Parasailing is one of the most thrilling water sports on Earth and people come from all over the country to parasail in the Okanagan. Your parasailing adventure starts with you and one or two friends at with spectacular views above the lake and surrounding areas. You can relax, confident that you are secure in your seat and experience floating on air. If you have never parasailed before, here are 10 tips that will help to give you the best experience.
1. Make sure your parasailing company is safe, and the operators are fully licensed and specifically trained in all aspects of parasailing, flight procedures and boat handling with several years of experience. It should also be a member of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) to ensure all the safety guidelines are followed.
2. Listen carefully to the operator’s explanation of the equipment. You will have a life jacket as a safety precaution even if you don’t plan to get wet. Your seat is a body harness that attaches to the tow bar, which is attached to the chute. The tow line is attached to the tow bar and connected to the boat. You will take off and land on the back of the boat, so no effort is required on your end.
3. Learn how to communicate with the crew once you are in the air. The parasailing height may be 600 feet. There are hand and arm signals for speed or if you would like to end the ride.
4. If you are wondering what to wear parasailing, you should wear a bathing suit if you plan to get wet. Otherwise, you don’t have to worry about what to wear parasailing because it doesn’t really matter. However, you may be more comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt.
5. You may wonder how much it typically costs for a parasailing ride. Considering the boat ride, equipment, professionalism of the crew and most of all the safety of this thrilling adventure, parasailing prices are reasonable starting at $85 per person.
6. Make reservations at least two or three days in advance during the high season. If you are going in a large group, four to five days in advance is better.
7. Make your reservations for the morning. This is by far the best time to go parasailing because the temperatures are cooler, the winds are light and the lake is calmer. Early morning is the best time for your Okanagan parasailing adventure.
8. Watch the weather reports before you make a reservation. If it looks like rain for a few days, consider waiting until the weather clears up. In any case, a safe operator will not go up during high winds or storms.
9. Find out the weight limits before you choose your parasailing partner. The minimum combined weight is 90 pounds and the maximum is 450 pounds.
10. Ask about age limitations for parasailing. You may ask how old do you have to be to parasail. The minimum age is six years old and anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who signs a liability waiver.
These tips may help you plan your first-time Okanagan parasailing adventure. Whether you're considering who to go with and when to book, hopefully these tips will give you a better understanding of what to expect. If you have never parasailed before, you won’t believe how fantastic the experience is. We're excited to show you the Okanagan from a unique perspective and one you will never forget!