Frequently Asked Questions F.A.Q.

Taupo Parasail operates a 9-metre purpose-built parasail boat. All flights start and end on the back of our flight deck. So you don’t need to get wet. Not to say that we won’t dip your feet at the end…If you’re keen. Some of our
customers just want to get wet. So if you’re one of those adventurous people, just let our crew know and don’t forget to wear your togs! Parasailing is an adventure water sport, and there is always a small risk of getting wet.

The youngest that we can fly is 5 years old. We have a variety of harnesses so if the harness can safely fit your child then they can fly. Our minimum weight limit per flight is 70 kgs. So if your kids don’t meet this, they must fly with someone else. Children under 8 years old must fly with someone aged 18 or older.

Children aged 8-12 must fly with someone older than 18 to fly the 1000′ flight. If all kids flying are aged 8-12 then we are restricted to the 300′ flight.

So you’re probably asking. How old is the oldest person you’ve flown? That would be Leoni, she was 102!

Parasailing has come a long way since it’s inception by the Germans in WWII. During the early 80’s it was taken from a backyard thrill to a beach side commercial application. Every punter had to run down the beach into the wind as the boat pulled or dragged you along. Problem being if the wind wasn’t blowing directly on shore the parasail would never inflate and if it did some people landed in the oddest places. Then the floating ramp was established.

This allowed you to take off into the wind every time. Landings now became the difficulty, as the ramps were stationary. To solve this operators stared to put motors on their ramps, so they could match the parasail as they came down. Long story short…it was the invention of the hydraulic winch boat that solved all of these problems. This allowed the parasail to be inflated into the wind.

The flyers to walk up onto the back deck of the boat with their harnesses on and be clipped into the parasail. Take off and landings were as easy as just letting the winch in and out. Making it safe and fun for everyone.

NZ now requires all commercial operators to abide by strict set of rules that were established in 2012 in which Taupo Parasail help set up in Wellington.

This probably the most significant thing that separates us from the other Parasail operators in NZ, if not the world. Most operators give you just a straight up and down flight. The 1 thing that we have over all other operators is over our 25+ years of experience we have perfected the “Parasail Freefall”, which is the art of stopping the boat and letting you parachute down 40 stories to the waters edge. Only to be whisked back up into the sky. We like to call it Taupo’s fastest elevator! It’s not a scary  as it sounds, it’s more of a slow surrealistic feeling.

Though the freefall and/or toe dip does increase the risk of landing in the water. When asked everyone says that this was the best part of the their flight.

Cancellations can be broken down into 2 categories. Customer cancellations and company cancellations.

In regards to customer cancellations, we have a 24 hr policy. If we are notified outside 24 hrs, we will honor a full refund. No refunds will be issued with in 24 hrs.

In regards to company cancellations, if Taupo Parasail have to cancel due to weather, we will make every effort to reschedule you. If we cannot reschedule you, we will give you a full refund. Weather can be defined as strong or gusty
wind (>18 knots), thunderstorms or excessive rain (misty rain will not be cancelled). The crew will make the final decision whether or not we will be cancelling.

We endeavour to give you as much notice if this is the case, but due to how quickly the weather can change out on the lake, it can be up to a half hour prior to your departure time.

All passengers are required to check in 30 minutes prior to their booking time.

If you have not checked in by 15 minutes to your booking time we will try to call your mobile #; if one has been provided. If you have still not checked in by 10 minutes to your departure time and have not been contacted we will consider this a “No show” and depart the dock. No refunds will be provided as we are a very space limited vessel, and we turn away passengers because your reservation holds the seats.

It is very hard to stay on schedule if we depart the dock late and this has a ripple effect for all the remaining departures times.

The parasail flight is 10 minutes long. Depending on how many groups are on the boat, you’ll be out on the lake for 25 – 60 minutes.

This depends on whether or not you want to get wet. Wear your togs or bikinis if you want to get really wet! If not you can just come as you are and we can keep you dry.

We always recommend that you bring a jumper, jacket or towel as the wind chill on the boat can get cold. We also provide wind breakers on-board if needed.

The parasail gets it stability through the flyers weight. It’s a bit like a tail on a kite.

If the minimum weight (70 kg) is not met the parasail will not have enough stability. The maximum weight is normally 200 kg, although this is approximate number.

Depending on the conditions the weight might go up or down. The skipper has the final authority and will let you know. If you have concerns or questions around your flight weight, just give us a call.

Though our boats are not wheelchair friendly, we may be able to fly passengers with disabilities. There are a number of factors that affect this and you must give us call in advance to discuss your booking in detail to ensure we have all the resources available for your trip.