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How High Does A Parasail Go?

A parasail can go a maximum of 500 feet above the Earth. This is due to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations. FAA rules limit parasails to fly no higher than 500 vertical feet from the surface of the earth (CFR 101.13). 500 feet up is about how high as you can go with a standard 800 ft towline. But most parasails only fly at around 400 to 450  feet. The actual height of the parasail depends on how much of the 800 foot tow line the operator lets out. 500 feet is the maxium height a parasail will go when the entire 800 foot line is used. But many operators only use between 600 – 700 feet of line to keep the parasail between 400 to 450 feet. If you go parasailing, ask the boat operator about how high they’ll take you up.

The reasons the FAA regulates the height a parasail can go is for safety reasons. Planes, helicopters and commercial drones fly above 500 feet. The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude an aircraft can fly over urban areas is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas. They must also maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the surface of water except when over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure

So as long as the parasail stays at or below 500 feet they’re generally safe from getting hit by aircraft. A height of 400 to 450 feet provides a buffer between the parasail and aircraft flying above. If the sail starts to drift upwards, or the aircraft are flying a little low, the operator has 50 to 100 feet to pull the parasail down before they hit the 500 foot height limit.

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How High Will You Go When Parasailing?

A parasail can not go above 500 feet from the surface. This is due to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations. FAA rules prohibit parasails from flying higher than 500 vertical feet from the surface of the water for safety reasons.

The FAA limits how high a parasail can go for safety reasons. Planes, helicopters and commercial drones fly above 500 feet. The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude over urban areas an aircraft can fly is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas. They must also maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the surface of water except when over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure

So as long as a parasail stays under 500 feet, you should be under any aircraft flying above.

500 feet up is about how high as you can go with a standard 800 ft towline. The boat typically drives at about 15 to 30 miles an hour to help maintain that height. If the driver slows down, they can reel in line to keep the parasailer at a safe height.

Most parasails do not ascend to the 500 feet max. The average height a parasail flies is around 400 to 450 feet. This height keeps a safe distance between the parasailer and aircraft flying above. Should the parasail drift upwards, or the aircraft are flying a little low, the operator has 50 to 100 feet to reel the parasail in.

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What Is The Average Height For Parasailing?

The average height for parasailing is around 400 to 450 feet. The maximum height allowed by the FAA is 500 feet. This is to keep parasailers under the 500 foot minimum height aircraft are allowed to fly. But most boat captains keep the parasailer a safe distance below the 500 foot max in case the sail starts to drift up a bit or if the aircraft are flying a little low.

A parasail boat has an 800 foot towline which keeps the parasail at a maximum height of 500 feet when the line is fully let out. This is for safety reasons to prevent a boat captain from letting a parasailer drift too high.

Is Parasailing Scary?

Whether parasailing is scary or not depends on how scared of heights you are. Once you’re up the ride is generally smooth and there’s a beautiful view of the ocean. Heights don’t bother me so I don’t mind being 400 feet in the air. But if you’re scared of heights it will definitely be a scary ride. Especially when the wind starts blowing the parasail back and forth.

Many large roller-coasters operate between 400 to 500 feet at the top. If you’re ever in NY or another city, that’s about 40 to 50 stories tall. If you go to the top of the Empire State Building its about 1,200 feet up, that’s about 3 times as high as a parasail. Commercial plans fly at over 30,000 feet. But standing on top of a building or sitting in a plane feels different than dangling from a large kite being pulled by a boat.

The parasail glides at a low speed and generally feels quite graceful. When the wind blows the sail glides back and forth a bit but it’s an overall relaxing ride once you’re up. The movements from wind aren’t jerky or forceful. And the operator shouldn’t take you up if there’s high wind or chance of a storm.

The scariest part of the experience for me is take-off. As the boat starts to drive, the sail catches the wind and pulls you up. It’s a strange feeling at first but once you’re up it’s very relaxing and enjoyable.

Landing isn’t as scary as taking off. The boat reels you in and you descend into the boat. The operator will assist you and disconnect the harness when you get to the boat.

The entire parasailing experience feels like you’re floating on air.

Even though parasailing is fairly safe, there’s still some risk and good reason to be scared. People have died in parasailing accidents before and probably will again in the future. Before parasailing, I recommend checking the safety record of the operator to make sure they’re a reputable company with a good record.

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Will The Parasail Captain Fly You Higher?

A parasail captain should never take you up higher than the 500 foot max. And most stay at around 400 feet so they have enough time to reel you in of the sail starts to drift upwards. This is for safety reasons to keep you below the 500 foot minimum height aircraft are required to fly at. If the operator takes you up higher than 500 feet, there’s a chance you could get hit by an aircraft above.

If a parasail captain offers to take you up higher than 500 feet, you should decline. This is too high and you’ll be within the potential flight path of an aircraft.

To help keep parasailers safe, operators use an 800 foot tow line which keeps the parasail at around a maximum height of 500 feet. This is also regulated by the FAA. As long as the captain follows FAA regulations and is only using an 800 foot tow line, it should be impossible to raise you over the maximum 500 foot height.

The parasail rig you wear is connected to the boat by tow rope. As the boat begins to drive, the tow rope becomes taut which pulls at the parachute. The air resistance in your parachute creates lift and keeps you airborne.

The captain lets out more line as he drives ahead which raises you higher. Even if he lets out all 800 feet of line you still should be within the 500 foot maximum height for the parasail.

Unless the parasail company is operating outside of compliance you should be safely under the 500 foot max. But this is why hiring a reputable company with a clean safety record is so important.

Make sure you check the safety record of the parasail company you’re hiring before you ride.

Can You Parasail If You’re Afraid Of Heights?

Yes, you can still ride a parasail even if you’re afraid of heights. The first time I rode one I was actually very afraid of heights and generally scared of riding a parasail. The whole idea of dangling from a big kite being pulled by a boat was scary to me. But I did it anyway and found it to be a lot of fun. Now it’s a part of just about every vacation I go on.

The feel of parasailing is very different than being up high and looking down. I think because you’re moving it feels more like being on a high, but slow, roller coaster. The ride is very relaxing and I quickly settle in and relax to enjoy the view.

The first time I went up the being was the scariest. I was very nervous as the boat started to pull me up. But once I reached the top it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. But I have to admit I rarely look down.

If you’re afraid of heights and decide to try it out anyway, I recommend keeping your eyes on the horizon and general surroundings. Looking straight down makes me realize how high I actually am and can be scary.

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FAQ

Here are some general questions answered about parasailing.

Do I Need Experience To Parasail?

No, experience is not required to parasail. Just about anyone can do it as long as you can safely fit into the harness.

Are There Age Or Weight Restrictions?

Yes, the minimum age is usually 6. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a liability waiver. The minimum combined weight is 160 lbs and the maximum combined weight is about 450 lbs. Weight requirements change daily due to wind conditions and are subject to the captain’s approval.

Can More Than One Person Ride A Parasail Together?

Yes. Some restrictions apply depending on weight and wind conditions but you can definitely ride with more than one person. Exactly how many is up to the captain to decide but generally 2 to 3 riders is the average.

Where Do You Take Off And Land From?

Both take offs and landings are done from the back of the boat. You never enter the water or go on land. After you’re fit with a parasail harness, you’re seated next to the other riders on the flight deck and then launched and retrieved using a hydraulic winch system.

Do I Go Into The Water?

No, you never go all the way into the water but the captain can tow you low enough that you can put your feet in.

Can I Fly Higher Than 500 Feet?

No. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) limits parasails to fly no higher than 500 vertical feet from the surface of the earth. This is to keep parasailers below the 500 feet minimum height of flying aircraft.

What Should I Wear Parasailing?

Bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts, shoes, etc. Any clothing is fine to wear. But I wouldn’t recommend loose fitting sandals or flip-flops unless you take them off on the boat. Occasionally, it can be chilly up high, especially in the morning or winter months, so bring a sweatshirt, jacket and/or pants just in case.

How Long Does Parasailing Take?

Parasailing generally takes about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. It’s part boat ride and part parasailing.

Does parasailing Require A Reservation?

Yes, most parasailing companies require a reservation. Especially if you’re at a crowded resort. Each trip takes about an hour to an hour and a half and reservations go fast. However if you want to ride and don’t have a reservation I would call and check anyway. If the boat isn’t full they may let you on.

Can You Take Your Phone Parasailing?

Yes, you can take your phone or other video recording device with you when you parasail. However be careful. It’s easy to drop a phone while parasailing and you’ll never recover it. If you want to record your parasailing trip I recommend buying a small video camera like a GoPro which has straps and clamps to keep them secure while you ride.

Is It Hard To Breathe Parasailing?

No, The maximum height a parasail can go up is 500 feet, but most fly at around 400 to 450 feet. This isn’t high enough above sea level for the air to get thin. 400 to 500 feet above sea level is equivalent to a 40 to 50 story building or a tall roller coaster. Air doesn’t start to get noticeably thin until you’re around 7,000 feet above sea level.

Summary: How High Does A Parasail Go?

A parasail can go a maximum of 500 feet above the Earth. This is due to FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations. FAA rules limit parasails to fly no higher than 500 vertical feet from the surface of the earth (CFR 101.13). 500 feet up is about how high as you can go with a standard 800 ft towline. But most parasails only fly at around 400 to 450  feet. The actual height of the parasail depends on how much of the 800 foot tow line the operator lets out. 500 feet is the maxium height a parasail will go when the entire 800 foot line is used. But many operators only use between 600 – 700 feet of line to keep the parasail between 400 to 450 feet. If you go parasailing, ask the boat operator about how high they’ll take you up.

The reasons the FAA regulates the height a parasail can go is for safety reasons. Planes, helicopters and commercial drones fly above 500 feet. The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude an aircraft can fly over urban areas is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas. They must also maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the surface of water except when over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure

So as long as the parasail stays at or below 500 feet they’re generally safe from getting hit by aircraft. A height of 400 to 450 feet provides a buffer between the parasail and aircraft flying above. If the sail starts to drift upwards, or the aircraft are flying a little low, the operator has 50 to 100 feet to pull the parasail down before they hit the 500 foot height limit.

If you have any questions or comments about parasailing, email any time.

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