Parasailing is something to consider if you want to experience the open sky and soar like an eagle. However, what is a tandem parasail ride?
As you can probably guess, tandem parasailing involves two people. There is a bit more to it than that, so let’s take a closer look at tandem parasailing.
What is a Tandem Parasail Ride?
A tandem parasailing ride is parasailing where two people ride simultaneously. Tandem, simply put, is a word that means two things at once. This is not unlike a tandem bicycle. At this point, you probably know how parasailing works.
Two people are attached to a harness or a gondola attached to a parachute. This is all connected to a boat, and a winch, using a long tow rope.
Except that you have a second person along for the ride, tandem parasailing is really no different than solo. That said, there are some things to consider, such as weight limits.
Tandem Parasailing Weight Limits – Harnesses vs. Gondolas
We want to look at the weight limits involved with tandem parasailing. This mainly concerns the type of setup used for the parasailing adventure. There are two main types of setups.
The first one is a harness. These harnesses are more or less like any other harness, such as a roofer would use. It’s a set of straps that wraps around the stomach and goes under the legs to keep you secure. Then, on the other hand, there’s the gondola-style rig. These are often referred to as floating boats.
It’s more or less like a high-quality advanced solid seat. It’s like a seat of a children’s swing that you would find at a park. However, gondola-style setups are more durable and can handle more weight.
In terms of the weight limit on a gondola-style setup, this can often be anywhere from 800 to 1,000 pounds. This is generally the preferred method for tandem parasailing or for groups of three people.
However, if we are talking about harnesses, things are different. Harnesses are much softer, and they can’t handle as much weight. A harness usually has a weight limit of 400 or sometimes 500 pounds if it’s a high-quality one. So the weight limit for a single person parasailing with a harness is no different than for two people.
For instance, if the weight limit is 500 pounds, both people together cannot exceed 500 pounds. Realistically, this means that both people should weigh under 250 pounds. In addition, tandem parasailing doesn’t work well if there is a significant weight difference between the two people.
Two Types of Tandem Parasailing
There are two types of tandem parasailing – side by side and front to back parasailing.
Side-By-Side Parasailing
With a side-by-side tandem parasailing, the two people sit next to each other, facing the same direction. This is the preferred choice for beginners.
Sitting close to your partner also allows you to enjoy each other’s company. This is also a great way to go tandem parasailing if you have a beginner who is a bit nervous next to you. That said, mobility is limited as you won’t be able to lift your arms or stretch them out.
Front-to-Back Parasailing
The other type of tandem parasailing is front-to-back parasailing. The two people sit back to back, facing in opposite directions. This is a fantastic option because both people get unique views. It also helps you feel more independent because you don’t have somebody directly beside you.
This type of seating is excellent for people with vastly different weights because it allows for better weight distribution. However, if you are a bit fearful of parasailing, this way can still make you feel entirely alone. Moreover, you can’t really communicate with the person sitting back to back with you.
Tandem Parasailing – The Bottom Line
As you can probably tell, tandem parasailing can be a lot of fun. In addition, it’s incredibly romantic to parasail with your significant other.