The Next Level of Powered
Parasailing:
Is Powered Paragliding the New Sport of Choice?
If you are looking for the ultimate adventure
ride, how about flying high above the ground or the ocean, strapped
to a large parachute? This powered parasail will help you float
safely and gently to the ground at the end. No, I’m not talking
about sky diving; this sport allows you to actually fly through the
air in a forward motion before coming down for a landing. The newest
rage in sports of flight includes powered parasailing, an activity
that straps you to a parachute and tows you through the air by a
boat.
Paragliding, or flying solo with a motor on your tiny craft, is
often confused with parasailing, but the two are not the same.
Powered parasailing is what you might see at many of the resort
beaches today, but powered paragliding is quickly becoming the sport
of choice. The latter allows the ability to pilot your own craft
instead of simply being taken along as a passenger. Let’s take a
look at the two.
Parasailing
When you parasail, you are towed along in the sky by a boat in the
water. The journey begins on the flight deck of the winch boat,
where you are strapped to a sturdy harness attached to a large
parachute above. As the boat begins to accelerate across the water,
the hydraulic winch increases the length of your tow rope. These two
actions in tandem lift you into the air, and before you know it, you
are sailing high above the boat. The driver of the boat can lower
you by stopping the boat at any time, but you are unable to do much
to pilot the craft yourself.
The History
of Parasailing
Paragliding
Powered paragliding is launched from level ground, and uses a motor
to get and stay airborne. The motor is either attached
backpack-style to the pilot and is launched using his feet, or it is
connected to a type of cart, and the wheels of the craft set the
machine in motion. Instead of using a parachute to stay aloft, this
craft has a high-powered elliptical wing, much like those used in
regular paragliding. The craft can actually be steered in different
directions by the pilot, using left and right control handles. These
handles can also help the pilot to change altitude as needed. When
you are ready to come in for a landing, you can simply turn off the
motor, and the large wing will help you gently descend to the
ground. Powered paragliding is much newer to aviation sport than
powered parasail, but it is quickly gaining momentum as a fun and
relatively safe activity.
If you have tried powered parasailing in the past and loved the
adrenaline rush of sailing airborne, you may be ready for the
powered paragliding adventure. You can find powered paragliding in
many areas of the country, since it doesn't need a body of water and
a boat to get the craft moving. States like Arizona, Minnesota and
Vermont all offer paragliding training across a pristine countryside
that is designed for flight. If this sport sounds like one you would
like to try, check your own location for paragliding companies near
you. Up, up and away!
What To Look For In A
Parasail Boat
Tips to Avoid a
Parasailing Accident
Overview of Typical
Parasailing Prices
Typical
Parasailing Equipment
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