How to Use a Winchboat to Parasail

Parasailing is primarily a recreational activity in which a person is attached to a parachute and towed by a vehicle. Although parasailing had been known since the 1960s, it was not until the introduction of the winchboat in the early 1980s that it became commercially widespread.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Use larger parachutes. The first parachutes were about 20 feet long but operators now use parachutes of 30 to 40 feet. Modern parachutes have a high-lift, low-drag design that allows a greater weight to be flown in low wind conditions. This allows two or even three passengers to be flown at a time.
2. Prepare the parachute by inflating it and strap the passengers into the harness from the flight deck. Get assistance from a crew member, if necessary.
3. Reel out towline while accelerating the winchboat from a standing start. This combination will lift the parachute and passenger into the air until they are fully aloft.
4. Limit the line length according to local regulations, if required. Parasailing typically uses 500 to 1000 feet of line with some operators using as much as 2000 feet of line. However, the maximum allowable height off the water is much less than this in some places.
5. Initiate a freefall. Stop the winchboat and allow the parachute to descend slowly for about a minute. Accelerate again to lift the passenger back into the air. The freefall may be repeated several times in a flight.

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