Interview with Florida River Rider's Co-Founder, Patrick Mooneyhan
Summer Weather is finally showing up in Florida, and one of the best ways to beat the heat and humidity is by hitting the water! With so many different water ways, rivers and beaches scattered across the Sunshine State, it’s not a surprise to see many locals taking their powersport adventures out to nature’s theme parks.
One man you can always glimpse enjoying this lifestyle is Patrick Mooneyhan, who regularly takes to the water on the back of his GTX230 Limited. Patrick is a co-founder of The Florida River Rider’s Group, which is community that goes on fresh water adventures around Florida on their Water Scooters. Patrick was kind enough to let us interview him about this group, his water ski experience, and insights on their past rides.
When did you fall in love with powersports?
“Growing up in Saint Petersburg I've always had a passion for the water,” Explained Patrick, “Going out on fishing trips with my grandparents to taking the kayaks out on the bay just to be out on the water. My parents moved up towards Gainesville just in time for my High School years, so the rivers are now my favorite place to go.”
First encounters? First time riding a Personal Watercraft?
“[I had] never ever ridden a [PWC]!” Laughed Patrick, “I purchased my first pair of Polaris [water ski] after High School for me and my friends to go out and enjoy the river- that probably would be my first encounter with a [water ski] and my first time!”
What do you love about this lifestyle?
“I enjoy the experience of being in such a natural environment and the exploration of all the places that the water can lead me to.”
Where did you purchase your Water Ski?
“I purchased my first pair of skis back in 2005 off of Craigslist and my newest pair in July of 2019 brand new from RideNow Powersports of Ocala.”
Favorite PWC you’ve owned?
“My favorite skis that I've ever owned have got to be the ones I have now, my GTX230 Limited and my Wakepro 230. The ST3 Hull Design is second to none for the awesome stability and the way it handles chop on windy days.” Patrick explains, “Also the storage has so much room for all of your gear and the ease of access is absolutely amazing!”
What’s on your Wish List/ Dream ride?
“So I don't really have a dream ski besides the two I have unless they come out with a different color I just have to have.”
What is your go-to list of must haves on your Water Ski adventures?
“I'm known as one of those riders that mostly go on 100+ mile rides so I would say….. to get yourself a nice rack to hold extra fuel or a cooler for those short ride days to the Springs or sand bars.
“I personally have a rack from PWC Cool Stuff, and it has performed flawlessly no matter what kind of weather conditions I throw at it. We at the Florida River Riders would recommend a great rack by Shorlock Anchors. He is one of my good friends that I have met while being out on the water that has basically become my family. They have custom colors to match your ski and have All the accessories you need from cupholders tp umbrella holders that mounts right to the rack!!”
You’re a founding member of the Florida River Rider’s Group- How did this group start? And how did you become a part of it?
“While being out exploring the waterways I've met so many awesome people. As my girlfriend Virginia says all the time to people that I meet I've never met a stranger!” Laughed Patrick. “So I kept meeting and getting more and more friends that have the same passion as I have and soon my friends on the water became family. We go on rides to different places, have cookouts together, birthday parties and so on…
“There are many other PWC Groups in Florida but none focus manly on the fresh water and the rivers. So one night while we were on a group chat on Facebook Messenger, just talking about different things and where we will go next. Someone brought up the idea that we should come up with a group- that the goal in mind is to ride the rivers and explore all of what Florida's freshwater rivers have to offer. Well I just happened to be in front of my computer so we decided on a name and boom on December 6th the Florida River Riders were born!!!”
What rides have you done so far with the group?
“As the new year was beginning, we decided to come up with a calendar with at least one big ride per month and little pop up rides for people to come on during each month.” Says Patrick.
Patrick explains that this year, the group kicked off with celebrating their good friend, Juan’s, birthday bash on the Santa Fe River in January. They also adventured over to Ocala to see the monkeys on the historic Silver Springs River, alongside their First Annual Spring Hoppin Ride that took them down Suwannee, Sante Fe and Itchnetucknee Rivers.
“This last ride was one for the books with over 100+ skis that showed up.” Says Patrick, “Four great PWC groups came together (FL River Riders ,JetRiderNation, Florida PWC, and PWC Explorers) to show the riders a great three day camping experience on the river.”
Florida River Rider’s next ride is set for May 15th, where they will adventure out onto the iconic Silver Glen Springs on the Saint John’s River, where they plan to “Relax in the crystal clear waters, grill out, and make friends ” Says Patrick.
What was your most popular ride to date? What was the feedback from group members?
“Our Spring Hoppin' Event was the most popular ride so far with over 100 skis. The riders absolutely loved every minute of the 3 day camping experience at Ellierays on the Santa Fe River. From the crystal clear springs, with tons of giveaways, live music, one of our own riders DJ AV money ripped it up on Saturday night with hours of dancing.
“Many have already said they can't wait to come back for next years spring hoppin' ride!!”
What individuals do you look up to for their influence in this world, or people who inspire and motivate you daily?
“I would have to say my friends that have become my family really inspire me to get out and enjoy life and not to waste a second [of it].”
Favorite thing about Florida River Riders?
“The experiences that we have had and the experiences that lie ahead. The riders that I meet. And the family that I haven't met yet. This is a group that is focused on the rec rider community bringing people together to enjoy what all the things the riding has 
to offer.”
Passions/Hobbies outside of Power sports Industry?
“I play discgolf with my girl Virginia, I am a YouTube creator and go by the name prex, which is a long story haha. I love making videos and sharing them to the world. You can find my channel at youtube.com/prexflrr.”
What drew you to Florida and what is your favorite thing about Florida?
“I'm from Florida. I love how most of the time the weather is perfect to go out and enjoy the day. No snow for us ”
“Adventure never ends when you’re running the river. #FLRR was created for the love of riding the rivers in Florida. We look forward to the new adventures of river rides. If anybody has any special place that you would like to share or try, we would love to adventure your area @flriverriders.”
You can follow Patrick and the Florida River Rider’s adventures on their Facebook Page here (FL River Riders), their Instagram page here (FL River Riders)and under the hashtags #flriverriders and #flrr, and Patrick’s YouTube Channel here.
You can also take a look at their website where you can grab some awesome FLRR gear here.
Patrick also wanted to give a shout out to Florida River Rider’s wonderful Sponsors:
Ridenow Powersports of Ocala
Jettribe
Sandshark Anchor
Dean’s Team Racing
Pinned Up Performance
RIVA Racing
Surecan
Shorack Airhead.
Patrick currently lives in Gainesville Florida, where he spends his days as the chief installer for All American Blinds, and his weekends and adventures with his jet ski family and awesome friends.