Explainer: Parasailing Vs Kitesurfing

Parasailing and kite surfing are often mixed up. Both take place on the water and both use a sail of sorts to catch the air  – but these are two completely different water sports. Find out what the differences are between parasailing and kite surfing are here.

Photo By: Kenneth Hagemeyer

What is Parasailing

Photo By: yimmy149

With parasailing you’re in a harness that’s attached to a boat, and dragged behind the boat high up in the air. A parachute-esque canopy called a parasail wing soars high above you making sure that you sail high in the air. To land the  boat slows and you make a soft landing usually in the water. Usually this is a fun ride, and the person parasailing doesn’t control the way the parasail goes because the boat is in control of the direction. Usually, one person parasails at the type, however, some operators allow two people to parasail together at once.

Parasailing should also not be confused with paragliding or hang gliding – both of which we wrote about here.

Where to Go Parasailing:

There are loads of beaches and lakes that offer parasailing, although in some locales it’s more common than others:

• Phuket, Thailand (Check best adventure travel destinations in Southeast Asia)
• Hawaii, United States (Check best adventure travel destinations in North America)
• Barcelona, Spain (Check best adventure travel destinations in Western Europe)

What is Kitesurfing

Photo By: Tourisme-Leucate

Unlike paragliding, with kitesurfing the rider has full control over their direction. This is a technical water sport that involves serious skill. You have to be able to ride the waves on the board, also controlling the canopy staying in the air. The sport lends itself to all kinds of tricks like jumps and 360 degree turns. There’s a bar you hang on to with one hand or two, which connects the kitesurfer to the canopy via a rope. For beginners, you will need lessons in kitesurfing before you go out on your own. Knowing how to control both the kite and the board safely is essential. Kitesurfing should not be confused with windsurfing, which is done on the water using a sail that is attached to a board.

Where to Go Kitesurfing:

Many touristy beach holiday destinations offer kitesurfing, although it’s a specialised sport so check before you head off that there will be a good operator offering lessons. Here are some of the best areas to check out:

• Tatajuba, Brazil: Great conditions for kitesurfing and not too many people to get in the way.
• Dakhla, Morocco: Where oceans meet sand dunes, a great spot for kitesurfing and other adventure sports.
• Ulcinj, Montenegro: More than 10 kilometers of beaches to explore – plenty of room for beginners and experienced kitesurfers wanting to stretch their wings.
• Essaouira, Morocco: Great for surfers and kitesurfers alike – especially March to October.
• Jambiani, Kenya: Great flat-water kitesurfing.

Other articles on travel destinations by the water and water sports adventure travel ideas:

A Short History of PUP

Where to Scuba Dive with Big Animals 

The Best Scuba Diving Specialities

How to Get Your Scuba Diving License 

What is White Water Rafting

Where to Go Sea Kayaking this Summer

All About Fishing!

The World’s Best Seas

A Short History of Canoeing and Kayaking

A Short History of Deep Diving

Lovely Spots to Horse Ride on a Beach

The World’s Biggest Waterfalls

Best Beaches for Water Sports

Most Adventurous Water Parks for Young and Old

Prime Wind Surfing Destinations

Great Lakes for Water Sports

Beautiful and Giant Rivers to Cruise Down