What Is Parasailing?
Parasailing is the recreational activity of gliding through the air wearing an open parachute while being towed by a motorboat. (Lexico’s definition of parasailing)
Wikipedia goes on to define it as a “recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute, known as a parasail wing. The manned kite's moving anchor may be a car, truck, or boat. The harness attaches the occupant to the parasail, which is connected to the boat, or land vehicle, by the tow rope. The vehicle then drives off, carrying the parascender (or wing) and person into the air.”
Most parasailing activities are done over a body of water, giving the participants a spectacular view of their surroundings. Parasailing can be done with up to 3 people at a time in air but single or double person excursions are most popular.
Parasailing History
The long and rich history of parasailing begins with one person: Pierre-Marcel Lemoigne.
Lemoigne was a French engineer in the 1960s who was very interested in the idea of simplifying the process used by the military to train parachutists. Within a few short years his advances lead to a boom in commercial uses. It didn’t take long for people to realize that parasailing was an exhilarating and fun experience, even in its infancy.
At the beginning of 1970s, a man by the name of Mark McCulloh entered the scene and ultimately changed the future of parasailing for the better. He was the first person to start commercially using parachutes on the sea. He pioneered the combined launch and recovery boat equipped with a winch, the standard arrangement still in use today.
Around 1976, a designer named Brian Gaskin engineered a design using cutting-edge waterproof fabrics for parasailing. This well needed refresh is considered extremely modern by today’s standards. This step forward and subsequent improvements have made parasailing not only more reliable but more accessible to the general public.
Parasailing companies like FlySobe are able to offer rides in two and three-seat models, something that was originally completely unheard of!
Parasailing with FlySobe
SO, what makes flying with FlySobe a unique and memorable experience? We’re glad you asked!
We strive to make every adventure out on the ocean an unforgettable one. This means making sure from start to finish, that your needs are met, you’re safe and above all else-- you’re having fun!
Our crew is tasked with making every second you’re in the air count. We want you to have the best possible encounter and go the extra mile to make it happen. We offer a photo package to commemorate the event along with having the option to bring the whole family along as observers even if they’re too shy to go in the air. Our focus is always on YOU. Without folks like you we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what we love, so we’re always innovating to give you the best of the best when it comes to customer service and parasailing!
Parasailing Safety
Safety is the number one concern for anyone who wants to enjoy parasailing. In order to keep the highest standards possible, the White-Miskill Act for Parasailing was created in 2014. This law was enacted by the legislature of the State of Florida for the control of the sport of parasailing. It relates to commercial and recreational water activities prohibiting certain water activities within some areas and specifies the requirements for the operator of a vessel engaged in commercial parasailing.
This act requires that the owner of a vessel engaged in commercial parasailing obtains and maintains an insurance policy. It also requires that the operator has a current and valid license issued by the United States Coast Guard. Lastly, it prohibits commercial parasailing unless certain equipment is present on the vessel and certain weather conditions are met; requiring that a weather log be maintained and made available for inspection.
Today, there are many leading trade associations for the proper management of parasailing such as the Commercial Winchboat Operators Association (CWOA), The Parasail Safety Council along with Professional Association of Parasail Operators (PAPO) which manage the safety of the participants.
In short, parasailing has a long and intricate history, and it's continuously being improved upon since it’s inception over 50 years ago. While it’s every bit as thrilling as when it was first envisioned, it’s now safe enough that anyone age five or older can go for a flight without worry.
