Parasailing Another South Carolina Action Sport Alternative

Parasailing has taken off as a great way to spend some vacation or any recreational time with a unique and exciting excursion. Whether going up solo with a friend in a double harness, parasailing is fun, adventurous and as thrilling as any rollercoaster. Parasailing offers all the fun of hanggliding, the relaxation of the water, the speed of skiing or motorsports and the fun of being outside in the great South Carolina sun. Whether taking a parasail ride while visiting the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand or going aloft from one of South Carolina's scenic barrier islands, parasailing is sweeping the South Carolina coast line.

South Carolina Parasailing Compares To Hanggliding

Parasailing offers all the fun of hanggliding without needing the elevation or mountains needed for take off. Parasailors lift off with the aid of a powerful motorboat to provide the dynamic lift needed for take off. Although hanggliding has similarities to other types of airplanes, a parasail is more of a kite: suspended from a tow line and needing a steady breeze to stay aloft. The difference is kites use the prevailing winds whereas a parasail makes it's own breeze with the forward motion provided by the motorboat. Parasailing in South Carolina provides parasailors with the opportunity to fly without any concern for high take offs or learning to fly in a more traditional fashion.

Parasails And Paraplanes

Another activity competing for the parasail dollar is light para planes. These vehicles combine the dynamics of winged flight with the lift of a fabric parachute. Pilot and passenger sit in small seats suspended beneath a canopy parachute. With a small motor driving a propeller, the para plane moves forward, fills the chute and lifts off. Although similar in concept to the parasail, the para plane requires much more preparation and experience to fly. Where as with a parasail all the parasailor must do is strap in and trust the winchboat pulling the tow line, para planes require training and capabilities similar to flying a traditional airplane. One advantage, though, for the paraplane is it can fly almost anywhere but the parasail requires a large unobstructed body of water. Parasailing, though, is also a great diversion from other water sports such as water skiing, jets skis and surfing. Parasailing offers both the thrill of a great ride and the tranquility of being aloft over a great expanse of open water. And unlike water skiing or jet skis, once the parasail is aloft and reaches a height of 500 feet or more, the sound of the winch boat's motor fades away on the sea breeze. Once aloft the parasailor enjoys a magnificent view and a sense of freedom like no other recreational activity.