FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQ: How long has your company been parasailing for? Q: What should I look for when choosing the perfect company for my family to parasail with? Q: What part of our vacation should we plan parasailing for? Q: What’s the weather like in Florida? Q: Is parasailing scary? Q: Is parasailing safe? Q: Do we need to make reservations? Q: What are our options as far as making reservations? Q: What are your cancellation and refund policies? Q: Can I be guaranteed to go up with my loved one as a tandem or triple? Q: How does parasailing work? Q: Where exactly do we go? Q: How long does the excursion take? Q: Do I need prior experience? Q: Do I have to get wet? Q: Can I go if I am pregnant? Q: Can I go if I have suffered spinal, back, or neck injuries in the past? Q: How old do I need to be to fly? Q: Can I parasail with someone else? Q: Is there a weight restriction? Q: Can a minor go up by themselves? Q: How long are the flight times? Q: What if I change my mind when I am already on the boat? Q: Can I go on the boat to watch but not necessarily go up? Q: What should I wear? Q: Can I take my camera up with me? Q: What photo package do you offer? Q: How much does it cost to go parasailing? Q: What if it rains? Q: What form of payment do you accept? Q: What are the days and times the boats depart? Q: Is it customary to tip the crew? Q: Do you offer gift certificates? Q: Are there group discounts? Q: Any other discounts available? Q: What if I want to do something special with my family and friends for a birthday, anniversary, or wedding party with Cocoa Beach Parasail or just want the boat all to ourselves? Q: What kind of boat do you have? Q: Who are you insured by? Q: Where are you located? Q: Are alcohol and smoking permitted on the boat? Q: How far are you from Orlando? Q: Do you belong to any associations? Q: How long has your company been parasailing for?A: Cocoa Beach Parasail is proud to highlight our 15+ years of safe parasailing experience. This isn’t our first parasail rodeo. So with something as safety-oriented as parasailing you want to make sure you pick the right company to share your experience with and Cocoa Beach Parasail is the perfect choice for your family. We have ZERO tolerance for unsafe conditions and consequently are proud of our ZERO incidents to date. Your safety is always our priority. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What should I look for when choosing the perfect company for my family to parasail with?A: Experience, Experience, Experience. Don’t be shy. Ask how long the captain has been parasailing for. Experience behind the helm of a boat is just a fraction of what it takes. A great parasail captain should also be specifically trained in this water sport so that he’s better prepared to balance all the elements out on the water…weather, planes, other watercraft, marine life. We have been at this so long that parasailing is just one smooth, seamless process to us…that we love! Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What part of our vacation should we plan parasailing for?A: We encourage you to plan parasailing for the first part of your vacation. That way, if the weather does not cooperate you will have other opportunities to fly. Some folks who aren't familiar with Florida's unpredictable weather have made the mistake of trying to plan for parasailing on the last day of their vacation, only to have Mother Nature rain on their parade. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What’s the weather like in Florida?Beautiful. The near perfect weather makes us proud to parasail here and call this home…America’s true Paradise. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is parasailing scary?A: Actually, it's quite the opposite. Parasailing is very serene and peaceful. Because the take offs and landings are slow and gradual, you don't have to worry about having a frightening experience. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is parasailing safe?A: Parasailing is safe because we make it safe. Cocoa Beach Parasail is proud to say that we have had ZERO incidents to date as a result of our 15-year flying experience and operating procedures. Our formula is simple: we have the most sophisticated equipment the industry makes; we don’t fly in winds over 20 mph; we stay at least 1600 ft. from shore in winds over 10 mph; we don’t fly in high seas or during small craft advisories; and we do not fly in thunderstorms. Again, your safety is our priority. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do we need to make reservations?A: Yes, because of the excursion’s popularity and limited seating we encourage reservations. There have been times when guests have shown up without a reservation only to have to wait a few hours for an opening. HOWEVER, if there is room on the boat walk-up guests are welcome. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are our options as far as making reservations?A: You have two options when making reservations: Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are your cancellation and refund policies?A: You have until 6p.m. the day prior to your reservation to cancel without any penalty. A cancellation after that point or a no-show will be charged $25 per person. Same day reservations that are cancelled will also be charged a $25 per person cancellation fee. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I be guaranteed to go up with my loved one as a tandem or triple?A: NO, THERE ARE NO GUARANTTEES. Flights are dependent on weight load and winds. This weather factor in itself can vary from moment to moment. That is why we can NEVER guarantee flight loads. You should be prepared to fly in the manner the captain deems the safest. (Note: We always need at least 130 lbs. in the chute, so little ones will always have to fly with a parent or sibling.) Again, safety is our #1 priority and so we strive to only fly what we are able to according to winds. That being said, if we have the winds you are encouraged to share your parasailing experience with a loved one. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How does parasailing work?A: After getting outfitted with a life vest and harness, you're seated on the flight deck of the boat. Once seated the mate clips your harness to the parachute. Then up you go real nice and smooth, just like sitting on a swing set that slowly elevates you for the experience of a lifetime. And yes, all take offs and landings are done straight from the boat so you can stay dry if you prefer. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where exactly do we go?A: After cruising out of the Port Canaveral inlet, your captain will take you southward for a breath taking view of Cocoa Beach’s beautiful sandy shore. Those aboard our vessel will catch views of the area's historic landmarks including Kennedy Space Center, Jetty Park, The Cocoa Beach Pier, and the world's largest surf shop, Ron Jon. You’ll get to experience what just another day in paradise is like. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long does the excursion take?A: The excursion is part parasailing and part boat ride, so you should plan on being out on the pristine Atlantic waters for about an hour-and-a-half. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need prior experience?A: Prior experience is not necessary. The captain and mate do ALL the work for you. You just have to come prepared to have a good time. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I have to get wet?A: No, you don't have to get wet if you don't want to. Our way of flying is called controlled parasailing, meaning you take off and land smoothly right from the flight deck of the boat. If you opt for it, there is a fun wet part towards the end of your flight. The captain slows the boat down and has you gently freefall, dipping your sun kissed feet in the water for a refreshing splash. You then land back safely on the boat deck. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I go if I am pregnant?A: For your safety, pregnant women are not able to go parasailing or on the boat. But please come back and parasail with us after the stork arrives. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I go if I have suffered spinal, back, or neck injuries in the past?A: Because the boat ride can be a bit bumpy at times, we ask that if you have suffered from these types of injuries you refrain from going parasailing or even on the boat. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How old do I need to be to fly?A: Parasailors must be at least 5-years-old to parasail. Guests 17-years-old or younger must have an adult sign them in. On the other end of the spectrum, sky’s the limit: the oldest person we flew last season was 94 years-old. Parasailing is special in that it truly is an activity that most family members can enjoy together! Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I go up with someone else?A: Yes, we offer double (tandem) and triple flights. If the combined weight is over 350 lbs., however, then it is up to the captain’s discretion to decide whether the flight is possible. Weather conditions are the determining factor. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is there a weight restriction?A: To fly alone you must weigh at least 130 lbs. and for flights weighing over 350 lbs., it will be up to the captain to determine. Again, this all can vary according to weather conditions. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can a minor go up by themselves?A: Yes, weather permitted, if the minor weighs at least 130 lbs. But an adult needs to be present to check in anyone 17-years-old or younger. If the minor weighs under 130 lbs. then they will have to fly with someone else to make up for the weight. Again, this all can vary according to weather conditions. More wind means we need more weight in the chute for stability purposes. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long are the flight times?A: Single flights are approximately 5-7 minutes and double and triple flights are approximately 10-14 minutes. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What if I change my mind when I’m already on the boat?A: Of course you may change your mind but you will not be refunded. That being said, this rarely happens. On the contrary, we’ve had folks who were coming along just for the boat ride, ask if they too could go parasailing after seeing how fun and gentle it is. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I go on the boat to watch but not necessarily go up?A: We do not take observer reservations. Right before departure IF there is room on the boat we will welcome you on the boat as an observer. The cost for that is $10. If you change your mind while on the boat and decide to fly, the $10 charge is then applied to the cost of parasailing. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What should I wear?A: Ladies: bathing suits under clothing and delayer accordingly. Gentlemen shorts/bathing suits and T-shirts are great. In the Spring it could be a little chilly, at least for Florida’s standards, so you may want to bring a jacket or hoodie. Flip-flops or sandals are the ideal footwear. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I take my camera up with me?A: You are allowed to take a camera up at your own risk, and should take into consideration the height and water risks of dropping something of value. Disposable cameras are best. We also offer a digital photo package as another option to capture your good times. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What photo package do you offer?A: The digital photo package includes 20 photos of your adventure. The crew uses a high end camera with a 300mm telephoto lens to document your entire flight and at the end of the trip you get the memory card to help with bragging rights. The cost is $20. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How much does it cost to go parasailing?A: There are two flights for you to choose from: Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What if it rains?A: A little sprinkle and we stay out. Thunderstorms around, and we come in. Based on weather radar we may then either go on stand-by or close down. If you weren’t able to fly then you may choose to be refunded or rescheduled for when we think the sun will shine on us again. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What form of payment do you accept?A: We accept Cash, Debit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or Travelers Check. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the days and times the boats depart?A: February – Labor Day : We are open 7 days a week, weather permitted with boats going out at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, and then every hour-and-a-half after that. After Labor Day, we only parasail a few days per week. Call in advance to find out what the schedule is for the week. IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that in Florida, parasailing and any other outdoor activity is best planned for the first part of the day since the chances of rain and winds increase as the day progresses. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is it customary to tip the crew?A: Just like others in the service industry, the crew works very hard to make sure all your needs aboard the boat are taken care of. It is customary to show them your appreciation by tipping 20%. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do you offer gift certificates?A: Parasailing Gift Certificates are a great unique idea for special occasions like the December holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays. If you would like to give someone special the gift of parasailing, just let us know. We can get the gift certificates ready for pick-up or mail them out for you. You can also visit the SHOP section of our website to purchase them online. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are there group discounts?A: Absolutely. Groups of 6 or more get a discount if you book directly from us. Call us for more information. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Any other discounts available?A: Yes, definitely. Periodically we will post discounts on our Facebook page or Twitter them. So don’t forget to friend us on FB or follow us so that you too can receive our announcements. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What if I want to do something special with my family and friends for a birthday, anniversary, or wedding party with Cocoa Beach Parasail or just want the boat all to ourselves?A: There are some folks who like the idea of a private charter so they can parasail for as long as they want or make their outing more intimate. We aim to please and would love the opportunity to give your group that one-on-one Southern Hospitality you deserve. Just contact us for details if you’re interested in having Y-Knot, the official Cocoa Beach Parasail vessel, all to yourselves. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: What kind of boat do you have?A: Y-Knot, Cocoa Beach Parasail’s official vessel, is an Ocean Pro 31 – “the heavy-weight champion" of parasail vessels specially designed for this water sport. It’s also a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel, which means that annually the USCG inspects the vessel’s hull, engine, and safety gear, in addition to requiring up to date First Aid and CPR certification for the crew. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Who are you insured by?A: Chubb Insurance, which offers A-rated parasailing liability insurance. Currently, Chubb Insurance is only available to a handful of operators. They have a very selective process available only to reputable operators who must meet a high safety standard for coverage under the CI umbrella. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where are you located?A: We run out of the local hot spot, Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar in Port Canaveral, (628 Glen Cheek Drive, Port Canaveral, FL 32920). Our booth is right inside the restaurant and there’s plenty of free parking all around. They just added a beautiful Tiki Bar and Deck to their location…check them out! Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are alcohol and smoking permitted on the boat?A: Per insurance and U.S. Coast Guard alcohol and smoking is not allowed on the boat. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: How far are you from Orlando?A: Cocoa Beach Parasail is located in Orlando’s closest beach town, Cocoa Beach, right in the Space Coast. A straight shoot on the Beachline (SR-528), about 35 miles, gets you to our location in a jiffy. Back to Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do you belong to any associations?A: Cocoa Beach Parasail is proud to be a member of the highly respected WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association) and also supports and follows industry great PAPO (Professional Association of Parasail Operators) guidelines. |
 
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