<p>I read also that what happens on gusty days is the wind yanks on the rope and it snaps. You fall that far into the water and it’s like hitting concrete.</p>
<p>One of the advantages of youtube is that you can search any activity that you want, add accidents to the term, and you’ll come up with what amounts to a collection of tutorial videos on what not to do. It will give a good insight into the term inherently dangerous. There is a trove of them related to parasailing.</p>
<p>Husband and I went parasailing years ago in Mexico. He wasn’t paying attention when they told him which cord to pull to descend. He ended up coming down very hard on the beach. Unfortunately, he hit the only rock outcropping on the beach and got several cuts and bruises. Since then I’ve heard several horror stories, including where parasailers have slammed into high-rise hotels or landing in the water and drowning underneath the sail. We decided we better not do that again. I remember him commenting, “If there was a bad accident, what are you going to do? Sue them?”</p>
<p>We went to Captiva Island once and my H and D1 wanted to do while I and D2 had no desire. We sat on the boat and watched them. At the time I felt bad that I was too chicken to do it. Now I’m convinced that all of the things that make me anxious do so for god reason. I also hate roller coasters. Every summer I read about another amusement park accident. Self preservation is wired in all of us. As far as I’m concerned, we were not designed to be kite, so don’t be a kite.</p>
<p>I’ve done it. Last summer, with my D & 3 of our mutual friends. Here, local. We had a choice 1500 or 1800 ft, we opted for 1800. It was a blast, but I won’t do it again. Also zip lined in Mexico, twice. Also a blast, also won’t do it again. </p>
<p>At least I tried them. They were the only 2 ‘risky’ things I’ve wanted to try (not a chance for bungee jumping, etc.).</p>
<p>I’ve heard some horror stories about both parasailing and zip lining.</p>
<p>I live by the gulf coast and visit the beach often. I have gone parasailing 4 times in the past and never thought of the possible dangers. However, during my most recent trip to Panama City, FL we were doing some late night fishing on the pier and I got to chat with a local. He told me those kind of accidents happen every year, and a lot of the result in injuries rather than deaths so they don’t get a lot of media coverage. Apparently, there isn’t much regulation over who can provide parasailing services. After learning that I don’t know if I will ever go parasailing again.</p>