July 28: Sailing on Air

Lots of us have sailed on water. But how many have sailed on air? You can do it here. In the Fort Lauderdale area, at spots up and down the beaches, you can tack through the winds, pulled forward by a motorboat but suspended only by the air itself. I'm talking about something called parasailing. You'll actually find an animated version right on http://www.sunny.org/. Just go back to the home page on this website to see a parasailer emerging from the upper left corner, hanging beneath a rainbow-colored parachute. This could be you under that chute. Or you and a friend, if you prefer. These parasailing companies often offer tandem harnesses so you can share the experience. But whatever. Tandem or solo, it doesn't matter. I've tried it myself in a solo harness and I can tell you - parasailing is a blast.

Here's how it works. Just find one of the many outfits that sell parasailing trips, such as Aloha Watersports in Fort Lauderdale. After you pay, you're whisked out to sea in a fast motorboat and then strapped to the parachute in a harness. Then you kinda stand on the boat ... and wait.

But not for long. The chute is attached to the boat with a long cable and the moment the driver guns the motor, you take off. It's a rush really, a sudden launch into the air. As the breeze billows your chute, you rise quickly until the cable is fully extended. Now you just relax. The boat does all the work so the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying the impressive view. While you speed above the ocean, you watch the waves far below you and the boaters and the ships crisscrossing your path through the water. The coastline looks lovely from the air, with the hotels and condos and shops stretching out along the beach. You'll notice swimmers too and all the sunbathers spread out on the sand. The wind cools your face and tangles your hair and you won't want to come down when they begin to reel you back to the boat at last. Parasailing is one of those water activities that we do 12 months a year in South Florida. Lucky us. But I think summer is an especially good season to try it as well as some of the other watersports in this area - it's not as crazy-busy along the beach, the sea water is pleasantly warm, the ocean breezes cool you down. Besides, what better time to try something like parasailing than in July or August, which seem to call out for something new and different? In the next couple of weeks, I'll tell you about some of the other seaside adventures that are worth putting on your Fort Lauderdale summertime list. Like, maybe, jet skiing anyone?