See Gulf Breeze, beaches on aSegway

Our multi-part series detailing the top outdoor activities in our area continues this week. As mentioned last week, Gulf Breeze News has done most of the legwork to bring you the following list of top things to do during summer. Last week we heard from Aquatic Charters and Fly the Boat. This week we have two more businesses offering great outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy.

Gulf Breeze Boats/SouthCoast Segway

If you're looking to cruise the side walks or traverse the waves, Gulf Breeze Boats/SouthCoast Segway has something for you. This unique recreation service and Segway dealership, located near the Gulf Breeze end of the three-mile bridge, rents Segways, kayaks, pontoon boats, electronic and standard bicycles. Owner Ray Engle is also working to set-up a water taxi service to Fort Pickens.

For those not familiar with the Segway, it is a two wheeled, self-balancing electronic transportation device that is piloted by shifting one's weight on a platform.

For those yet to ride one, it is a blast. The Segways available at Gulf Breeze Boats are the latest generation of the device, allowing users to turn with a slight lean to the right or left. Their top speed is 12.5 mph, equivalent to a brisk jogging speed, and the machines have a zero turning radius, allowing for easy navigation. The controls are very intuitive, allowing for a smooth ride and a quick first-timer tutorial.

"It's very easy to ride," said Engle. "It only takes a couple of minutes to figure it out."

"We are the only authorized Segway Dealer on the Gulf Coast," Engle said of SouthCoast Segway. "Our territory stretches from Slidell, La. through Walton County in the panhandle."

Engle added that SouthCoast Segway will begin offering Segway sales, service and rentals July 1.

According to the Segway website, the device uses five micro-machined gyroscopes, a network of sensors and two accelerometers to sense the changing terrain and the rider's body position at 100 times per second. Segway officials claim that this happens faster than the human brain can process information.

Before renting a Segway, Engle requires a brief training session for beginners, complete with an off road tutorial for his x2 off road models.

Electric bicycles, also available at Gulf Breeze Boats, are standard one-speed bikes outfitted with an electric motor. Engle said after one full charge an electronic bike, or e-bike, can travel up to 20 miles. Ebikes can also be pedaled like a standard bike.

"We have bikes you don't have to pedal and kayaks you don't have to paddle," Engle said, demonstrating the optional pedal attachment for his kayaks.

The company is looking to rent Segways for $99 a day, pontoon boats for $40 an hour or $275 for 10 hour and standard bicycles for $20 a day.

The business also offers free Segway demonstrations to anyone over 16.

For more information call 850-932-8788, or visit www.southcoastsegway.com.

Radical Rides

For the adrenaline junkie only satiated by copious horsepower or dizzying heights, Radical Rides on Pensacola Beach is the perfect place to push it to the limit. Located on the sound side of the island just north of the Bob Sikes toll facility, Radical Rides offers wave runner rentals and parasail trips at a reasonable price. With new supercharged Sea Doo wave runners ripping the water with 215 horsepower, riders are bound to find something that is up to their adventure seeking standards.

"We try to have the best equipment and the best prices," said owner Roger Bevan, adding that he replaces every wave runner after 90 days of use. "We try to have fair prices so locals can come out to ride."

Radical Rides offers 110 horsepower wave runners for $39.95 per half hour or $70 an hour, 130 horsepower models for $50 per half hour or $80 an hour, and 215 horsepower machines for $60 per half hour or $90 an hour. Patrons must be at least 16 years old to drive and kids of any age with photo ID can ride.

If cruising nearly a quarter mile above the waves is more your style, Radical Rides also offers single, tandem or triple parasail trips. Riders under 18 need parental or guardian approval and all riders should bring a disposable camera to capture the magnificent view.

Radical Rides is family owned and operated, with dad running wave runners, mom Cindy handling customers and son Patrick operating the parasail boat.

For more information or to reserve your spot on the parasail, call 850-934-9743. Visit them online at www.radicalrides. com.