By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

You can make the one hour plus drive to the beach to surf the Atlantic and spend the day looking at pitiful waves, worrying about sharks, jellyfish and riptide, or you can head on out to Fantasy Surf, the new surfing attraction in Osceola County.

Fantasy Surf, part of the Fantasy World Resort off of U.S. Highway 192, uses the FlowRider system, so riders can get the feel of both surfing and wakeboarding. Experienced riders will be able to do the tricks of skateboading, while riding a three-inch sheet of water.

There are Flowrider systems all over the world, said spokesperson Nanci Schwartz, but the Kissimmee location is more like a flagship operation.

Fantasy Surf includes the Off Shore surf shop, featuring surf fashion and accessories and  The Lull, an American grill cafe.

But the cafe and surf shop are just diversions compared to the main event — the never-ending surf.

The Flowrider is great for the beginner and the expert. Beginners can body surf on the supplied rider, while experienced surfers should have no problem getting a feel for the waves in just a few minutes.

There are few requirements to try out the Flowrider. There is a height requirement of 42-inches for the bodyboard, which means youngsters as young as 6 have been surfing. Conversely, the attraction has had surfers as old as in their 70s riding the waves, Scharwtz said.

The attraction is great for parents who need a “babysitter” for a while as well. They can grab a light meal in the cafe, and even their youngsters enjoy the surf on the closed circuit screens. The attraction will also have wi fi service soon as well.

Fantasy Surf is also often home for Sean Silveira and Amanda McCormick, professional Flowboarders from Orlando. Silveira and McCormick both recently  took the top scores in their respective divisions at the World Flowboarding Championships in Singapore. MCormick captured first place in the Ladies Flowboarding division and Silveira  won in the Men’s Expert Flowboarding competition.

Flowrider rates are $25 for a single session for adults, $20 for a child. Two single sessions Are $47 per adult, $37 for children. Group rates are also available.

Riders can call ahead and reserve a half-hour session time.

Fantasy Surf is also available for private parties. Season passes are available too.

The Flowrider and surf shop are  open daily from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. The cafe is open 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.

Fantasy Surf is located at 5151 Kyng's Heath Road. For information call 407 396-RIDE.