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Journalism of Courage
When it comes to parasailing, be prepared to be swept off your feet
Weightless. If you ask me what parasailing is, then it8217;s this amazing feeling of weightlessness, and like they say in books 8211; swept off your feet! Also known as parascending, this aero adventure sport is amongst the safest adventure sport and can also be called as gateway to aero sports. The sheer joy of soaring in the sky, hundreds of feet above without much training, has made this recreational event immensely popular.
Parasailing as a sport began in the 608217;s when Piere Lamogine attached a parachute to a car. A cheaper way to teach parachuters, they would raise the person to a certain height and then release. This was called Parascending. In the mid 608217;s, Pioneer Parachute Company started making parachutes under protected name 8216;Parasail8217;. Today we know it as a parachute attached to moving transportation medium like a motorboat. The jeep pulls para sailor along with the parasail mechanically. The canopy gets inflated and on further pulling by the transport medium the parachute is made ready to go up in the air and the person attached with it takes three or four quick steps and then jumps up in the air and starts ascending like a glider to an approximate height of 300 feet.
Methods of Parasailing
There are three methods currently being offered around the world. Winchboat Parasailing, Beach Parasailing and Platform Palasailing of which Winchboat is the most popular.
Winchboat Parasailing: Here, the launch and recovery of the parasailor and parachute takes place directly from the boat itself. The boat is equipped with a parasail inflation system and hydraulic winch powered by the main drive engine to launch and retrieve the parasailor from the flight deck, usually located in the rear of the boat.
Beach Parasailing: This sport along an exotic beach may seem fun, but it can also be extremely hazardous, and not approved for even the most experienced parasailors.
Platform Parasailing: Platform parasailing is not as dangerous as beach parasailing but if you intend to use this method, never fly in winds under five or above 15 mph, in rough oceans, poor weather and certainly away from buildings and other objects in close proximity.
The Requirements
A boat of at least 90HP, a parasail canopy, a body harness and a towline are all that you require to start off. A wind speed ranging from 12 mph to 27 mph is recommended. The take off and flight area must be clear of any obstructions, such as trees, ropes and power lines. A skilled driver and observer, a two man ground crew, favourable winds and you8217;re off.
A variety of parasails are available in the market ranging from 24 feet high parasails to 42 feet high. Parasails come in varying capacities, some are for single flyers, others for a two or even threesome. Yet other parasails can be fitted with a sky chair to afford the riders a luxurious view.
In India
Training programs in parasailing are available for tourist in the Doon valley. Apart from Billing in Himachal, the thrill of this parasailing can also be enjoyed on Nilgiri hills in the South India, the Eastern Himalayas in the Darjeeling/Gangtok area, Auli in Uttranchal, and Sansar in Jammu 038; Kashmir.
Himachal Tourism sponsors training programs and events at various times of the year, in different places. There is an Adventure Sports Hostel at Dharamsala Kangra and an Aero Sports Complex at Bir who facilitates parasailing. In Mumbai, Marine Drive Chaupaty is a famous spot.
It is also popular in Rishikesh area. The sport of parasailing is also pursued in Goa, Trivandrum, Orissa, Haryana, the Northeastern states, especially Manipur, and many other places in India.
Safety Tips
Make sure you parasail with a fully licensed company operating from a well-established location, insured by a licensed insurance company.
Untrained parasailors should avoid this activity in winds that exceed 15 knots due to difficulties and a complication arises during emergency water landings.
Never take up parasailing activity in rain, fog or an approaching storm.
Never fly over 600 feet. This is a maximum recommended altitude for using hand signals and recovery during water landings over open oceans and 300 feet over small lakes or bays.
Avoid parasailing in close proximately to the shoreline, other boats and objects
Educate yourself on the different types of parasail equipment, passenger support devices.
The writer owns adventure club, clubfootloose.com, and is a city based gemmologist. Mail soliclubfootloose.com
