Athletic Brewing Company’s “The Great Urban Outdoors” series aims to uncover these hidden cities with outdoor opportunities. Orlando, Florida, did not disappoint. 

Hosted by outdoor enthusiasts Megan Ethel and Guenther Oka, the episode took participants on a journey through some of the city’s most thrilling natural spots, from sun-soaked beaches to cool, refreshing springs and iconic lakes.

A Day Packed With Adventure

The day kicked off with a visit to New Smyrna Beach, a local favorite where visitors can experience the unique thrill of driving right onto the sand. “The thing that’s so special about New Smyrna is that you get to come out here and actually drive onto the beach,” Megan explained, setting the tone for the day’s adventures. With coolers packed, surfboards ready, and the truck parked right by the water, it was time to hit the waves.

Despite the small summer swell, Megan and Guenther found the perfect way to enjoy the ocean — foil boarding. “The foil kind of harnesses all the energy and allows us to go faster and make something out of nothing,” Guenther said. While Florida’s waves might be underrated, as Megan pointed out, “Florida’s notorious for breeding some of the best surfers in the world.”

Cooling Off at the Springs

After soaking up the sun and riding the waves, the team headed to one of Florida’s famous natural springs. “It was a scorcher today, but what’s so cool about the springs is it stays a consistent 72 degrees year-round. That’ll be perfect to cool us off,” Megan said.

The springs provided a much-needed respite from the heat, offering crystal-clear waters and serene nature trails. After a refreshing dip, the team was recharged and ready for the final leg of their Orlando adventure.

Wakeboarding at Lake Ivanhoe

The day wrapped up at Lake Ivanhoe, an iconic spot in downtown Orlando, especially known in the wakeboarding community. “We host the Red Bull Double or Nothing every year here,” Oka mentioned, underscoring the lake’s significance.

With the city skyline as a backdrop, Lake Ivanhoe perfectly encapsulated the urban outdoor vibe that Athletic Brewing celebrates.

“I think people’s usual perception of Orlando has a lot to do with the theme parks and all the tourist traps, but Orlando has a lot of hidden gems,” Megan said as they prepared for one last wakeboarding session to end the day.

Cheers to a Day Well Spent

Reflecting on the day, Megan summed up the experience: “Today has been so rad. We’ve literally done three different activities. We’re so fortunate to live in Orlando.” 

As they toasted with Athletic Brewing’s nonalcoholic beers, Megan and Guenther were already looking forward to the next adventure. “Best part, we’re gonna wake up feeling great tomorrow; we can do it all over again,” they concluded, raising their cans.

Athletic Brewing’s “The Great Urban Outdoors” series not only highlights the beauty of cities like Orlando, but also drives home how accessible outdoor adventures can be, even in urban settings. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new to discover in the great urban outdoors of Orlando, Florida.

This feature is presented by our partners at Athletic Brewing.