Check these 8 interesting questions you might have in mind.
Whenever it is the first time, it’s normal to get a little scared or get curious about many things about it. You must have thought “Will my stomach drop while parasailing?” or “Am I ready for it?“, etc, but you don’t have an idea who to really ask.
I get that. I thought of the same questions in mind when I was planning my itinerary to try parasailing. I’ve gathered the answers to these interesting questions about parasailing that sometimes we’re embarrassed to ask, or simply no one to ask.
You’re in the right place to find these 8 interesting parasailing questions and answers:
1. Foremost, is parasailing safe?
This is usually the first question in mind when you think of an activity that requires safety equipment and harness. There are different factors to consider regarding how safe this activity is.
First, the weather. No matter how exciting this activity is, it will break the fun when the weather is not on your side. The wind is essential for the parasail to float, but when it is too much, it is really risky. Make sure to check the weather forecast (eg. accuweather) and better yet plan this activity on a nice summer day.
Second, the parasailing equipment. Aside from the wind, what will take you free-floating is the equipment. Be sure to ask and check this with the parasailing operator first. If there are signs of being worn out, faded, or dirty equipment, then it is a red flag that the equipment is not well-maintained.
Third, the weight capacity. Usually, up to three people can go at once. Do note that it will depend on the maximum weight it can hold. The usual maximum weight is roughly 450 pounds.
Also, note that there is a minimum weight requirement which usually is 100 pounds at least. If the rider does not meet the minimum requirement, then they must be accompanied or ride with pair instead.
You must be thinking now “Do they weigh the customers to check this?” No, they don’t. They do not need the exact weight anyway. It’s good to know this beforehand to have proper expectations.
2. What can I do to ensure safety in participating in this activity?
Depending on where you are planning to take this activity, make sure to research the parasailing providers in the area. I would highly recommended to book with parasailing providers that follow all local laws and regulations. Go with a reputable company so you’ll be in good hands.
It’s a good idea to find out how long they’ve been in the business and if they have a license to operate. It’s also all right to ask for the safety measures they have in place. Consider checking the reviews of previous clients to know what their experience was like.
Since this activity has high risks associated with it, you must have a travel insurance policy that has parasailing coverage. Reputable parasailing operators sometimes have this as an add-on to their offers, be sure to ask them in case your travel insurance didn’t have this included.
3. I’m a little scared of heights, what to do?
Do it anyway! Oops, sorry that’s pretty straightforward. But yes, you’ll be surprised that when you do it, you’re not actually afraid of heights. It could be because our brain doesn’t interpret it as scary as we thought it was.
Most people find it really peaceful to be up there looking at the boat that is pulling your parasail, and you’d be amazed by the beautiful 360 views around you.
Though it’s normal for people to have some fear of heights, I think you will know that you can overcome one thing when you’re facing and going for it. But if you have a severe phobia of anything related to heights, there are other activities you can consider doing instead.
4. Do I have to know how to swim?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a swimmer to try parasailing. This is one of the many water activities in that you don’t have to dip yourself in the water. You just have to hop on the boat, wear a life vest, wear the harness and be excited about your soaring and free-floating in the sky.
There is no swimming involved, but flying is! LOL. No one will ask about your swimming skills for parasailing, so don’t sweat it.
In case of emergency, most crew members have proper training, and the boat will have equipment such as a swim ring or life buoy.
Remember you also have your life jacket on. You will be able to keep your head out of the water until help comes. If this is something that concerns you, don’t hesitate to ask the operator about it when booking your parasailing activity.
5. Can I take my phone and take a photo when parasailing?
If you are brave enough to bring your phone or any electronics you would like while soaring, then technically you can.
The photo taken while flying above would be a great souvenir. However, keep in mind doing this will be your responsibility in case of any damage or if it sadly fell into the waters.
If you’re traveling by yourself and no one could keep the phone in the boat or take a photo for you, I would suggest politely asking if the parasailing operator could capture those beautiful moments for you.
You can also ask if the operator offers to take pictures or videos using a drone as part of their service. Keep in mind though this kind of service doesn’t usually come for free.
So you may be paying extra so ask this beforehand.
6. How do I get in the air?
Both of the take-off and landing will be done from the back deck of the boat. So the boat can pull the parasailing while it’s sailing the waters.
You will be seated at the back deck of the phone after you put on the life vest and harness, and you’ll be slowly pulled up for take-off.
As you go up and up, you will see the boat getting smaller. The boat will be sailing around the area.
While soaring above, it’s your time to take all the great moments and feelings by watching the surroundings. After a few minutes, you will be slowly pulled back down for landing.
Before really landing, you could be dipped into the water for that extra experience. If you prefer to stay completely dry, you can inform the captain beforehand.
7. What should I wear when parasailing?
You can wear anything comfortable for you. If you are doing other water activities before or after the parasailing, then your swimwear is perfectly appropriate for the activity.
If you just went to the beach to walk around and just thought of trying the activity, then what you would be wearing then is already okay.
It’s more of what you feel comfortable wearing when going to the beach. (Unless you’re in a ball gown or something *peace yow* you know what I mean? )
8. Do I get seasick or nauseous when parasailing?
It’s more of a personal condition. If you are used to traveling, and you don’t get nauseous when riding a car, then parasailing probably won’t make you feel nauseous either.
Take note that motion sickness can happen during the boat ride when someone is not used to it.
Well done! You reach this point which means you're planning and probably almost decided to try this parasailing activity.
So, I’m adding the most intriguing question you must have in mind now.
What would I feel when I’m parasailing?
I think I can hear your mind shouting “Let’s do it!“, “I’ll do it!” or “I can’t wait!” That’s exactly what you will feel.
You will be excited, you will feel free, you will adore the beautiful surroundings and you will enjoy many other good feelings when doing this activity.
If you’re traveling with someone or planning this parasailing activity with friends or loved ones, I suggest taking the activity together. (As in going up together just like in this video below).
I have tried parasailing by myself, and it was a peaceful and calm experience to be up there. Fun fact: Since I have no one to talk to, I prayed. Yes! Not because I was scared, but because I felt so grateful for the experience. That being said, having someone to talk to while free-floating would be amazing as I imagine. (Singing: I can show you the world... ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬)
My friendly advice is don’t think anything negative. When you have the chance to try parasailing, just do it. Sometimes the most fun part of a getaway or activity is not really knowing exactly the feeling for it, but understanding and appreciating it once you’re already on it.
Most people who have done this activity find the experience to be amazing, peaceful, relaxing, and rewarding. For once, you’re flying up in the sky and this isn’t something that you see every day.
It’s like you have zoomed out and seen a bigger world.
Parasailing offers a lot of fun, and that is for sure. Are you now convinced and excited to try parasailing?
If you are, make the most of it, and have fun!