“I have an idea! Who wants to try parasailing?” I stood looking at my travel companions like an excited puppy, complete with tail wag. For days we had seen the beautiful parasail shimmering in the sky off the coast of Denerau Island in Fiji.
I had vowed our Fiji travel days would be relaxing. Parasailing looked very relaxing in my opinion so I really wouldn’t be breaking my promise.
After more than two weeks of listening to my ‘ideas’ for activities in the South Pacific, my enthusiasm was met with mixed reactions from my travel mates. Some were keen to sign on immediately, basically easier to just go along with the adventure nut than fight it. Others took a little more persuading.
“Think of the stories you can tell your kids about your travel to Fiji! How often will you be able to dip your feet in bathtub warm Fiji water? Look how calm and peaceful it is. Imagine the photos!”
So it came to be that the four friends went parasailing in Fiji. If there is an award or perhaps punishment for adventure pusher, I’m in the finals.
What is parasailing?
Unlike paragliding where one leaps off a cliff, yes we did that in Turkey but with a large Turkish man attached to me which makes it safe apparently, parasailing is indeed peaceful with the parasail is attached by rope to a boat at all times.
After being harnessed in, the parasail operator slowly winches riders away from the boat and skyward bound. There are no roller coaster, stomach dropping moments.
Any time a motion sickness bag is not in my hand is a happy day indeed. If you like you can be gently lowered so your legs dangle in the warm Fijian waters.
Parasailing sounds dangerous. Is it safe?
Harnessed in at all times their is no need to hang on for dear life. The harness has a back support so all the parasailer needs to do is sit back and be amazed by the views.
When doing any adventure activity be sure to sign on with a reputable company. A random boat that ties on a parachute to a ski rope should be avoided. Ask for recommendations from your hotel and read reviews to know you are parasailing with an experienced company.
Will I need any special skills?
Can you smile really widely? You will need to do that. Oh yes and you will need to be able to sit in the harness. I can’t think of an adventure that would be easier than this one behind a parasail boat.
Would you recommend parasailing as one of the things to do in Fiji?
Absolutely! Be sure to read the waiver provided about any medical conditions not appropriate for parasailing. Those with a serious fear of heights may find parasailing challenging.
It would be the last adventure of our trip and I am delighted to report all four participants were smiling broadly. I told them it would be fun!
Want to see what parasailing is like yourself? Dave brought his trusty GoPro along so you could have a ride.
Would you try parasailing?
Are you on Pinterest? I made these pins for you!
I wouldn’t mind doing parasailing, especially in such a sunny and beautiful place.
Wonderful to hear. It was so peaceful and yes so sunny and warm .The water really felt like a bath tub!
Actually, for whatever reason, this looks like something I might attempt. Not necessarily in Fiji (travel expense and all that), but I’ve seen these along the Mississippi River at various scenic spots. I like the ‘tethered to a boat’ part, not just that I’m flying free (and helplessly), like with skydiving, base jumping, hang-gliding, etc. Thanks as always, Sue and Dave. The views must’ve been beyond amazing!
Aha, and now I’ve loaded and watched Dave’s short video. Wow, just blue-green as far as the eye can see. Very nice!
We are delighted you enjoyed the video Leigh. We think adding video when we can to the posts really helps people get a better feel for the experience.
Leigh you have it exactly right. Compared to any of the other adventures we have done, this one gives those spectacular views but in such a gentle and relaxed manner. I think you would really enjoy it. You will have to let us know if you try it!
Will do. I can’t remember if you said in your article (I presume they take dollars or Euros in Fiji?) the ballpark price for such a trip . . . for sure, I think it would be fun if I could overcome that ‘first step’!
Leigh the currency is Fijian dollars although most places will take Australian dollars. The cost to go parasailing was $99 Fijian for two people. That’s about $62 Canadian or $47 US so an incredibly reasonable price. Not sure it’s that inexpensive in other locations.
Wow, that is a good price, Sue; thank you for sharing that information. I think it might be around $75/person where I saw it along the Mississippi. I’ve also seen them in/around Virginia Beach, Va., and I suspect those are more expensive than in Fiji, too.
Yes it doens’t surprise me that the prices would be higher in North America. I suppose not as expensive as a trip to Fiji for the discount. 🙂
I went parasailing in Jamaica and I agree with you Sue. It’s just like floating and bird’s eyes views are amazing.
My toes were dipped in the warm waters there and my smile was indeed very wide. Highly recommend it. I am loving reading about your adventures in Australia and Fiji with our mutual friends. So many of your stories bring back memories for me and I love when that happens.
Ginger so lovely to hear from you. It has been wonderful to have you with us in the virtual sense on the Australia and Fiji trip. Our mutual friends were very good sports and lovely travel companions. More stories to come over the months ahead.
So delighted to hear you have had the experience of parasailing too. Hard not to have a big grin pasted on one’s face that’s for sure. 🙂
Oooooh – I think going tandem would be so much more fun than sailing alone like I did 🙂
I love the little video clips you add it!
Love this post and your enthusiasm for what is new and adventurous!
The photos are very inviting and yes,….I might want to try parasailing in Fiji!
Thanks, Sue , you both are great!
I think you are very good for our ego! We appreciate your enthusiastic and kind comment very much. Glad to hear you would come with us to give parasailing a try!
Looks so fun, so beautiful. I’d be fearful of the altitude but could probably get past it. No guts, no glory. ???
Haha that’s the attitude John! It’s such a gentle and gradual ‘roll out’ from the boat that I really believe for most people it would be fine. One would hate to miss out on those views. 🙂
Oh and John you likely want to change your gravatar to link to your new website. Just found the link took me to a page saying the site no longer exists.
I thought that was changed, thank you! I’ll go have a look. ??
No worries John. so many details in this blog world. 🙂
I found it, corrected it today, thanks! I found a glitch in my purchased theme this morning, submitted it to the theme author, they are already working on it.
It’s a small item, just the arrow that point’s down in the menu bar to indicate there is a toggle menu present. It works when the menu above the header image is selected, but when the secondary menu which is below the header image is selected, that arrow isn’t present.
I searched around for solutions online and in the CSS itself, no go. I tell ya, WP.com cutomer service has always been very good to me!
Glad to hear you have had good service John. That makes such a difference when one is dealing with issues for sure.
Well that does look very relaxing and comfortable compared to my parasailing experience. You mean you didn’t have to race along the beach to catch up with the boat? Marvellous. 🙂
Sylvia I have also done the run from the beach parasailing and that , by our thinking and experience, is a far more dangerous sport. This being winched off the boat a very gentle and safe way to go. I do recall you posting about your parasailing adventure. Yikes!
😯
I’ll probably try parasailing if I ever go to Fiji. It looks surprisingly peaceful in the video clip, and I imagine it must be quite comfortable too since you mention there’s a back support on the harness. Most attractive of all, though, from that height, you can get an excellent view of the position of all the man-eating sharks in the water below.
That’s it I’m hiring you. You are way funnier than me. Which is a bit of a problem since this is my blog. Oh Bun you make us laugh so much. I don’t think we shall ever be able to meet in person because likely we wouldn’t be able to breathe from the fits of giggles. No man eating sharks in those waters. Although we haven’t shown you the snorkeling trip yet. 🙂
I look forward to reading the snorkeling post too, Sue. It must be great to see the ocean from both angles, as it were. 🙂
Bun as a little preview if you look on my blog’s home page I have photos from my Instagram account. Look at the bottom left photo which is Dave and the GoPro surrounded by fish in Fiji. It really was astonishing.
Wow! At first I thought Dave was standing in front of a tank at an aquarium. There seem to be more fish than there is water in that part of the ocean. 🙂
That’s how it felt in those clear waters, I’ve never had so many fish swimming so closely. They just seemed to see me as some big friendly fish mate.
It’s like the live action version of Finding Nemo.
Yes I’d say very similar only Finding Nemo and a few thousand of his closest friends. 🙂
You make it sound like a fun time. I think I could be persuaded to give it a try as long as I didn’t go real high!
That’s great to hear Donna Jean! The operators can control how high you go so I’m sure they could keep it as low as you like.
looks so fun and relaxing, Sue! it’s now in my bucket list! 🙂 thanks for the video! gorgeous waters out there 🙂
Oh excellent! Always happy to inspire more items on the list of adventures Lola. So glad you enjoyed the video. Such fun to be able to share the experience that way too.
I have been parasailing but many years ago. I loved it! What a thrill! I’ve never been to Fiji though!
Nicole another one for the list. Fiji is beautiful to be sure, even after the cyclone. It’s no surprise to me you have tried parasailing you who loves adventure. 🙂
Ah so many places to go Sue!
That is for sure Nicole!
You sold me on the line about dangling my feet in warm Fiji waters! This looks incredible and I think I’d be game to do it! Love your description of your enthusiasm..tail wagging!
Hope all is well and have a super weekend!!!
Lia
Lia how lovely to hear from you! So glad you enjoyed the description of tour parasailing day. We could hardly believe how warm the water was in the middle of the ocean. All is great here and you may be interested to know since you met her, that our daughter is weeks away from having her first baby! Talk about a new adventure. We are so excited. Hoping all is well with you!
Here I was thinking most people go to Fiji to lie on the beach! Actually, Sue, you do know New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, right? You’ d love it here, there’s Bungy jumping (we invented that) white water rafting, jet boating, whale watching, mountaineering, heli-skiing … As for me, I’m happy to read about it or, at a push, watch!
Jill New Zealand is definitely on our list. Many people have told us it is much like Canada. Strangely perhaps for that reason it has been a few notches down on the travel list but we definitely want to come. I did not know NZ invented bungy jumping. I’ve never felt drawn to that for some reason…but never say never. 🙂
You sure are an adventure nut, Sue! 🙂 It looks like you jump (literally?) on every opportunity to try something new and exciting. I like it, and I am learning about new experiences as well. I have never parasailed, but I would love to try it one day. Hopefully in a place like Fiji or other island with that kind of majestic hues of blue beneath me!
Looking forward to your next adventure!!
Liesbet
Liesbet yes I admit it, an adventure nut. I just feel in life there is so much to experience. I don’t want to be the person at the end of the game going ” I wish I would have tried that.” I do hope you get to experience parasailing . It really is fabulous, especially with that beautiful ocean below.
This looks like so much fun Sue! What a spectacular view you must have had. As an aside, for some reason your last 2 or 3 posts have not shown up in my reader?Not sure if it is a problem on my end or yours. I saw them on Facebook.
Lynn I wonder if you could do me a favour. Can you go back in Reader and see if they showed up later. My understanding is now having moved to a self hosted site, that my posts show up in the Reader but there is a delay. So when I post it, it will not show up immediately. The other suggestion would be to subscribe and get email notifications. Thanks for letting me know about it. Still figuring out all the ins and outs in the new world here. 🙂
Lynn I just had a look in WP Reader and I can see this post now but back at the time I published it on Friday morning. let me know if you can see it at your end.
Sue, I scrolled back this morning & was able to find it but I am sure it wasn’t there on Friday. I think I will subscribe by email just so that I don’t miss any of your posts?
Lynn likely when you looked on Friday morning it was not there. I could guess that from the traffic to the new post that it didn’t show up until the afternoon at some point. Yes feel free to subscribe and I do typically put all posts on Facebook as soon as they are published. I really appreciate you working through these bumps in the blogging road with me.
What a great adventure, Sue. I enjoyed all the photos, but especially the ones of you and Dave — you two look like you are having the time of your lives. It is always great to see people living their dreams and enjoying life~~
I’m smiling at your comment Jet. We changed out a photo just before publishing the post to include the one of me. You’re right the smiles say it all. How fortunate are we to live all these amazing experiences and on top of that share them with others, albeit virtually. Your visit as always is so very much appreciated by us both. Wishing you and Athena a wonderful weekend.
Looks a lot more relaxing than parachuting. You get the lovely floating on high bit without the screaming exit from the aeroplane.
Heather I have not tried skydiving. I keep joking that I will wait until I am 80 or 90. It is very peaceful floating up there indeed. Have you tried parasailing or sky diving for that matter?
I haven’t been parasailing but I did one tandem skydive many years ago. The Husband gave it to me for a birthday present much to the fury of his father who thought it was highly irresponsible given we had three very small children. 😀 The floating bit once the parachute is released is lovely but the jumping out of the aeroplane was terrifying (there were expletives) and I’m not sure I’d have managed it if I didn’t have someone on my back pushing me out the door. The freefall bit after that is also not especially pleasant. And I was deaf for about three days afterwards.
But it’s definitely something to be experienced at least once. 🙂
Well I think it’s a brilliant birthday present! I do get why his Dad may have been concerned though. As you describe it is how I would imagine it. Enough adrenaline surging through one’s veins to last a lifetime. I would like to do it once, I think. 🙂
Your courage and sense of adventure never ceases to amaze me. I don’t think I have parasailing in my future, but I love watching people parasail from the comfort of my sailboat or now, from the comfort of my desktop…both located at sea level..
Lisa you made me chuckle. Well it’s definitely not courage just a sense of adventure and not wanting to miss anything. We are happy to take you up in the air from your sea level location. How are plans coming for future sailing?
? I just might take you ? on that offer someday.
We plan to lift anchor on May 1 and sail to Singapore via Indonesia. So excited to sail the east coast and across the top of Australia on the way ⛵️
Sending our very best wishes to you and the Captain Lisa. I know you were so keen to get back to sailing. How fabulous that life has presented the ability to do so. Bon voyage!
? We are lucky that it is all turning out favorably ?
Such a relief and again we are SO happy for both of you. xo
That looks so peaceful. I think I’d be keen to give it a try. Dave, you are just getting better and better at capturing those amazing moments.
Dave sends a big thanks on to you Shannyn for the lovely comment. Yes it takes some practice to get to know how to hold/strap the wee GoPro best. There are more accessories than one can imagine. Soon we won’t be able to pack any clothes to have enough room for all the gadgets!
Lol. I got a smile out of that. Who needs clothes? Best to have all the bits and bobs! ?
Not for me. I get my holiday kicks from car rental!
Well now if we could get the car rental on the end of the parachute! Oh wait that would never cut it insurance wise. 🙂
Another fun adventure for you! Is there anything you haven’t done?
Darlene we have no done scuba diving, sky diving or bungee jumping. I imagine there are many other things too but those come to mind straight away!
Looks amazing, calm and warm. I’d definitely parasail!
So glad to hear it Annie. I can hear you squealing with happiness already. 🙂
Like many other commenters, I would definitely give it a try. I was surprised there was very little wind noise in the video. I’ll bet your travel companions were glad you “talked” them into it.
I love that part of the video! It really was incredibly calm up that high. When I played the video on our Facebook page some people didn’t realize initially we were even in the air. Yes when all was done the four of us were in full agreement parasailing was great!
It looked like all of you had a lot of fun parasailing, Sue. It is very generous of them to video you up there as well. It looks very calm and steady up there, and looks like the wind was in your favour that day. What a great sky too. Not sure if I will give parasailing a try as I am not one for heights and I don’t like getting wet. If the company can guarantee that I won’t get wet, I will consider it, though 🙂
Mabel I think they could get you in and out without getting wet. The being dipped in the water was optional so you should be fine. Probably something to discuss ahead of time to be sure.
The video is done by my trusty sidekick Dave with his GoPro. We are having great fun with that little gadget. In fact Dave just walked through the door with more ‘accessories’ for the GoPro. It will soon be better dressed than I. 🙂
That looks wonderful – I’m sure I’d love parasailing! I’m not sure whether it appeals to me because of the view and altitude, or just because of the beautiful (and warm-looking) sky and water. 🙂
I vote for all of the above reasons. 🙂 All of the adventure without all of the adrenaline. So peaceful, warm and beautiful. Thanks so much for the visit. Are you home from your lovely vacation?
Yes, we came home Thursday afternoon -so sad to leave the coast, but it didn’t hurt too much to come back to +25 here in Calgary! 🙂
Always so much easier to return to reality when the weather is so amazing. Welcome home!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi… YOU BOTH AMAZE ME! I don’t think I can do this but want to.
And to do it in Fiji may be the key for me.
Great video.
But…I have to tell you… I could not reply earlier. I am still having problems on your new format. Actually I was on my ipad and then came over to my laptop. It may be on my end… just don’t know. Have a fabulous weekend.
Nancy you likely know this already but you won’t be able to reply directly from the Reader. You need to click on something like “posted on Travel Tales of Life” or “see original post” which takes you to the actual blog. I do seem to be getting a lot of comments so I’m not sure if those tips help at all. I appreciate you sticking with me through my blog metamorphosis. I should give out awards for all who persevere!
Happy to take you parasailing via word and video. A big thanks from Dave for the feedback. 🙂
Yes… Thank you. I was on your actual blog. It may have been my wifi was not working correctly. But it seems to happen when I am on my iPad only. Never fear… I find a way to get to you my dear! Ha ha ha ha!! ?
I wish I could offer up an explanation. It seems so odd that it works on some devices but not others. I do so very much appreciate your perseverance. 🙂
Fabulous, Sue. I did a lot of things during my years in Fiji, but this wasn’t one of them. It looks wonderful.
Susan A Eames
It really was a spectacular thing to do on the final day in Fiji. I can feel the warm breeze as I type. Thanks ever so much for taking the time to visit and share your thoughts. Always appreciated.
My wife, a year before I met her, crashed spectacularly. The boat got too close to the shore, the wind kicked up and she landed in the tree line…. Seriously, it was bad.
Oh my goodness Jim that is awful. I hope she was not seriously injured. Decades ago when I parasailed it was off a beach and there was a bad accident right after I went. I think in the middle of the ocean is a better way to go.
Indeed.
🙂
Oh! Not a scratch. 😉
Wow great to hear!
I imagine it would be so beautiful! Looks like relaxing fun.
You have the experience summed up perfectly Linda. 🙂
I’m not sure that getting up there would be entirely bump free, Sue, but it does look kind of blissful. And no sharks- bonus points, huh? 🙂 Happy planning, Sue!
Although I am prone to exaggeration, in this case the ride was completely smooth flying as I recall. We could see a lot of jelly fish as we were lowered to dip our toes in. The water is so amazingly clear I’m sure any shark would be seen for many miles.
Remind me never to go on vacation with you. I’m sure you would find a way to get me to break my lifelong commitment of not dying while on vacation. Although, parasailing doesn’t look too awful. I would probably try it – perhaps with a “shot of courage” beforehand…lol.
Oh Sue yes you might want to avoid me or you might find I bring all kinds of excitement! Of all the adventures undertaken parasailing in the middle of the ocean is very tame. All the incredible scenery without a bucket of adrenaline on the side. 🙂
Love parasailing….haven’t gotten my wife to partake, but I had my first go at it in Cancun…..loved it….then Hawaii…got one of my girls to try it and then the Bahamas…got my niece to try it….was really windy and was very choppy….she held it against me for a few years, but I thought it was great!!!!!!
Kirt I think you should be the poster guy for the sport of parasailing! Obviously you love it and are good at promoting it with other. When the water was choppy did you feel the effect in the air?
The water and the wind was choppy and you certainly felt it in the air….I still loved it….in cancun you had to run toward the surf to take off and then they landed you back on the beach.. Insurance companies would have had a cow?
Oh yes that is far more dangerous. When I last did parasailing in my 20’s the person who went after me running off the beach was a big guy. Let’s say he didn’t lift off very well and unfortunately a bystander was badly injured.
How neat, dear Sue… It sound truly exciting… I would give it a try if you can fly above the sea… ha… just for security reasons, you know… you are so fearless and bold, my friend…
happy weekend to you… Love and best wishes. Aquileana ??
Aquileana what fun it would be to share this bird like experience with you. You are so kind to us with your generous support and good wishes. I don’t think of myself as fearless, just not wanting to miss anything while on this earth. Sending our hugs and very best wishes to you! xo
🙂 it’s good when people listen to your ideas, Sue :). Hugging the blue above and under your feet – what experience!
Lovely to see you Paula! Oh my this was a tremendous adventure. All of the pure joy without the adrenaline. Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
WOW! Sue such fun. have never tried it but looks awesome. My sone asked me the other day what does it mean to live life to the full? I should have showed him your blog. You amaze me with your zest for life and all it has to offer.
Oh Kath what a lovely compliment. Yes it is our life philosophy not to waste a single day. I started my career in Nursing in oncology and had the privilege so spending many hours with those in their final days on this earth. They never once wished for more money or regretted that they had not worked more. Their regrets always were around not enough time with those they cared about and experiences not tried. It impacted me forever. A true gift each of them gave me.
Beautiful, Sue just beautiful.
🙂
I love trying new things, and parasailing sounds like it would be so much fun! I’m glad you addressed the safety of parasailing! As you suggested, will be sure to sign with a reputable company that will insure our safety. It’s also nice to hear that no special skills are required! Thanks for sharing! I will be sure to go parasailing soon!
Happy to inspire you to give it a try. Yes check out the company and happy flying!