Wideye Adventures

Winchboat Parasailing Mechanics

The exhilaration of being able to fly and having an eagle’s view of the cerulean blue clear seas and white-sand beaches are thrills that many, both old and young, aspire to experience once in their lifetime. An activity that would be able to offer you such a breathtaking adventure is parasailing.

A little bit of history

This is a relatively young sport, discovered in the 1960s by a parachute instructor, Brian Gaskin, who created a chute, named Waterbird Parakites, specifically for parasailing. The parachute designed by Gaskin is still being used by many for this activity.

The person responsible for the development of winchboat parasailing, however, is Mark McCulloh, who in 1976 patented the first-ever parasailing winchboat. This vessel utilizes a hydraulic winch being powered by the engine of the boat. Winchboat parasailing has started to become the preferred type of parasailing since its commercial launch of the boat in the 80’s.

A glimpse at parasailing

The mechanics of aquatic parasailing is quite simple. By means of the zooming boat, you will be lifted up into the sky, helped by the parachute that is fastened to you. The height of your ascent will be determined by the combination of the following elements: the length of the towline connecting you to the boat, the wind velocity and the speed of the boat.

Your ascent and landing will be determined by the parasailing method that your operator provides. If you manually ascended and landed on the beach, that is called beach parasailing. If you soared up and descended on the winch of a sea vessel, then you just experienced winchboat parasailing. However, if you landed and were hoisted up off some sort of a platform on a beach, then you participated in platform parasailing.

So that you will have an idea of what winchboat parasailing is all about, here is a blow-by-blow account of the entire ride:

Preparation

In winchboat parasailing, some operators use a body harness, while others opt to use a floating chair. Whatever the method is, you or your chair will be fastened to a parasailing-specific canopy, which in turn is linked to a hydraulic winch found on the boat.

Your parachute or canopy could either be inflated manually by trained staff or by riser lines that are attached to a hoisted up mast line.

Lift off

Once you are securely in position and your canopy is inflated, the driver will start to accelerate the vessel so that you will start to soar above the ground.

Landing

After the flight, you will be reeled to the deck for landing by the hydraulic winch.

Parasailing in Upper Keys

Florida Keys, a group of islands just off the coast of mainland Florida, is divided into Upper Keys, Key West and Lower Keys. The Upper Keys is composed of three major beaches and water sport destination namely, Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada.

The first Island, Key Largo, got its name from the Spanish term for large because it is the biggest and longest island in the Florida Keys.

Upper Keys is the first group of islands in this popular tourist spot destination. Since this vast area is composed of islands and inlets, the Upper Keys has become a major destination

Although the Upper Keys, particularly Key Largo, is known for its spectacular diving spots and marine sanctuaries, these islands have also started to offer water sport activities, particularly parasailing, in recent years.

Tavernier and Islamadora maybe smaller islands compared to Key Largo, but they also boast of clear water and outstanding amenities and service. The common denominator that these Upper Keys islands share is the ambience of relaxation and serenity. You will surely get the best of both worlds here in the Upper Keys: a bucolic country life with outstanding amenities and accessibility of modern technology.

Many enjoy parasailing tours in the Upper Keys area because of its spectacular view. Parasailing can be offered in almost all beaches in the world, but the best parasailing spots turn out to be the ones that offer more beautiful and dazzling view of the ocean and the beaches.

Another reason why people flock to the Upper Keys for water sport activities, especially parasailing and paragliding, is the safety standards set and followed by major tour operators. From the boat to the harness, to the lines and kites, tour operators only use equipment that has passed strict safety regulations. The friendly staff that are hired to service the tourists are also well trained, and if need be, are certified by the best organizations for water sports in the US.

People who are both new and expert in parasailing will have fun in the Upper Keys because the price of the tours and accommodations is very affordable. You can fly solo for less than a hundred. For tandem flights, those that have two flyers, you will only need to shell out around two hundred dollars for both people.

Aside from adventure-ridden activities, the Upper Keys also offer fishing and diving tours, and an under water viewing park. The view of the coral reefs, both natural and manmade, and exotic and diverse marine life will surely astonish and surprise you.