About Empower Adventures Tampa Bay · Since 2016
For ten years, people have climbed our towers above Mobbly Bayou with their hearts pounding and stepped off anyway. More than 120,000 of them. We're the crew of guides who help them do it, and we're pretty sure you'll leave braver than you showed up.
We're hiring guides. See what it's like to work here →
10 years
of courage in Oldsmar, since 2016
120,000+
guests who stepped off the platform
7,000+
five-star Google reviews
600+
organizations we've partnered with
Our mission
The zip lines are the fun part. The real product is the two seconds before you step off, when you decide to go anyway. Two seconds of courage is the whole product, and here's what it builds.
We help people and teams get better at leading themselves through challenge, adversity and fear. The course is the classroom, and the lessons go home with you.
Growth lives just past comfortable. Our guides meet you at your pace, with challenge by choice, and help you find out what you're made of.
One win high above the bayou builds real confidence. That “I did that” feeling follows you back to work, school and home.
“When you face a fear in a place where you have nothing to lose, you gain an edge: a belief in yourself that changes what feels possible.”
The idea behind every Empower adventure
▶ Watch: 2 Seconds of Courage
“Empower Adventures Tampa Bay has been a tremendous economic asset and valued community partner for the City of Oldsmar for the past decade.”
City Manager, City of Oldsmar
How it started
Founder Joe DeRing served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army Ranger. When he came home, he wanted to put everything he'd learned about leadership to work for his community. With advisors Dev Pathik and Jason Clement, he built Empower Leadership Sports in Middletown, Connecticut.
In 2016, exactly 100 years after R.E. Olds first stood on this shoreline, Joe stood on the same ground with an idea: a place where fear becomes something you learn from. The City of Oldsmar took the leap with him, and the 400-acre Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve became home to Empower Adventures Tampa Bay.
Joe's journey from the battlefield to the treetops has been featured on CNN, FOX and outlets across the country.
1916
R.E. Olds plans a city on Old Tampa Bay, with room for parks and preserves from day one
2016
Empower Adventures opens on that shoreline, with the City of Oldsmar as a partner
2026
10 years and more than 120,000 acts of courage
Celebrate 10 years with us. Our free Decade of Courage community party is Saturday, Nov 7, from 11am to 2pm. Free zip lines (limited spots), food trucks and prizes for everyone who RSVPs.
RSVP for Nov 7 →Meet the crew
Every adventure is led by trained guides who know exactly what to say at the edge of the platform. Here are a few of the faces you'll meet.
Founder
Army Ranger turned courage coach
Joe served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, then came home looking for a way to put his leadership skills to work for others. He built Empower Leadership Sports in Connecticut with advisors Dev Pathik and Jason Clement before bringing the idea to Tampa Bay. His story has been featured on CNN and FOX.
President
Builds people up for a living
Jessica brings 20 years of business leadership to Empower. She's been an Executive Vice President of Operations, a fitness business founder, a special education teacher and a volleyball coach. She's also a boy mom of two, a former athlete and an IFBB Pro competitor, so she knows courage and resilience firsthand. Her favorite reminder: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Operations Manager
From Wyoming rivers to Florida treetops
Dillon managed trips at Wyoming River Trips before trading rapids for zip lines. Guests rave about his hospitality and easygoing professionalism. He checks on everyone, cracks jokes to ease nerves and makes the biggest moments feel relaxed. His goal: get people unplugged, laughing and heading home with a grin and a story to tell.
Course Manager
Positive vibes, rain or shine
Guests call Dan “amazing,” “excellent” and “wonderful.” Whether he's leading a high school sports team or a small family group, he has a gift for helping nervous first-timers feel safe and confident. Reviewers say he stays “super friendly and positive” even when it rains.
Assistant Course Manager
Clear instructions, big laughs
Reviewers describe Eric as “amazing,” “sweet” and “hilarious.” He explains everything clearly, keeps the group laughing and has endless patience for anyone nervous about heights. Guests remember how calm and kind he is in the moments that feel hardest.
Adventure Guide & Social Media
Your hype squad and photographer
Bri's energy is contagious. She cracks jokes on the platforms, walks hesitant guests through their fears and goes out of her way to photograph their big moments. She also runs our social media, so if you've loved an Empower reel online, or want to collaborate, Bri is the one behind the scenes.
Plus a whole team of trained guides who can't wait to cheer you on. Want to be one of them? →
Now hiring · Join the crew
If you love encouraging people and you've got some leadership in you, you'll love it here. You'll join a close-knit crew that works with every kind of group, has a lot of fun doing it and grows along the way. Leadership training is what we do best, and we'll teach you everything we know.
What you'll learn
✓ Guiding first-timers and families through zip line tours and other adventures
✓ Leading groups through hands-on team building programs
✓ The technical skills of the zip line canopy tour industry
✓ Working outdoors with companies, nonprofits, government agencies, schools, universities and community groups
Your office: 400 acres of wild Florida.
What we believe (and hope you do too)
01
We ask people to step outside their comfort zone for a moment, and it often changes them for good. If you love building confidence in others, you already share our most important belief.
02
Lots of our groups arrive as coworkers and leave as a team. That happens because we make it fun. When people laugh and drop their guard, real connection starts, and you'll be the one setting that tone.
03
The zip line doesn't care what you look like or what you believe. We see a leader in every guest and every crew member, and everyone brings an experience worth hearing.
Start here
Everything we do, all in one place. Pick a door.
Five zip lines, a 200-foot suspension bridge and bay views from up to 65 feet. About two hours, fully guided.
See the tour →
Same course, whole new mood. Ride into golden hour or zip in the dark with glow gear.
Catch the sunset →
Climb a 30-foot pole, stand up top and take the leap. Two seconds of courage you’ll talk about for years.
Take the leap →
Explore 400 acres of mangrove trails at the top of Tampa Bay. Keep an eye out for dolphins, ospreys and manatees.
Go paddling →
The team-building day nobody has to opt out of. Built for companies, schools, sports teams and youth groups.
Plan your team day →
Built for kids 7 to 100. The birthday they’ll brag about all year.
Plan a party →
Spring, summer and holiday camps for ages 7 to 12. Tired kids. Happy parents.
See camp dates →
Bachelor and bachelorette parties, reunions, retirements and bucket-list days with your favorite people.
Plan a group day →
Give someone a brave day and a story they’ll tell for years.
Give adventure →
More ways in: Plan your visit · Pricing · Moonlight zip line · Corporate teams · Youth groups · Parents Night Out · Things to do in Tampa Bay · Blog · Contact us
Your turn
Book a guided Zip Line Adventure in Oldsmar. Small groups of up to 10, trained guides and about two hours above wild Florida. We've got you.
Find us: Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, 423 Lafayette Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677. About 20 minutes from Clearwater and 35 from St. Pete. (813) 448-5635
