Joanna James
Parasailing is a popular aquatic recreational activity. If you're planning on parasailing any time soon, these facts will be ever so helpful. Here are 10 things any parasailer must know.
Parasailing is not an actual sport. It is often mistaken for Paragliding. You don't have to be super strong and physically fit to try this out. Also, you don't have to be a pro. Parasailing is all about having fun and experiencing new things in life.
Pierri Lamoigne is the founder of Parasailing. He discovered it in the 60's when he attached a parachute to his car to practise parachute control and safe landing to his trainees. There would be no parasailing if not for that fortunate accident.
Parasailing has more than one name to it. Some people call it parakiting or parascending. You can use whatever word you wish to, it's not the biggest deal in the world.
The first model of canopy created for parasailing. It was designed in 1974 by Brian Gaskin. The canopy could float on water and not absorb water into it. After the massive success of his creation, Gaskin went on to establish an organization called the Waterbird Parakites. It is functional up to date.
There are three main methods of parasailing. They are winch boat method, platform method and beach parasailing. Out of the three, the latter is considered the most adventurous method. The parachute is taken off at a seafront. Winch boat method is the safest. The parasail is launched, recovered and terminated at the deck. There is a hydraulic winch attached to the sail. The platform method is similar to the beach method. However, you don't need any instructions on steering.
As winch boat method is the safest, it has become the most popular method of parasailing. When there's a hydraulic attached to the sail you do not have to land in water. Instead, you are taken to the deck of the boat. It is a lot less risky to get pulled inside the boat, rather than landing into the water.
When you try out the beach or platform methods of parasailing, you will land on water. You will have to unhook yourself from the sail and 'land' into the sea. This technique is called 'splashdown'. This can be a little dangerous so make sure your guide equips you with the necessary gear.
Check if the speed of the wind at the beach is somewhere between 12MPH and 27MPH. This is the ideal speed to parasail. If the wind has a higher speed parasailing would be extremely dangerous.
The weather is really important when it comes to parasailing. Never go on a parasailing adventure if the sky is even slightly gloomy. Make sure the sky is clear and it is sunny without a hint of rain. This is why countries such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka are popular for parasailing. Most Maldives five star resorts are buzzing with tourists all year round. The staff of hotels such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort says that the beach is always busy with enthusiastic parasailers.
Did you know that parasailing was used in the second world war to spy on enemy troops sailing towards land? Submarines pulled up soldiers in parasails to get a better view where they were literal human drones.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
