Empower Adventures brings the exhilarating whoosh of ziplining to the verdant canopies and tranquil waters of Old Tampa Bay.
The Oldsmar-based adventure outlet also offers outdoor-fun activities that include paddleboarding, climbing and rappelling.
Founded by U.S. war veteran Joe Dering, Empower Adventures provides outdoor enthusiasts with a memorable excursion and panoramic views of the Mobbly Bayou Nature Preserve. The two-hour guided tour also includes a mission to boost team building and confidence in all aspects of personal and professional life.
Dering, who served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he returned from service seeking to use his leadership skills in a way that would allow him to contribute to society.
“Our zipline course doesn’t care who you are,” Dering said. “It takes you from one tower to the next, regardless of what you look like or what you believe in.”
Partnering with advisors Dev Pathik and Jason Clement, Dering developed Empower Leadership Sports in Middletown, Connecticut, and later created Empower Adventures in Tampa Bay. His motivational endeavors have been featured on CNN, FOX and other numerous media outlets across the U.S.
Not just for rugged athletes, Empower Adventures also offers birthday parties and other activities for the whole family. Youth Leadership Training Programs enable students to learn what it means to muster courage and overcome obstacles; for more daring participants, the 30-foot “Leap of Faith” rappel challenge can be included for an additional fee.
Those looking for a unique holiday gift can save up to $20 per person for a two-hour, fully-guided zipline adventure voucher that includes five ziplines, four adventure elements, a 200-foot suspension bridge and rappelling through the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve.
For an unforgettable way to cap off the day, tour guides also lead participants through a 2.5-hour sunset ziplining experience.
For more information on Empower Adventures’ excursions, visit zipontampabay.com.
