Parasailing is a fast-growing industry with nearly 4 million participants annually. There are things to consider before parasailing to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Here is an overview of parasailing and a few tips to follow in advance of booking a parasailing adventure.
Overview
Globally, parasailing operations attach riders to the parasail with a harness. Usually, a boat tows two or three participants behind the vehicle as they fly in the air underneath a large canopy, similar to a parachute. Parascenders cannot control the ride and rely on the company to ensure a safe and fun outing.
Weather
Good weather is key to enjoying the parasailing experience. It’s important to check the weather before attempting to parasail. Foggy days may ruin visibility. Rain may impact the parachute’s ability to remain airborne. The wind is dangerous and can whip the parasail (and parascenders) back and forth, producing a whiplash effect.
Clothing
If parasailing on the water, it’s important to dress comfortably. The parasailing company’s staff may dip riders in the water at any time during the adventure. Loose-fitting clothes, shorts, and even swim garments may provide comfort while floating in the air above the water.
Safety
Parasailing is an unregulated industry and can be dangerous for those who do not take proper precautions. Nearly 80 have resulted in death, and more than 2000 parascenders have been hurt while trying the sport.
These are small numbers compared to more than 170 million global parasailing trips, which were completed without incident, according to some records. Still, check the reputation of the parasailing company carefully to ensure that there are no past accidents, which users may report online.