if youve never done it. My names Matt by the way. Let me know if you have any more questions or want any pointers. Hope to see you out there!

Beware of bringing outside food and/or a cooler.
If Rene (owner of OWC) is around and sees it, he'll tell you it's not allowed.
Keep it in your car & park away from the main building you'll be fine.

I agree with Matt 213....relax and have fun. But watch out for the third turn in the park with the one kicker....it has a delayed pull as you make the turn and will pull you on your face if you don't lean back and plan for it. The cable operators are really helpful and nice. I was there in March and had a blast. Have a great time!!

DEf beware of the the turns!! I had one faceplant because I wasnt paying attention and my whole chest and ribs hurt for 2 weeks!! it is a major faceplant!

Other than that it was great. If you cant bring your own board or helmet, bring at least your vest... otherwise you'll have to wear really ugly and uncomfortable nylon vest

Also beware of other riders... especially at the turns, because if they are new there, they will fall and you have to make sure you dont run them over. Swim out of the way first if you fall, then take off your board.

When I went there I only rode at the big lake... Hit the small ramp a couple of times, it was easier than I thought it would be but i was still scared! If you can, stay there for the whole day... I went for 2 hours and it went by too quickly!

The staff there is super nice and helpful. i cant wait to go back!

Thanks to all. I can hardly wait to get there. I just have to remember, follow the cable...

Seriously, this is going to be a blast!

Oh...and ride up the right side of the kicker....if you go up the middle, you will end up falling off the left side because the cable pulls you to the left.

Bring a beater board, stay between the buoys on the first pass or two, and know that your shoulders will feel a little sore. The pull on the cable is slightly up and different from the boat.

Have fun!!