FAQ

Big Sky 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 your 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!

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 is 60 kgs. So if your kids don’t meet this, they must fly with someone else. A child less than 12 must fly with someone older than 13 to fly the 1000′ flight. If all kids flying are less than 13 then we are restricted to the 400′ 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 if 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 Big Sky 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 that we are a family owned and operated business. This brings 25 years of experience to the table. 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. 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 Big Sky Parasail has to cancel due to weather we will make every effort to reschedule you. If we can not 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 canceled). The crew will make the final decision whether or not we will be canceling.

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 12 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 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.