Parasailing

Parasailing is a common since the mid-1970s term for flying with a controllable parachute behind a vehicle, especially a boat. Is used, a special parachute, in the lower at its rear side nozzles or flap-like openings are incorporated, which provide the necessary buoyancy.

The origins lie in the idea to carry a parachutist in a different way than by an airplane in the air. First attempts were then made ​​using a winch with a car. On the top level of the pilot was disengaged and was then able to independently fly. In the field of gliding is the practice for a long time by means of a winch. After the first experiments with a winch and a land vehicle, the idea to try it behind a boat on the water much less dangerous, was born.

Without being able to prove this, report various Internet sites independently of the testing in the 1960s on solid parachutes in France, Great Britain and the United States. An exact historical evidence is not yet available. Some reports are questionable, since it is not possible for the alleged used closed round canopy parachutes, a rise by dragging, as there is no lift is generated. The screen would open and grind on the floor.

In the summer of 1978, commercial flying a hang glider ( dragon) were on the Caldonazzo in northern Italy by the local water ski school offered behind the boat. Due to the extremely heavy handling of drawn dragon, with beginners, however, there were frequent crashes and the offer was discontinued.

In a modern Parasail shield is a round shield, the direction of which can be influenced by the pilot to the right and left. The solid is attached to a pilot on the screen belt harness system. In general, the fixing of the pilot is to be solved in case of danger by means of a Zugnippels ad hoc. The lines are between 30 and 100 m long. The physical conditions mean that at least one third of the line depending on the weight arcuately down depends, so that the height of the screen is about two-thirds the length of cordage.

In rare cases, face shields are used, but the cause relatively large instability in the air handling problems with beginners, through its compared to round umbrellas. On land, there is also the possibility to be towed by a towing vehicle. Because of the higher risk of accidents, this is rarely practiced.

Depending on the size of the screen used Parasail individuals or more people can be drawn. The start is from the beach, a pier or platform.

The pilot will run along a few meters after tightening the leash and opening of the screen and is then immediately pulled into the air.

The tow boat should have a mass greater than 500 kg and an engine power of at least 80 kW.

In professional fields, purpose-built boats are used. On these there is a platform for launching and landing, a rack for keeping the screen and an electric winch to allow the pilot with high screen or catch up.

Meanwhile Parasailing is also offered as a recreational sport in some busier holiday resorts.