Welcome friends and fans of all things Cypress Gardens. This spectacular home is just 5 houses down from Cypress Gardens on historic Lake Eloise.
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It is also available for rent on Airbnb. It is our goal to rekindle the dream of Dick Pope, Sr, Let's Ride!
We are having a fundraiser for Kristi Overton Johnson's Prison Ministry Victorious LIving at our home in Cypress Gardens, FL on March 9, 2023. This a great cause that is doing miracles in the darkest of places. Hope to see you there!
Registration HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/game-on-tickets-794322739697?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tour the home link in Comments.
DM for more info.
“Sixteen year Old World Champion Ricky McCormick meets Johnny Carson”
The centerfold image from the promo magazine of “Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens”, 1968.
I spent an afternoon hanging with Dave Dersheimer at his insurance office in WInter Haven where he shared many priceless ski items from the Gardens.
There is so much amazing history here on Lake Eloise, the “Water Ski Capital of the World. At the Cypress Gardens Lake House we proudly honor the storied history and pick up the torch to continue the tradition!
Book your stay now. link in comments.
You can teach an Older Dog New Tricks!
Making new spray at the Cypress Gardens Lake House on Historic Lake Eloise.
Plan your airbnb visit now
https://abnb.me/F89MTnYHrX
Uncle Mike and I had a blast hanging out with Shaun Murray at the Lake Cypress Gardens Lake House. I dragged out all the historical gear and we talked about it all. Shaun even rode the OG stand up foils for the first time. We all had a great day and hope to do it again!
Getting to spend the day with Mike Murphy, the godfather of rideable foils, and Tony Klarich, one of the best all around skiers, hot doggers, and can ride pr...
March Newsletter the Cypress Gardens Cypress Gardens Lake House . Don't miss an issue: DM to be added to our list.
Plan your visit Via Airbnb (with photos & descriptions)
https://abnb.me/F89MTnYHrX
Spanish Language Music Video “Cuando Tu Quiera Volver “
1.4 million views in 7 months!
https://youtu.be/LkCRv9WF0WQ
Tour the Home with This Video
https://youtu.be/pGcy0DoSlB8
A House Where Records are Made.
https://youtu.be/QuR7KAKuxgU
The Cypress Gardens Lake House featured on this popular music video. !.4 million views in 6 months!
Artist: Elias MonkeySong: Cuanto Tu Quieras VolverLabel: Monkey Records
Welcome to the first edition of our CGLH newsletter. In addition to the latest happenings at the lake house, we are offering epic deals on last minute bookings for February. DM us if you would like to discuss booking and/or send your email to directly receive these periodic updates and offers!
We are honored to call Zane a friend and neighbor! Congratulations Zane!
His record-setting career earned him the title “World’s Greatest Water Skier” in 1999 at Cypress Gardens. Schwenk also worked with high-performance boat manufacturer Mastercraft to design the first wakeboarding boat, the XStar, as well as wake surfing systems. He worked with Mastercraft for over twenty years, even hosting their video series, “Rewind.”
In March of this year, Zane Schwenk, alongside fellow wakeboarder Tara Hamilton-Wynne, was inducted into the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.
This month we talk with Zane Schwenk about his career in water sports & his new initiative, Pass the Handle. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/ZaneSchwenk
On Lake Eloise...
BLESSED
The eye of Hurricane Ian passed just 42 miles from our home in Cypress Gardens. Joe Sawaska and his crew did an amazing job securing the property before the hurricane. We anxiously watched our Ring cameras till early evening when the power went out. I was a nail biter as we watched the overnight live reporting. The next day we got reports and photos from Joe and Geno Yauchler who gave us a huge sigh of relief…
No Major Damage!
Lots of vegetarian all over the yard.
We did have some minor dock damage and very high water.
The electricity came back on later the following morning. We are lucky to be on the Legoland grid which is first to get service restored.
We are so thankful for the good news and the care shown to us in the community. We are looking forward to joining you all in a few weeks for the Show Ski World Championships in Winter Haven!
Last call for the virtual challenge! Competition closes at midnight! will post top3 videos for you to choose the winner! Be sure to 👍 the page, and help us create new events!
All the fun starts tomorrow at 5pm!! Bring your and don’t forget the dock routine!
Let's see those shoe ski moves! $100 to the winner.
Apparently this cover featuring Johnny Carson flying a flat kite is part of a program with lots of color photos and captions. The second image is one of the inisde spreads.A oung Ricky McCormick is in the center being interviewed by Johnny who is riding onthe tobaggan. Does anyone in the Winter Haven area have an original program I can scan when we are on site next week?
Gettin' After It. 1 hour set on Lake Eloise.
Three New Moves Today!
1. Figured out how to wake foil while sitting
2. Freeboard: 1 foot Backwards overhead press
3. Swivel: backwards 1 foot 1 hand.
Thanks Tanya Klarich, my superstar driver!
Where it all began. Dusting off the stand up foils after 8 years.
Where it all began. Dusting off the stand up foils after 8 years.
Thinking about the 60 for 60...I'm a bit out of practice but I have about 2.5 years to prep!
A couple years back I saw a photo of Pete Bonifay hand skiing, and was told he was the first documented person to do it. I tired to get that photo and follow up on the story but was unsuccessful. Just a few days ago I discovered this clip of raw footage from the 1968 “Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens” posted by Cypress Gardens Treasure, and sure enough, there’s Pete. So many amazing things have happened on this lake!
Song: “Fork and Spoon” by Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.com
Sports Illustrated Feature with Jerry Imber
#1 SI Cover
#2 Hanging on the dock at the GHLH with legendary photographers Jerry Imber and
Water skier turned Cypress Gardens photographer Jerry Imber is the only skier to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated� (wakeboarder Noah Flegel made the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids� in 2011). According to Imber, “I had only been skiing at the Gardens about a year when Sports Illustrated came out to do a feature. They had been shooting all day when I showed up at 25 after 5 in the afternoon. The photographer had a vision for one more shot, but all the other skiers had already taken off. When he found out I could ski, we loaded up the boat. I guess you can say I was in the right place at the right time.”
The iconic image was taken by John G. Zimmerman from the skybridge on the Miss Cover Girl� photo boat. Zimmerman’s unique idea for the image was to have the skier lean way back to cast an arc of spray. With the unusual overhead vantage point off the skybridge, the entire frame was filled with speed and spray.
-Tony Klarich
Contributor: Jerry Imber
We have a framed copy of this cover in the Ski Room at the Cypress Gardens Lake House
Curious Quips
>Imber won the Dixie Championship for Jr. Boys in the 1950s at Cypress Gardens, and later worked there as a skier, but he is best known for his photography.
>Jerry Imber shot thousands of iconic photos for Cypress Gardens starting in the 1950s. If you have seen the old time� ski pictures from the Gardens, you have undoubtedly seen Jerry’s work. From Willa McGuire, Alfredo Mendoza, Chuck Stearns, and so many more: Jerry memorialized them all.
>During this interview Jerry related this conversation with Dick Pope, Sr: The word was out that Mr. Pope wanted a photographer in his office right away. I ran down as fast as I could. When I showed up Mr. Pope said ˜you are the most useless thing in the world a photographer without a camera! �
DOUBLE TROUBLE: “World Water Skiing” April, 1984
You get top show skiers at Cypress Gardens together who are waiting to have some fun, and watch out - you’ve probably got trouble brewing! These ingenious , clever, and crafty fellows are always seeking new ways to excite and enthrall an audience. Well, when you combine the talents of drover extraordinaire Russ Daley and formers Gardens superstar Scott Clack and take them over the jump - together - you’ve got a stunning new act. Shown in the foreground is the National Enquirer photographer who was there to scoop the whole story and prove that seeing really is believing. As for Russ and Scott, both are doing well and when time allows are working on other wild and crazy gimmicks.
Legendary waterman Don Thomson reenacting his groundbreaking barefoot tandem ride at the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Hall of Fame mixer. As a Cypress Gardens skier Don was a pioneer in barefooting: the first person to perform 180 surface turns, first tandem ride, iconic photography and more.
PARADE
Another gorgeous cover shot featuring the Cypress Gardens Aquamaids. The second image reveals the secret of the shot: The Miss Cover Girl photo boat! Parade Magazine, 1955.
Plan your next vacation at the Cypress Gardens Lake House in Central Florida!
We have a 5 Star Overall Rating with 53 Reviews!
Plan your airbnb visit now
https://abnb.me/F89MTnYHrX
Read what our guests are saying about the Cypress Gardens Lake House.
“Best AirBNB I have ever been to. I will be back.” -John
“If you are looking for a quiet oasis to relax and have extreme luxury- THIS IS IT. IT HAS EVERYTHING.” - Laine
“Spectacular place! Hands down the best Airbnb I’ve been too. So immaculate and organized. The views are amazing, pictures don’t do it justice.” - Jessinnia
“This house was absolutely perfect, right on a beautiful Lake with amazing views at all times of day.” -Karan
“…beautiful, interesting, in an amazing location, and has excellent hosts.” -Holly
Another first on Lake Eloise. In 1953 Cypress Gardens Skiers got to together to build the first 3-high human pyramid. This feat was included in the MGM Feature FIlm "Easy to Love."
The first 4-high and 5-high human pryamids were also first performed here.
From the book Water Skiing by Dick Pope, Sr.
3/3 in our series of promotional postcards. We get some stunning sunsets framed by ancient Cypress Trees and hanging Spanish moss.
CGLH promo postcard #2, featuring a National Swivel Record set on Lake Eloise as part of the Chain of Records. Knotty Girl Shauna Pasanen organized the event hosted by the Cypress Gardens Lake House. Knotty Girl chose the site as swivel skiing was invented on this lake about 70 years ago by Wiila and Red McGuire. The National Record, now approved by the National Show Skiing Association, required each skier to hold 2 separate 180 positions for at least 5 seconds, with a toe turn (shown here) and a regular 180. We ended up having a TV feature on Fox news Tampa and in appeared in several local newspapers.
In the spirit of the original Cypress Gardens we have decided to create a series of postcards. Guests at our short term rental on Lake Eloise will receive our limited series of 3 postcards featuring the Cypress Gardens Lake House in their welcome basket along with other goodies.
Citrus Sponsor: and Florida Classic Growers (FLclassdic.com)
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Flipping OutIn the long tradition of new spray and records on historic Lake Eloise, I am happy to add another first in towed watersports…introducing the kneeboard hydrofoil front roll!*Join the adventure> Book your stay at the Cypress Garden Lake House on Historic Lake Eloise. https://abnb.me/F89MTnYHrX#cypressgardens #waterskiing #kneeboarding #LakeEloise
I've been chasing this one for years! Canoe paddle toehold juggle. I believe this is another first in water skiing, appropriately performed on Lake Eloise, Cypress Gardens Lake House #waterski #waterskiing #cypressgardens
Gettin' After It. 1 hour set on Lake Eloise. Three New Moves Today! 1. Figured out how to wake foil while sitting 2. Freeboard: 1 foot Backwards overhead press 3. Swivel: backwards 1 foot 1 hand. Thanks Tanya Klarich, my superstar driver! #60for60 #swivelski #freeboard #wakefoil #icechest #foilboard #waterski #cypressgardens
Where it all began. Dusting off the stand up foils after 8 years. #60for60 #hydrofoil #cypressgardens #waterski
Where it all began. Dusting off the stand up foils after 8 years. #60for60 #hydrofoil #cypressgardens #waterski
Thinking about the 60 for 60...I'm a bit out of practice but I have about 2.5 years to prep! #wakesurf #wakeboard #hydrofoil #skyski #foilboard #Freeboard #freeride #trickski #shoeski #cypressgardens #60for60 #lakeeloise
A couple years back I saw a photo of Pete Bonifay hand skiing, and was told he was the first documented person to do it. I tired to get that photo and follow up on the story but was unsuccessful. Just a few days ago I discovered this clip of raw footage from the 1968 “Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens” posted by Cypress Gardens Treasure, and sure enough, there’s Pete. So many amazing things have happened on this lake! Song: “Fork and Spoon” by Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.com #Waterski #Handski #CypressGardens #LakeEloise
Plan your next vacation at the Cypress Gardens Lake House in Central Florida! We have a 5 Star Overall Rating with 53 Reviews! Plan your airbnb visit now https://abnb.me/F89MTnYHrX Read what our guests are saying about the Cypress Gardens Lake House. “Best AirBNB I have ever been to. I will be back.” -John “If you are looking for a quiet oasis to relax and have extreme luxury- THIS IS IT. IT HAS EVERYTHING.” - Laine “Spectacular place! Hands down the best Airbnb I’ve been too. So immaculate and organized. The views are amazing, pictures don’t do it justice.” - Jessinnia “This house was absolutely perfect, right on a beautiful Lake with amazing views at all times of day.” -Karan “…beautiful, interesting, in an amazing location, and has excellent hosts.” -Holly #cypressgardenslakehouse #cypressgardens #showskiing #waterski #lakeeloise #winterhaven #shorttermrental #str #luxe #airbnb
Take a tour with Pro Drone action INSIDE our home by [email protected]. The Cypress Gardens Lake House is looking good! #shorttermrental #lemmescreativedesign #cypressgardenslakehouse #droneinahouse #vrbo #airbnb #lakeeloise
We christened the New Florida Pool today. 70 cases going in tomorrow, just like thr old days with Dick Pope. Special Thanks to Jack Caine, AlwaysFresh.com Premium Citrus and Florida Classic FLclassic.com. #cypressgardens #floridacitrus #alwaysfreshfarms #floridaclassic
First day of painting our New Florida Pool in the style fo the original Florida pool a few doors down! #cypressgardens #easytolove #cypressgardenslakehouse
The New Florida Pool at the Cypress Gardens Lake House is coming along nicely! #cypressgardens #lakeeloise #winterhaven #floridapool
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