So, you’re planning on heading off onto your first parasailing adventure, but you’re not quite sure if non-swimmers are, well, allowed to enjoy the activity. Since the whole sport has a lot to do with traversing some distances over open water, it’s only natural you should pose the following question: is parasailing safe for non-swimmers? We’ll take a guess and say it’s about time you find out!
Okay, so, besides talking about whether non-swimmers should embark on parasailing “voyages”, we’ll consider the very basics of the sports itself. That way, we’ll be able to see if parasailing is a dangerous activity. Or, for instance, we’ll see what can you do to make the whole trip safer. All in all: we hope you’re down for some useful info!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a (good) swimmer in order to enjoy parasailing. Even if you do end up getting a little wet, you’ll be secured by a life vest, so there’s really no room for panic.
Reading only the snippet won’t make your parasailing adventure safer. Therefore, plunge deeper into our today’s topic!
Table of Contents
What is parasailing?
First things first, let’s define the term that’s in focus today: parasailing. So, what’s parasailing?
You’ll want to know that parasailing is a recreational activity or a sport or whatever-you-want-to-call-it where an individual is towed behind a vehicle (usually, it’s a boat) while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that would most certainly remind you of a parachute (speaking of the latter, here’s what would happen if you open up a parachute too early). However, it’s called the parasail wing. Anyway, even though this activity is mostly associated with flying over the blue, parasailing could also represent being towed by a car, above a piece of land. Here’s a cool fact: even up the three people can parasail at the same time.
Let’s consider other information that might be of some interest to parasailing beginners. They might also want to know if you’re able to see sharks while parasailing.
How long is a parasailing ride?
So, before you venture deeper into the world of parasailing, it’s important that you know what to expect. That being said, many folks pose the following question: how long is a parasailing ride?
In most cases, the whole experience will last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how many folks you’re sharing the adventure with. However, you should keep in mind that each of the members of the group (including yourself, of course) will get a parasail ride that will last about 8-10 minutes. The other portion of the time you’ll spend waiting for others to take their turns.
How high do you go while parasailing?
Now that we know just how long a regular parasail ride lasts, let’s see how high you’ll be lifted into the air. Here’s the thing: even though these heights differ from site to site, you won’t find a single site in the United States that will allow you to go more than 500 feet above the ground/water. That’s because anything higher than that would collide with the rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
If you live outside of the US or are interested in trying out parasailing in different parts of the world, keep in mind that you’ll rarely if ever, find a site that will allow you to go up more than 500 feet (around 150 m) into the air.
Is parasailing fun or scary?
We’ll be pretty quick here since we don’t want to keep you waiting any longer. So, you’ll be happy to know that parasailing is absolutely on the fun side. Even if you’re a bit scared of heights, there’s a solid chance the fear will disappear in a matter of moments. Also, many folks note that parasailing is very smooth and peaceful; the take-offs and landings are done in a slow & gentle manner, thus making you feel as if you’re safely floating on air.
Okay, that should’ve done it for the intro. Let’s tackle the main question: is parasailing safe for non-swimmers?
Is parasailing safe for non-swimmers?
Okay, so since we’ve mentioned that you’re able to parasail above solid ground being towed by a car, we can assume that swimming has nothing to do with that kind of parasailing. However, is there any difference once you’re parasailing over water in terms of whether you’re a swimmer? Let’s find out!
Do you need to know how to swim for parasailing?
Here’s our answer: if you were to ask any parasailing professional whether you need to be a (good) swimmer to set off on a parasailing adventure, they’d most probably laugh. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that you don’t have to know how to swim in order to parasail. Those are some good news, right? Right. Anyway, let’s see how’s this possible.
The thing is every individual will need to wear a life vest when parasailing. That way, even folks that don’t know how to swim will know that they’re safe from any water-related issues. Also, you’ll take off and land directly on the boat (if that’s your wish). Even if you land on the water, your life west will keep you totally safe.
All in all: YES, you’re able to enjoy parasailing even if you’re a non-swimmer. Let’s see if there’s any other piece of parasailing-related info we’d like to mention.
Tips concerning parasailing safety
Since all this talk about safety got us in the mood, let’s continue the discussion. More precisely, we’ll provide you with some tips on parasailing safety. If you’re a beginner, we’re sure you’ll find this useful. So, yeah, let’s begin!
#1 Opt for a reputable parasailing provider
Needless to mention, the crucial safety tip when it comes to parasailing concerns choosing a reputable & experienced parasailing provider. That’s because being towed by a boat while gliding through the air at a height of 300-500 feet above the water isn’t something you’d want to put into the hands of untrained folks. A skilled parasailing crew will have all the necessary knowledge to get you safely up & down. All in all: do some research and find a reputable parasailing company.
#2 Always check the forecast
Of course, your parasailing guide will know the forecast in the smallest detail. However, you should look it up yourself. If there are storms nearby, in the area that you’ve selected as the place of your parasailing adventure, find something else to do that day. For parasailing, you’ll want the ideal scenario: a nice day with a constant breeze. Speaking of windy conditions, here’s how windy it has to be for you to cancel skydiving.
#3 Consider the gear
No matter how much trust you’ve put into your parasailing company, you’ll need to check the condition of the safety equipment they’ve given you. There’s no need to emphasize that a reputable parasailing company needs to have top-notch, state-of-the-art equipment. If you notice anything’s weird, don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed to reach out to your guide.
#4 Learn the language
Of course, we’re kidding, there’s no need to learn a new language or something. The thing is that you’ll need to discuss methods of communication once you’re up in the air with your guide. It can be difficult, so you’ll need to pick up all the details before they send you up. All in all: you’ll learn some hand signals that will help you communicate with the boat.
Who should not do parasailing?
It’s a safety issue once again! However, one shouldn’t get the idea that parasailing is a dangerous activity or sport. In the last 30 years, there were less than 100 deaths that came as a result of a parasailing accident, so… Yeah, it’s completely alright to say parasailing is generally considered a safe sport. Still, there are certain limitations one needs to respect, as some folks should steer clear of the sport (some permanently, and some temporarily).
So, who doesn’t get to enjoy this phenomenal activity? Here’s a list:
- Folks with a great fear of heights. If you panic easily & have an unordinary fear of heights, this whole trip might be too much for you. However, some folks note that they’ve overcome their fears by enjoying parasailing. Speaking of such fears, here’s whether you can skydive if you’re afraid of heights.
- Folks younger than 14. Now, most parasailing operators would say that even an 8-year-old can parasail. That’s like the lowest age requirement. However, since this activity requires certain physical and communication skills, especially if something was to go awry, here at Go Extreme Sports, we’d recommend that you wait until you’re 14 years of age to try it out (or fly only when you’re next to an adult).
- Pregnant women. There’s no “however” here. Pregnant women shouldn’t parasail. Anyone’s who pregnant can’t go up in a parachute. If you’re pregnant, you might want to accompany your friends on a boat, but that will need to be discussed with the guide.
Guess that’s about it; all that’s left is to say goodbye!
Final words on the subject
Alright, so know you’re aware that parasailing is absolutely safe for non-swimmers. If you’ve had any doubts about it, now there ain’t a single one left lurking inside your mind. If you’re looking for more tips on this amazing activity, pay a visit to this page.
