Parasailing in the Okanagan – Everything You Need to Know

The summer season is just around the corner and Ogopogo Parasail is ready to help you kick back and enjoy the ride up in the sky. Bring the whole family for a one-of-a-kind adventure! Our state of the art parachute can lift up to 600 pounds enabling us to accommodate two or even 3 adults at the same time.

Here are some tips to make sure you walk into your first parasailing experience feeling confident.

Check the Weather

Wind and water are the two main ingredients for a good parasail, so they both need to be ideal for your best adventure. Give the local forecast a look before you head out.

Clear & bright days are ideal because you and the boat captain will have maximum visibility for sightseeing and good communication.

Consistent high wind will allow the sail to stay afloat, but it could cause choppy water, which makes boating unpleasant and less safe. As a rule of thumb, if it’s too windy to set up a beach umbrella then it’s not the right day. Gusty winds and thunderstorms will also ground the operation.

Dress for Success

It’s always a good idea to wear a swimsuit if you want to get wet. Besides that, comfortable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen is recommended. 

Try to avoid anything that may fly away, such as loose clothing & accessories.

Show Me the Ropes

Knowing the basic tools involved with your parasailing experience will help you understand how the system works and keep you safe in the air. You are attached to a boat and essentially towed through the sky from a cable. There are a few essential pieces of equipment for parasailing.

For safety, all parasailers wear a life jacket to keep you safe around the water. It’s key that it fits snug against your body.

You will be sitting in a body harness, a “seat” type that is much like a swing in a playground and is attached at either end to the passenger tow bar.

The tow bar is attached to the chute, as is the towline that runs to the boat.

Get To Know the Crew

Once you’re in the air, you won’t be able to talk or hear the crew on the boat. So get to know how the crew likes to communicate. They will typically use hand or arm signals to communicate direction, speed, or when you’d like to come down.

Take off and land safe & slow right from the back of the boat. Want to cool off? Ask the captain to get you wet and lower you into the water for a dip during your parasailing adventure!

As you glide over the water, you get to see the Okanagan in a way you never expected.

If you’re looking for more information or want to book your first parasail adventure, contact us for more info.

Filed In Articles

Related Posts