If you’re looking for a thrilling new adventure, parasailing in Destin could be the answer. It’s an exciting experience that allows you to fly high in the air. As your heart, spirits, and adrenaline levels soar, you’ll see the world from a completely different perspective. That new take on the world is sure to stay with you long after your flight. Parasailing wasn’t always the recreational activity it’s known as today, though. It has a long history, and its story started out much differently than the exciting outings of the present.
In the Beginning
Parasailing actually got its start in France more than 80 years ago. In the beginning, it was known as parascending, and it was developed as a training exercise for members of the French military. At the time, parachutists needed a safe way to train before actually jumping out of an airplane. They needed to be able to practice rather than having to go all in right from the start.
Parascending was the solution. Trainees were essentially strapped to parachutes that were attached to military vehicles. From there, they were towed across land. After ascending, they were able to practice controlling their descents in a safe manner. Since they were relatively close to the ground and working in controlled conditions, there weren’t nearly as many dangers as there would have been if they’d been forced to practice by actually jumping out of an airplane. At the same time, the training left them better prepared for when they did jump from a plane at higher altitudes.
Moving Forward
In the 1960s, several changes were made to the original parascending methods. For one, the parachute system was redesigned. Since the process of parascending wasn’t the same as parachuting, a new chute was developed specifically for training purposes. It worked better than actual parachutes for training exercises. Additionally, the exercise was moved from land to water. That gave trainees a safer, softer landing when they descended. It also eliminated the many obstacles they faced when training on land.
Into the Present
From that point on, parasailing evolved even further. It first began its transition into the commercial and tourism sectors in the 1970s. In the 1980s, the winch boat system came into play. That allowed people to take off more easily and land directly on the boat instead of in the water. More aerodynamic canopies were developed, and the harness systems grew increasingly advanced. The winch systems used on boats for parasailing eventually changed a bit as well, which gave crews more control over customers’ flights.
From Practical to Playful
Parasailing has definitely changed over time. It was born of necessity and got its start from a practical standpoint. Over time, it evolved and improved, eventually becoming the playful adventure the world knows today. During that time, the equipment and techniques involved in the process grew more advanced and safer, which made for a more enjoyable experience. As you’re flying high in the air during your parasailing excursion, you can think back to a time when the experience was much different than what it is today.
