How to Outfit Yourself for Parasailing

Get together all the materials needed to fly a person in a kite-like parachute behind a ski boat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Parasails
• Life Vests
• Ski Boats
• Tow Ropes

1. Get a 75-horsepower (minimum) towboat, capable of towing 12,000 to 15,000 lbs. easily at speeds up to 35 mph. The boat must have a reinforced ski tow pylon or an equivalent towing bar.

2. Procure a nylon parasail and a Dacron or polypropylene towing rope 100 to 300 feet long with a safety "pin-release" system on the tow bar side.

3. Assemble a parasail team of six or more people, including: a boat driver, an observer (known as the "pin man"), left- and right-hand ground assistants for takeoff, a parasailor, and a safety boat operator.

4. Find a large, uncrowded body of water with a takeoff area at least 50 feet deep and totally free of obstructions such as large rocks, trees, bushes or fenceposts.

5. Instruct all members of the team on their duties.

6. Parasail safely.

Tips & Warnings

• The "pin man" (or woman) is the safety-release person for the parasailor in case of danger.
• The driver should fly the parasail like a kite behind the boat, always being very careful of any obstruction.
• Only parasail in perfectly safe conditions.
• Never parasail in busy waters.
• Familiarize yourself with all rules for safe parasailing before beginning to parasail.
• Parasailing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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