Boost your water sports skills with daily guided sessions at Winter Haven’s Briscoe's Ride Center. This unique weeklong program offers personalized instruction on pristine freshwater lakes to elevate your game.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Up to 4 instructional sets per day, each 20–30 minutes
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness improves endurance throughout multiple water sessions per day.
Wildlife
History
Winter Haven’s lakes were formed by sinkholes exposing limestone, shaping a distinctive freshwater network long used for recreation.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on preserving water quality in the lakes through runoff management and responsible boating practices.
Briscoe's Ride Center Inc.
Boost your water sports skills with daily guided sessions at Winter Haven’s Briscoe's Ride Center. This unique weeklong program offers personalized instruction on pristine freshwater lakes to elevate your game.
Briscoe's Ride Center Inc. is a Winter Haven, Florida water sports and tour operator specializing in guided pontoon cruises and hands-on watersports instruction. The company operates narrated scenic cruises across the historic Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, offering one-, two-, and four-hour options that highlight local history, wildlife viewing, and the area's reputation as the "Capital of Waterskiing Worldwide." Briscoe's also provides experiential watersports services, including single-hour group sessions for up to six participants, full-day private lessons with four tailored sessions, a ten-lesson beginner challenge, and extended stay-and-play programs available by the week or month.
All lessons and group sessions include necessary equipment and focus on disciplines such as slalom, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, barefoot techniques, and kneeboarding. Instruction is personalized to participant skill level and goals, with programming that supports beginners through advanced riders. The operator emphasizes safety and local knowledge while operating on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, pointing out wildlife, historic sites, and notable waterski locations during cruises. Offerings are described with clear durations — one hour, two hours, four hours, and full day eight-hour packages — and structured lesson packs that enable skill progression over multiple sessions. For visitors seeking a guided lake experience, family-friendly wildlife viewing, or concentrated watersports training, Briscoe's presents clearly defined options tailored to a variety of interests and abilities. Booking information, schedules, pricing transparency, and equipment inclusions are provided by the operator to assist guests in planning lake-based activities. Availability varies by season; reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times.
Location
Winter Haven, FL
On the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Durations
1–8 hours
One, two, four, and full-day options
Group Size
Up to 6
Group watersports accommodate six
Tours Offered
8
Cruises, lessons, and multi-day programs
Select a cruise, group session, or lesson and secure preferred dates and times.
Hydrate Constantly
Spending multiple sessions on the water demands regular hydration to maintain performance and focus.
Bring Sun Protection
The Florida sun is strong year-round; apply waterproof sunscreen before each session and consider UV-blocking gear.
Arrive with Basic Fitness
While instruction covers technique, a moderate level of fitness improves endurance through multiple daily sessions.
Plan for Early Mornings
Morning air and water conditions tend to be calmer—ideal for initial sets and maximizing learning efficiency.
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin during extended exposure to intense Florida sun.
summer
Neoprene Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in cooler water temperatures, enhancing comfort and performance.
winter
Performance Sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water surface to improve visibility and protect your eyes.
Hydration Pack or Water Bottle
Maintains hydration levels essential for back-to-back sessions and Florida’s heat.