By Lauren Tjaden

Is high adventure is your idea of a high time? If so, these five Sunshine State adventures are designed to thrill.

  • Hang Gliding
    So where are the mountains? You don’t need them to go tandem hang gliding in Florida. You and your instructor will tow up to altitude behind a Light Sport Aircraft, and then soar down while enjoying spectacular views. Check out this great video of me taking a friend for a flight.

  • Kiteboarding
    Combine paragliding with wakeboarding and you wind up with this wild, windy adventure. The Florida Keys boast a boatload of shallow, glassy water and smooth breezes, making them an ideal location to learn this sport.

  • Skydiving
    The Sunshine State, with its abundance of flat fields and balmy winters, is made for plummeting from the sky. Here’s a video of me trying it at Skydive City in Zephyrhills.

  • Surfing
    There's no better way to have a swell time making waves. If you’re just learning, splash over to Cocoa Beach to enjoy gentle, consistent conditions. Hot shots should head to New Smyrna Beach or Sebastian Inlet.

  • Zip Lining
    Glide over the forests and swamps in this fun-for-the-whole-family adventure at Forever Florida in Saint Cloud. 
Tandem hang gliding is a once in a lifetime experience. This is me and my friend Jim over Groveland.

Tandem hang gliding is a once in a lifetime experience. This is me and my friend Jim over Groveland.

- Jim Rooney

PLACES TO REMEMBER

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