FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE BASIC’S
How long is the whole ride from the time we leave the dock to the time we get back?
If it is full boat (12 passengers), it will be about an hour and fifteen minutes including all parasail flights. We give full flights, we keep you entertained and it’s a blast!
How long is each flight?
Each flight is approximately 8 - 10 minutes long when flying as a single and 10-12 minutes flying as a tandem.
How high do we go up when we fly?
The standard flight is 800 feet of line. On average 800 feet of line will put you approximately 600 feet up in the air.
Is there any age or weight restrictions?
We take children as young as 4 years old and have also flown a 96 year old for her birthday. Our minimum weight limit to fly alone is around 125 lbs., but it does increase and decrease throughout the day dependant on the wind and weather. Conditions change throughout the day and this will determine if individuals can fly as singles.
Can I fly with someone?
Yes, that's how most of our customers fly. We call that a tandem flight. Restrictions apply. When asked, please be sure to tell the captain your correct weight. Weather, wind, sea, and weight of each flyer are all factors that play a part in the captain's decision on single or tandem flying
Can I just ride on the boat and not fly?
Sure, that’s what we call an observer or spectator and yes there is a charge for it. Please understand that people flying have seating priority and observers or spectators may be “bumped” for a person who wants to fly. To insure your seat you can always pay the full price to fly and we would be happy to give your flying time to someone in your group that is flying.
What should I bring?
You should plan on getting at least a little wet, even if you don’t want a dip – We can’t guarantee a totally dry trip, remember you are on a boat. So wear a bathing suit, and bring a towel.
Do I have to get wet?
No. The choice is yours you may get wet (take a short dip in the water) or you may stay fully dry. Should you choose to get wet (highly recommended!) the captain will bring you in for a graceful dip (usually about knee deep).
How am I secured to the parachute?
Flyers are secured in a specially designed harness that you sit in like a swing. The only difference is that there are leg straps, a waist strap, and even a backrest to keep you safely and comfortably held to the chute. Each flyer also wears a PFD (Life jacket) in the unlikely event of a water landing.
How do you get up in the air?
Once the crew inflates the parachute, you take off and land on the back (stern) of the boat (we call it the "fight deck"). You go aloft from a seated position and then return by sitting down again.
Do I have to hold on?
No, the harness does all the work for you! Just sit back and relax. The crew may ask you to hold on during your take off and landing, but other than that you are free to wave or cover your eyes all you want.
CAMERAS & PHOTOS
Can I bring my camera?
We recommend you leave your camera at home and take advantage of our premium photo package. We know just when and how to get the best shots and, more importantly, anything brought on the boat will be subject to getting wet or getting bounced around. (You are on a boat after all). VPB does not accept any responsibility for the safety and well being of your electronic gadgets.
What is a Photo Pack?
Our photo packs are as popular as our specialty parasail t-shirts, all of our boats carry hi-resolution digital cameras on board. The mate takes photos commonly 25 -30 shots of your entire experience on the boat. Photos are stored on a small standard SD card and given to you at the completion of the trip. The mate is the only person permitted to move around the boat while underway and the great thing is we know just when and how to get the best shots. After your trip take the SD card, put it in your computer and post your shots or take it to get developed into printed photos.
What if I still want to bring a camera, can I take pictures?
Certainly! You can bring your own camera or we have great disposable waterproof cameras available for sale.
Additionally, we would like to encourage you to send any pictures to us that you have taken while flying with us. We will gladly post these on the website with any comments that you would like to make about your experience.
HEALTH QUESTIONS
Do I need experience or be physically fit to go parasailing?
No skills or experience is necessary. Just sit back, relax and let our experienced crew do the work to get you air.
What if I have a back, neck or spinal injury? Unfortunately due to the bumpy-ness of the boat ride we do not suggest you parasail or ride along as an observer.
What if I am pregnant? Enjoy your pregnancy; you can parasail after the baby is born. We would also suggest skipping the trip on the boat as an observer.
What if we are physically challenged, can we parasail?
That depends on each individual's abilities. To fly you must be able to get onto the boat. Once onboard the Parasail boat you will be harnessed. The best thing to do is come and visit us or call and we will make every attempt to assist in making it happen.
SAFETY
What if weather becomes bad while we are out our excursion?
This is South Florida and the weather changes quickly especially in the summer months. Our captains and even our main office continually monitor weather conditions throughout the day. We will do everything possible to complete each one of our trips but if we feel the conditions may not be favorable, we will postpone and or cancel a trip sometimes even during the middle of a flight. Remember your safety is our first priority. Our staff will make every effort to reschedule your trip but if you can not reschedule or we can not fly you, we will refund your money in full.
Is parasailing safe?
You safety is always our first priority! Parasailing accidents do happen but based on the number of people who partake in the adventure accidents are extremely rare. Flying with a proven, reputable company is the key to safety. We have flown thousands of people and have maintained a 100% safety record. Our Captains have all obtained the proper Licenses through the United States Coast Guard, our Captains and crew are continually submitted to random drug testing, evaluations and all receive industry-standard safety training on a regular basis.
What happens if the tow line snaps or the boat breaks down?
To ensure this never happens, VPB maintains a rigorous maintenance program for all our equipment. Our ropes are inspected on a daily basis and are commonly changed seasonally. In the unlikely event of problems with the boat or the tow line, the parasail would gently float down and land in the water. Our crews are trained for this type of incident and go over the procedures with each guest prior to your excursion.
BOOKING YOUR EXCURSION
Are reservations recommended?
Yes, due to the popularity of parasailing, and limited space available, we suggest making your reservations 1-3 days in advance. In the summer we are often booked up two days in advance.
What time of the day is best to make a reservation?
Commonly the earlier in the day the better the conditions will be. As the day goes on the winds, waves and conditions tend to change. In the summer months try to make your reservations before 2:00pm that’s usually when the afternoon showers come. When it does rain, we most of the time just wait out the storms and get back to flying after the showers pass. This just pushes our afternoon schedule back a little. Do you accept walk-ups? Yes, we do accept walk-ups; however, Pre-booked parties have preference and our boats may not have enough available seats for your entire party.
CANCELLATIONS & NO SHOWS
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Cancellations require a two hour notice; cancellations made with less than a two hour notice will be charged 50% of the full rate of the entire reservation. If we can reschedule you for a later time there will not be a charge.
What happens if you cancel my trip?
We take pride in working with our clients to make every attempt to provide you with a great experience and because of how fast the weather changes, we are often forced to cancel a trip only moments before they go out. We will attempt to call you as soon as possible if we are not going to fly, if rescheduling or hanging out to wait for the weather to pass is not an option ten we will refund any monies paid.
What if I just don’t show up?
Well then shame on you, you will be charged for the full amount of the value of the trip and you will not receive a refund. If you want to reschedule after that the second reservation will be discounted after you fly.
THE WEIRD ONES
Are there sharks in the water that might bite me?
No-one parasailing has ever been attacked by a shark or any other fish. Parasailing takes place on the Atlantic Ocean and sharks do indeed live in the ocean, but, we can confidently say they have never been interested in tasting a person who is parasailing. (Despite our efforts to tempt them)
