Imagine floating 300 feet above the Gulf of Mexico, the sun on your face and a breeze ruffling your hair. Many people dream of flying like this, but you can experience it when you parasail at Key West.
Information About Parasailing Key West
In Key West parasailing, riders are towed behind a vehicle, which is most often a boat, attached to a special parachute. This is also called parascending or parakiting, and the parachute is called a canopy or wing. It is designed with wing-like extensions which allow it to “fly.” Regular parachutes permit people to skydive, and give them some control over their direction. In Europe, parasailing has been developed as a sport; the parasail is towed by a four-wheel-drive vehicle until it reaches its maximum height. The wing is then released and the riders drop into a target zone competing for accuracy of landing. Parasails are primarily used for rides, though, and parasailors have no control of the canopy. That control is in the hands of the boat driver far below.
The sport began in 1961, when a parasail was invented to use as a training device for parachutists. The parachutist would be towed, allowed to ascend to a proper height, and then be released to practice landing skills. The use of parasailing was less expensive than using an airplane. Soon after, people began developing the equipment especially for the parasail ride. The “wings” allow the parasail to be stable in the air.
Parasailors can begin their rides from a beach, almost like taking off on water skis, or from a winchboat, reeled out bit-by-bit over sparkling waters. Those who choose to be reeled out will not even get their toes wet. However you begin, the first rush is a slight jolt as the parasail catches the wind and begins its ascent. After that first jar, the ride is smooth. You rise slowly and, although the boat is bounding over the water, you feel as if you were sitting in a swing. The gentle rocking is interrupted only by occasional gusts of wind.
Parasailing key west is unique because the clear water offers wonderful views of shipwrecks and underwater corals. There are dolphins to watch too. You need not be alone in your experience. Many of the boats used are large; some even hold twelve passengers. The parasail can be equipped with an aluminum bar, called a “side-by-side,” attached to the parasail yoke that allows two or three people to soar together. You can even rent video equipment to make a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Parasailing establishments at key west feature state-of-the-art, Coast Guard inspected boats and equipment. There is a slight risk to parasailing, but boat operators are trained to operate the wings safely. There are single, double and triple rides to accommodate most groups, though small children are excepted from riding. The weight limit is 450 pounds.
You are swaying gently beneath the brightly-colored canopy, exclaiming to your friends about the beauty around you. Several hundred feet below you, the boat passengers are dark spots on “toy” boats. Besides your conversations, the only other sound you hear comes from sea birds flying underneath, and from the breeze which rocks you. This is key west, however, and there are catamarans and sailboats dotting the blue waters. Your bird’s eye view of Smathers Beach reveals blindingly white sand (imported from The Bahamas).Below you, people play volleyball or relax in the sun. Your view of Bight Seaport includes the harbor walk, sailing ships, schooners and shipwrecks.
All too soon, the cable tethering you to the boat begins to pull you downward. Finally, your feet touch the deck and you are loosed from the parasail harness. It isn’t a long ride. Parasailing is a good choice for cruise ship passengers on a stop-over. While it isn’t cheap (parasail rides typically cost $40-$50 for a single rider) the memories will last a lifetime.
Visitors leave their routines behind them and succumb to the laid-back Caribbean character of the island. Hotels range from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxury spas hotels along the waterfront. There is fine dining and shopping everywhere. The fishing is great here, and there is scuba diving too. With so much to do, vacationers tout key west as a vacation Mecca. But when you choose to parasail, you count adventure as a benchmark of a wonderful get-a-way. Nowhere else will you experience the feeling that many people only dream of, the freedom of soaring high above your troubles, hanging out in the island sky. Others will remember the charm of Bight Seaport, and strolling the harbor walk. You will remember soaring over key west like a bird.