| | | World
Most Beautiful Beaches |
| Para Sailing
PARA-SAILING
is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, and you can join in the fun.
Although recreational para-sails have been around for more than 30 years, more
efficient modern designs make it an ideal purchase for the family sport boat owner.
If you've been to a beach resort destination, you've probably seen para-sails
lifting riders skyward. All across the country, more of the brightly colored sails
can be seen behind personal sport boats. If you have never flown, the freedom
of flight awaits you.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARA-SAILING?
Almost any boat capable of pulling multiple skiers at 25-30 MPH will
pull the Para-Sail. Some folks report success with 50-75 HP engines, but in order
to get the full range of enjoyment, we recommend a boat with a minimum of 100
HP. With 300 feet as the standard tow rope length, expect altitudes up to 200
feet. You may tie off any length, for initial flights 150' is recommended. The
take-off and flight area must be clear of obstructions, trees and rocks. A skilled
driver and observer, a two man ground crew, favorable winds, and you're ready.
OK, WE'RE READY!
A preflight inspection of all the gear
is required and insures its flight readiness. All take-offs must be into the wind,
which should never exceed 15 mph. After several successful practice flights with
a dummy weight, it's time to start having real fun. The flyer should wear a helmet,
approved life vest, and foot protection. After stepping into the harness and hooking
onto the Para-Sail the flyer is ready. With the help of the launch crew the boat
idles out into the wind until the tow line is taut and completely extended. The
sail is spread and held up on both sides by the flight crew. When all is ready,
the signal is given to power up. The flyer does not run towards the boat or jump
up, but resists the pull in a tug-of-war fashion to keep the line tight and maintain
balance. It normally takes three to five steps before the exhilaration of lift-off.
Once aloft, flyer gets comfortable in the harness by sitting in it rather
than hanging from it. Steering right or left is achieved by pulling on the right
or left rear risers, located within easy reach. Altitude is controlled by boat
speed. Using 300' of rope, expect a maximum altitude of 200 feet.
Initially
the boat travels into the wind, the boat speed must be adjusted to maintain the
desired height. When turning to cross wind or down wind, speed is increased to
maintain the relative air speed and desired flying height. The average boat speed
will range from 15-30 mph (more during turns). The flyer gets a grand view, and
so do people for miles around. The beautiful para-sails attract attention and
interest.
TIME TO LAND!
The flight is finished while heading
into the wind, landing will be in the water. The driver reduces the throttle and
the flyer gently drifts downward. The boat should be stopped completely just before
splashdown to avoid dragging the flyer and chute through the water. The para-sail
traps air and floats, no need to worry about sinking. After landing, the flyer
unhooks from the sail and awaits pick up. The para-sail is pulled into the boat
fabric first, then lines taking care as to not tangle it to be ready for its next
flight (does NOT need to be dry for re-use).
Welcome to the world of
PARA-SAILING. It's a fantastic way to enjoy your time outdoors and on the water.
Activity Tips
What a weird sensation! Imagine yourself sitting
on the back deck of a boat. You are wearing a harness ... behind you a parasail
is already inflated. The staff clips you onto the line, and you hear the boat's
engines power up. You feel the boat sliding out from underneath you ... and moments
later the boat has disappeared and you are hovering over the water just a few
feet from the surface. Out goes the line ... and away you go ... a giant kite
against the horizon!
Parasailing has evolved into a highly safe art
form. The take-off and landing both happens on the boat. When your ride concludes,
they reel you in like a fish. You land gently on the back deck of the boat where
your adventure began. If you want them to, they will add a free-fall effect during
your ride. West Maui Parasail will let you fall until your feet hit the water;
UFO will stop you just short of the water.
Anyone can do it and there
is no experience necessary and nothing to learn. Certain weight limits do apply.
Two people may fly in tandem as long as their combined weights do not exceed 350
lbs. In order to fly single, you have to weigh at least 130 lbs. These weights
are guidelines, and are subject to change based upon wind conditions.
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