Dana Point,  Family Fun,  Kid Activities,  Orange County

Soar to New Heights Parasailing Over the Pacific

June 21, 2019 /

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Dana Point Parasail will provide high flying fun!

Every summer I try to think of something my family can do that we’ve never done before. I am over new toys since they tend to just clutter up the house. So rather I try to look for experiences and memories for my kids to have that they will remember and look back on fondly. As it happens, I came across a friend’s post about their fun parasailing adventure through Dana Point Parasail and I thought, “Okay, that’s it”!

When I told my mom about it the first thing she referenced was America’s Funniest Videos and asked if we had any of ‘those’ kind of moments. I hadn’t even thought of that when we went, but I can assure you that Dana Point Parasail isn’t going to give you the opportunity to win $10,000. They were very professional, prepared, and had it down to a science and on top of all that, brought the fun!

Let me back up a bit in case you are confusing parasailing with paragliding or kite-surfing or something it’s not. Parasailing is when a person (or persons) is towed behind a vehicle (usually a speedboat) while attached to a canopy similar to a parachute. You don’t need any skill to do it; I mean you take off sitting. It’s that easy. In fact, I was connected to my 6-year-old and my husband to our 8-year-old daughter. Our take-off and landing were about as easy as it gets. All you really need to do is enjoy the ride!

What to expect the first time you go parasailing?

Safety: Is parasailing safe? Hundreds of thousands of parasailing flights are safely done each year. Statistically you are far safer parasailing then you are driving.

Is parasailing scary? Not at all. Actually, the whole thing is so relaxing. It is not a thrill ride, but more of a slow floating experience. You get to take in ocean and coastal views from 800 ft up. While we were riding, we flew over a gigantic pod of dolphins. We watched them jump and could even see them below the surface. I have lived in California my entire life and gone on whale watching boats and have never before experienced views like these. It was unbelievable. However, if heights make you nervous that might be something to consider. I am not a heights person myself and it took me a minute to feel comfortable, but I loved it all the same. And I am totally recommending it.

Do I need to know how to swim? Both the take-off and landing are done from the back of the boat, so you don’t need to swim. You might have a little sea spray hit you, but who doesn’t love that?! You are also required to wear a life jacket for precaution so in the very unlikely event you do somehow end up in the water, you are covered.

Do I need experience? Nope. You literally just stand and sit and you are doing everything you need to do. I was blown away with how easy it was.

Can pregnant women go? Unfortunately, no. Also, if you have neck or back issues, the boat ride can be a tad bumpy, so it is discouraged.

How old do I need to be to fly? Parasailors must be at least 5 years old to ride. And guests 18 or under must be signed in by an adult. However, there is no maximum age. And minors must weigh at least 125 lbs. to fly solo. There are weight restrictions, so please review the rules here to verify.

Photos- You can take your phone or camera up with you, but I recommend a strap to ensure you don’t lose it. If that makes you too nervous, the company offers a photo package you can purchase.

Pricing- Flyer (800 ft): $95 per person (same price flying solo or tandem). Non-flyer ride along: $40 per person pending available space

For refund policy, tipping, concerns, and all other questions please go here.

I will say this; my husband and I did this on our honeymoon in Mexico; and this was so much BETTER! It felt safer, the landing and take-off were polar opposite and so easy! And the views were unmatched.

I loved having my daughter next to me during the ride. We laughed and talked and I know it was an experience we will never forget!

I am also so happy we chose to use Dana Point Parasail. In 2018 they were awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. I knew we were in good hands the entire time!

ENTER PROMO CODE: “socalfamilyfun” for $15 off per person!

My kids are already asking to go again. My son, who is too young to go, keeps saying he is going when he is a big boy. While this is definitely an experience, I am hoping it will not be once in a lifetime; but something we can do over and over again!!!

Here is a video of our amazing ride! You can see the view, how close we got to the dolphins, and the ease in which it all went down! Enjoy!

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