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Certified Safety Gear, Quality Equipment Essential for Parasailing Safety
from: Maxx Sports GuidesAdventure seekers, who soar with the wind, even for several minutes, may consider this fun and a thrilling experience.
However, some feel that entrusting your life to a canopy, a towline, and a harness isn't their definition of having fun.
A rider or pilot in parasailing is vulnerable when he or she is high above the ground. Not much can be done if the chute bursts, the line breaks or the harness falls apart.
Parasailing is becoming a much safer water sport. Stringent measures have been introduced for the training of commercial parasailing operators and the quality of equipment used.
The materials used for the canopy, the harness, the requirements for the boat, and other necessary tools to check the wind, such as a windsock, are all monitored by governing bodies.
The stringent rules seem to have paid off. No fatal injuries involving commercial parasailing were reported from 2004 to the first quarter of 2006, according to the Parasail Safety Council.
Experts attribute the improved safety record to the fact that an increasing number of commercial operators are following stringent rules and using high quality equipment. The safety of the rider and the parasail crew depend largely on the use of certified safety gear and high quality equipment.
If you're interested in parasailing and want to try the sport, it's wise to be prepared. Know ahead of time what type of equipment you'll need to demand from any commercial parasailing operator you hire.
You can help minimize accidents and fatalities by knowing something about the most important gears and safety devices.
Here's a list of the required tools for parasailing:
Boat
The parasailing boat should have at least a 70-hp motor and a remote control. The vessel's points should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a parasail.
Parasail
Material used for the canopy or parasail must be lightweight, yet waterproof and strong.
Windsock
All parasail centers must have a windsock, which is used to determine the wind direction, to help ensure an accurate lift off.
Wind Meter
A wind meter is important to determine if wind velocity is ideal for parasailing or not.
Helmets, Harnesses and Life Jackets
A helmet is an important piece of safety gear to protect the head; the harness connects the rider safely to the canopy or parasail; and life jackets prevent people from drowning.
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